Some common foods that seem harmless to people can be dangerous, and sometimes deadly, for dogs. From grapes and raisins to xylitol, chocolate, onions, and yeast dough, it is important to know what to keep out of reach.
This guide covers the most common foods that are toxic to dogs, warning signs to watch for, and what to do if your dog eats something unsafe.
While some toxins cause unique signs, the most common symptoms include the following. The severity depends on what your dog ate, how much was consumed, and how quickly treatment begins.
Many everyday foods can be harmful to dogs. Below are some of the most common items to keep away from your pup. Be sure to protect your dog from the following:
Alcohol affects a dog’s brain and liver quickly, and even small amounts can cause dangerous drops in blood sugar, blood pressure, and body temperature. Signs may include vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, respiratory failure, coma, or death.
Onions, shallots, scallions, and garlic, whether raw, cooked, powdered, or dehydrated, can damage red blood cells and lead to anemia. Symptoms include weakness, vomiting, loss of appetite, and labored breathing. Effects may not appear for 3 to 5 days.
Some wild mushrooms contain toxins that affect the kidneys, liver, and brain. Ingestion can cause tremors, seizures, organ failure, and can be fatal. Keep dogs away from wild mushrooms in yards and on trails.
Products containing caffeine or chocolate can overstimulate the heart and nervous system. Dark chocolate and baking chocolate are especially dangerous. Signs range from vomiting and restlessness to tremors, abnormal heart rhythm, high temperature, seizures, and death.
Dogs can be poisoned by cigarettes, butts, nicotine gum, patches, and vapes. Even small amounts can cause signs. Larger doses can paralyze breathing muscles within hours without treatment.
Xylitol, a sweetener in sugar-free gum, candies, baked goods, and some peanut butters, can trigger a rapid insulin release in dogs, causing life-threatening hypoglycemia and acute liver failure within minutes to hours.
Pits can cause intestinal obstruction or choking. Apple seeds and pits from cherries, peaches, pears, plums, and apricots contain compounds that can release cyanide. Do not allow dogs to chew or swallow pits or cores.
Grapes and raisins have been linked to acute kidney failure in dogs. Signs may appear within hours, and death can occur within a few days without treatment. Seek veterinary care immediately if ingested.
Unbaked yeast dough can expand in the stomach and intestines, causing severe pain, bloat, and a twisted stomach. As dough ferments it can also produce alcohol, leading to alcohol poisoning.
Macadamia nuts are particularly toxic to dogs. Ingestion has been associated with vomiting, weakness, tremors, joint pain, and lethargy. Avoid giving any nuts to dogs.
Avocado leaves, pits, skin, and fruit contain persin, which can upset the stomach and, in some varieties, cause breathing difficulty and fluid build-up in the chest. The pit is also a choking and obstruction risk.
If you are looking for a dog-friendly treat instead of sharing table scraps, try simple options that are generally better choices in small amounts.
Keeping dogs safe is not only about avoiding dangerous foods. Hot pavement, slippery floors, rough terrain, and sensitive paws can also create real problems. Explore paw protection designed for everyday safety and comfort.
Keep the number for your veterinarian, an after-hours emergency hospital, and the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center handy. Know what your dog ate, how much, and when.
Do not induce vomiting unless directed by a veterinarian.
Animal Poison Control Center (24-hour): (888) 426-4435
No. Grapes and raisins have been linked to acute kidney failure in dogs. Even small amounts can be dangerous. Contact your veterinarian or Animal Poison Control immediately if ingested.
Call your veterinarian or Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435. The risk depends on the type and amount of chocolate and your dog’s size. Do not induce vomiting unless directed by a veterinarian.
No. Some peanut butters and many sugar-free products contain xylitol, which can cause rapid insulin release, life-threatening hypoglycemia, and liver failure in dogs.
It is best to avoid avocados. Parts of the plant and fruit contain persin, which can upset the stomach and, in some cases, affect breathing. The pit also poses a choking and obstruction risk.
Do not induce vomiting unless a veterinarian instructs you to do so. Some substances can cause more harm if vomited. Seek professional guidance first.
