Have you ever wondered if one of the biggest dangers to your dog is sitting on your kitchen counter right now? It’s a scary thought, but understanding what foods are toxic to dogs is a real concern. In 2023 alone, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center helped over 400,000 animals, and human food was the second most common cause of poisoning, making up over 16% of all calls.
We get it. Those big, soulful puppy-dog eyes are hard to resist, especially when you’re enjoying a tasty snack. Sharing food feels like sharing love. But as a long-time dog owner and researcher, I’ve learned that some of our favorite foods can be unintentionally harmful. The problem isn’t a lack of love; it’s a gap in knowledge about what foods are toxic to dogs.
In this guide, we’re going to walk through everything you need to know. We’ll cover a definitive list of what foods are toxic to dogs, explain why they’re dangerous, and give you a clear emergency action plan. Most importantly, we’ll show you how to create a safe home to prevent accidents from ever happening.
What Foods Are Toxic to Dogs: A Quick-Reference Guide
If you’re here in a panic, use this table for a quick assessment. Find the food your dog ate, cIf you’re here in a panic, this quick-reference table on what foods are toxic to dogs can help you make a fast assessment. Find the food your dog ate, check the danger level, and then read the detailed sections below for more information and next steps.
| Food Item | Primary Toxin or Hazard | Key Symptoms | Danger Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chocolate | Theobromine, Caffeine | Vomiting, diarrhea, hyperactivity, seizures | High |
| Grapes & Raisins | Tartaric Acid | Vomiting, kidney failure, lethargy | High |
| Xylitol | Artificial Sweetener | Vomiting, weakness, collapse, seizures, liver failure | High |
| Onions & Garlic | N-propyl disulfide | Pale gums, weakness, vomiting, red urine | High |
| Macadamia Nuts | Unknown Toxin | Weakness in hind legs, tremors, vomiting | Moderate to High |
| Alcohol | Ethanol | Vomiting, incoordination, respiratory depression | High |
| Raw Yeast Dough | Ethanol, Gas Expansion | Bloating, stomach twisting (GDV), intoxication | High |
| Avocado | Persin, High Fat, Pit | Vomiting, diarrhea, pancreatitis, choking hazard | Moderate |
| Salty Foods | Sodium | Extreme thirst, vomiting, seizures | Moderate to High |
| Corn on the Cob | Mechanical Blockage | Vomiting, straining to defecate, abdominal pain | High |
| Cooked Bones | Splintering | Choking, internal perforation, blockage | High |
| Dairy Products | Lactose | Diarrhea, gas, stomach upset | Low |
The “Big 5” Deadly Dangers: What Food Should Dogs Not Eat Under Any Circumstances?
This first group represents the most severe, life-threatening toxins. When people ask what foods are toxic to dogs, these five are always at the top of the list. If your dog ingests any of these, it’s an emergency that requires immediate veterinary attention.
1. Chocolate (Theobromine & Caffeine)
This is probably the most well-known answer to the question of what foods are toxic to dogs, but the details matter. Chocolate contains chemicals called methylxanthines—specifically theobromine and caffeine—that dogs can’t metabolize properly. Think of it like giving espresso shots to a toddler.
The toxicity depends on the type of chocolate and the size of your dog. The darker and more bitter the chocolate, the more dangerous it is.
- Most Toxic: Baker’s chocolate and cocoa powder.
- Very Toxic: Dark chocolate and semi-sweet chocolate.
- Moderately Toxic: Milk chocolate.
- Least Toxic: White chocolate (contains very little theobromine, but the fat and sugar are still a problem).
What happens if dogs eat chocolate? Symptoms begin with vomiting and diarrhea. They can quickly lead to hyperactivity, a racing heart, muscle tremors, seizures, and even death. Even if the amount eaten isn’t toxic, the high fat content can trigger pancreatitis, a separate and very painful condition.
2. Grapes & Raisins (Tartaric Acid)
For years, the exact reason grapes were poisonous to dogs was a mystery. Now, research points to tartaric acid as the culprit. The problem is that the amount of this acid can vary wildly from one grape to the next, making it a clear example of
what foods are toxic to dogs with unpredictable severity.
Because it’s impossible to know which grape is “safe,” veterinarians now agree: there is no safe amount of grapes or raisins for any dog. Ingestion can cause sudden, severe kidney damage. Initial signs are often vomiting and diarrhea, followed by lethargy and changes in urination (either too much or not at all).
3. Xylitol (The Hidden Sweetener)
This may be the most dangerous item on our list of what foods are toxic to dogs because it’s hidden in so many human products. Xylitol is an artificial sweetener found in hundreds of products, including sugar-free gum, candy, mints, baked goods, and even certain brands of peanut butter.
In humans, it’s a harmless sugar substitute. In dogs, it causes a quick release of insulin. This makes their blood sugar drop to very low levels, leading to hypoglycemia. This can happen within 10-60 minutes of ingestion. At higher doses, or sometimes for no clear reason, it can also cause severe, irreversible liver failure.
Symptoms include vomiting, weakness, staggering, collapse, and seizures. This is a silent threat, so always check the ingredients on anything labeled “sugar-free” or “low sugar” before sharing.
4. Onions, Garlic, Chives & Leeks (The Allium Family)
The entire Allium family is toxic to dogs. These plants have compounds that hurt a dog’s red blood cells. This makes it hard for them to carry oxygen. This leads to a serious condition called hemolytic anemia.
All forms are dangerous: raw, cooked, dehydrated, and powdered. The real risk often comes from powders mixed into foods like soups, sauces, gravies, and even some baby foods. A single teaspoon of onion powder can be more potent than a whole fresh onion.
Symptoms can be delayed for several days, which makes it tricky to diagnose. Watch for pale gums, weakness, lethargy, vomiting, and reddish-brown urine.
5. Macadamia Nuts
This one is a bit of a medical mystery. We don’t know the exact toxin in macadamia nuts, but we know it causes a very specific and distressing reaction, making it a key food to remember when considering what foods are toxic to dogs.
Symptoms are primarily neurological and usually appear within 12 hours. They include severe weakness (especially in the hind legs), muscle tremors, vomiting, and fever. The good news is that macadamia nut poisoning is rarely fatal, and most dogs recover fully within 48 hours with supportive care. However, it’s a very frightening experience for both you and your pup.
Common Kitchen Culprits: Other Foods to Approach with Caution
The list of what foods are toxic to dogs extends beyond the ‘Big 5.’ Many other common kitchen items can cause problems, from an upset stomach to a full-blown emergency. These are some of the other foods that are harmful to dogs.
Alcohol & Raw Yeast Dough
Raw bread dough is a double threat. First, the warm, moist environment of a dog’s stomach is like a perfect oven, causing the dough to expand. This can cause painful bloating. It can also lead to a serious condition called Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV), where the stomach twists. As the yeast ferments, it makes ethanol (alcohol). This alcohol enters the bloodstream and can lead to alcohol poisoning.
Avocado
You may have heard mixed messages about avocados. Here’s the bottom line for dogs: while the toxin “persin” found in avocados isn’t a huge risk for them, the high fat content is. It can trigger a severe and painful inflammation of the pancreas. Plus, the large, slippery pit is a perfect size to cause a deadly choking or intestinal blockage. It’s best to keep the guacamole to yourself.
Salty Snacks & Salt Water
A stolen potato chip isn’t a crisis, but large amounts of salt are. Excessive salt intake disrupts your dog’s fluid balance and can lead to sodium ion poisoning. It’s not just about the salt shaker. Think about homemade play-dough, rock salt on sidewalks in winter, and how much ocean water your dog drinks at the beach. Symptoms include extreme thirst, vomiting, diarrhea, and neurological signs like tremors and seizures.
Dairy Products
Have you ever wondered if dogs can have milk? The answer for most is no. Just like some people, most adult dogs are lactose intolerant. They don’t have enough of the enzyme lactase to properly break down the sugar in milk. A small cube of cheese can be a great training treat for your dog. But avoid giving them a bowl of milk or ice cream. That could cause gas and diarrhea, which means a rough night for your pup.
Mechanical Hazards: When the Danger Isn’t Poison
Sometimes, the answer to what foods are toxic to dogs isn’t about poison at all, but about physical hazards. Some of the most dangerous human foods aren’t chemically toxic but instead pose a physical threat that can be just as deadly.
Corn on the Cob
The corn kernels themselves are safe for dogs in moderation. The cob, however, is a major danger. It’s indigestible and perfectly shaped to get lodged in the intestine, causing a complete blockage. This is a common summertime surgical emergency for vets. Never let your dog chew on a corn cob, even for a minute.
Cooked Bones
While there’s debate about raw bones, veterinarians universally agree that cooked bones are a hazard. Cooking makes bones brittle, causing them to splinter into sharp shards when chewed. These splinters can cause choking, cut the mouth and throat, or even puncture the stomach or intestines, leading to a fatal infection. Stick to safe, durable chew toys designed for dogs.
Emergency Action Plan: What to Do if Your Dog Eats a Toxic Food
If you suspect your dog has eaten one of the items from our list of what foods are toxic to dogs, follow these steps immediately. Don’t wait for symptoms to appear.
Step 1: Don’t Panic. Secure the Scene.
Take a deep breath. Your dog needs you to be calm and clear-headed. Gently move your dog away from the source of the food. Quickly and safely gather any packaging or remnants of what they ate. This information will be critical for the vet.
Step 2: Gather Your Information.
Before you call for help, try to have this information ready:
- Your dog’s approximate weight.
- What they ate (e.g., “half a bar of baker’s chocolate,” “sugar-free gum”).
- How much they might have eaten (an estimate is fine).
- When they ate it (roughly how long ago).
- Any symptoms are they showing?
Step 3: Make the Call. DO NOT Wait for Symptoms.
For many of what foods that are deadly to dogs, waiting for symptoms means damage is already happening. Act immediately.
Call one of these numbers right away:
- Your Veterinarian or a Local 24/7 Animal Emergency Hospital
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center: (888) 426-4435 (A consultation fee may apply)
- Pet Poison Helpline: (855) 764-7661 (A consultation fee may apply)
CRITICAL WARNING: Never try to make your dog vomit unless you are specifically instructed to do so by a veterinary professional. Using the wrong method or making someone vomit at the wrong time can cause serious harm. This includes risks like aspiration pneumonia or damage to the esophagus.
Prevention Is the Best Medicine: Creating a Pet-Safe Home
The best way to handle a poisoning emergency is to prevent it from ever happening. A key part of this is being mindful of what foods are toxic to dogs and keeping them out of reach. True safety comes from managing both your dog’s environment and their behavior.
Part 1: Dog-Proofing Your Kitchen
Think of your dog as a furry, four-legged toddler who is an expert at finding trouble. A few simple changes can make your kitchen much safer.
- Secure the Trash: This is rule number one. Use a trash can with a heavy, locking lid, or keep it inside a pantry or a cabinet with a child-proof latch.
- Counter Intelligence: Never leave food unattended on countertops or tables. A determined dog can be a surprisingly good climber. Put food away as soon as you’re done with it.
- Pantry and Cabinet Locks: If you have curious dogs or repeat offenders, use child-proof locks on low cabinets. These locks protect food and cleaning supplies.
- Bag Safety: After you finish a bag of chips, pretzels, or other snacks, cut it down on both sides so it lies flat. This prevents it from becoming a suffocation hazard if your dog gets their head stuck inside.
Part 2: The “Leave It” Command: Your Most Powerful Tool
Dog-proofing helps when you’re not around, but training is your active tool for safety. The “leave it” command can be a lifesaver, stopping your dog from eating a dropped pill or a dangerous piece of food on a walk.
Here’s a simple way to teach it:
- The Closed Fist: Put a boring treat (like a piece of their kibble) in your hand and close your fist. Let your dog sniff and lick your hand. The moment they pull their nose away, even for a second, say “Yes!” in an excited voice and give them a super tasty, high-value treat (like a tiny piece of chicken or cheese) from your other hand. Repeat until they back off quickly.
- The Open Palm: Now, place the boring treat in your open palm. If they try to get it, close your fist. When they ignore it, reward them with the high-value treat from your other hand.
- Add the Cue: Once they are reliably ignoring the treat in your palm, start saying “Leave it” in a calm, firm voice right as they are making the choice to back away.
- Move to the Floor: Finally, practice with the boring treat on the floor. At first, cover it with your hand, then lift your hand as they learn to wait for the better reward that comes from you.
Your Partner in Your Pet’s Safety
Keeping our dogs safe is a big responsibility, but it’s one we take on with love. Your dog relies on you to be their protector in a world full of tempting smells and tastes. Remember the three keys to food safety: Know the dangers, Act fast if an accident happens, and Prevent incidents before they start.
Staying informed is the key. Now that you have a comprehensive understanding of what foods are toxic to dogs, you can protect them more effectively. You’ve got this.
