Dogs are expert scavengers, and many human foods are perfectly harmless to them. A few, however, can cause anything from an upset stomach to kidney failure. Knowing which foods are dangerous lets you keep them out of reach and act quickly if an accident happens.
The most dangerous foods
Chocolate
Chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine, which dogs process very slowly. Dark and baking chocolate are the most dangerous, but milk chocolate can also cause problems in small dogs. Signs include vomiting, restlessness, a racing heart, tremors and, in serious cases, seizures.
Grapes, raisins, sultanas and currants
These can cause sudden kidney failure in some dogs, and there is no known safe amount. Watch out for hidden sources such as fruit cake, hot cross buns, trail mix and cereal bars.
Xylitol
This sugar substitute is found in some sugar-free chewing gum, sweets, baked goods, toothpaste and certain peanut butters. In dogs it can cause a rapid drop in blood sugar and liver damage, even in small amounts. Always check labels before sharing peanut butter.
Onions, garlic, leeks and chives
All members of the onion family can damage red blood cells and cause anaemia. Cooked, raw, powdered and dried forms are all harmful, and the effects may not appear for several days. Gravy, stock and many ready meals contain onion or garlic.
Macadamia nuts
These can cause weakness, wobbliness, vomiting and fever. Symptoms usually appear within 12 hours.
Alcohol and raw bread dough
Alcohol affects dogs far more strongly than people. Raw yeast dough can also expand in the stomach and produce alcohol as it ferments.
Cooked bones
Cooked bones become brittle and can splinter, causing choking, mouth injuries or blockages and tears in the gut.
Foods to give only with care
- Fatty foods such as bacon, sausages and fried leftovers can trigger pancreatitis.
- Avocado pits are a choking and blockage risk, and the skin and leaves can upset the stomach.
- Corn on the cob is a common cause of intestinal blockages.
- Salty snacks in large amounts can cause excessive thirst and, rarely, salt poisoning.
Safe human foods in moderation
Plain cooked chicken, plain rice, carrots, green beans, cucumber, apple slices without seeds, blueberries and plain cooked pumpkin are generally safe as occasional treats for most healthy dogs. Introduce anything new in small amounts.
What to do if your dog eats something toxic
- Remove any remaining food and note what was eaten, how much and when.
- Keep the packaging, as ingredient lists help the vet assess the risk.
- Call your vet or an emergency animal clinic straight away, even if your dog seems fine. Many poisonings are easier to treat before symptoms appear.
- Do not try to make your dog vomit unless a vet specifically tells you to. Some substances cause more damage coming back up.
Prevention tips
- Keep handbags, coats and shopping bags off the floor.
- Use bins with secure lids.
- Tell visitors and children not to share food without asking.
- Be extra careful during holidays, when chocolate, cakes and rich foods are everywhere.
A little awareness goes a long way. Keep the dangerous foods out of reach and save your vet’s number in your phone so you can act fast if something goes wrong.
Quick answers
My dog ate something toxic. What should I do first? Contact your vet or an emergency vet straight away, even if your dog seems fine. Have the packaging to hand and estimate how much was eaten and when. Do not try to make your dog vomit unless a vet tells you to.
How quickly do symptoms appear? It depends on the substance. Xylitol can cause problems within an hour, while signs of grape or raisin poisoning may take longer to appear. Early treatment often matters more than waiting for symptoms.
Is a small amount of chocolate safe? Risk depends on the type of chocolate, the amount and your dog’s size. Dark and baking chocolate are the most dangerous. It is safest to call your vet for advice for any amount.
Which human foods are generally safe as treats? Small amounts of plain cooked chicken, plain cooked rice, carrot sticks and apple slices without seeds are commonly used. Keep treats to a small part of the daily diet.
How can I prevent accidents? Store food out of reach, keep bins closed, tell guests not to share food and be extra careful during holidays and parties.
