Foods poisonous to dogs - 21 foods you should NOT give your dog 

Are you guilty of feeding your dog the food off your own plate? Pet owners love their dogs like they’re another member of the family, so it can be tempting to give them the same delicious foods that they eat. However, many human foods can actually be poisonous to dogs. Dogs metabolize certain ingredients much differently than humans. Their bodies can’t break down fats, sugars, and certain plant compounds the way ours can. A food that barely affects a human, like a handful of grapes or a sweetened cookie, can trigger serious health complications in dogs within hours. Understanding these differences helps owners make safer decisions and avoid accidental poisoning.

If you’re wondering what foods are toxic for dogs, check out this list of 21 foods you should NOT be giving your dogs. 

21 foods you should not give your dog (and why)

Keep in mind that toxicity often depends on your dog’s size, age, and overall health. A small dog can have a severe reaction to a tiny amount of chocolate, while a larger dog might show symptoms more slowly. Even so, it’s always better to avoid these foods altogether.

Here’s a quick overview of 21 foods poisonous to dogs. Keep reading to find out why they are dangerous for dogs and what you should do if your dog consumes any of them.

1. Chocolate

2. Grapes

3. Raisins

4. Onions

5. Garlic

6. Xylitol

7. Alcohol

8. Caffeine

9. Macademia Nuts

10. Cooked Bones

11. Raw Bread Dough

12. Avocado

13. Fat Trimmings

14. Dairy Products

15. Raw Meat

16. Raw eggs

17. Salty Snacks

18. Nutmeg

19. Cinnamon

20. Icecream 

21. Soda

Chocolate - Contains theobromine and caffeine, which can cause vomiting, seizures, and heart problems.

Grapes - Can cause kidney failure in dogs.

Raisins - Causes the same reaction as grapes. 

Onions (including onion powder) - May damage red blood cells, which can lead to anemia.

Garlic (including garlic powder) - Can cause a similar but more harmful reaction than onions. May produce anemia and digestive problems. 

Xylitol (found often in sugar-free candies and peanut butter) - This can trigger a sudden insulin release in dogs, which can lead to hypoglycemia and potential liver failure. 

Alcohol - Though you may not give your dog alcohol intentionally, if their curiosity leads them to drink out of your glass, it could lead to low blood sugar, vomiting, and difficulty breathing. It’s always best to keep your drinks on tabletops or high surfaces where your pup can’t reach. 

Caffeine - Just like with alcoholic beverages, your caffeinated drinks should be kept high away from a dog’s reach as the caffeine may cause restlessness, rapid heart rate, tremors and seizures. 

Macademia Nuts - Can cause weakness, tremors, overheating, and vomiting. 

Cooked Bones - Unlike raw hide bones, cooked bones from any animal can easily splinter and cause internal punctures and dangerous blockages.

Raw Bread Dough - Raw yeast dough expands in the stomach and leads to painful bloating and alcohol poisoning as the yeast ferments. 

Avocado - The persin found in avocados is extremely dangerous in certain dog breeds and can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, and difficulty breathing. 

Fat Trimmings - Can trigger fatal inflammation of the pancreas. 

Dairy Products - Lactase can cause diarrhea, bloating, and gas in dogs and should be avoided. 

Raw Meat - Raw meat can contain Salmonella, E. coli, and parasites that are dangerous to your dog’s digestive system. 

Raw eggs - Can lead to a bacterial infection and possible biotin deficiency from avidin. 

Salty Snacks - Too much sodium in a dog’s diet can cause vomiting, tremors, dehydration and potential sodium poisoning. 

Nutmeg - This spice contains myristicin, which can cause hallucinations, rapid heart rate, and seizures in dogs. 

Cinnamon - Although not as dangerous as other toxic foods for dogs on this list, cinnamon can cause mouth irritation and liver stress in dogs if consumed in large amounts. 

Ice cream - The lactase and high sugar amounts often found in ice cream cause serious digestive problems in dogs and may lead to diabetes if consumed frequently. 

Soda - Many sodas contain sugar, caffeine, and xylitol - all of which are toxic for dogs. 

Some dogs show signs of poisoning much more quickly than others. Factors like age, weight, breed, and pre-existing health conditions all play a role. Puppies, senior dogs, and dogs with liver or kidney issues are at higher risk because their bodies can’t process toxins efficiently. Even if your dog has eaten a certain food before without problems, their next exposure could still be dangerous.

Helpful Reminder -

During the holiday season and special occasions, it can be especially tempting to treat our dogs to a plate of delicious food. However, it is during these occasions that we most often cook with ingredients that are toxic to dogs. Instead of offering your dog a bite off your plate or your leftovers, fill up a dog treat toy or a dog slow feeder with some of their favourite, organic dog treats to keep them occupied and away from the table. 

Holidays also mean more guests, more food left unattended, and more opportunities for dogs to snatch something harmful off a plate or countertop. Foods like stuffing, fruitcakes, and casseroles often include hidden ingredients like onion, garlic, raisins, or nutmeg. If you have visitors who aren’t used to being around dogs, remind them not to feed table scraps, no matter how cute your pup looks begging at their feet.

What to do if your dog consumes chocolate (or any toxic foods for dogs)

Chocolate, especially when consumed in large quantities, can be extremely dangerous for dogs. If your dog finds their way into your secret chocolate stash, call your vet immediately and let them know the type of chocolate that was consumed as well as how much. Your vet will help you check for signs of toxic food poisoning and may recommend that you induce vomiting with hydrogen peroxide. Depending on the situation, other treatments may be necessary. 

The most important thing to do after your dog has consumed a toxic food is to act quickly. Call your vet or an emergency animal clinic immediately to describe what food was consumed and in what quantity. In some cases, your dog may be fine. In others, fast treatment can be the difference between life and death. You’ll never regret being overly cautious when it comes to taking care of your beloved four-legged friend! 

Here are some signs that your dog may have consumed a food poisonous to dogs:

1. Vomiting

2. Diarrhea

3. Excessive drooling and lethargy or weakness

4. Loss of appetite

5. Rapid heart rate or seizures

6. Pale gums and excessive thirst

7. Incoordination or fainting 

How to prevent accidental poisoning

Prevention is just as important as knowing what to do after exposure. Store pantry foods in closed containers, keep backpacks and lunchboxes off the floor, and teach your dog a strong “leave it” command. Remind children to eat snacks at the table instead of walking around the house with food that a dog can quickly snatch. Simple habits like these dramatically reduce the risk of accidental poisoning.

Make sure you: 

1. Store food securely in containers that dogs can’t pry open

2. Train dogs not to accept food from strangers

3. Teach your pup the “leave it” command

4. Keep purses and backpacks off the floor and on high countertops or tables

5. Are mindful of kids dropping snacks in areas that your dog frequents

Nutritious, non-toxic treats for dogs  

The best way to keep your dog away from toxic foods is to have safe foods and treats that they love readily on hand. When they start to sniff at the table, wondering what you’re eating, giving them a treat in a different area can keep them away consuming anything dangerous. 

The Treatery wants to see dogs healthy and thriving through nutritious, wholesome treats and enrichment toys. Feed your dogs high-protein dog treats or calming dog treats to help them continue to grow strong, healthy, and active.