Every year, thousands of dogs are rushed to emergency vets after eating something from their owner's kitchen. Many of these cases are preventable — if you know which foods are dangerous.
This is the definitive guide to foods toxic to dogs, organized by severity, plus what to do if your dog eats something they shouldn't.
Emergency Numbers (Save These Now)
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control: (888) 426-4435 (24/7, fee may apply)
- Pet Poison Helpline: (855) 764-7661 (24/7)
Highly Toxic — Can Be Fatal
Xylitol (Artificial Sweetener)
Found in sugar-free gum, some peanut butters (always check the label!), candy, baked goods, some vitamins, and toothpaste.
Effect: Causes rapid insulin release leading to hypoglycemia. Can cause liver failure within 72 hours. As little as one stick of gum can be fatal to a small dog.
Symptoms: Vomiting, loss of coordination, collapse, seizures
Action: Emergency vet immediately — do not wait for symptoms
Grapes and Raisins
Found in trail mix, granola, baked goods, and fruit snacks. The exact toxic compound is unknown.
Effect: Causes acute kidney failure. Even a small amount can be dangerous — toxicity doesn't correlate predictably with dose or dog size.
Symptoms: Vomiting, lethargy, loss of appetite, decreased urination within 24 hours
Action: Emergency vet immediately, even if only a few were eaten
Chocolate
Contains theobromine and caffeine, which dogs metabolize far more slowly than humans. Dark chocolate and baking chocolate are most dangerous; milk chocolate requires a larger amount but is still toxic.
Symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhea, excessive thirst, restlessness, muscle tremors, seizures
Action: Call poison control or vet immediately — use their online toxicity calculator if you know the type and amount
Macadamia Nuts
Cause weakness, tremors, vomiting, and hyperthermia. Mechanism unknown. Recovery usually within 48 hours but can be severe.
Action: Vet within hours of ingestion
Onions, Garlic, Leeks, Chives
All Allium family members damage red blood cells, causing hemolytic anemia. Garlic is approximately 5x more toxic than onions by weight. Cooked versions are just as dangerous as raw.
Symptoms: May not appear for several days — lethargy, pale gums, rapid breathing, weakness
Action: Vet call, especially for large quantities
Moderately Toxic — Avoid Completely
Alcohol
Beer, wine, spirits, and foods cooked with alcohol. Dogs are far more sensitive than humans — even small amounts can cause vomiting, disorientation, breathing difficulty, and coma.
Caffeine
Coffee, tea, energy drinks, and some medications. Similar mechanism to chocolate — causes restlessness, rapid breathing, tremors, and seizures.
Avocado
Contains persin, which can cause vomiting and diarrhea in dogs. The pit is also a choking and obstruction hazard. Safer to avoid entirely.
Raw Yeast Dough
Expands in the stomach causing bloat (potentially life-threatening). Also ferments and produces alcohol. Never give dogs raw bread dough.
Salt (in large amounts)
Excessive salt causes sodium ion poisoning — excessive thirst, urination, vomiting, tremors, and seizures. Avoid salty snacks like chips and pretzels.
Mild Concern — Limit or Avoid
- Dairy — many dogs are lactose intolerant; small amounts may cause loose stools
- Fatty meats — can trigger pancreatitis, especially in predisposed breeds
- Cooked bones — can splinter and cause intestinal perforations
- Citrus peel and oils — can cause GI upset; small amounts of flesh are generally fine
Safe Foods Dogs CAN Eat
Many healthy human foods are perfectly safe for dogs in moderation:
- Carrots, blueberries, apples (no seeds), watermelon (no rind or seeds), bananas, pumpkin
- Plain cooked chicken, turkey, salmon, eggs
- Peanut butter (verify no xylitol on the label), sweet potatoes, oatmeal
- Green beans, peas, broccoli (in moderation)
If Your Dog Ate Something Toxic
- Don't wait for symptoms — call poison control or your vet immediately
- Note what they ate and how much — timing and quantity matter for treatment decisions
- Don't induce vomiting without vet guidance — it can make some toxicities worse
- Bring the packaging to the vet if possible
Want to make your dog safe, delicious treats at home using ingredients you can trust? The Homemade Dog Treat Recipe Book includes 25 vet-approved recipes plus a complete toxic ingredients reference — so every treat you make is something you can feel confident about.
Make treats you can trust: Our 5 Easy Homemade Dog Treat Recipes are vet-approved and made with ingredients from this safe list.