26 Common Foods and Liquids That Are Poisonous to Dogs - GoodRx (2024)

Most of us give in occasionally and share a bite of a meal or snack with our four-legged companion. What’s the harm, right?

Well, some human foods can be surprisingly harmful to dogs. So before sneaking your dog a scrap, read on to learn which human foods could send your pup straight to the emergency vet.

What foods are poisonous to dogs?

Many foods and food additives that are fine for human consumption can cause serious health problems if consumed by our pets. The list below outlines 26 foods that are poisonous to dogs.

Just keep in mind that this list isn’t exhaustive. Unless you know for sure that a human food is safe for your dog, your best course of action is to reach for the dog treats instead.

1. Avocado

Your dog should not eat avocados. Avocados contain persin, a toxin that causes diarrhea and vomiting in dogs and can be deadly. Though avocado is considered a “healthy fat” for humans, it is also too high in fat for dogs, putting them at risk of pancreatitis.

2. Cherries

The stems, leaves, and pits of cherries contain cyanide, a potentially deadly chemical. Cyanide kills tissues by making it difficult for them to use oxygen.

The only part of a cherry that does not contain cyanide is the fleshy part around the pit. However, we don’t recommend feeding that to your dog, either. Cherries can get caught in your pup’s airway and become a choking hazard.

3. Grapes and raisins

Both grapes and their dried form, raisins, are known to be highly toxic to dogs. It only takes a few grapes or raisins to cause sudden kidney failure in your dog. Keep these far out of reach.

4. Tomatoes

Dogs should avoid tomatoes. While fully ripened tomatoes are safe, the green part of the plant contains a substance called solanine, which is toxic to dogs. To avoid any potential issues, it’s better to steer clear altogether.

5. Mushrooms

Avoid feeding your dog any mushrooms. Though only a fraction of existing mushroom species are known to be poisonous to dogs, those that are can be deadly.

Identifying mushrooms can be tricky, even for experts. Therefore, you can never be 100% sure your dog would be getting a safe variety. Even one bite of a toxic mushroom could be fatal. So, to be safe, avoid the fungi.

6. Onions

Dogs should never eat onions. Onions contain a compound that damages dogs’ red blood cells, causing anemia.

Check all food ingredients, and do not feed your dog anything that contains onion, onion powder, or onion flakes. The same goes for leeks, garlic, and chives, which, like onions, are all part of the allium family of plants.

7. Garlic

Garlic is considered the most toxic of all the plants in the allium family. Keep all foods containing garlic out of paw’s reach. Otherwise, ingestion of garlic can severely damage red blood cells, causing them to rupture.

8. Wild berries

Do not allow your dog to eat any wild berries. Though not all of these berries are poisonous, many are. It is always better to be safe than sorry.

9. Rhubarb

Commonly called the pie plant, rhubarb is frequently grown to use in desserts. However, it contains soluble oxalate crystals, making it toxic to pets. If ingested in large enough quantities, rhubarb can cause kidney failure in dogs.

10. Sugar-free candy and gum

Sugar-free candy, mints, and gum often contain xylitol. Xylitol — also called birch sugar — is a lower-calorie sugar replacement. This artificial sweetener can cause severe illness and death in dogs.

To avoid xylitol poisoning, check the ingredients label on products, especially those labeled “low-sugar” or “sugar-free.” Keep all items containing xylitol out of reach of pets.

11. Some peanut butters and other nut butters

Peanut butter is a known favorite among dogs. But check the ingredients before giving your dog peanut butter or other nut butters, because some varieties contain xylitol.

Even small amounts of xylitol can cause the following in dogs:

• Low blood sugar

• Seizures

• Liver failure

• Death

12. Flavored waters

Flavored waters, a hugely popular option for humans, should be kept away from dogs. These products often contain xylitol as well.

13. Ice cream

Ice cream isn’t a great treat for your pup. Dogs can’t process the lactose in milk products like ice cream. Dogs who do get a lick of your cone may experience digestive troubles like:

• Vomiting

• Diarrhea

• Gas

• Stomach pain

• Pancreatitis

In addition, ice cream can contain ingredients that are toxic for dogs. Chocolate, for example, is definitely a no for pups.

Ice cream — especially types labeled as sugar-free — may also contain xylitol. This artificial sweetener is very toxic to dogs.

14. Chocolate

Chocolate is poisonous to dogs because it contains theobromine and caffeine. Both of these components cause potentially deadly heart and central nervous system problems in dogs.

The darker the chocolate, the more theobromine it contains. Therefore, it takes less semi-sweet dark chocolate to cause toxicity than milk chocolate. Some chocolate also contains xylitol, which is harmful for dogs.

Call your veterinarian or a Pet Poison Helpline immediately if you think your dog has eaten chocolate. Be prepared to tell them the type and approximate amount of chocolate your dog ate to help determine the appropriate treatment. You can also use this chocolate toxicity calculator.

15. Pudding snacks

It’s best to keep pudding snacks away from your dog. They may contain xylitol or chocolate, which are toxic for dogs.

16. Caffeine/Coffee

Many humans start the day with a cup of coffee. But our four-legged companions don’t need the caffeine jolt. Also, dogs are far more sensitive to caffeine. Even a small amount can be toxic to them.

Make sure coffee grounds are disposed of where a curious pup can’t get them. And remember that caffeine isn’t only in coffee. Check the labels on other energy-boosting products to make sure the caffeine stays away from your dog.

17. Sports and energy drinks

Sports and energy drinks often contain caffeine, which is a no-go for your dogs. Caffeine can cause issues like:

• Seizures

• Tremors

• Abnormal heart rhythms

• Vomiting

• Diarrhea

In addition to caffeine, many sports drinks contain xylitol, a dangerous artificial sweetener.

18. Tea and tea bags

Tea may help you relax, but its caffeine content can make it poisonous for dogs. Keep your canine companion away from your tea cup and away from tea bags that make it into the trash or compost pile.

19. Soda

Keep your pup away from the soda as well, since it can be a source of caffeine. Some sodas, especially if they are labeled as sugar-free, also contain xylitol. Both caffeine and xylitol are toxic to dogs.

20. Baked goods

Baked goods can contain a number of substances that can be harmful for dogs. Whether homemade or from a box, these items can contain:

• Chocolate

• Xylitol

• Caffeine

21. Alcohol

Dogs should not consume beverages or foods that contain alcohol. Some dogs are attracted to alcoholic drinks, so be sure you do not leave alcoholic beverages unattended.

Alcohol depresses the central nervous system and can cause the following symptoms in dogs:

• Vomiting

• Diarrhea

• Depression

• Drooling

• Decreased coordination

• Difficulty breathing

• Weakness

• Collapse

• Tremors

• Coma

• Death

22. Macadamia nuts

If you are a fan of macadamia nuts, keep them stored well out of reach of curious paws. All it takes are a few to poison a medium-sized dog. Dogs with macadamia nut poisoning may show:

• Weakness

• Depression

• Vomiting

• Tremors

• Hyperthermia

23. Raw or undercooked meat

Recently, some dog owners have embraced raw feeding. This trend advocates feeding your pup a “raw diet” to simulate what their ancestors ate in the wild. However, just because wild dogs eat raw meat doesn’t mean your pet dog should.

Raw or undercooked meat and eggs carry bacteria such as Salmonella, E. coli, and listeria that can make humans and dogs sick.

24. Uncooked doughs containing yeast

If your canine companion takes a bite out of your bread, you probably don’t have to be concerned. However, you should never feed your dog uncooked yeast dough.

The dough can rise once in the dog’s stomach, causing the stomach to bloat. Bloating can cause the stomach to twist, which is a life-threatening emergency.

Another problem with yeast dough is that the yeast ferments carbohydrates in the dough, producing ethanol (alcohol). Ingested yeast dough can potentially cause alcohol poisoning in your pup.

25. Bones

You may have heard that giving your dog cooked bones is unsafe. However, many vets believe that all bones pose a health risk.

Several injuries and illnesses can result from dogs chewing on bones, including:

• Broken teeth

• Mouth and tongue injuries

• Gastrointestinal (GI) tract blockages

• Bones getting stuck around the dog’s lower jaw

• Vomiting

• Diarrhea

• Choking

• Injuries to the stomach and intestines

• Bleeding from the rectum

  See Also

  Can My Dog Eat This? A List of Human Foods Dogs Can and Can't Eat

• Bones getting stuck in the stomach

• Bone fragments scraping the lining of the GI tract

• Illness caused by bacteria on raw bones

There are many alternative chewing products on the market for dogs. Ask your vet for a recommendation rather than risking an emergency visit.

26. Moldy food

You may not intentionally give your dog moldy food. But a curious nose may locate something you’ve tossed in the garbage. Mold produces the toxin aflatoxin, which can cause liver failure. If dogs eat food from the garbage or compost pile, other mold toxins can cause:

• Tremors

• Seizures

• Vomiting

• Irregular heartbeat

• Lack of coordination

• Death

Keep all garbage cans securely covered where your dog cannot access them. Also, keep all compost piles out of reach.

Is it ever OK for my dog to eat human food?

Your dog should get most of their calories from their regular diet. If you want to share pet-safe snacks with your pup, some toxin-free options include:

• Carrots

• Celery

• Cooked pumpkin

• Cauliflower

• Popcorn

• Apples

• Bananas

• Cucumbers

• Strawberries

• Xylitol-free peanut butter

• Cheese

However, remember that snacks — including dog treats — should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s calories.

People food also tends to be higher in fat and sugar than dog food. A dog’s digestive system has difficulty processing fatty foods, so only offer your pup a small taste of any table scraps. Too much fat and sugar could lead to stomach upset, obesity, and pancreatitis.

Signs of food poisoning in dogs

The signs of food poisoning differ depending on the specific toxin your dog ate. However, poisoning in dogs will often show up as gastrointestinal or neurological symptoms.

Signs to watch out for include:

• Vomiting

• Diarrhea

• Loss of appetite

• Bloody poop

• Seizures

• Tremors

• Hyperactivity

• Lethargy

• Unsteadiness when standing or walking

• Lack of coordination

• Bruising or bleeding

• Blood in the urine

If you notice any of the above symptoms, bring your dog to your vet or an emergency veterinary clinic immediately.

When should I take my dog to the vet for something they ate?

If you suspect your dog ate something poisonous, call your veterinarian. Early intervention is critical in the case of poisoning, so call as soon as possible. If it is outside of normal office hours, call the Pet Poison Helpline, a 24-hour poison control service.

Dogs are curious creatures who navigate the world with their noses and mouths. Therefore, accidents do happen. It is critical to recognize toxicity signs to get your pup the appropriate care as quickly as possible if they ingest something poisonous.