What Foods Are Toxic to Dogs? An Essential Safety Guide for Pet Owners

Dogs aren’t just pets, they’re a part of the family. This can make it tempting to share a bite of our meal or afternoon snack. But not everything on our plate is safe for them. In fact, some common foods can cause serious, even life-threatening, health issues for dogs.

So, what foods are toxic to dogs, and how can you know what’s safe to share?

In this guide we cover the most dangerous foods, the signs of poisoning, safe alternatives, and what to do if your pup ever gets into something they shouldn’t.

When it comes to sharing food with your dog, it’s not always as simple as “if it’s good for me, it must be good for them.” Dogs process certain foods very differently than humans, and what seems harmless to us can sometimes be dangerous for them.

While some foods might only cause mild stomach upset, others can lead to organ damage or even life-threatening emergencies. Below is a breakdown of the most common offenders and why they’re risky. 

1. Chocolate, Coffee, and Caffeine

Chocolate isn’t just a sweet treat—it’s actually one of the most dangerous foods for dogs. The toxic compounds are theobromine and caffeine, both of which belong to a group of chemicals called methylxanthines. Dogs metabolize these much more slowly than humans, so even small amounts can build up to toxic levels.

The risk depends on your dog’s size, how much they ate, and the type of chocolate. Cocoa powder and baking chocolate are the most toxic, followed by dark and semi-sweet varieties. Whereas milk chocolate takes more to cause problems, but is still risky. And while white chocolate contains very little theobromine, it’s still best to avoid it.

Common signs of chocolate poisoning include vomiting, diarrhea, thirst, restlessness, and increased urination. In more serious cases, dogs may experience irregular heart rhythms, tremors, seizures, or even collapse.

Coffee, tea, sodas, and energy drinks pose a similar risk because of their caffeine content. Even caffeine pills or certain medications can be dangerous if a dog gets into them.

2. Grapes and Raisins

Grapes and raisins may seem like harmless snacks, but for dogs, they can be extremely dangerous. While these fruits contain a toxin that hasn’t yet been identified, what’s clear is that ingestion can lead to sudden kidney failure. Worse yet, even small amounts can cause issues, and the reaction isn’t always predictable from one dog to the next. 

Size, sensitivity, and the amount eaten all play a role, but there isn’t a consistent “safe” threshold. Some dogs become very ill after only a few grapes or raisins, while others seem to tolerate more before showing symptoms. Because of that unpredictability, veterinarians agree it’s safest to avoid grapes and raisins altogether. 

Signs of toxicity usually show up within a few hours and almost always within a day. Vomiting is the most common early symptom, often followed by diarrhea, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, weakness, dehydration, or unusual lethargy. In more severe cases, kidney failure develops within 24 to 72 hours, which can be life-threatening.

3. Onions, Garlic, and Chives

Onions, garlic, and chives are all part of the allium family, which can be especially harmful to dogs. The toxic compounds in these foods damage red blood cells, leading to a condition called hemolytic anemia, which reduces the blood’s ability to carry oxygen, leaving dogs weak, lethargic, and struggling to breathe. 

All forms can cause problems — raw, cooked, powdered, or even in table scraps like pizza or stir fry. Garlic is sometimes thought of as “safer” than onion, but in large amounts, it can cause similar blood-related issues. 

The reaction often builds over time rather than showing up immediately. Early symptoms may include vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, or loss of appetite. As the red blood cells break down, more serious signs appear, such as pale gums, rapid breathing, dark-colored urine, jaundice, or unusual weakness. In severe cases, dogs may require hospitalization or even a blood transfusion to recover. 

Because there isn’t a safe threshold that applies to every dog, veterinarians agree the best approach is to avoid onions, garlic, and chives altogether.

4. Xylitol (Sugar-Free Sweetener)

Xylitol is an artificial sweetener that can be found in a large number of food products, such as sugar-free gum, candy, baked goods, ice cream, pudding snacks, soda, energy drinks, flavored waters, and even some brands of peanut butter, just to name a few. 

In dogs, xylitol can cause a sudden and dangerous release of insulin. This rapid spike in insulin leads to a sharp drop in blood sugar, known as hypoglycemia, which can develop within as little as 30 minutes of ingestion.

The results can be severe. Early symptoms include vomiting, weakness, or loss of coordination. If blood sugar continues to fall, dogs may experience seizures, collapse, or coma. In addition to these immediate effects, xylitol can also cause serious liver damage, which in some cases is fatal.

Because it doesn’t take much to make a dog sick — even a small amount of gum or a few licks of artificially sweetened peanut butter — veterinarians consider xylitol one of the most dangerous household toxins for dogs. The safest option is to carefully check labels and keep any sugar-free products well out of reach.

5. Alcohol and Yeast Dough

Alcohol is highly toxic to dogs, even in small amounts. And contrary to popular belief, it’s not just found in beer, wine, and liquor. It’s also present in products like mouthwash, certain perfumes, and even rotting fruit. 

Dogs can be attracted to the smell of alcoholic drinks, which makes leaving a glass unattended risky. Once consumed, alcohol depresses the nervous system and can cause vomiting, lack of coordination, difficulty breathing, and in severe cases, coma or death. 

Yeast dough poses a double danger. As it ferments, the yeast produces both alcohol and carbon dioxide. The alcohol carries the same risks as drinking beer or liquor, while the carbon dioxide causes the dough to expand inside the stomach. This can lead to painful bloating and, in extreme cases, a life-threatening condition called gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV), or bloat. 

Early signs of alcohol or yeast dough ingestion include vomiting, lethargy, and disorientation. As symptoms progress, dogs may develop low body temperature, abnormal breathing, seizures, or collapse. Because these effects can escalate quickly, any suspected ingestion of alcohol or raw dough should be treated as an emergency.

6. Avocado

While avocados are healthy for humans, they can be dangerous for dogs. The fruit, pit, and even the leaves of the avocado tree contain a toxin called persin. 

In dogs, persin can irritate the stomach and intestines, leading to vomiting and diarrhea. The high fat content of the fruit can also trigger pancreatitis, a painful and sometimes serious condition. 

The pit creates an added danger. Not only is it large enough to cause choking, but if swallowed, it can lodge in the intestines and cause a life-threatening blockage. 

While the exact toxic dose for dogs isn’t known, veterinarians recommend playing it safe and keeping avocados off the menu.

7. Stone Fruits (Cherries, Apricots, Peaches, Plums)

In stone fruits like cherries, apricots, peaches, and plums, the flesh of the fruit isn’t toxic on its own. It’s the pits, stems, and leaves which contain cyanide compounds. 

If a pit is chewed or crushed, cyanide can be released and interfere with how the body absorbs oxygen. In high enough amounts, this can be life-threatening. 

Even if the pit isn’t broken open, swallowing one whole can still be dangerous. Depending on the size of the dog, pits can cause choking or create a blockage in the intestines, which can quickly turn into a medical emergency. 

Because of both of these potential dangers, veterinarians recommend leaving stone fruits off your dog’s plate altogether.

8. Tomatoes

When it comes to tomatoes, it isn’t the ripe fruit of the tomato that’s considered toxic to dogs, but the green parts of the plant. This includes the stems, leaves, and unripe tomatoes, which contain a substance called solanine. Solanine is a glycoalkaloid that can cause stomach upset and other issues when eaten in large enough amounts. 

In dogs, solanine poisoning is rare, but it isn’t impossible. Eating green or unripe parts of the plant can cause vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, weakness, or even confusion. Because of these risks, it’s best not to share tomatoes with your dog, especially if they aren’t fully ripe.

9. Mushrooms (Especially Wild Ones)

There are thousands of mushroom species across the United States, and while most aren’t harmful, a small percentage can cause serious illness or even death. The challenge is that it’s almost impossible to tell the safe ones from the dangerous ones without expert training. The most deadly cases in dogs are linked to mushrooms from the Amanita, Galerina, and Lepiota families.

The effects of toxic mushrooms can vary. Some attack the stomach and intestines, causing vomiting and diarrhea. Others target the nervous system, leading to tremors, disorientation, seizures, or even aggression. Certain species can damage the liver or kidneys, sometimes fatally. Symptoms can show up in as little as 15 minutes, or they may take up to 24 hours to appear.

Because the risks are so high and the signs so unpredictable, veterinarians recommend treating every case of mushroom ingestion as potentially dangerous. If you see your dog eat a mushroom, contact your vet or the Pet Poison Helpline immediately for guidance.

10. Wild Berries and Rhubarb

Not all berries are bad for dogs, but some wild varieties can be risky. While safe options like blueberries and strawberries are fine in moderation, berries growing in the wild are nearly impossible to identify accurately without expertise. Because of this, veterinarians recommend keeping your dog away from any berries you can’t confirm as safe. 

Rhubarb is another plant to watch out for. Although the stalks are commonly eaten by humans, the leaves contain oxalate crystals and can be toxic to dogs. These compounds bind to calcium in their body, which can lead to a dangerous drop in blood calcium levels. In large enough amounts, rhubarb can cause vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, weakness, tremors, or even kidney problems. 

For both wild berries and rhubarb, the safest approach is prevention. Keep dogs away from unfamiliar plants, and if you suspect they’ve eaten something questionable, contact your vet right away.

11. Macadamia Nuts

Macadamia nuts are another food that can be dangerous for dogs, even in small amounts. While the exact toxin hasn’t been identified, both raw and roasted nuts, as well as macadamia butter, can make dogs sick. Symptoms often show up within 12 hours of ingestion and usually affect the muscles, digestive system, and nervous system. 

Common signs include weakness (especially in the hind legs), vomiting, tremors, lethargy, or swollen and painful limbs. Some dogs may also develop fever, stiffness, or difficulty walking. The good news is that most dogs recover within a couple of days. 

Because there’s no way to predict how much will make a dog sick, veterinarians recommend avoiding macadamia nuts entirely. Since they’re often hidden in cookies, trail mix, and baked goods, it’s best to keep these foods out of reach.

12. Fatty, Salty, and Moldy Foods

Fatty table scraps like fried foods, greasy leftovers, or meat trimmings might seem like a tasty treat for your dog, but they can actually trigger pancreatitis — a painful and sometimes serious inflammation of the pancreas. Pancreatitis can cause vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, and lethargy. 

Salt is another hidden danger. While we use it every day in cooking, too much salt can poison dogs. And it’s not just table salt that’s a risk, but also things like play-dough, rock salt used for de-icing, seawater, and even paint balls. Symptoms of salt poisoning include vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, lethargy, excessive thirst or urination, and in severe cases, tremors, seizures, or coma. 

Moldy food can be just as concerning. Bread, pasta, cheese, nuts, or composting scraps can contain mycotoxins that affect the nervous system. Dogs who eat moldy food may develop vomiting, tremors, seizures, or dangerously high body temperature. Certain molds, like those that produce aflatoxins, can even cause liver failure. 

Because these risks can escalate quickly, veterinarians recommend keeping fatty leftovers, salty items, and any spoiled or moldy food out of reach. And since most of these wind up in the trash, a secure trash can or compost bin is one of the easiest ways to prevent accidental ingestion.

13. Milk and Ice Cream

Although milk isn’t toxic in the same way as some of the other foods on this list, most adult dogs are lactose intolerant, which means they have trouble digesting lactose, the natural sugar found in milk. Eating dairy can lead to stomach upset, gas, bloating, diarrhea, or vomiting. 

Ice cream on the other hand, comes with extra concerns. Beyond the lactose, it’s often high in fat and sugar, which can contribute to pancreatitis or obesity over time. And depending on the flavor, ice cream may contain chocolate, xylitol, or other ingredients that are toxic to dogs. 

While a small lick of plain vanilla probably won’t hurt most dogs, veterinarians recommend avoiding milk and ice cream altogether. Safer options include dog-specific frozen treats or simple alternatives like plain frozen bananas.

14. Raw or Undercooked Meat and Bones

Feeding raw or undercooked meat might sound more “natural,” but it comes with serious risks. Raw meat, poultry, fish, and eggs can carry dangerous bacteria like Salmonella, E. coli, and Listeria. 

These pathogens can cause vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, or fever in dogs. Even if your dog doesn’t show symptoms, they can still spread harmful bacteria to other pets and even people in your home. 

Bones are another hazard. Cooked bones can splinter and cause choking, broken teeth, or life-threatening blockages and tears in the digestive tract. While raw bones may be less likely to splinter, they still carry the risk of breaking teeth, causing obstructions, or spreading bacteria. 

Because of these dangers, veterinarians recommend sticking to properly cooked proteins and avoiding giving dogs bones from the table. If you want to give your dog something to chew on, choose safe alternatives made specifically for dogs.

15. Star Fruit

Similar to rhubarb, star fruit contains soluble oxalates — compounds that bind with calcium in the body and can cause blood calcium levels to drop suddenly. 

In dogs, this can lead to drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, weakness, tremors, or changes in thirst and urination. In large enough amounts, star fruit has even been linked to kidney problems and, in rare cases, acute renal failure. 

Because even small amounts can cause problems, veterinarians agree it’s best to avoid giving star fruit to dogs altogether.

Signs Your Dog May Have Eaten Something Toxic

When a dog eats something they shouldn’t, the signs aren’t always immediate or obvious. Symptoms can vary depending on what was eaten, how much, and your dog’s size, but there are some common red flags to watch for. 

Early warning signs can include:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Bloody stool
• Excessive drooling
• Loss of appetite
• Unusual thirst
• Hyperactivity
• Restlessness, lethargy, or changes in behavior (like pacing, whining, or hiding) 

More serious symptoms may include:

• Tremors or seizures
• Irregular heartbeats
• Breathing problems
• Sudden weakness or collapse 

In some cases, these signs may develop within minutes, and in others they can take several hours to appear. Because the severity and timing can vary so much, any sudden or unexplained change in your dog’s health or behavior after possible exposure should be taken seriously.

Just as with plant toxicity in dogs, knowing the signs early can make all the difference in keeping your pup safe.

Human Foods that Are Safe for Your Dog to Eat

While there are numerous foods that are toxic to dogs, not everything in the kitchen is off-limits. In fact, some human foods can be healthy, safe treats for your dog when given in moderation. 

Unless your dog has dietary restrictions, it’s perfectly fine to offer the occasional snack or treat. The key is moderation. Treats of any kind should make up no more than about 10% of their daily calories. Since dogs are usually much smaller than we are, those extra bites can add up quickly. 

Some safe options include: 

Veggies

• Broccoli
• Carrot sticks
• Cauliflower
• Celery
• Green beans
• Pumpkin (cooked) 

Fruits

• Apple slices (no seeds)
• Bananas
• Blueberries
• Cantaloupe (small pieces)
• Cucumbers
• Kiwi
• Mangoes
• Strawberries
• Watermelon (small pieces)

Proteins & Grains

• Lean meats like skinless chicken or turkey breast (cooked and cooled)
• Pasta (cooked and small pieces)
• Peanut butter (xylitol-free and small amounts)
• Plain O-type cereal
• Popcorn (plain, air-popped, unsalted, unbuttered) 

These options can make for a great low-calorie treat or healthy add-on to your dog’s regular food. 

As with anything new, start small and see how your dog reacts, since even safe foods can cause stomach upset in some dogs. And when in doubt, always check with your veterinarian before adding something new to your dog’s diet.

What to Do If You Suspect Your Dog Ate Something Toxic

Even though some human foods are safe, dogs are quick to grab what they shouldn’t. Which means accidents can still happen. 

If you suspect your dog ate something toxic, don’t wait. Even if symptoms haven’t appeared yet, call your veterinarian right away. Early intervention is critical and can make all the difference.

If your vet isn’t available, contact an emergency animal hospital or one of these 24/7 poison control hotlines: 

• Pet Poison Helpline: (855) 764-7661
• ASPCA Poison Control: (888) 426-4435

Be ready to share details such as what your dog ate, how much, and when. Additionally, don’t try home remedies (like inducing vomiting with salt) unless a professional specifically instructs you to do so. In some cases, they can actually make the situation worse. 

If your dog is already showing severe symptoms such as seizures, collapse, or difficulty breathing, skip the phone call and go straight to the nearest emergency vet clinic.

Final Thoughts

Knowing what foods are toxic to dogs, and which ones are safe in moderation is one of the simplest ways to protect your pup’s health. If your dog ever eats something questionable, don’t wait to see what happens. Call your vet or a poison control hotline right away. Acting quickly can often make all the difference. 

If you found this guide helpful, consider sharing. The more awareness we spread about common household dangers, the safer we can keep our four-legged family members.