17 foods poisonous to dogs

You might sometimes be tempted to share a snack with your dog, but certain foods can be poisonous. Find out what toxic foods for dogs you need to avoid.

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Is garlic poisonous to dogs? What about raisins, avocados or even bread dough? Some dogs are opportunists and won’t hesitate to help themselves to something they shouldn’t. Here are some foods you should always keep out of reach.

What can dogs not eat?

1. Chocolate

Most dog owners know that chocolate is one of the most poisonous foods for dogs. That’s because it contains theobromine, a chemical that a dog’s digestive system can’t break down. Symptoms usually start six to 12 hours after a dog has eaten chocolate. Some dogs may not be seriously affected, while others can develop severe symptoms including seizures.

If your dog eats any chocolate, it’s always best to contact your vet. The severity of symptoms depends on your dog’s size, plus the type and quantity of chocolate. The darker the chocolate, the more theobromine it contains, so the higher the risk. Your vet will use a toxicity calculator to determine if your dog needs treatment.

2. Caffeine

Caffeinated drinks contain methylxanthines, which can cause vomiting and diarrhoea if consumed by dogs. In severe cases, they can also cause an irregular heartbeat, seizures and breathing difficulties.

Coffee is the most obvious source of caffeine, but be aware of energy drinks that contain caffeine, and coffee grounds if they’re not disposed of carefully.

3. Grapes, raisins and sultanas

These all contain an unidentified toxin that can cause kidney failure. While grapes are dangerous and should always be avoided, dried fruits like raisins, sultanas and currants are more toxic. Eating even a small amount of these can cause kidney failure in dogs.

4. Macadamia nuts

The high fat content of macadamia nuts makes them extremely dangerous for dogs. Symptoms of macadamia nut poisoning include vomiting, diarrhoea and lack of coordination. Always keep these nuts out of reach and avoid eating them when your dog is nearby. If you think your dog ate some accidentally, always speak to your vet for advice.

5. Onions

Are onions poisonous to dogs? Yes – any plant from the allium family should never be fed to dogs. In addition to onions, this includes garlic, shallots, chives and leeks. These all contain thiosulphates, sulphoxides and disulphides, which can damage your dog’s red blood cells and cause anaemia. Powdered garlic and onion also contain these but in lower doses.

Symptoms to look out for include rapid breathing, pale gums, jaundice, weakness and dark urine. Alliums should be kept away from all dogs, but some breeds, including Akitas and Shiba Inus, are particularly susceptible to the effects.

6. Cat food

While a small amount of cat food now and again won’t cause your dog harm, they shouldn’t eat it regularly. Cat food contains much higher levels of protein than dog food and over time, eating cat food regularly can cause liver and kidney problems.

7. Alcohol

If your dog consumes anything containing alcohol, it can lead to sickness, diarrhoea and even nervous system damage. This doesn’t just include alcoholic drinks but also extends to other products containing alcohol, like mouthwash and perfume. 

8. Fruit seeds and pits

Some dogs enjoy chewing on a piece of fruit – but always remove any seeds or pits first. The seeds and pits of apples, apricots, plums and cherries contain cyanide, which in large doses can cause vomiting, an irregular heartbeat and possibly seizures. While the levels of cyanide in fruit seeds and pits are low, it’s safest to avoid feeding this part of the fruit to your dog.

9. Nutmeg and mace

This might taste good to us, but both these spices contain myristicin, a chemical that can cause high blood pressure, abdominal pain and an increased heartbeat in dogs. The effects can be more serious in smaller dogs, or if a dog eats a large amount of nutmeg or mace. Severe symptoms include disorientation, seizures, hallucinations and lack of coordination. 

10. Fatty foods

While that leftover meat might look tasty to your dog, avoid feeding them fatty cuts. Eating excessive fat can cause pancreatitis in dogs, which can be life-threatening.

11. Avocado

Avocados might be a superfood for us, but they contain persin, a substance that’s toxic for dogs. Eating avocados can cause vomiting, diarrhoea and even heart and lung issues. They can also cause fluid to accumulate in a dog’s lungs and chest, causing breathing difficulties. 

12. Lactose

Many dogs are lactose-intolerant so should avoid any products containing cow or goat milk. Signs of lactose intolerance include diarrhoea, bloating and abdominal discomfort.

13. Mushrooms

There are lots of different varieties of fungi found in the UK and while some are edible, others can be poisonous to dogs. Eating these may result in anything from a minor gastrointestinal upset like vomiting, to serious problems like liver failure.

14. Bread dough

If your dog eats unbaked bread dough, this continues to ferment and expand in their stomach. This can cause bloat, but also poisoning from the fermentation process.

15. Vitamin D

Vitamin D is often found in human vitamin supplements, including cod liver oil capsules. But high doses of this vitamin can cause serious issues for your dog, including kidney failure.

16. Xylitol

This artificial sweetener is found in sugar-free sweets, chewing gum and some types of toothpaste and mouthwash. It’s also sometimes used as a sweetener in peanut butter. If your dog eats anything containing xylitol, they can become hypoglycaemic, which can lead to liver failure and blood-clotting issues.

17. Fat balls

The birds in your garden might love eating fat balls, but keep them out of reach of your dog! Their fat content makes them very appealing to dogs, but high levels of fat can cause pancreatitis. 

Other food and non-food items to avoid

While this isn’t an exhaustive list, you should also avoid allowing your dog to eat:

• Spicy food
• Salty food
• Cooked bones
• Foods high in salt
• Coconut or coconut oil
• Citrus fruits, stems and leaves
• Fruits and berries found on your walks

There’s also plenty of non-food items that can cause your dog or puppy harm if they ingest them, including:

• Batteries
• String
• Electrical cables
• Baby dummies
• E-cigarettes
• Herbicides and insecticides
• Rodenticides
• Cleaning products
• Antifreeze
• Human medications
• Slug pellets
• Plants in your house and garden

A general rule of thumb is to keep all human foods out of reach and make sure your dog can’t access any non-food items that could cause them harm.

If you suspect your dog has eaten something they shouldn't, or you spot any signs of poisoning, speak to your vet as soon as possible. Making sure you have dog insurance can also help cover the cost of any emergency treatment.