What Can Dogs Not Eat? 10 Foods That Are Toxic to Dogs

Dogs are opportunists and eat almost any food that drops on the floor, but not all foods are pet-friendly. So, what can dogs not eat? 

While many foods are safe for dogs, chocolate, grapes, salty foods, and xylitol can be life-threatening for your furry friend.

Discover the human foods dogs can and can’t have and what to do if your dog eats something it shouldn’t.

10 foods dogs can’t eat?

Dogs will eat any food that arouses their senses, and some dogs will even swallow objects such as toys, socks, and sticks if left unattended.

In addition to the list below, many other common household foods can be harmful to dogs, and it's best to always check with your vet before feeding your dog new foods.

Here are ten toxic foods to keep out of your dog’s reach. 

1. Chocolate

Chocolate contains caffeine and theobromine, a compound found in cacao beans that can’t be metabolized by dogs. 

Baker’s chocolate, cocoa drink mixes, cacao powder, and dark chocolate are the most poisonous, as these contain more concentrated levels of theobromine than milk or white chocolate.

Chocolate toxicity can affect dogs' nervous, cardiovascular, and respiratory systems, leading to vomiting, excessive thirst, and panting. Severe poisoning can lead to seizures, heart palpitations, heart attacks, and even death.  

2. Salty foods

According to the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), sodium is a required nutrient for puppies and adult dogs. However, too much salt can cause hypernatremia, which is characterized by excessive sodium concentrations in the bloodstream. 

Greater than 2 to 4 grams of salt per kilogram of bodyweight has been shown to elevate sodium blood levels in dogs, leading to tremors, fever, and potentially brain swelling.

Processed meats, canned soups, salty snacks, ready-made gravy, and common condiments are often packed with salt and unsuitable for your furry friends. 

3. Avocados

The leaves, skins, and pits of avocados contain persin, a natural fungicide poisonous to cattle, cats, horses, rabbits, birds, and dogs.

A study published in Interdisciplinary Toxicology found that “Avocados will trigger fluid accumulation in the lungs and chest, leading to difficulty breathing and death due to oxygen deprivation. Fluid accumulation can also occur in the heart, pancreas, and abdomen.”

Researchers also determined that avocados' high-fat content can cause canine pancreatitis, associated with abdominal pain, swelling, and inflammation.

4. Caffeine

A dog’s digestive system rapidly absorbs caffeine, which causes an increased pulse rate, arrhythmias, hyperactivity, irritability, seizures, and death in large doses.

A study published in the Journal of Medical Toxicology found that a lethal dose of caffeine in canines appears to be between 120 and 200 milligrams per kilogram of weight.  

Ensure your dog can’t access caffeinated foods and beverages, including coffee and energy drinks, and has access to plenty of fresh water to avoid accidental caffeine poisoning.

5. Uncooked dough

While baked bread is generally considered safe for dogs to eat occasionally, don’t let your dog eat uncooked bread dough. 

Bread dough contains yeast, which can undergo fermentation in the dog’s stomach, releasing gasses and ethanol. This can lead to abdominal gas and bloating, difficulty breathing, weakness, and alcohol poisoning, which can be fatal for dogs.

6. Xylitol

Xylitol is an alternative sugar derived from birch bark. Though used as a low-glycemic sweetener for baked goods, gum, nut butter, and other human products, xylitol is bad for dogs.

“Xylitol isn’t hazardous for humans, but dogs have a very different metabolism,” explains Dr. Berg. “This sugar alternative can trigger excessive insulin release that can drop your dog’s blood sugar to dangerously low levels.”

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), signs of xylitol poisoning in dogs occur between 15 and 30 minutes after ingestion and include vomiting, difficulty standing or walking, seizures, coma, liver failure, and death.

7. Garlic, onions, and chives

Garlic, onions, and chives are rich sources of a sulfur-containing compound called thiosulfate that can damage a dog’s red blood cells and cause anemia.

Anemia is a condition characterized by the body’s inability to produce enough red blood cells. In dogs, it causes pale gums, weakness, rapid breathing, and digestive upset.

These vegetables are toxic to dogs in all forms, including raw, cooked, and dried. Certain breeds, including the Akita, Shiba Inu, and Japanese Chin, are especially susceptible to thiosulfate poisoning.

8. Fruit seeds

Many pits and seeds from fruits like apples, cherries, apricots, and peaches contain cyanide. 

Cyanide is a chemical that can be poisonous when consumed in large amounts and causes an upset stomach, shallow breathing, red gums, and convulsions in dogs. 

Fruit seeds are also a choking hazard and can’t be digested, which may lead to blockages in the intestinal tract.

9. Alcohol

Excessive alcohol intake can cause heart, brain, and liver damage in humans, though small amounts are generally considered safe. However, dogs can experience alcohol poisoning even when consuming very small amounts of alcohol.

Alcohol poisoning is typically caused by dogs drinking unattended alcoholic beverages or eating alcoholic candies and desserts, which can lead to lethargy, stumbling, vomiting, low body temperature, and increased thirst.

10. Grapes and raisins

Though they seem like a healthy food, grapes and raisins are extremely toxic to dogs. 

The source of grapes’ toxicity is unknown, though even a handful of these small fruits can cause symptoms such as extreme thirst, vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy. 

Exposure can lead to kidney damage, organ failure, and death, so dog owners should prevent access to fruit bowls, baked goods, jams, trail mixes, or other foods that contain grapes or raisins.

Watch the video below to learn more about foods that are toxic for dogs.

Signs of food poisoning in dogs

Depending on what your dog ingested, symptoms can begin immediately or within 72 hours of consuming a toxic food.

Signs of food poisoning include:

• Lethargy

• Dizziness

• Vomiting

• Mouth foaming or salivation

• Diarrhea or bloody stool

• Severe thirst

• Uncontrolled or bloody urine

• Loss of appetite

• Excessive panting

In severe cases, food-related toxicity can cause seizures, tremors, heart palpitations, and death. 

6 human foods dogs can safely enjoy, too

Though dangerous foods can cause sickness and even death in dogs, many human foods are safe and can be used as an occasional snack to enrich your dog’s diet and provide variety.

Here are six people foods dogs can eat in moderation.

1. Lean meats

Meats such as cooked chicken, lean beef cuts, and turkey are a safe and tasty treat naturally found in a wild dog’s diet. 

However, avoid feeding your dog fatty or raw meat, which can contain bacteria and cause pancreatitis in modern dogs. 

Additionally, don’t feed your dog processed meats, including bacon and hot dogs, which are high in sodium and typically contain unhealthy preservatives and artificial ingredients. 

It’s also important to remember never to feed a dog bones, as they can splinter and become a choking hazard.

2. Plain white rice

White rice is another human food safe for dogs, and it’s often used as a main ingredient in commercial dog foods. 

Many veterinarians recommend plain white rice for dogs with upset or sensitive stomachs because it’s bland and easy to digest.

3. Fruits and vegetables

Fruits and vegetables can be refreshing, nutritious, and tasty treats, and most dogs enjoy their flavor and crunch.

Here are fruits and vegetables that dogs can eat:

• Apples (without the core)

• Bananas

• Blueberries

• Strawberries

• Broccoli

• Carrots

• Cucumbers

• Green beans

• Sweet potatoes 

• Fresh or frozen peas

• Pumpkin

4. Peanut butter

Peanut butter is commonly used in many dog foods and treats. It’s rich in fats and protein, making it a healthy snack for your pet. 

However, ensure you feed your dog unsalted peanut butter, and check it doesn’t contain added sweeteners such as xylitol, which is deadly for dogs. 

While natural peanut butter is safe for your furry friend, avoid feeding your dog nuts or nut butters, such as macadamia nuts, almonds, pistachios, and Brazil nuts. 

5. Cooked eggs

Eggs are a highly nutritious food for dogs and contain healthy fats, protein, and an almost complete nutrition profile, including vitamins A and B12, folate, iron, and selenium.

These nutrients promote general wellness, healthy skin, and a shiny coat. However, avoid feeding your dog raw eggs, as they may contain harmful bacteria such as salmonella, which can make your dog sick.

6. Cheese

Cheese is often used in positive reinforcement training. In small quantities, cheese can be a healthy treat, as it contains nutrients such as vitamin A, B vitamins, and calcium.

However, not all milk and dairy products are safe, and many dogs are lactose intolerant and can’t easily digest milk. 

Cheese is high in fat, which can lead to obesity in already overweight dogs. It’s best to opt for mozzarella, goat’s cheese, and cottage cheese, as these are low-fat and low-lactose options that are safe for dogs.

What to do if your dog eats something they shouldn’t

If you suspect your dog has eaten something they shouldn’t, contact your vet immediately. In minor cases, they may be able to offer advice over the phone.

In case after-hours calls are unavailable, contact the Pet Poison Helpline or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control number for help. 

If you notice signs of food poisoning, such as lethargy, vomiting, foaming at the mouth, or diarrhea, take your dog immediately to the nearest emergency vet clinic for treatment. 

Never attempt to treat your dog without veterinary advice, as at-home remedies may worsen poisoning symptoms and harm your dog. 

Key takeaways

Pet owners enjoy spoiling their dogs with human foods, but some of them can make dogs sick. So, what can dogs not eat? 

Chocolate, grapes, alcohol, and xylitol are poisonous and can even be fatal. Additionally, garlic, onions, uncooked dough, avocados, and excess salt can lead to toxicity.

However, in moderation, dogs can safely be fed lean meats, boiled white rice, peanut butter, low-fat cheeses, cooked eggs, and certain fruits and vegetables.

FAQ

1. What foods can’t dogs eat?

Chocolate, xylitol, garlic, onions, and grapes are among the most toxic foods for dogs. 

Additionally, avoid feeding your dog avocados, alcoholic beverages or foods, caffeine, fruit seeds, and macadamia nuts, as these are all toxic for dogs.

2. What meats should dogs avoid?

While bacon and processed meats such as hot dogs and deli meat shouldn’t be given to dogs because they’re high in sodium, lean beef, pork, chicken, and fish without bones are safe for dogs. 

However, never feed your dog raw or undercooked meat, as it may contain harmful bacteria that can cause food poisoning and pancreatitis.

3. What fruit is poisonous to dogs?

Grapes, raisins, and avocados are toxic to dogs. Similarly, fruits with pits and seeds, such as cherries, apricots, and plums, shouldn’t be given to dogs due to the cyanide content in the seeds.

While apples are safe for dogs, apple seeds also contain cyanide, and it’s important to remove the core before feeding apples to your dog.

4. What vegetables can dogs not eat?

Onions, chives, and garlic contain sulfur compounds that are poisonous to dogs. Raw potatoes and unripe tomatoes should also be avoided, as they contain solanine, a toxin that can cause digestive distress.

5. Is it ever okay to give dogs human food?

Yes, dogs can have a range of human foods, including lean meat, white rice, and some fruits and vegetables, such as cored apples, green beans, and carrots. 

Dogs can also safely eat cheese, though too much can lead to weight gain. Always check with your veterinarian before introducing new foods to your dog’s diet. 

Sources

1. https://www.aafco.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/ 

2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2984110/ 

3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3550263/ 

4. https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/paws-xylitol-its-dangerous-dogs 

5. https://www.petpoisonhelpline.com/ 

6. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control?