When our dogs look up at us with those puppy dog eyes, it’s tempting to share our food with them. After all, how can we say no to those faces? But what many pup owners don’t realize is that the most harmful foods for dogs are the very same treats we enjoy every day.
From chocolate to grapes, to avocados and citrus fruits, even small amounts of these foods can cause serious health issues or even worse for our furry friends.
While it’s natural to want to feed our dogs everything nice, it’s important to know the list of harmful dog foods, why they’re dangerous, and how to act if they eat something that they shouldn’t.
Table of Contents
20 Human Foods Harmful To Dogs
It’s surprising how many common foods we eat every day can be harmful to dogs. From toxic compounds to choking risks, these foods can cause serious health issues. Here’s a quick table and list of harmful dog foods, the toxins involved, and the symptoms they may cause:
| Food | Toxic Compound | Symptoms of Poisoning |
| Chocolate | Theobromine & caffeine | Vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, death |
| Grapes/Raisins | Unknown toxin | Kidney failure, lethargy, vomiting |
| Onions/Garlic | Thiosulfates | Anemia, weakness, pale gums, collapse |
| Xylitol | Artificial sweetener | Hypoglycemia, liver failure, seizures |
| Alcohol | Ethanol | Vomiting, disorientation, coma |
| Caffeine | Methylxanthines | Rapid heart rate, tremors, death |
| Avocado | Persin (in pit/skin) | Vomiting, diarrhea, pancreatitis |
| Macadamia Nuts | Unknown toxin | Weakness, tremors, hyperthermia |
| Cooked Bones | Splintering risk | Choking, intestinal tears, blockages |
| Raw Dough/Yeast | Ethanol (fermentation) | Bloating, alcohol poisoning, organ failure |
| Salt | Sodium ion poisoning | Excessive thirst, seizures, death |
| Fatty Foods | High-fat content | Pancreatitis, vomiting, diarrhea |
| Citrus (Peels) | Psoralens & essential oils | Vomiting, depression, photosensitivity |
| Mushrooms | Toxins (varies by species) | Organ failure, seizures, coma |
| Hops | Unknown compound | Malignant hyperthermia, panting, death |
| Nutmeg | Myristicin | Hallucinations, seizures, tremors |
| Rhubarb Leaves | Oxalates | Kidney failure, drooling, weakness |
| Tomato Plants | Solanine (stems/leaves) | GI upset, lethargy, heart issues |
| Walnuts | Mold (tremorgenic toxins) | Seizures, vomiting, tremors |
| Corn on the Cob | Choking hazard | Intestinal blockage, surgery required |
These foods might seem harmless, but even small amounts can have serious effects on your dog’s health. Make sure everyone in your house is aware of these dangers and keep harmful foods out of reach.
Fruits Harmful for Dogs
Fruits are often seen as healthy and while some fruits make great treats, others can be harmful or toxic. Here are some fruits you should never give your dog. Keeping this list in mind can prevent accidental exposure.
Grapes and Raisins
Grapes and raisins are among the most toxic foods for dogs. The exact toxin is still unknown, but even a small amount can cause kidney failure. Common symptoms include vomiting, laziness and loss of appetite.
Avocados
Avocados contain a toxin called persin, which is found in the skin, pit, and flesh. While the flesh is less toxic, it can still lead to vomiting, diarrhea, and pancreatitis. Also the pit of avocado gives the risk of choking.
Citrus Fruits
Oranges, lemons, and limes aren’t toxic in small amounts, but their peels and seeds contain essential oils that can upset your dog’s stomach. Large quantities can cause vomiting, depression, and even photosensitivity.
Cherries
Cherries are risky due to the cyanide in their pits and stems. Eating cherries can cause difficulty breathing, dilated pupils, and even shock. While the flesh isn’t harmful, the potential risks make it better to avoid cherries altogether.
If you’re unsure about a specific fruit, it’s safer to avoid it and stick to options like apples (without seeds), blueberries, or bananas.
Vegetables Harmful for Dogs
It may be your first time hearing that vegetables can be harmful but yes, some of them can be for dogs. Knowing which vegetables to avoid is important to keep your pup healthy.
Onions and Garlic
Onions and garlic are some of the most dangerous vegetables for dogs. They contain thiosulfates, which damage red blood cells and lead to anemia. Symptoms include weakness, pale gums, and lethargy. Even onion or garlic powder in processed foods can be harmful, so it’s best to avoid them entirely.
Mushrooms
Not all mushrooms are safe for dogs. Store-bought varieties are usually fine, but wild mushrooms can be extremely toxic. They contain toxins that may cause organ failure, seizures, or even death.
Tomato Plants
The stems and leaves of tomato plants contain solanine, a toxic compound. This can lead to gastrointestinal upset, lethargy, and heart issues. While ripe tomatoes are generally safe, they should only be given in moderation.
Rhubarb Leaves
Rhubarb leaves are highly toxic due to their oxalate content, which can interfere with calcium absorption and cause kidney failure. Symptoms include drooling, tremors, and weakness.
Corn on the Cob
While corn itself isn’t toxic, the cob can be a severe choking hazard and cause intestinal blockages. Dogs often chew but don’t fully digest cobs, leading to emergencies requiring surgery
Remember, the most harmful foods for dogs aren’t always obvious, so it’s better to err on the side of caution.
Is Cat Food Harmful for Dogs?
It might seem harmless to let your dog nibble on cat food, especially if you have both pets at home. However, cat food is not suitable for dogs in the long run.
Cat food is specifically designed to meet the nutritional needs of cats, which are very different from those of dogs. It’s higher in protein and fat, which can lead to obesity, pancreatitis, or an upset stomach in dogs. Regular consumption of cat food can also cause nutritional imbalances since dogs won’t get the vitamins and nutrients they need.
In small amounts, cat food is unlikely to cause serious harm, but it’s best to keep it out of reach. Always stick to dog food that’s made for their unique dietary requirements.
What to Do If Your Dog Eats Harmful Food
Accidents happen, and even the most careful dog owners might find their pup has eaten something they shouldn’t. In such scenario
- Stay calm: Panicking won’t help and can make it harder for you to act quickly.
- Assess the situation: Try to determine what and how much your dog ate. This information will help your vet.
- Look for symptoms: Watch for signs like vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, tremors, or seizures. In many cases symptoms take time to appear.
- Contact your vet: It’s best to take professional advice to avoid any big problem. Contact your trusted vet and they will guide you on next steps accordingly.
- Avoid inducing vomiting unless instructed: Vomiting can sometimes make things worse, depending on what was ingested.
Knowing the most harmful foods for dogs and quick action can help to protect your dog in these situations.
FAQs
Is Xylitol Dangerous for Dogs?
Yes, xylitol is extremely dangerous for dogs. It’s an artificial sweetener and even a small amount can be very toxic. The best approach is to check food labels and not feed anything xylitol related to your dog.
Can Dogs Eat Grapes or Raisins?
No, dogs should never eat grapes or raisins as they are highly toxic. Common symptoms that incur if your dog ingests these are vomiting, lethargy, and loss of appetite.
Can Dogs Eat Onions or Garlic?
No, onions and garlic are harmful to dogs. The common toxic ingredient is thiosulfate, which damages red blood cells and causes anemia. Symptoms include weakness, pale gums, and collapse.
Is Cat Food Really That Bad for Dogs?
While a small nibble of cat food won’t hurt your dog, it’s not healthy for them to eat regularly. Cat food is too high in protein and fat for dogs, which can lead to obesity and digestive issues.