This post may contain links to products/services. Please assume all such links are affiliate links which may result in my earning commissions and fees. and As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.This will not incur additional cost to you.
As dog owners, we love when we can share our food with our four-legged friends, but there are lots of human foods that can cause serious medical problems for dogs.
Foods that are healthy for us, can be potentially life threatening for our pets.
Here we list 27 foods that are dangerous or toxic to dogs.
1. Onions
Onions (and also garlic) contain the toxic ingredient Thiosulphate. Onions are more of a danger as the content of this toxin is much higher.
Many dog biscuits contain *small* amounts of garlic – which can be beneficial to digestion in small and occasional amounts.
The danger is the toxin building up in the system and causing serious medical problems. One large dose or repeated frequent consumption of small amounts can be dangerous.
2. Chocolate
Chocolate contains Theobromine, a compound from the cacao plant that is a cardiac stimulant and a diuretic.
This can be fatal to dogs. It can cause an increase in heart rate or an irregular heart rate, as well as causing excessive urination. The higher the percentage of cocoa, the more Theobromine is present.
3. Grapes
Excessive consumption of grapes can lead to toxicity, which is very dangerous.
It can cause acute (sudden) kidney failure and a reduction or complete lack of urine production.
It is not yet known what the toxin is, but it is believed to be found in the flesh of grapes, so seedless or peeled grapes are still dangerous.
4. Raisins
Raisins are dried grapes, so they have the same effect on dogs as grapes do. The drying process does not appear reduce the toxin that is dangerous to dogs.
5. Fruit Pits and Seeds
Fruit pits (stones) and seeds contain Cyanogenic Glycosides.
These are naturally occurring toxins produced by thousands of plants, including many eaten by humans. Ingesting too much can result in cyanide poisoning.
The worst fruits are apples and apricots, but any food or plant that produces these toxins will be dangerous to dogs if eaten.
Generally, the flesh of these foods is safe to eat as the toxin is only found in the seeds or pit.
6. Macadamia Nuts:
The toxin in Macadamia nuts that affects dogs is not currently known.
Generally, side effects occur after ingesting 2.4g of nuts per kilogram of body weight.
Although the effects of eating the nuts can be serious, most dogs will recover within 48 hours.
7. Cooked Bones
Chicken bones are the most dangerous for dogs. The cooking process dries the bones, causing them to splinter.
They can easily become lodged in a dog’s throat or cause internal bleeding in the stomach or intestine.
Raw meaty bones are safe for dogs and are high in natural proteins and calcium which support healthy growth, but dogs should be supervised when eating them.
8. Potato Peelings and Green Potatoes
Potatoes contain oxalates, which can cause oxalate stones to form in the bladder or kidneys.
This can lead to painful urination and infections or the inability to pass urine, which can be life-threatening.
9. Rhubarb leaves:
The leaves of a rhubarb plant are considered inedible due to their high oxalic acid content.
Like potatoes, the oxalic acid in rhubarb leaves can cause kidney and bladder problems and may be fatal if eaten in large amounts or consumed regularly in small amounts.
10. Broccoli
In small amounts, broccoli is not only safe, but healthy food to add occasionally to your dog’s diet.
The floret portion of broccoli contains isothiocyanates, which can cause an upset stomach. Broccoli is also high in fiber, which dogs are not good at digesting.
11. Green Tomatoes or Green Potatoes:
As with ordinary potatoes, green tomatoes and potatoes contain oxalates, which can cause serious medical problems with kidneys and the bladder.
The oxalic acid can cause the formation of oxalate stones that block urine passage and is very painful. The inability to pass urine can be fatal if left untreated.
12. Yeast
Raw bread dough is incredibly dangerous. When the dog ingests the dough, the combination of body temperature and stomach acids will activate the yeast, causing the dough to expand.
This can cause stomach distention, which leads to bloat. Bloat is a condition where the stomach swells due to gas build-up and the stomach will twist on itself. This cuts of blood flow which is incredibly dangerous.
There is also a risk of the stomach lining rupturing and causing internal bleeding. As the yeast ferments, ethanol in the blood will increase and can become toxic very quickly.
13. Coffee, Coffee Grounds, Tea, Soft Drinks
Coffee, tea, & most soft drinks are dangerous due to the caffeine content. Caffeine is a stimulant which causes an increase in heart rate or an irregular heart rate.
This can be fatal, especially for puppies, older dogs or those suffering from other medical conditions. Coffee also contains Theobromine, which is also dangerous for dogs if ingested.
14. Beer/Wine/Alcohol
Alcohol of any kind is incredibly dangerous for dogs. Alcohol causes blood sugar levels to drop, which can lead to seizures and collapse. Alcohol can also increase the acidity of the blood, causing cardiac arrest.
Dogs that have to ingest the poisonous amount of alcohol will start to show the effects within 30 to 60 minutes. The sign and symptoms can be mild to severe that can be life-threatening for dogs
Dogs that have to ingest the poisonous amount of alcohol will start to show the effects within 30 to 60 minutes.
The sign and symptoms can be mild to severe that can be life-threatening for dogs..
The following signs show in alcohol toxicity.
- Vomiting
- Loss of body control
- Ataxia
- Excessive vomiting leads to dehydration
- Difficulty in breathing
- Loss of consciousness
- Slow heart rate
- Seizure
- Abnormal heart rhythm
15. Human Vitamins
Human vitamins, especially those containing iron, can cause damage to the lining of the digestive system, as well as cause kidney and liver damage.
The only supplements that dogs are safe with are fish oil, although the liquid form is much better.
Fish oil is good for maintaining skin elasticity and strong hair follicles.
If you’re thinking about getting Dog Vitamins.
This article which is about the Best vitamins for a French bulldog can help you choose the right Vitamins for your dog.
16. Moldy or Spoiled Food
The mold found on food can cause severe food poisoning. Mold also contains mycotoxins which can lead to neurological problems if ingested in large quantities.
17. Persimmons
Persimmons have a pit (stone) in the center which can cause intestinal blockage.
The stone also contains cyanogenic glycosides, which can lead to cyanide poisoning. Persimmons are also a natural laxative, so eating too many can cause diarrhea.
18. Raw Eggs and Raw Fish
Raw eggs and some raw fish can cause Salmonella poisoning, which can be fatal for dogs.
Eggs contain lots of beneficial nutrients, so you must make sure your eggs are fresh if you are feeding them to your dog.
19. Salt, Baking Soda, Baking Powder:
In large amounts these ingredients can cause an electrolyte imbalance.
This can lead to a whole host of medical issues including muscle spasms or even congestive heart failure.
20. Mushrooms:
The mushrooms we use in cooking are generally safe for dogs to eat in small amounts, but wild-growing mushrooms can be highly toxic.
You must be careful, especially in wooded areas, as these mushrooms can be fatal if ingested.
If your dog has eaten a mushroom, do not wait and contact a veterinarian immediately.
The common symptoms due to mushroom toxicity are as following,
- Lethargy
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
- Seizure
- Vomiting
- Jaundice
- Coma
- Death
21. Sugar-Free Foods:
Sugar-free foods are great for diabetic people, but a serious threat to dogs. Sugar-free foods containing Xylitol have been found to cause liver failure in some dogs.
Dogs process xylitol much quicker than humans do. As xylitol is processed through the digestive tract, it triggers the body to release large amounts of insulin.
This causes a drop in blood sugar and can be fatal in as little as 30 minutes.
22. Nutmeg
Nutmeg contains a compound called Myristicin, which is toxic to dogs. If eaten in large amounts, the toxin can cause tremors, seizures, severe abdominal pain, an increase in heart rate and central nervous system damage.
The amounts would have to be quite large to have such serious effects, but the symptoms should pass within 12-48 hours.
23. Excessive Fatty Foods:
Dogs only require a small amount of natural fat in their diet. Excess fatty foods can cause medical issues such as Pancreatitis.
This is a condition that causes the pancreas to become inflamed. This is a very painful condition that often causes vomiting and loss of appetite.
24. Avocado:
The pit (stone) of an Avocado is dangerous to dogs due to its large size. It can easily become a choking hazard.
The pit can also cause cyanide poisoning. The skin, bark and leaves of an avocado plant contain an anti-fungal compound called Persin. This can cause stomach upset and vomiting, but only in very large quantities.
The flesh or pulp of an avocado is not toxic to dogs, but it can cause pancreatitis, especially in breeds that are already susceptible to developing the condition.
25. Dairy Products
Dairy products are not toxic or dangerous to dogs, but many dairy product have high fat content.
This can lead to pancreatitis if eaten in large amounts. If your dog is lactose intolerant, then he may also suffer digestive issues after consuming dairy products.
26. Hops
The hops used to brew beer can be incredibly dangerous to dogs.
When ingested, hops can cause a sudden increase in body temperature, which can be fatal if not treated quickly. Other symptoms include elevated heart rate, severe panting and vomiting.
27. Gum:
Just like sugar-free foods, gum contains xylitol, which can be dangerous for dogs due to the increased production of insulin. If only a small amount is ingested, it may only cause mild vomiting, but you should still seek veterinary advice.
Wrapping up
If you are not sure about feeding your dog, please consult with your veterinarian.
The best way to prevent toxicity is to avoid human food which mentioned.
You always offered your dog diets that are specially formulated for your dog. In the case of toxicity, you can contact the veterinarian as soon as possible to stabilize the condition of the dog.
