Foods Dogs Can't Eat: 16 Types of Food That Could Harm Your Pup

We all want to spoil our furry friends with treats, but not all human foods are safe for dogs if they get their paws on them. Some common foods can cause mild stomach upset, while others can lead to severe health complications, or even be fatal. To help keep your pup safe and healthy, here’s a list of 16 foods dogs can't eat and why they're dangerous.

16 Foods Dogs Can't Eat

1. Grapes and Raisins

A mystery food, there is no consensus on what specifically in grapes and raisins is toxic to dogs. Whatever science ends up discovering, grapes and raisins are definitely toxic so don’t let your pup pop any in their mouth.

2. Chocolate

As delicious as it is for people, chocolate is toxic to dogs. The most harmful thing for dogs in chocolate is theobromine, an alkaloid that provides the bitter taste in dark chocolate. Dogs can’t metabolize theobromine efficiently and are very susceptible to a buildup of it in their systems. 

3. Onions, garlic, chives, etc. - anything from the Allium family

This family of plants, as delicious as they are, can be toxic to dogs. Ingesting an onion and the like can cause a dog’s red blood cells to breakdown faster than the dog’s body can make new ones causing anemia, or an insufficiency of red blood cells. It's best to serve food such as pasta plain, in order to avoid sauces that contain these toxic ingredients. 

4. Avocado

Avocado meat itself isn’t terribly dangerous to dogs, but all other aspects of the Avocado plant, like the leaves, skin and bark, contain persin, a toxin. Additionally, the pit can be a choking hazard for dogs.

5. Alcohol

Dogs can experience alcohol poisoning along the same lines as people, however it’s much easier for them to unwittingly do so. They can take a few sips of a cocktail set on a low coffee table or clean up a spilled glass of wine and within half an hour experience alcohol poisoning. 

6. Macadamia Nuts

A bit of an unsuspecting entry on this list, Macadamia nuts are quite toxic to dogs and can even prove fatal. While there isn’t currently a consensus on what specifically is toxic to dogs in Macadamia nuts, steer clear of giving them to your dog.

7. Yeasted dough

Bread isn’t an issue for dogs, but yeasted dough that hasn’t been cooked yet releases gas and expands. If a dog gets some in their stomach it can cause discomfort expanding and putting pressure on their organs. 

8. Fruit pits/seeds

Besides being a choking hazard, these often contain toxins related to cyanide. While this toxin isn’t highly concentrated, if enough is ingested it can poison a pup.

9. Xylitol

This isn’t easy to catch since xylitol an artificial sweetener that can find its way into any product trying to look healthier in the “Nutrition Facts” label. The most common culprit is “healthy” low sugar peanut butter so make sure to check the ingredient list when you buy peanut butter you intend to feed your dog. 

10. Almonds

While not toxic to dogs like macadamia nuts are, almonds can still pose serious health risks. Dogs have difficulty digesting almonds, which can lead to gastrointestinal distress, plus their high fat content, increases the risk of pancreatitis. Another concern is that whole almonds can be a choking hazard, especially for small dogs, and may cause intestinal blockages if swallowed whole.

11. Cinnamon

While not toxic to dogs, cinnamon can cause discomfort and health issues if your dog consumes it, such as vomiting, diarrhea and liver disease. 

12. Fat Trimmings and Bacon

It's recommended not to feed your dog fat trimmings or bacon. If you consistently overfeed fatty meat to your dog, it could overload their digestive system and cause abdominal pain and eventually lead to pancreatitis, or inflammation of the pancreas. The high salt content of bacon is also cause for concern, which leads us onto our next item.

13. Salt

Dogs can become dehydrated incredibly quickly after eating salt. Salt poisoning can lead to dehydration, vomiting, tremors, diarrhea and seizures. They will also likely drink a lot of water to try and balance the issue which could lead to a continuously expanding range of issues down the road. So keep the salty snacks, like salted popcorn, away from your pup.

14. Ice Cream

It's best to avoid giving your dog ice cream. Many ice creams contain lactose, sugar, and artificial ingredients that can be problematic for pups. Many dogs are lactose intolerant, meaning ice cream can lead to stomach upset, bloating, gas, and diarrhea. If your pup does seem to be fine eating dairy products, our 5 Easy Greek Yogurt Dog Treat Recipes might be a hit!

15. Sugar

Similar to people, sugar mostly causes a variety of health problems ranging from mild to severe intensity. Typically, overconsumption of sugar in dogs leads to weight gain, dental issues and possibly even diabetes. This is one of the main Halloween Dangers for Dogs - make sure the trick or treating candy is safely out of harms way.

16. Caffeine

Caffeine can cause similar effects in dogs as it does in people, but the threshold for toxicity is much lower due to their size. If a dog ingests too much caffeine, they can quickly develop an irregular heartbeat or have a seizure.

What to Do If Your Dog Eats Toxic Food

If you suspect your dog has eaten something harmful, call your veterinarian or a pet poison hotline immediately. Signs of poisoning include:

• Vomiting or diarrhea
• Lethargy or weakness
• Seizures or tremors
• Difficulty breathing
• Increased thirst or urination

Safe Alternatives for Treats

Instead of feeding your dog harmful foods, try these safe and healthy alternatives:

• Dog-safe vegetables, including carrots and celery
• Dog-safe fruits, such as apples (without seeds) and blueberries
• Pumpkin (plain, cooked, or canned)
• Plain, cooked chicken or turkey

It's our responsibility to keep our furry friends safe by knowing which foods dogs can't eat. While some human foods may seem harmless, many can cause serious health issues, from digestive upset to life-threatening conditions like kidney failure or pancreatitis. By avoiding toxic foods and opting for safe, dog-friendly treats, you can help ensure your pup stays happy and healthy.