Most of us love spoiling our dogs with treats and bites of our food. But did you know that some common human foods can be extremely toxic to dogs? While there are 22 Foods That Can Kill Your Dog may only cause mild stomach upset, others can lead to life-threatening conditions like kidney failure, seizures, or even death. Before sharing your meal with your furry friend, make sure you know which foods to avoid.
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Quiz: Do You Know Which Foods Are Safe for Your Dog?
Take a moment to test your knowledge.
Can your dog eat grapes?
What about peanut butter or ice cream?
Some answers may surprise you!
Read on to find out which foods could put your dog’s health at serious risk. For large breeds, consider healthy nutritious dog food.
22 Foods That Can Kill Your Dog: Poisonous Foods for Dogs
Many everyday foods contain toxins or harmful substances that dogs cannot process. Even a small amount of these foods can have devastating effects. Below is a list of 22 foods you should never feed your dog. Here are 22 foods that can kill your dog:
1. Grapes and Raisins
These seemingly harmless fruits can cause acute kidney failure in dogs. Even small amounts can be deadly, so keep them far away from your pet.
2. Chocolate
Chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine, which are highly toxic to dogs. Dark chocolate is especially dangerous, and even a small piece can cause seizures, heart problems, or death.
3. Avocados
Avocados contain persin, which can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and serious health complications in dogs. The large pit is also a choking hazard.
4. Onions and Garlic
These common cooking ingredients destroy red blood cells in dogs, leading to anemia. Garlic is even more toxic than onions and should never be given to your pet.
5. Xylitol (Artificial Sweetener)
Found in sugar-free gum, candy, and some peanut butter brands, xylitol can cause a rapid drop in blood sugar, seizures, and liver failure in dogs. Even a tiny amount is dangerous.
6. Macadamia Nuts
These nuts can cause weakness, tremors, vomiting, and hyperthermia in dogs. The exact toxin is unknown, but the effects can be severe.
7. Alcohol
Even small amounts of alcohol can cause vomiting, diarrhea, difficulty breathing, tremors, coma, or death in dogs. Keep all alcoholic beverages out of reach.
8. Caffeine (Coffee, Tea, and Energy Drinks)
Dogs are extremely sensitive to caffeine, which can cause rapid heart rate, seizures, and even death. Never let your pet lick your coffee cup or energy drink can.
9. Raw Dough with Yeast
Uncooked dough can expand inside a dog’s stomach, leading to dangerous bloating. The fermentation process can also produce alcohol, further increasing toxicity.
10. Bones
Cooked bones splinter easily and can cause choking, blockages, or punctures in the digestive tract. Raw bones also carry bacterial risks.
11. Dairy Products (Milk, Cheese, Ice Cream)
Many dogs are lactose intolerant, leading to stomach upset, diarrhea, and bloating. Ice cream and flavored dairy products may also contain toxic additives.
12. Tomatoes
While ripe tomatoes are generally safe, the green parts of the plant contain solanine, which can be toxic to dogs. It’s best to avoid tomatoes altogether.
13. Wild Mushrooms
Some mushrooms contain toxins that can cause severe organ failure in dogs. Since it’s difficult to identify which are safe, it’s best to avoid all mushrooms.
14. Cherries
The pits, stems, and leaves of cherries contain cyanide, which can be fatal to dogs. Even the fleshy part can pose a choking hazard.
15. Apricots
Like cherries, apricot pits contain cyanide and can be deadly. They can also cause intestinal blockages.
16. Starfruit
This fruit contains soluble calcium oxalate, which can cause kidney damage in dogs. Even small amounts can be dangerous.
17. Salt
Too much salt can lead to sodium ion poisoning, causing vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, and even death. Avoid giving your dog salty snacks like chips or pretzels.
18. Rhubarb
The leaves of the rhubarb plant contain oxalates, which can cause kidney failure, tremors, and other severe symptoms in dogs.
19. Baked Goods and Candy
Many sweets contain xylitol, chocolate, or caffeine, all of which are toxic to dogs. Even sugar itself can cause obesity and diabetes in pets.
20. Ice Cream and Flavored Water
Some flavored products contain xylitol or artificial ingredients that can harm your dog. Stick to plain water and dog-safe treats.
21. Moldy Foods
Rotten food can contain toxic mold that causes tremors, seizures, and serious illness in dogs. Keep garbage and compost bins securely closed.
22. Raw or Undercooked Meat and Eggs
Raw food can carry bacteria like Salmonella and E. coli, leading to serious infections. If feeding raw, ensure it’s prepared safely under veterinary guidance.
Human Foods Dogs Can Eat
Not all human foods are harmful! Safe options include plain, cooked chicken, turkey, carrots, apples (without seeds), blueberries, and plain rice. Always introduce new foods gradually and in moderation. For more info, see this:
Signs of Food Poisoning in Dogs
If your dog accidentally eats something toxic, watch for these symptoms:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Lethargy
- Seizures
- Drooling
- Tremors
- Loss of coordination
- Difficulty breathing
When to See a Vet
If you suspect your dog has eaten a toxic food, seek veterinary care immediately. Call your vet, an emergency animal clinic, or a pet poison control hotline. Quick action can save your pet’s life.
Bottom Line
Many foods we enjoy can be deadly for dogs. Understanding what’s safe and what’s not can prevent dangerous and expensive vet visits. Always double-check before sharing your food with your furry friend. If in doubt, stick to vet-approved dog treats to keep your pup safe and healthy. Hope so, now you know which are 22 foods that can kill your dog.
