Most of us love sharing food with our dogs — but not everything on our plate is safe for them. Some everyday ingredients are highly toxic to dogs, even in tiny amounts.
This guide explains the 22 foods that can kill your dog, what symptoms to look for, and what to do if your pet eats something dangerous.
⚠️ If your dog may have eaten a toxic food, call your vet or an emergency clinic immediately.
Quick Emergency Guidance
If you suspect poisoning:
1. Remove any remaining food your dog might access.
2. Call your vet immediately — tell them what was eaten, how much, and when.
3. Do not try to make your dog vomit unless a vet instructs you.
4. Keep packaging for ingredient reference.
5. Watch for symptoms such as vomiting, drooling, tremors, or collapse.
Understanding Foods That Can Kill Your Dog
The 22 Foods That Are Dangerous to Dogs
Below are 22 human foods that can seriously harm or even be fatal to dogs. Effects vary by breed, age, and size — but even a small amount can cause lasting damage.
- Grapes & Raisins
Risk: Can cause acute kidney failure. Even one grape may be harmful. According to PDSA’s list of foods toxic to dogs, grapes and raisins are among the most dangerous human foods for pets, often leading to acute kidney failure.
Signs: Vomiting, loss of appetite, tiredness, reduced urination.
Urgency: 🚨 High — call your vet immediately.
- Chocolate
Risk: Contains theobromine and caffeine, both toxic to dogs.
Signs: Vomiting, rapid heartbeat, tremors, seizures.
Urgency: 🚨 High. Dark chocolate is the most dangerous.
- Xylitol (Artificial Sweetener)
Risk: Found in sugar-free gum, sweets, toothpaste, and peanut butter. Causes an insulin spike and liver failure.
Signs: Sudden weakness, tremors, collapse, seizures.
Urgency: 🚨 High — life-threatening even in small doses.
- Onions, Garlic & Chives
Risk: Damage red blood cells, leading to anaemia.
Signs: Pale gums, weakness, fainting, vomiting.
Urgency: ⚠️ Moderate to High. Avoid all forms (raw, cooked, powdered).
- Avocado
Risk: Contains persin, which can cause vomiting and diarrhoea. The stone is also a choking hazard.
Urgency: ⚠️ Moderate. Keep avocados out of reach.
- Alcohol
Risk: Even small amounts can depress the nervous system.
Signs: Vomiting, difficulty breathing, tremors, coma.
Urgency: 🚨 High — contact a vet at once.
- Caffeine (Coffee, Tea, Energy Drinks)
Risk: Overstimulates the heart and nervous system.
Signs: Restlessness, panting, tremors, seizures.
Urgency: 🚨 High. Never share tea, coffee or energy drinks.
- Macadamia Nuts
Risk: Causes weakness, tremors, and overheating.
Signs: Wobbliness, vomiting, high temperature.
Urgency: ⚠️ Moderate. Avoid all nuts.
- Raw Dough with Yeast
Risk: Expands inside the stomach and ferments, producing alcohol.
Signs: Bloating, distress, vomiting, disorientation.
Urgency: 🚨 High — emergency vet required.
- Cooked Bones
Risk: Splinter easily, causing choking or internal punctures.
Signs: Gagging, constipation, abdominal pain.
Urgency: ⚠️ Moderate. Offer safe dental chews instead.
- Dairy Products (Milk, Cheese, Ice Cream)
Risk: Many dogs are lactose intolerant, leading to diarrhoea and gas.
Extra danger: Some ice creams contain xylitol or caffeine.
Urgency: ⚠️ Mild to Moderate.
- Tomatoes
Risk: Green parts (stems, leaves, unripe fruit) contain solanine, toxic to dogs.
Signs: Lethargy, weakness, tremors.
Urgency: ⚠️ Mild to Moderate.
- Wild Mushrooms
Risk: Certain wild types cause severe organ failure.
Signs: Drooling, vomiting, seizures, jaundice.
Urgency: 🚨 High — treat as an emergency.
- Cherries
Risk: Pits, stems, and leaves contain cyanide; pulp may cause choking.
Signs: Breathing difficulty, red gums, dilated pupils.
Urgency: 🚨 High.
- Apricots
Risk: Pits contain cyanide and can block the intestines.
Signs: Vomiting, breathing issues, weakness.
Urgency: ⚠️ Moderate to High.
- Starfruit
Risk: Contains calcium oxalates, leading to kidney failure.
Signs: Tremors, drooling, vomiting.
Urgency: 🚨 High.
- Salt & Salty Snacks
Risk: Can cause sodium ion poisoning.
Signs: Vomiting, tremors, seizures, excessive thirst.
Urgency: ⚠️ Moderate.
- Rhubarb Leaves
Risk: Contains oxalates that damage kidneys.
Signs: Tremors, drooling, weakness.
Urgency: 🚨 High.
- Baked Goods & Sweets
Risk: May contain xylitol, chocolate, or caffeine.
Signs: Depend on ingredient — treat any ingestion as serious.
Urgency: 🚨 High if unsure.
- Mouldy or Spoiled Food
Risk: Certain moulds produce tremorgenic toxins.
Signs: Tremors, vomiting, convulsions.
Urgency: ⚠️ Moderate to High.
- Raw or Undercooked Meat & Eggs
Risk: Can contain Salmonella or E. coli.
Signs: Diarrhoea, fever, dehydration.
Urgency: ⚠️ Moderate. Only feed raw under vet guidance.
- Ice Cream & Flavoured Water
Risk: Many contain xylitol, sugar, or caffeine.
Signs: Vomiting, hyperactivity, lethargy.
Urgency: ⚠️ Mild to Moderate. Choose dog-safe frozen treats instead.
Safe Human Foods for Dogs
Not all human food is harmful. In moderation, most dogs can safely eat:
• Plain, cooked chicken or turkey
• Carrots and green beans
• Apple slices (no seeds)
• Blueberries and bananas
• Cooked white rice or plain pumpkin
Always introduce new foods gradually and consult your veterinarian before making any changes to your pet’s diet. You can find more expert feeding guidance in the RSPCA’s official dog diet advice.
Signs of Food Poisoning in Dogs
Seek urgent veterinary help if your dog shows any of the following:
• Vomiting or diarrhoea
• Excessive drooling
• Tremors or shaking
• Loss of balance
• Seizures
• Weakness or collapse
• Difficulty breathing
• Unusual behaviour or confusion of Food Poisoning in Dogs
When to See a Vet
Call your vet immediately if your dog eats any of the foods listed above.
If your vet is closed, contact:
• Local emergency animal hospital, or
• Animal PoisonLine (UK) — 01202 509 000
Bring the food label or packaging to help with diagnosis.
Prevention Tips
✅ Keep toxic foods in sealed containers.
✅ Educate family and visitors — no table scraps.
✅ Use dog-safe bins with locking lids.
✅ Train a solid “leave it” command.
✅ Check all ingredients before giving human snacks.
Many foods we enjoy can be deadly to dogs. Knowing which foods are toxic — and acting fast — can save your pet’s life.
When in doubt, ask your vet before sharing human food.
Your dog’s safety is always worth the extra care.
Read more: Keeping your dog safe also means preventing parasites — learn the difference between deer ticks and dog ticks and how to protect your pet outdoors.
Trusted Sources & Further Reading
- PDSA – Foods poisonous to dogs
- RSPCA – Foods to avoid feeding your dog
- Dogs Trust – Foods that are toxic to dogs
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control
Frequently Asked Questions
Can one grape kill a dog?
Yes — some dogs develop kidney failure from even a single grape or raisin. Call your vet immediately.
Is peanut butter safe for dogs?
Only if it’s xylitol-free and given in small amounts. Always check the label.
How much chocolate is poisonous to dogs?
Depends on the dog’s size and chocolate type — dark chocolate is most toxic.
Can dogs eat eggs?
Cooked eggs are fine occasionally. Avoid raw unless your vet approves.
My dog ate onions — what should I do?
Contact your vet right away. Onion toxicity builds up over time.
Are bones safe for dogs?
Avoid cooked bones. They splinter easily and can block or puncture the gut.
What is most poisonous to a dog?
Chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, certain artificial sweeteners (like xylitol), and some plants (such as azaleas and foxgloves) are highly poisonous to dogs.
What is the #1 cause of death in dogs?
The number one cause of death in dogs is cancer. It is estimated that about one in three domestic dogs will develop cancer, and it is the leading cause of death in most breeds, particularly as they age.
What to give a poisoned dog at home naturally?
If you suspect your dog has been poisoned, it’s crucial to seek immediate veterinary care. Do not try to treat at home without professional guidance.
