Many everyday foods that are safe for humans can be extremely dangerous for dogs. In this guide, we’ll cover 20 foods toxic to dogs that you should never feed your pet—even in small amounts.
This list was compiled using veterinary toxicology references, emergency animal poison control guidelines, and safety advisories from pet nutrition experts. Each food listed here is consistently flagged as harmful or potentially fatal to dogs.
In addition, I reviewed ingredient warnings commonly highlighted on trusted pet supply platforms like Chewy, ensuring this guide reflects real-world risks dog owners encounter at home.
Dogs process food very differently from humans. Certain substances—such as theobromine, xylitol, alcohol, and specific plant compounds—cannot be safely metabolized by a dog’s body, leading to rapid poisoning, organ failure, or even death.
What makes food toxicity especially dangerous is that symptoms may appear hours or even days later, making it harder for owners to connect the problem to what their dog ate.
What You’ll Learn in This Guide
Below is a clear, easy-to-scan list of 20 common foods toxic to dogs, including what makes them dangerous and what to do if your dog is exposed.
If your dog has eaten any of these foods, contact your veterinarian or an emergency animal clinic immediately.
20 Foods That Are Toxic to Dogs
- Chocolate
Optional Image: Chocolate bars
Chocolate contains theobromine, which dogs cannot metabolize. Even small amounts can cause vomiting, seizures, heart problems, and death.
- Grapes
Grapes can cause acute kidney failure in dogs. The toxic compound is unknown, and even one grape can be fatal.
- Raisins
Dried grapes are just as dangerous as fresh ones and often more concentrated.
- Onions
Onions destroy red blood cells, leading to anemia. Raw, cooked, powdered, or fried—all forms are toxic.
- Garlic
Garlic is even more potent than onions and can cause serious gastrointestinal and blood-related issues.
- Xylitol
Found in sugar-free gum, candy, peanut butter, and baked goods, xylitol causes rapid insulin release, leading to hypoglycemia and liver failure.
- Alcohol
Alcohol depresses the central nervous system and can cause coma or death in dogs even in small doses.
- Coffee
Caffeine overstimulates a dog’s nervous system and can cause tremors, seizures, and cardiac arrest.
- Tea
Both black and green tea contain caffeine and pose similar dangers.
- Energy Drinks
Highly concentrated caffeine makes energy drinks especially lethal for dogs.
- Macadamia Nuts
These nuts cause weakness, vomiting, tremors, and overheating. Symptoms may appear within 12 hours.
- Walnuts (Black)
Black walnuts contain toxins that affect the nervous system and can cause seizures.
- Avocado
Avocados contain persin, which can cause vomiting and diarrhea in dogs.
- Cooked Bones
Cooked bones splinter easily and can cause internal injuries or intestinal blockages.
- Raw Dough
Yeast dough expands in the stomach and produces alcohol, leading to bloating and alcohol poisoning.
- Fat Trimmings
High-fat foods can trigger pancreatitis, a painful and potentially life-threatening condition.
- Salty Snacks
Excess salt can cause sodium ion poisoning, leading to vomiting, tremors, and seizures.
- Moldy Food
Mold produces mycotoxins that cause neurological symptoms and severe illness.
- Cherries
Cherry pits contain cyanide and pose a choking hazard.
- Wild Mushrooms
Many wild mushrooms are toxic to dogs and can cause organ failure or death.
Knowing which foods are toxic to dogs can save your pet’s life. Prevention is the best protection—always keep dangerous foods out of reach and choose dog-safe treats instead.
For safe alternatives and emergency supplies, explore trusted dog treats and nutrition options available through Chewy, and contact your vet immediately if poisoning is suspected.
Also read about: What Can Dogs Eat? 25 Human Foods for Dogs
FAQ Schema
Q1: What foods are most toxic to dogs?
Chocolate, grapes, raisins, xylitol, onions, garlic, alcohol, and caffeine are among the most toxic foods for dogs.
Q2: How quickly do symptoms of food poisoning appear in dogs?
Symptoms can appear within minutes or take several hours to days, depending on the food and amount consumed.
Q3: What should I do if my dog eats a toxic food?
Contact your veterinarian or an emergency animal clinic immediately. Do not wait for symptoms to appear.
Q4: Are small amounts of toxic foods safe for dogs?
No. Some foods, such as grapes and xylitol, can be deadly even in very small amounts.
Q5: Where can I find safe treats for dogs?
Choose vet-approved, dog-safe treats from trusted retailers like Chewy and always read ingredient labels carefully.
