Toxic Foods for Dogs: What Every Owner Must Know

The Most Dangerous Foods for Dogs

Chocolate

Chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine, both of which dogs metabolize far more slowly than humans. Dark chocolate and baking chocolate are the most dangerous. Even small amounts can cause vomiting, diarrhea, rapid heart rate, seizures and, in severe cases, death. There is no safe amount of chocolate for dogs.

Grapes and Raisins

Grapes and raisins can cause sudden kidney failure in dogs. The exact toxic compound is not yet identified, and the reaction is unpredictable: some dogs are affected by a single grape, others appear unaffected by larger amounts. The safest approach is to treat all grapes and raisins as highly toxic and keep them away completely.

Xylitol

Xylitol is an artificial sweetener found in sugar-free gum, candy, peanut butter, some yogurts and many other products. In dogs, it causes a rapid release of insulin leading to severe hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) and can cause liver failure. Always check ingredient labels before giving your dog anything made for humans.

Onions, Garlic and Chives

All members of the allium family (onions, garlic, chives, leeks) destroy red blood cells in dogs and cause anemia. Cooked forms are just as dangerous as raw. Small amounts over time can accumulate and cause serious harm. Symptoms may not appear for several days after exposure.

Macadamia Nuts

Macadamia nuts cause weakness, hyperthermia, vomiting and tremors in dogs. While rarely fatal on their own, they are often found in baked goods that also contain chocolate, a particularly dangerous combination.

Alcohol

Alcohol affects dogs at much lower doses than humans. Even small amounts can cause vomiting, disorientation, breathing difficulties, dangerously low blood sugar and coma. Never leave alcoholic drinks unattended around dogs.

Avocado

Avocado contains persin, which can cause vomiting and diarrhea in dogs. The pit is also a serious choking and intestinal blockage hazard. While the flesh is less toxic than the skin and pit, it's best to avoid it entirely.

Caffeine

Coffee, tea, energy drinks and caffeine supplements are toxic to dogs and can cause rapid heart rate, muscle tremors, seizures and death. Keep all caffeinated beverages and products out of reach.

What to Do If Your Dog Eats Something Toxic

1. Stay calm. Panicking makes it harder to act quickly.
2. Identify what was eaten and estimate how much. Save the packaging if possible.
3. Call the ASPCA Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 or your vet immediately. Do not wait for symptoms to appear.
4. Do not induce vomiting unless specifically instructed by a vet. For some toxins, inducing vomiting makes things worse.
5. Note the time of ingestion and any symptoms you observe. Your vet will need this information.

Foods That Are Commonly Misunderstood

Not everything is toxic. Some foods that people worry about are actually safe in small amounts:

• Peanut butter: safe as long as it does not contain xylitol. Always check the label.
• Carrots and blueberries: safe and actually healthy as occasional treats.
• Plain cooked chicken or turkey: safe without seasoning, onion or garlic.
• Plain cooked sweet potato: safe and a good source of fiber.