Toxic Foods for Dogs: What Not to Share From Your Plate

By Tarik Aziz · November 10, 2026

If your dog has eaten something toxic, call your vet, an emergency clinic, ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888) 426-4435 or the Pet Poison Helpline (855) 764-7661 now. Don’t wait for symptoms.

Many foods that are perfectly safe for people can make dogs seriously ill. Here are the most common kitchen hazards, why they are dangerous and what to watch for.

Xylitol (birch sugar)

A sugar substitute in sugar-free gum, mints, some peanut butters, baked goods, toothpaste and vitamins. In dogs it causes a sudden insulin surge and dangerously low blood sugar within minutes, and liver failure at higher doses. Even one or two pieces of gum can poison a small dog. Estimate the dose with our xylitol calculator.

Chocolate, coffee and caffeine

Chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine, which dogs clear very slowly. The darker the chocolate, the more dangerous: baking chocolate and cocoa powder are worst. Signs include vomiting, restlessness, a racing heart, tremors and seizures. Coffee grounds, energy drinks and caffeine pills are similarly dangerous. Use our chocolate toxicity calculator for an estimate.

Grapes, raisins, currants and sultanas

These can cause sudden kidney failure in some dogs. The toxic substance is believed to be tartaric acid, and sensitivity varies unpredictably. There is no known safe amount. Treat any ingestion as an emergency. Watch out for raisin bread, trail mix, fruit cake and cereal bars.

Onions, garlic, leeks and chives

All members of the Allium family damage red blood cells and can cause anaemia. Raw, cooked, dried and powdered forms are all toxic. Onion powder in gravy, baby food or seasoned meat counts. Signs (weakness, pale gums, red-brown urine) may take several days to appear. Japanese breeds such as Akitas and Shiba Inus are more sensitive.

Macadamia nuts

Cause weakness (especially in the back legs), vomiting, tremors and fever within about 12 hours. Most dogs recover with supportive care, but nuts coated in chocolate add a second toxin.

Alcohol and raw yeast dough

Dogs are far more sensitive to alcohol than people. Raw bread dough is doubly dangerous: it expands in the stomach and the fermenting yeast produces alcohol. Signs include wobbliness, vomiting, low blood sugar and, in severe cases, breathing problems.

Cooked bones

Cooked bones become brittle and can splinter, causing mouth injuries, choking, or tears and blockages in the gut. Never give cooked chicken, pork or rib bones.

Fatty and salty foods

Bacon, sausages, fried food, turkey skin and fatty trimmings can trigger pancreatitis, a painful and sometimes life-threatening inflammation of the pancreas. Very salty snacks, homemade play dough and seawater can cause salt poisoning.

Avocado, corn cobs and fruit pits

The fruit of avocado is mainly a problem because of its fat, but the pit is a common choking and blockage hazard. Corn cobs are a classic cause of intestinal obstruction. Peach, plum and cherry pits also contain cyanide compounds.

Quick reference

Safe treats to offer instead

Plain cooked chicken or turkey (no skin or bones), carrots, green beans, cucumber, apple slices without seeds, blueberries, watermelon without seeds or rind, and plain pumpkin are all good options in moderation. Keep all treats under 10% of daily calories. Our treat calculator shows how much that is.

This article is general information, not veterinary advice. If you're worried about your pet, please call your vet.