Hi everyone—just a friendly reminder that several common human foods can be seriously harmful to dogs. According to veterinary sources like the ASPCA, Royal Kennel Club, and Cornell’s vet clinics, substances such as chocolate, grapes, onions, garlic, xylitol (found in sugar‑free gum and peanut butter), avocado, macadamia nuts, alcohol, raw bread dough, coffee, cooked bones, and certain mouldy foods can cause toxic reactions, vomiting, kidney failure, seizures—even death.
A quick summary guide and table are in my post for easy reference. Always seek veterinary attention immediately if your dog ingests any of these. Sharing this might help keep some pups safe!
Feeding dogs human food can be tempting—but some everyday items can cause serious illness or even fatality. Here’s what experts strongly advise to avoid:
High-Risk Foods for Dogs
Chocolate
Even small amounts contain methylxanthines (theobromine and caffeine) that dogs metabolize poorly. Depending on the type and dose, it can cause vomiting, seizures, heart irregularities—and sometimes death ([Shallowford Animal Hospital][1]).
Grapes, Raisins & Currants
These are linked to sudden kidney failure in dogs—even in small quantities—though the exact toxin remains unknown.
Onions, Garlic, Chives, Leeks (Allium Family)
These vegetables contain organosulfoxides that can destroy red blood cells, leading to hemolytic anemia. Toxicity can occur whether raw, cooked, or powdered.
Xylitol (Artificial Sweetener)
Found in sugar-free gum, candies, baked goods, and some peanut butter—just a small amount can trigger a rapid insulin spike, resulting in hypoglycemia, seizures, liver failure, or death.
Macadamia Nuts
These can cause symptoms including muscle weakness, tremors, vomiting, and hyperthermia. While usually non‑fatal, they require veterinary care.
Alcohol and Raw Bread Dough
Ethanol is rapidly absorbed in dogs, leading to vomiting, lack of coordination, hypothermia, seizure, or coma. Raw dough expands in the stomach and ferments to produce alcohol internally—both are dangerous.
Avocado
Contains persin, which may upset the stomach or even cause pancreatitis or heart tissue damage in dogs, especially in sensitive individuals.
Cooked Bones & Corn Cobs
Cooked bones can splinter and damage or block the digestive tract. Corn cobs are similarly hazardous and may cause internal obstruction.
Mouldy Foods / Certain Nuts
Some moulds produce toxic compounds that cause tremors or seizures. High‑fat nuts like walnuts and pecans may trigger gastrointestinal upset or pancreatitis.
Coffee, Tea, and Caffeine
These beverages are toxic due to caffeine content, causing restlessness, tremors, heart issues, and seizures.
Salt Excess & Fatty Foods
Highly salty snacks or fatty leftovers—like bacon, fatty meats, or gravy—can lead to dehydration, high blood pressure, or pancreatitis.
Quick Summary Table
| Food | Reason to Avoid |
|---|---|
| Chocolate | Theobromine toxicity, seizures, heart failure |
| Grapes & Raisins | Kidney failure risk |
| Onions, Garlic, Etc. | Destroy red blood cells → anemia |
| Xylitol (sweetener) | Rapid hypoglycemia, liver damage |
| Macadamia Nuts | Weakness, vomiting, tremors |
| Alcohol & Raw Dough | Alcohol poisoning; stomach expansion/fermentation |
| Avocado | Persin toxin, GI upset, risk of pancreatitis |
| Cooked Bones & Corn Cobs | Intestinal blockages and internal injuries |
| Mouldy Foods / Certain Nuts | Neurotoxicity, gastrointestinal distress |
| Coffee/Caffeine | Tremors, seizures, cardiac symptoms |
| Excess Salt / Fatty Foods | Pancreatitis, hypertension |
Final Thoughts
- These foods pose known hazards to dogs—even small amounts can be dangerous.
- When in doubt, never feed human food to your dog without confirming it’s safe.
- If you suspect ingestion, note the amount and type, and contact your vet or local poison control immediately.