As dog owners, we love to spoil our pets. It’s tempting to share a bit of what we’re eating with those hopeful puppy eyes looking up at us. But what if that treat could make your dog sick? Unfortunately, not all human foods are safe for our canine companions. In fact, some everyday foods that are perfectly fine for us can be toxic—even deadly—for dogs.
It’s crucial to be aware of what your furry friend can and can’t eat. If you’ve ever wondered, “Can my dog eat this?” you’re not alone. Here’s a breakdown of common foods that are toxic to dogs, so you can keep your pet safe and healthy.
We’ve all heard it before—“Don’t let your dog eat chocolate!”—but it’s easy to underestimate just how dangerous it can be. Chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine, both of which are toxic to dogs. While humans can metabolize these substances quickly, dogs cannot. Even small amounts can lead to vomiting, diarrhoea, rapid breathing, increased heart rate, and, in severe cases, seizures or death.
What to watch out for:
Dark chocolate and baking chocolate are the most dangerous due to higher theobromine levels.
Symptoms can appear within 6-12 hours of ingestion.
What to do:
If you suspect your dog has eaten chocolate, call your vet immediately. Acting fast can make all the difference.
Grapes and Raisins: Sneaky, Small, and Deadly
It’s surprising, but both grapes and raisins are extremely toxic to dogs. Even a small amount can cause acute kidney failure. The exact cause of the toxicity isn’t fully understood, but it’s best to avoid giving your dog any at all.
What to watch out for:
Vomiting is typically the first symptom, followed by lethargy, loss of appetite, and kidney failure.
Symptoms might take 24 hours to appear, but kidney damage can happen quickly.
What to do:
If your dog ingests grapes or raisins, contact your vet straight away. Even a few grapes can be dangerous, so don’t delay.
Onions and Garlic: Harmful in All Forms
Onions, garlic, and anything in the allium family (which also includes leeks and chives) are highly toxic to dogs. These foods contain compounds that can damage a dog’s red blood cells, decreasing oxygen levels. Raw, cooked, powdered—it doesn’t matter (this is often overlooked when sharing a Sunday roast with our 4 legged friends – stuffing is very high in onion and garlic).
What to watch out for:
Symptoms may include weakness, vomiting, and breathlessness, often appearing days after ingestion.
Large amounts can cause significant damage, but even small doses over time can build up.
What to do:
Call your vet if your dog has consumed any onion or garlic, even if they seem fine. The effects can be delayed and can build up overtime so it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Xylitol: A Hidden Danger in Peanut Butter.
You may not have heard of xylitol, but this sugar substitute is incredibly dangerous to dogs. It’s often found in sugar-free gum, sweets, and more recently some peanut butter brands (ALWAYS check when buying peanut butter, better still buy dog friendly versions). Xylitol causes a rapid release of insulin in dogs, leading to a dangerous drop in blood sugar (hypoglycemia). It can also cause liver failure in more severe cases.
What to watch out for:
Symptoms can start within 30 minutes and may include vomiting, weakness, seizures, and even collapse.
What to do:
If your dog consumes anything containing xylitol, go to the vet immediately. Time is critical, and early treatment is essential.
Alcohol: Not Just in Drinks
While it might seem obvious not to let your dog drink alcohol, don’t forget that alcohol can be found in unexpected places like desserts, certain syrups, and even unbaked dough. Even small amounts can lead to alcohol poisoning in dogs, causing symptoms like vomiting, disorientation, and in extreme cases, respiratory failure.
What to watch out for:
Symptoms of alcohol poisoning include drooling, vomiting, and trouble walking.
What to do:
As always, if your dog ingests alcohol, call your vet immediately.
Avocados: Not Just About the Pit
Avocados contain persin, which is toxic to many animals, including dogs. While the flesh of the avocado contains lower amounts of persin, the pit, skin, and leaves are more concentrated. Persin can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, and even heart problems in dogs.
What to watch out for:
If your dog eats any part of an avocado plant, watch for stomach upset or breathing problems.
What to do:
Remove access to avocados and contact your vet if your dog consumes any parts of the plant.
Keeping Your Dog Safe
The best way to keep your dog safe is to stick to a balanced dog food diet and avoid feeding them table scraps. If you’re ever unsure whether something is safe, it’s better to be cautious and avoid it altogether. When in doubt, a quick call to your vet can prevent a dangerous situation.
We love our dogs like family, and part of being a responsible pet owner is knowing what foods to keep out of their reach. A little bit of caution goes a long way in keeping your dog healthy, happy, and safe!