Foods that are Toxic for Dogs (2024)

Our Memphis vets know that loving dog owners enjoy giving their canine friends little treats now and again, but some people-foods are toxic, and potentially deadly for dogs. Below is a list of foods you should never feed to your dog or puppy.

Why shouldn't I give my dog people-food?

Dogs are clever animals, and sometimes they manage to get into things they shouldn't. When it comes to food, it's important to understand which of the foods we enjoy are actually toxic to dogs.

Your dog's body just doesn't metabolize foods the way a person's body does, that's why some things that are relatively harmless to us can be potentially deadly for dogs.

Foods that are Toxic for Dogs (1)

10 Foods You Should Never Give Your Dog

Please note that this list is just a summary of some of the most common foods that are toxic to dogs, it is not a comprehensive list. To find out more about which foods are toxic or poisonous to dogs, speak to your Memphis vet.

Garlic,Onions & Chives

Garlic, onions, shallots and chivescontain substances which may cause anemia and damage red blood cells. The onion family are toxic to dogs whether they are raw or cooked, and signs of illness may take several days to become apparent.

Alcohol

Even in very small amounts, alcohol can cause intoxication in dogs as it does in people. Alcohol may also lead to vomiting, diarrhea, and in extreme cases damage to your dog's central nervous system.

Grapes & Raisins

Any cookies, cakes or other treats containing grapes or raisins should be kept well away from dogs. Grapes and raisins may cause severe liver damage or even kidney failure in dogs.

Chocolate

Chocolate, particularly dark chocolate, contains a stimulant called theobromine which can cause kidney failure in dogs.

Corn On The Cob

Corn kernels themselves are not toxic to dogs, however if your dog swallows the cob it may cause a serious blockage in your dog’s intestine.

Tobacco

OK, so tobacco is not a food but it's important to mention because nicotine is extremely toxic to dogs. Signs of tobacco poisoning in dogs include vomiting, abnormal heart rate, tremors and weakness.

Xylitol

The artificial sweetener called Xylitol may causevomiting, loss of coordination, seizures, liver failure and possibly hypoglycaemia which can lead to loss of consciousness or even death in extreme cases.

Macadamia Nuts

Macadamia nuts contain a toxin that can affect your dog’s muscles and nervous system resulting in weakness, swollen limbs and panting.

Avocado

Avocado leaves, fruit and seeds contain a substance called persin which may cause vomiting and diarrhea in dogs.

Cooked Bones

It may be tempting but never give your dog cooked bones to chew on. Cooked bones splinter easily and could lead to a perforation of the gut, which can be fatal.

If your dog has ingested any of the items listed above call your Cordova vet immediately! At Memphis Veterinary Specialists & Emergency, we offer24/7 emergency servicesfor cats and dogs in the Greater Memphis Area.

Foods that are Toxic for Dogs (2024)

FAQs

What are 13 human foods toxic to dogs? ›

Common foods that are toxic and can potentially kill dogs include; grapes, raisins, avocados, chocolate, xylitol (an artificial sweetener), fruit stones and pips (including apple cores and plums), onion, garlic, macadamia nuts, raw eggs, alcohol, caffeine, bread dough, liver, raw fish, milk and cheese.

What foods can dogs not eat? ›

Toxic food for dogs
  • Onions, garlic and chives. The onion family, whether dry, raw or cooked, is particularly toxic to dogs and can cause gastrointestinal irritation and red blood cell damage. ...
  • Chocolate. ...
  • Macadamia nuts. ...
  • Corn on the cob. ...
  • Avocado. ...
  • Artificial sweetener (xylitol) ...
  • Alcohol. ...
  • Cooked bones.
May 25, 2023

What food makes dogs really sick? ›

The researchers found that, in the past decade, reported cases of pet poisoning have involved chocolate and chocolate-based products, plant foods in the Allium genus (including onions, garlic, leeks and chives), macadamia nuts, Vitis vinifera fruits (including grapes, raisins, sultanas and currants), foods sweetened ...

What meat should dogs not eat? ›

Feeding your dog fatty foods, like hot dogs, bacon, ribs, or fried chicken, can upset your dog's stomach and cause vomiting and diarrhea. It can also lead to pancreatitis, which is an inflammation of the pancreas. Some breeds, like Miniature Schnauzers and Yorkshire Terriers, may be more prone to pancreatitis.

What is the most unhealthiest dog food? ›

10 Dog Food Brands to Avoid
  • Alpo. ...
  • Kal Kan. ...
  • Cesar. ...
  • Kibbles 'n Bits. ...
  • Beneful. ...
  • Pedigree. You can have unhealthy food in a pinch, too. ...
  • Great Choice. You'd think with a name like 'Great Choice,' this dog food would live up to it. ...
  • Gravy Train. Given a choice, pups would rather have flavorful, meaty foods.
Jun 15, 2024

Is cheese bad for dogs? ›

Cheese can be given as an occasional treat in moderation, alongside a healthy diet. If your dog manages to eat a whole block or other large amount of cheese, they may vomit. Keep an eye on them, and call your vet for advice if they become unwell.

Is peanut butter good for dogs? ›

Dogs can eat – and many really enjoy – peanut butter. But beware, some peanut butter brands contain an ingredient called xylitol, which is toxic to dogs and even eating small amounts can be fatal. Xylitol is an artificial sweetener that is often used in foods to keep the product sugar-free.

What vegetables are poisonous to dogs? ›

Fruits and vegetables poisonous to dogs

onions, leeks, chives and garlic. grapes and raisins. tomato leaves, stems or unripe young tomatoes. green potatoes, potato leaves and stems.

Can a dog eat scrambled eggs? ›

Eggs should be always be cooked before given to your dog. Cook or boil the eggs plain without oil, butter, salt, or any other additives. We suggest making scrambled eggs, as it's much easier for your dog to digest and can provide quick access to the protein dogs need for maintaining lean muscle and energy.

What foods cause kidney failure in dogs? ›

Grapes & Raisins

Any cookies, cakes or other treats containing grapes or raisins should be kept well away from dogs. Grapes and raisins may cause severe liver damage or even kidney failure in dogs.

What are 3 foods bad for dogs? ›

Many household foods are dangerous—and often toxic—to dogs. Some of the most common food poisonings in dogs are connected to alcohol, avocado, macadamia nuts, grapes and raisins, Xylitol, and chocolate.

What is the healthiest meat for dogs? ›

Chicken, turkey, lean ground beef, and chuck steak or roast are animal-based proteins, which help dogs grow strong. A few rules apply: Always cook meat well. Never serve it raw or undercooked.

What dog foods are not recommended by vets? ›

In addition to Blue Buffalo, the brands cited by the FDA are Acana, California Natural, Earthborn Holistic, 4Health, Fromm, Merrick, Nature's Domain, Nature's Variety, Natural Balance, NutriSource, Nutro, Orijen, Rachael Ray Nutrish, Taste of the Wild and Zignature.

Is bread bad for dogs? ›

In short, the answer is yes, dogs can eat bread safely in moderation, as long as it's fully baked and doesn't contain toxic ingredients like raisins, garlic, seeds or chocolate. Unfortunately, it's not going to provide them with any nutritional benefits, so it's not something we advise feeding your dog.

Why are grapes bad for dogs? ›

3 Veterinarians Discover that Tartaric Acid is the Culprit

ASPCA Poison Control Center (APCC) veterinarians solved the 20-year mystery of why grapes, raisins and sultanas are poisonous to dogs. It turns out that the tartaric acid in grapes causes these symptoms: Vomiting. Diarrhea.

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