Dogs are known for the big eyes they make when begging for food. But think twice before giving in, as it can be very dangerous to offer table scraps to your dog. A dog’s digestive system is different from a human’s, which means foods that are perfectly healthy for you can be toxic to your dog. In this guide, we list the most common foods, plants, and household products that can be toxic to your pet. Some of the items on this list might surprise you!
Foods that Dangerous for dogs
Whether or not you want to offer human food to your dog on occasion is up to you. In the wild, dogs eat a wide variety of foods, so you can offer them something other than kibble if you wish. On the other hand, there are plenty of foods that you should avoid giving your dog, even if he stares at you quite adorably. We’ve put together the various foods and substances to avoid by category below, to give you a comprehensive overview of foods that are dangerous for your dog.
Dangerous Fruits and vegetables
Some fruits and vegetables are fine as occasional treats for dogs. However, even these safe foods can pose a choking hazard if served in large chunks. Always offer fruits and vegetables cut into small pieces to your dog and keep an eye on him when he eats them. Here are the fruits and vegetables to avoid:
- Raisins
- Sultana Raisins
- Grapes
- Onions
- Garlic
- Some kinds of wild mushrooms
Onion and garlic are particularly to watch out for, as they are common seasonings in the dishes we prepare. Sometimes they can even be cooked in such a way that they become imperceptible in food.
Other fruits and vegetables are toxic in large quantities. Here they are:
- Rhubarb (mostly leaves)
- Potato leaves and stems
- Tomato leaves and stems
Also consider removing the seeds from apples and the pits from cherries, apricots, and peaches before offering these fruits to your dog, as they can pose a choking hazard and cause intestinal obstructions.
Nut
Some nuts are edible for dogs, but walnuts and macadamia nuts are toxic to them. Macadamia nuts in particular can cause weakness, vomiting, and hypothermia in dogs. Keep an eye out for cooked foods that may contain nuts or nut flour.
Chocolate
Of all the foods that are harmful to dogs, chocolate is usually the one that most dog owners are already familiar with. Chocolate is toxic to dogs, even in small amounts, because of the theobromine found in it. Dogs that eat chocolate may suffer from diarrhea and vomiting. Chocolate poisoning can be fatal in dogs, and the risk of death is even higher with dark chocolate and baking chocolate due to the high percentage of theobromine they contain. If you suspect your dog has ingested chocolate, you need to take him to a vet as soon as possible.
Drinks
There may be less thought of offering drinks than human food to dogs, and that’s arguably just as well: many common drinks can be toxic to them. Coffee, tea, and alcohol are all substances you should avoid giving your dog, both in liquid form and as an ingredient in other foods.
Other Dangerous Dog Foods
Other harmful foods for dogs include bread dough and raw meat and eggs. Although raw diets for dogs have grown in popularity in recent years, the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the United States have spoken out against them.
Xylitol is another ingredient found in many foods that can be dangerous for your dog. It’s a common artificial sweetener that’s often found in products with the “sugar-free” claim, although it can also be found in foods that contain sugar. Xylitol can cause liver failure in dogs and is extremely toxic to them.
Harmful household items for dogs
Food isn’t the only substance in your home that could pose a danger to your dog. From the product you use to clean your kitchen table to your favorite houseplant, your home is full of potentially harmful items. We have compiled a list of common substances that
could be in your home and be dangerous for your dog, but keep in mind that it is not exhaustive. You can find more information on this subject on the Veterinary Poisons Information Service (VPIS) website, which is full of useful information. When in doubt, keep chemicals and plants out of reach of your pets.
- Chemical products
- Cleaning products
- Pest control products
- Medications
- Household products
- Car care products
- Flea & Tick Products
- Fertilizers, herbicides and insecticides
- pollutants
- plants
- Aloe
- Apple (seeds)
- Apricot (kernel)
- Meadow saffron
- Cherry (stone and withered leaves)
- Daffodil
- Easter lily
- Spearhead Philodendron
- English ivy, poison ivy (poison ivy), golden pothos and other types of ivy
- Foxglove
- Geranium
- Marijuana
- Narcissus
- oleander
- eastern lily
- Peach (stone and withered leaves)
- Primrose
- Rhododendron
- Tomato plant (green fruits, stems and leaves)
- Yew
- Amaryllis
- Azalea
- Bird of Paradise
- Clematis
- Cyclamen
- Eucalyptus
- Rubber
- Lily of the valley
- Mistletoe
- Solanaceae
- Onion
- Moon flower
- Poinsettia (low toxicity)
- Philodendron monstera
- tiger lily
- weeping fig
If you suspect your dog has consumed something toxic, it’s important to see a veterinarian immediately. If possible, take what your dog has eaten, such as a plant or the wrapper from a chocolate bar, with you so your vet knows exactly what stuff he’s dealing with. Also consider telling him how much of the substance your dog ate, how long it’s been since, and its symptoms and duration. All of these factors can influence treatment.
