Foods Dogs Can’t Eat: 10 Dangerous Items to Avoid Now

Foods Dogs Can’t Eat: 10 Dangerous Items to Avoid Now [Updated for 2026]

As a devoted dog parent, I know how tempting it can be to sneak a bit of whatever we’re eating to our furry friends.

After all, those gorgeous puppy eyes are hard to resist, aren’t they?

But here’s the thing, some foods that are perfectly safe for us can actually be incredibly harmful to our dogs.

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In fact, certain Foods Dogs Can’t Eat can actually lead to serious health issues or even become life threatening if ingested!!

That’s exactly why I’ve put together this guide on Foods Dogs Can’t Eat.

In this post, I’ll walk you through why dog food safety matters, which 10 foods are major no-nos for dogs, and even share a free printable & digital chart you can keep on your fridge.

So, without further ado, Let’s dive in, shall we?

Why Knowing Which Foods Dogs Can’t Eat Is So Important

You might be thinking, “But it’s just a small piece of chocolate,” or “He’s had grapes before and was fine.”

I get it, I used to think the same way until I done some research into foods my dog, Poppy, shouldn’t have.

One night my youngest son dropped a piece of chocolate which Poppy hoovered up in record time.

Before I was able to grab it, she had already swallowed the whole thing!

I was so worried because I’ve heard of chocolate being poisonous to dogs, so of course I ran to Google to find out a) What happens if a dog eats a piece of chocolate? And b) What foods are toxic to dogs?

This led me down the rabbit hole of researching Foods Dogs Can’t Eat, and there’s so many I wouldn’t have suspected on the list of toxic foods.

I learned pretty quickly just how unpredictable and dangerous some foods really are for dogs, even if the dog has always “been fine”, all it takes is one time for it to go wrong and cause irreversible damage.

What Happens When Dogs Eat Toxic Foods?

When your dog eats toxic foods, their bodies begin to react in ways that can range from mild discomfort to life threatening illnesses.

Unfortunately, these Foods Dogs Can’t Eat, cause a whole range of scary health issues, and they often come on fast.

So, it’s important to know what you’re looking for and when to get help If your dog ingests something toxic.

Here’s what to watch out for if your dog eats something dangerous:

• Vomiting and diarrhea
• Extreme tiredness or weakness
• Seizures
• Tremors or twitching
• Kidney failure
• Liver damage
• Internal bleeding or anemia
• Pancreatitis
• Heart problems
• Breathing troubles
• Coma or even death
• Choking or blockage
• Mouth irritation
• Wobbly walking or disorientation
• Increased thirst and urination
• Loss of appetite

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5 Signs & Symptoms Your Dog Has Ingested Something Toxic Info-Graph

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When to get help

If your dog has ingested something toxic and is displaying one or multiple symptoms from the above list, don’t wait and see.

Call your vet right away if you notice vomiting, diarrhea, shaking, weakness, or sudden behavior changes, even if you’ve not witnessed them eating something toxic.

Additionally, even if your dog seems fine, toxins can cause delayed symptoms, so make sure you’re seeking medical attention for your dog.

Time matters, so when in doubt, always play it safe and get professional help fast.

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10 Foods Dogs Can’t Eat (and Why They’re Dangerous)

Now that I’ve explained what can happen to our furry little babies when they eat something they shouldn’t, let’s take a look at what these foods are, shall we?

1. Chocolate

First up is Chocolate, a food I’m sure most dog owners know is toxic to their babies.

But have you ever wondered why is it toxic?

Well, Chocolate contains theobromine which is a stimulant that dogs can’t metabolize very well in their bodies.

Even a small amount of it can cause vomiting, diarrhea, rapid heart rate, and seizures!

Also, did you know that the darker the chocolate, the more dangerous it is? Neither did I, so always keep it far out of paw’s reach.

2. Grapes and Raisins

I’ll be honest, I was quite surprised when I learned that grapes aren’t good for dogs!

It’s not a food I would ever think twice about, but I’m glad I know now as my youngest eats them and sometimes leaves a few laying about.

Grapes and raisins are both seriously toxic to dogs and even a small amount can cause sudden kidney failure.

How scary is that?

Here’s the kicker though, apparently experts still don’t know exactly what makes these foods so harmful, but it’s best to avoid them completely.

If your dog eats any, act fast and call your vet.

Here’s some signs and symptoms to watch for:

• Vomiting (often within hours)
• Diarrhea
• Lethargy
• Loss of appetite
• Dehydration
• Sbdominal pain
• Increased or decreased urination

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3.Onions and Garlic

Another couple of Foods Dogs Can’t Eat are onions and garlic.

These may boost the flavouring of our meals, but for dogs, they’re a huge danger.

Both of them contain thiosulfate, which damages red blood cells and can lead to anemia in your dog.

Dogs can’t digest it, so even small amounts can be toxic whether that be raw, cooked, or powdered, it can make your dog very sick.

Make sure you keep your furry babies away from toxic onions and garlic.

Symptoms to watch for:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Weakness
• Pale gums
• Rapid breathing
• Lethargy
• Elevated heart rate

If your dog happens to eat any, act fast as it’s better to be safe than sorry. 

Call your vet right away!

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Foods Dogs Can’t Eat Info-Graph

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4. Xylitol

Xylitol is a sweetener found in the likes of gum, candy, toothpaste, and even baked goods.

While it’s safe for humans to consume, it tricks a dog’s body into releasing too much insulin.

This in turn, sees Xylitol cause dangerous drops in blood sugar, and fast.

These are the signs to watch out for:

• Vomiting
• Weakness
• Shaking or tremors
• Loss of coordination
• Seizures
• Collapse

If your dog happens to eat anything with xylitol, it’s important to call your vet right away as it can potentially be life threatening, even in tiny amounts!

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5. Macadamia Nuts

Do not let your dog ingest any macadamia nuts!

These Macadamia nuts can cause vomiting, shaky legs, weakness, and even a fever in your furry friend, so these are a big no.

However, should your dog ingest a macadamia nut and start to display symptoms like constant shaking or trouble walking, they need urgent vet care.

So, please contact your vet ASAP if your dog is experiencing either of these.

Also, In rare cases, these nuts can also trigger pancreatitis.

Symptoms to watch out for here are:

• Vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Abdominal pain (Your dog may cry or hunch over)
• Diarrhea
• Lethargy or weakness
• Fever
• Bloated or swollen belly
• Increased heart rate

These symptoms can show up in your dog straight away or within three days, so monitor them closely.

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6. Alcohol

Ok, so this one is pretty obvious, right?

But for those who may not realise, even a small amount of alcohol can lead to alcohol poisoning in dogs, which is a medical emergency.

Our furry friends are much, much more sensitive to alcohol than humans are, and even small amounts can be dangerous or fatal.

Here’s the most common signs that are dog has ingested alcohol:

• Disorientation or confusion
• Lethargy or weakness
• Tremors or seizures
• Unconsciousness or coma (in severe cases)
• Vomiting
• Drooling
• Diarrhea
• Bloating
• Slow or irregular breathing
• Low body temperature (hypothermia)

If you suspect your dog has ingested alcohol, don’t wait for the symptoms to appear. The symptoms can come on hard and fast, so early action is the best action.

Contact your vet or an emergency clinic ASAP.

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7. Caffeine

Although caffeine may give us a boost, it’s far too dangerous for our dogs.

It overstimulates their nervous system and heart, which can ultimately lead to serious health issues.

Even in small amounts like coffee, tea, or energy drinks it’s dangerous and should not be given to dogs.

Watch out for these signs and symptoms:

• Hyperactivity
• Panting
• Fast heartbeat
• Tremors
• Vomiting
• Restlessness
• Seizures

If your dog manages to get into anything caffeinated, don’t wait about, call your vet straight away!

This is definitely one of those foods dogs can’t eat, or drink should I say.

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8. Cooked Bones

Cooked bones might seem like a tasty treat, but they can splinter and seriously hurt your dog so are big no-nos for foods dogs can’t eat.

These cooked bones are HUGE no-nos

Bones like this can choke, cut the mouth, or cause dangerous blockages or internal tears to your dog.

Do not give any of the following cooked animal bones to your dog, ever!

• Chicken
• Turkey
• Pork
• Beef
• Lamb
• Fish
• Ham
• Rib (any animal)

Instead, opt for raw bones (with vet advice), rubber toys, or dental chews to keep your pup happy while chewing.

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RELATED: Vivifying Snuffle Mat for Dogs

We have one for Poppy and its perfect for some mind stimulating play to help her use her sense of smell. Highly recommend!

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9. Raw Dough with Live Yeast

Did you know that dough with live yeast expands in a dog’s stomach, leading to bloating and alcohol poisoning from fermentation?

Neither did I!!

This was probably the most shocking one I came across on this list of Foods Dogs Can’t Eat because I had no idea, not that I feed this to my dog.

But the fact that the live yeast causes it to expand in the moist and warm condition of the stomach really stuck with me.

This was one of the articles I read in my research where I learned about the raw dough – Poisonous Food to Dogs.

The symptoms you should look out for are:

• Vomiting
• Retching
• Your dog’s stomach appearing bigger than usual Weakness
• Collapsing  

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Foods Dogs Can’t Eat and Foods Dogs Can Eat Info-Graph

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10. Avocados

Another one on this list of foods dogs can’t eat I didn’t expect is Avocados

However, it turns out they are terrible for dogs!

Your dog should never ingest Avocado leaves, skin, bark, pit or the flesh as they all contain the toxin, persin.

Persin is a naturally occurring fungicidal toxin and acts like an irritant to dogs that causes mild stomach upset, and in large amounts can even affect your dog’s heart. 

This toxin, In rare cases, can also cause pancreatitis or mild heart damage with prolonged exposure to this food.

Also, another tidbit of information you may find useful is that persin is extremely toxic to more than just dogs.

It is exceptionally toxic to birds, rabbits, horses, cattle, and goats! It often causes respiratory distress in these animals as well as swelling, fluid accumulation, or even death in the worst case scenario.

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Extensive List of 44 Foods Dogs Can’t Eat

• Currants
• Leeks
• Chives
• Walnuts (especially moldy ones)
• Moldy food
• Spoiled food
• Raw fish
• Raw eggs
• Fat trimmings
• Bacon
• Sausages
• Salty snacks (potato chips, pretzels, salted popcorn)
• Salt
• Nutmeg
• Mustard seeds
• Coconut (in large amounts)
• Coconut oil (in large amounts)
• Citrus fruits (lemons, limes, oranges, grapefruit)
• Citrus peels
• Tomato leaves and stems
• Green or raw potatoes
• Potato skins (green parts)
• Apple seeds
• Cherry pits
• Peach pits
• Plum pits
• Apricot pits
• Persimmons
• Rhubarb leaves
• Human vitamins with iron
• Multivitamins containing vitamin D
• Iron supplements
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Nut butters with xylitol
• Ice cream (especially with xylitol or chocolate)
• Candy (especially sugar-free)
• Blue cheese
• Foods high in fat or grease
• Fried foods
• Pan drippings
• Soy sauce
• Tofu (in large amounts, due to potential hormonal disruption)
• Rawhide treats (may cause digestive obstruction and contamination risk)

Free Printable: Foods Dogs Can’t Eat

Want a super handy way to remember all these dangerous foods?

I’ve created a FREE printable of foods dogs can’t eat that you can stick on your fridge or kitchen wall.

This way, everyone in the household, from kids to guests, can quickly check what’s safe before giving your pup a treat.

This simple visual tool makes it easier than ever to protect your dog.

Because when it comes to dog food safety, quick decisions make a big difference.

Would you rather a digital version?

Then why not grab your digital copy today to keep on your phone, tablet, computer etc.

Tip: I highly recommend favouriting this image in your photos. This way you’ll be able to access it quickly without wasting time looking for it in your gallery should an incident arise.

Final Thoughts on Foods Dogs Can’t Eat

I know how much we all love treating our pups, I do it all the time.

But, knowing what Foods Dogs Can’t Eat can truly save their lives and ensures your freding them the right treats.

It’s not always easy to remember what’s safe and what’s not, is it? Especially in high pressure situations.

So, please feel free to make use of the freebies I’ve included to ensure you know what foods dogs can’t eat at a moment’s notice without having to dig for the information.

Bonus Treat Recommendations

Instead of focusing on Foods Dogs Can’t Eat, let’s take a look at my top recommendations for healthy treats your dog can have.

Approved by Poppy, my little taste tester!

• Pets Purest Natural Dog Treat Chews
• Lily’s Kitchen Made with Natural Ingredients Adult Dog Treats
• Pet Munchies Duck Dog Training Treats
• Scrumbles Postbiotic Chicken Nibbles
• Barker and Barker Little Liver Dog Training Treats

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