Knowing what dogs can’t eat can save you a serious scare. Plenty of foods that are toxic to dogs are found in any kitchen: the chocolate from dessert, the grapes in the fruit bowl or the onion you fry as the base for a sauce. One careless moment at the table is enough to end up at the emergency vet. Here’s the list worth knowing, the warning signs and what to do if your dog has already eaten something.
- What dogs can’t eat: a list of toxic foods
- Food from the table: what looks harmless
- Fruit and vegetables dogs can’t eat
- Symptoms of poisoning in dogs
- What to do if your dog eats something toxic
- How to stop it happening again
- Frequently asked questions
What dogs can’t eat: a list of toxic foods
These are the foods toxic to dogs most commonly found at home. How serious it is depends on the amount eaten and the size of the dog.
| Food | Why it’s dangerous |
|---|---|
| Chocolate and cocoa | Contains theobromine; the higher the cocoa content, the greater the risk |
| Grapes and raisins | Can damage the kidneys, even in small amounts |
| Onion, garlic and leek | Damage red blood cells, even when cooked or powdered |
| Xylitol | Causes a sudden drop in blood sugar and can affect the liver |
| Macadamia nuts | Cause weakness, tremors and fever |
| Alcohol and raw dough | The dough ferments in the stomach and produces alcohol |
| Coffee, tea and energy drinks | Caffeine affects the heart and the nervous system |
| Cooked bones | They splinter and can injure or block the intestine |
If the scare involved a bar of chocolate, we have a dedicated guide on what to do if your dog has eaten chocolate.
Food from the table: what looks harmless
Some of our food isn’t toxic as such, but it doesn’t agree with them:
- Fatty leftovers (chicken skin, bacon, sauces): they’re linked to diarrhoea and pancreatitis.
- Cured meats and salty food: they contain a lot of salt and often garlic or spices.
- Milk: many adult dogs don’t digest lactose well and end up with diarrhoea.
- Sugar-free chewing gum and sweets: they may contain xylitol; also check some peanut butters before using them as treats.
The rule of thumb: if you don’t know for certain that it’s safe, don’t give it to them.
Fruit and vegetables dogs can’t eat
Not everything plant-based is good for them. Grapes and raisins top the list: no amount is known to be safe, and the reaction varies a lot from one dog to another. Next come onion, garlic, leek and chives, whose effects can take days to show.
Others best avoided:
- Avocado: the flesh is very fatty and the stone can get stuck.
- Fruit stones and pips (peach, plum, cherry): they can cause blockages and some contain toxic compounds.
- Conkers and acorns: very common on autumn walks. We explain this in our guides on whether dogs can eat chestnuts and what to do if your dog eats acorns.
For fruit they can have in moderation, see what fruit dogs can eat or our guide to pumpkin for dogs.
Symptoms of poisoning in dogs
The most common signs are:
- Vomiting or diarrhoea, sometimes with blood.
- Excessive drooling, restlessness or panting for no reason.
- Tremors, loss of coordination or seizures.
- Lethargy, pale gums or loss of appetite.
- Drinking and urinating much more or much less than usual.
Some toxins, such as onion or grapes, don’t show up until hours or days later. Just because your dog seems fine doesn’t mean nothing has happened.
What to do if your dog eats something toxic
- Remove whatever is left so they can’t keep eating it.
- Note down what they ate, how much and at what time. Keep the wrapper or the label.
- Call your vet or an emergency vet service, even if you don’t see any symptoms.
- Don’t try to make them vomit yourself or give them milk or oil: with some products it makes things worse. Only do what your vet tells you.
How to stop it happening again
- Keep sweets, nuts and medicines in high or closed cupboards.
- Use a bin with a lid: it’s behind many a scare.
- Ask visitors, especially children, not to give your dog food from the table.
- Give your dog something of their own while you eat. Serving their portion in a slow feeder bowl or hiding treats in homemade sniffing games keeps them busy and away from your plates.
Frequently asked questions
Which vegetables can’t dogs eat?
The most dangerous are onion, garlic, leek and chives, whether raw, cooked or powdered. Carrot, courgette or cooked green beans are usually well tolerated in small amounts.
Is a small piece of chocolate dangerous for a dog?
It depends on the type of chocolate and the dog’s weight: dark chocolate and pure cocoa are the most toxic, and in a small dog it doesn’t take much. If in doubt, call your vet with the wrapper to hand.
Can dogs eat ham?
It isn’t toxic, but it’s high in salt and fat, so it isn’t recommended. If you ever give your dog some, make it a small piece without fat and only very occasionally, never as a habit.
Can dogs eat eggs?
Yes, boiled or cooked without oil or salt, and in moderate amounts. It’s best not to give them raw.
Knowing what dogs can’t eat is the simplest way to look after them day to day. If you’re looking for ideas to help your dog eat better and stay entertained at home, take a look at Velia Select’s pet products.