46 Toxic Foods For Dogs

Your pooch may make the cutest dog face while you are eating and you may not be able to resist but you need to know there is a never-ending list of toxic foods for dogs.

Adopting a dog does not only mean cuddles and licks when you come back home after a long day. It also means that you have to get your parenting skill on point. The major question that arises in the minds of Dog-ma is what are the poisonous food for dogs and is human food bad for dogs?

While there is a lot of homemade dog food that you can include in your pet’s diet, you need to be cautious of others.

With great dogs, comes great res-paw-nsibility. Don’t you worry mutt! We have curated a list of all the possible toxic foods for dogs.

What are Toxic Foods for Dogs?

Food naturally contains certain types of “toxins” which are poisonous for dogs. It may be tempting to you give your dog what you are eating especially when they look at your with puppy eyes, but they are very harmful to your baby. Even though their body reacts like that of a human, some should just be kept out of their reach. Would you feed your one-year-old human baby alcoholic beverage? No, right?  Consider your pet to be a one-year-old human in dog-body!

Toxic means “poisonous” and poisonous means something that can kill you. Now you wouldn’t want anything to harm your pooch would, you?

What Can’t Dogs Eat?              

There are a few things that we would like to keep a secret from your dog, things like which new dog we cuddled on our way back home and food dogs should not eat.

A survey says that 91% of pet parents lookup on the internet to find out if a human food can make their dog sick, and 60% of parents have said that they fed human food and later found their pooch with an upset stomach. Almost 55% percent of the parent in the same survey got to know the reason was grapes.

Why are we giving your numbers? It is to show how careless we get when it comes to feeding our dogs. There is an entire range of toxic dog food which you should be careful about because honey, your dog will grab whatever he gets by his paw!  

While some human snacks can be given in small quantities one time or the other, some human food is extremely dangerous.

Confused about what to feed your dog, after all? Give us the pleasure to help sort this problem of yours!

List of Toxic Foods For Dogs

Being a dog-ma comes with added responsibilities and we are the dog-parenting manual you need in your right pocket. Presenting a list of toxic foods for dogs. This is a list of foods dogs can’t eat and you shouldn’t even dream of feeding them to your dog!

1. Acorn

The number one of all the toxic foods for dogs has to be Acorn. It contain gallotanins that are unsafe for a dog’s digestive system. Dogs that are fed acorn can experience various gastric and stomach issues. It can also cause abdominal obstruction, internal damage and kidney disease.
Symptoms to look out for – Abdominal discomfort, diarrhea or vomiting. Call your vet if your dog has consumed acorn and has these symptoms.

2. Alcoholic Beverages

Most of the dog owners tend to share their drink with their pet from time to time without any lasting effect. But can a dog really drink alcohol? Just like humans, dogs love and can get addicted to such beverages. But alcohol or alcoholic beverages are yet another toxic foods for dogs. However, alcohol can be highly dangerous for dogs and cause poisoning. Unlike humans, dog liver is not made to process alcohol and they can suffer from alcohol poisoning, toxicity, or liver damage.
Symptoms to look out for – Rapid breathing, increased heart rate, increase in body temperature, vomiting or abnormal clotting can be due to alcohol intake. Your dog may need IV treatment, rehydration measures, and close monitoring to stop their ethanol poisoning.

3. Almonds

Almonds are nuts and nuts have a reputation of being unfair to dogs. Although almonds are not as toxic as other nuts they are considered poisonous food for dogs, and it can be difficult for your dog to digest it. Due to the presence of tremorgenic mycotoxins, it can lead to seizures and neurological problems in dogs. It can also irritate your pooch’s stomach and intestinal blockage.
Symptoms to look out for – vomiting, diarrhea, restlessness, fever or seizure, and tremors. Take your dog to the vet if you see these symptoms.

4. Avocado

Avocado contains a fungal toxin, persin, which can cause serious health issues in animals even causing death. Even though animals are more resistant to this toxin, avocados are still one of the major toxic foods for dogs.
Symptoms to look out for – Diarrhea, vomiting, nausea or weakness can be probably signs that your dog has eaten something very toxic. You may want to take your dog to the vet as soon as your dog has eaten the skin, peel, or seed of avocado and show these symptoms.

5. Banana Peels

Every dog loves to eat banana peels. He will slyly go to the bin and steal the peel you had probably discarded. Banana peels are highly rich in fiber that is difficult for a dog to digest. Banana peels or any fruit peels are totally toxic foods for dogs.
Symptoms to look out for – If your dog has eaten banana peel, he may vomit after a while. However, he should recover in a few hours with no lasting effect. Maybe you would want to keep the banana off his reach because it is still a dangerous food for dogs.

6. Blue Cheese

Dairy products have generally been proven to be harmful foods for dogs, but Blue Cheese in particular is very toxic for them. Stilton and Roquefort contain a substance called roquefortine C to which dogs are highly vulnerable. The presence of this chemical can cause gastrointestinal issues as well as neurological problems in dogs. Hence, blue cheese and dairy products are toxic foods for dogs.
Symptoms to look out for – vomiting, diarrhea, twitching, seizures, and high body temperatures.

7. Cat Food

One of the most asked questions, when you have two types of pets, is can dogs have cat food? Well no! A cat is a cat, a dog is a dog. Cat food contains nutrients that a cat requires not a dog. The protein and fats in cat food are too high for dogs and not healthy for your pooch. It can make the obese and cause pancreatitis. Any food with extra amount of meat content are considered as toxic foods for dogs. Symptoms to look for – WHY WOULD YOU FEED HIM CAT FOOD WHEN HE IS A DOG? Anyway, diarrhea, vomiting, upset stomach, and abdominal pain.

8. Cherry Pits

Cherry flesh may not be poisonous food for dogs but their pits and stem are choking hazards and are toxic foods for dogs. It contains cyanide which may cause poisoning in dogs.
Symptoms to look out for – Vomiting and stomach upset are visible signs of cherry pit poisoning. Though your dog will recover over 24 hours, vets don’t recommend this fruit for dogs.

9. Chives

Chives belong to the same family as Onions and Garlic. It comes from the Allium genus plant family and contains organosulfur compounds that can cause anemia in dogs. You should not give him chives, boiled or cooked, as it can lead to falling in red blood cells and cause ruptures. Chives, in some cases are lethal and absolutely toxic foods for dogs.
Symptom to look out for – Weakness, lethargy, bad breath (du-uh), vomiting, diarrhea, red-tinged urine, and seizures.

10. Chocolate

Can dogs eat chocolate? A BIG CLEAR NO! Any kind of chocolates are clearly toxic foods for dogs. It is difficult to resist giving your dog that last piece of chocolate he was drooling over but you have to if you care for your dog’s health. Chocolate contains a compound called Theobromine which turns into Xanthine and can have lasting effects on your pooch’s central nervous system. What helps increase your oxytocin, can be the reason for tremors in their neurological system. You can try these chocolate substitutes if your drools over chocolate.
Symptoms to look out for – Drooling, vomiting, and diarrhea (which may smell like chocolate), high blood pressure, or even seizures can be the result of giving your dog chocolate.

11. Coconut

Though coconut is not considered to be one of the toxic foods for dogs, it still comes in the list of foods dog should not eat because it may cause gastric problems and abnormal bloating. Some dogs may be allergic and thus more susceptible to conditions after ingesting coconut. It contains triglycerides which may be problematic for your pooch.
Symptoms to look out for – Vomiting and diarrhea.

12. Coffee and Tea

We get the theobromine part in the chocolate but do you know that coffee and tea can be more harmful food for dogs. Though caffeine increases your energy level, it can almost give a heart attack to your dog. Caffeine is a powerful stimulant and it can cause cardiac issues in dogs. Any foodstuffs which can cause cardiac arrest in dogs are without a doubt the most toxic foods for dogs.
Symptoms to look out for – Vomiting, diarrhea, increased heart rate, increased thirst, and restlessness. Though “Prevention is better than Cure”, if your dog happens to have tea or coffee, do not wait for any symptoms and take your dog to the vet immediately.
Early treatment can help your dog get all sober up!

13. Confectionery

Confectionery means more sugar and more dairy products including cream which means a lot of harm to your dog. Like we mentioned above all types of diary or diary related products are toxic foods for dogs. Dogs do need sugar to build carbohydrates just like humans but they do not need granulated or artificial sugar present in confectionery. It can be harmful for them and over time feeding can lead to obesity, dental issue, or diabetes too.
Symptoms to look out for – Bad teeth, weakness, frequent urination, and overweight.

14. Corn Cobs

You are not supposed to share your corn cob with our dog no matter how greedily he wants it. The risk of your doggie choking on corn is very high. Additionally, if he ingests the cob it can cause intestinal blockage. So the next time you think of giving him a piece of your corn cobs remember those corn cobs are toxic foods for dogs.
Symptoms to look out for – Vomiting in dogs, tight stool, and diarrhea.

15. Fat Trimming And Bones

Fat trimmed from bones, cooked or uncooked should not be given to dogs. Though it looks ideal to give your dog bones (thanks to commercials) but it can actually cause pancreatitis in dogs. If the bones are big, it can cause them to choke or even block their digestive system. Fat trimmed bones are not just toxic foods for dogs but these bones are hazardous for them.
There are no particular symptoms but if you see him choking, he needs immediate medical attention. Unusual abdominal pain, restlessness, or blood in the stool can be due to blockage or cut in their digestive system.

16. Fruit And Vegetable Juice

Some fruits can be really healthy for dogs but some can be highly toxic. Some of the toxic fruits for dogs are avocado, grapes, and raisin. Juice often has artificial sugar that can cause diabetes or bad tooth in dogs. It’s better to feed them actual pieces of fruit rather than giving them juice. Juices are not ideally food but some fruits and vegetable juices are highly toxic foods for dogs.
Symptoms to look out for – There are no symptoms initially but over time your doggie might get diabetic, obese, or start losing his precious teeth.

 17. Garlic

Garlic is one of the most toxic foods for dogs. It comes from a plant that contains an organosulfur compound which is very toxic for them and can cause anemia if given in large quantities
Symptoms to look out for – Weakness, lethargy, and bad breath (du-uh), vomiting, diarrhea, red-tinged urine, and collapsing as well.
Some dogs like Shih Tzu and Akita are more susceptible to garlic toxicity than others.

18. Grapes

NO! NO! NO! Just because it is a fruit doesn’t mean your dog can have it as it is a toxic fruit for dogs. Grapes top the list of food dogs should not eat and should never, ever be fed to your dog, not even one! However, there are a lot human foods dog can eat too; this is definitely not the one. Though the scientific reasons are unknown, grapes can cause kidney failure and sometimes death too. Grapes are indeed some alarmingly toxic foods for dogs.
Symptoms to look out for – Heavy panting, trouble breathing, dry nose and mouth, and light gums.

19. Green Potato

Raw potatoes, especially the green ones are known to be a highly toxic food for dogs. Solanine which is a glycoalkaloid is mostly produced in green or raw potatoes and is very toxic for your dog. It can cause heart problems and gastrointestinal upset. Raw potato and potato skin is also very harmful for dogs and contain chaconine which can cause neurological system symptoms and kidney function disorder.
Symptoms to look out for – Vomiting, tremors, heavy breathing, jaundice, fever, dizziness, and loss of sensation.

 20. Gums

Gum chewing, badass bully that dominates other smaller dogs is a myth. Gums should not be fed to your dog. A chewing gums are easily identifiable as some toxic foods for dogs. It contains Xylitol which is bad for more reasons than one. It may lead to Xylitol poisoning or may just get stuck on the way down your dog’s system.
Symptoms to look out for – Vomiting, decreased activity, weakness, loss of coordination, collapse, and seizures.

21. Human Medicines

Dogs may suffer through similar health conditions like humans but that does not mean it is safe to give them the same medication. Ingredients such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen present in pain-killers and antibiotics can backfire and make your dog very sick. Keep them away from medicines just like you keep your kid away! If your dog is sick, take him to the vet instead of buying over the counter medicines. If some medicines can be toxic for humans, how can they not be toxic foods for dogs as well?
Symptoms to look out for – Vomiting, stomach upset, and fever.

 22. Hops

Hops are lethal for dogs. With the growing trend of home-brewing, hops have come into demand. It is a plant used in the process of brewing beer and both raw and spent hops are toxic for dogs. People who home-brew beer has often seen hop in dog vomit. If you are one of them, keep it as far away as possible from your little pooch. It is lethal and can cause malignant hyperthermia and hops toxicity. Any breed can be affected by it but Greyhounds, Labrador Retrievers, Saint Bernard, Border Collie, and Dobermans are more susceptible to it.
Symptoms to look out for – Vomiting with the presence of hops, the sudden elevation of body temperature, diarrhea, and restlessness. Rush to the vet immediately if your dog has consumed hops.

23. Lemons

For starters, your dog will definitely not like the sour taste if it is not a Golden Retriever, because they like everything edible (but that does not mean you go around trying it on your Goldie). Secondly, it contains a psoralen compound and some aromatic oil which may cause our dog to fall ill. Without a question lemons are toxic foods for dogs or say toxic fruit for dogs.
Symptoms to look out for – Diarrhea, vomiting, and unusual sensitivity to light.

24. Limes

No, for more than one reason, your dog does not like the taste of citrus fruits like Lime and Lemon and also because they are very harmful food for dogs. Consumption of toxic foods for dogs like limes or consumption of any part this fruit from peel to zest, to seeds, can cause lime toxicity in dogs.
Symptoms to look out for – Vomiting, diarrhea, or unusual sensitivity to light.

25. Marijuana

Marijuana affects the metaphysics, isn’t that the saying? But it affects a dog more dangerously. If he eats marijuana leaves, he gets high, fun right? NO! Because if he ingests it, he dies. You want to act all cool in front of your friends by giving your dog marijuana can make you a terrible pet parent. Passive smoking can also harm our dog. Now the choice is entirely yours. Crushed marijuana or whole marijuana leaves are lethally toxic foods for dogs.
Symptoms to look out for – Panting, uncontrollable thirst, slurping, slow response, dribbling urine, increased heart rate, hyperactive, coma, and even seizures.

26. Macadamia Nuts

No nut is good for dogs. Nuts contain tremorgenic mycotoxins which can lead to seizures in dogs. However, the exact reason is not known for why macadamia nut is harmful food for dogs, it has caused ataxia (lost control over body movement). If any food dogs should not eat ever, has to be macadamia nuts, being highly toxic foods for dogs.
Symptoms to look out for – Vomiting, weakness, low body control, and sometimes depression.

27. Milk and Milk Products

Milk and milk products like cheese, butter, and cottage cheese have high-fat content and may be harmful for your dog’s stomach. It can lead to pancreatic issues. You also have to keep in mind that dogs are lactose intolerant and though they would love having these absolutely delicious calories, it may upset their intestine. Again, any milk product or by-products of milk are totally toxic foods for dogs. Instead you can serve your pooch some milk replacer.
REPEAT AFTER ME:  A CANINE IS NOT A FELINE!
Symptoms to look out for – Diarrhea, vomiting, loose stool, and abdominal pain.

28. Mustard and Mustard Seeds

Bad food for dogs have Mustard seeds on the list these seeds are a big no for dogs. It contains a toxic compound called gastroenteritis which can lead to inflammation of the stomach or intestinal tract. This is why sometimes you gotta rush to the washroom when you’ve had enough of that mustard with the hot dog. However, it might just be a hard time for you in the bathroom; it may be extremely dangerous for your dog’s stomach.
Symptoms to look out for – Diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.

29. Mushroom Plants

During autumn, mushrooms grow in plenty and there are high chances that your dog might eat one of them while you take him for a stroll. Though mushrooms are safe for your dog, some can be highly toxic food for dogs. Mushrooms like Fly Agaric, Jewelled Death Cap, and Autumn Gallerina are wild mushrooms and can destroy cells in his body causing kidney or liver failure. It can also affect their neurological system leading to seizures, tremors, and affect their ability to work.
Symptoms to look out for – Vomiting, lethargy, diarrhea, weakness, seizure, jaundice, excessive drooling, abdominal pain, and sometimes coma. Take your dog to the vet immediately if he has eaten a wild mushroom.

30. Onions

Onions, aka Allium Cepa, are dangerous food for dogs. They belongs to Allium genus plant family and contains organosulfur compound that can cause anemia in dogs. Onion whether boiled, seasoned, or mixed is harmful for your dog. This can make your dog look extremely weak and tired due to improper oxygen circulation.
Symptoms to look out for – Weakness, lethargy, bad breath, nausea (looks a lot like drooling in dogs), abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, and sometimes collapsing.

31. Orange Peels

No. Though orange peel is not toxic for dogs, it gives them a lot of trouble digesting it. If you want to give your dog an orange, make sure you peel the fruit first.
Symptoms to look for – If your dog has eaten orange peel it wouldn’t really affect him. However, he may try to vomit up the peel or it may cause diarrhea but he will be fine within a day.

Suggested: Can dogs eat oranges?

32. Pecans

Pecans are very bad food for dogs. Moldy nuts contain tremorgenic mycotoxins which can cause seizures and neurological issues. Additionally, the nut can cause an intestinal blockage leading to an upset stomach. Bad foods like pecans further qualify as toxic foods for dogs and should be totally avoided.
Symptoms to look out for – vomiting, diarrhea, restlessness, fever, and sometimes seizure or tremors. Call your vet if your dog has these symptoms after having pecans.

33. Persimmons, Peaches, And Plums

Like cherries, persimmons, peaches, and plums also have pits that are dangerous for dog’s petite intestine and can cause a blockage. More so, these fruits are high on cyanide which is very poisonous for dogs. All foodstuffs with cyanide present in them are the most toxic foods for dogs.
Symptoms to look out for – Vomiting and stomach upset are visible signs of cherry pit poisoning. Though your dog will recover over 24 hours, vets don’t recommend this fruit for dogs.

34. Popcorns

The high level of sodium and fat in popcorn can lead to dehydration now and obesity later in dogs. Plain air-popped, unsalted, unbuttered popcorn can still be fed in a small quantity but do you really want your popcorn to be that boring? So, pop-corn is also a member of the toxic foods for dogs and a big no for them.
Symptoms to look out for – Dehydration and obesity.

35. Raisins

Another big NO! Raisins are basically dried grapes and you should keep it out of our dog’s paws. Toxic foods for dogs have certain criteria that make them toxic. Raisins match those criteria and are more concentrated than grapes, their toxicity is higher as well and the reaction is like grape x2. Though the scientific reason is not known, the conclusion is: Do not feed your dog raisins.
Symptoms to look out for – Vomiting, diarrhea, trouble breathing, dry nose and mouth, and light gums.

36. Raw Eggs

A lot of people feed raw eggs as a part of B.A.R.F. standards but it can cause biotin deficiency in dogs.  The presence of bacteria like salmonella or E.coli can also lead to food poisoning in dogs and this makes raw eggs very toxic foods for dogs. Though feeding raw eggs show conditions only if fed excessively and over time.
Symptoms to look out for – vomiting, diarrhea, restlessness, or weakness.

 37. Raw Fish And Meat

Raw fish and meat can have the same effects as raw eggs and all their raw meatiness makes raw fish. meat and eggs super toxic foods for dogs.  The bacteria present in the raw form of seafood and meat can cause food poisoning. Some fish like salmon, trout, shad, or sturgeon often come with parasites which can lead to “fish disease” or “salmon poisoning disease”. It is treatment but why to get there in the first place? Cook the food thoroughly to kill the parasites.
Symptoms to look out for – Vomiting, fever, and big lymph nodes.

38. Salt

It would not be a good idea to give your dog salty munchies even if he drools all the way to becoming adamant. Eating too much salt can make your dog thirsty and can cause sodium poisoning leading to death sometimes. Though this happens only if you are feeding him excessively over time. But do you really want to go that way?
Symptoms to look out for – Vomiting, diarrhea, depression, tremors, high temperature, and seizures.

39. Soda

Soda is all the more harmful for dogs than it is for humans. Soda on the other hand is a caffeine supplement that can be very toxic for your dog. It can increase heart attack risk and can decrease your dog’s life.
Symptoms to look out for – Frequent urination, restlessness, short on breath and exercise intolerance.

40. Spinach

Wouldn’t say that Spinach is toxic for your pup but it may not be the best vegetable that you want to feed him. Spinach contains high oxalic acid which restricts the body to absorb calcium. It is also very difficult to digest and can lead to your dog’s kidney damage.
Symptoms to look out for – Vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, red-tinted urine, and lethargy.

41. Tobacco

If tobacco can kill humans that an upgraded body system than dogs wonder what it can do to your pooch? It contains nicotine which is can be very toxic for your dog. Do I need to say more? Marijuana, tobacco and all things that make you high are toxic foods for dogs.
Symptoms to look out for – Vomiting, abnormal heart rate, tremors, and weakness. Tobacco poisoning can show symptoms after almost one hour of ingesting.

42. Tomato Plants

Though raw tomatoes are not dangerous food for dogs, green tomatoes are a portion of bad food for dogs. Unripe tomatoes or leafy part of tomatoes contain a toxin called solanine the can cause gastrointestinal distress.
Symptoms to look out for – Lethargy, weakness, confusion, and stomach upset.

43. Walnuts

Just like Pecans, Walnut also gets moldy. Due to the presence of tremorgenic mycotoxins walnuts are considered as toxic foods for dogs, it can lead to seizures and neurological problems in dogs. It can also cause irritation in your pooch’s stomach and intestinal blockage.
Symptoms to look out for – vomiting, diarrhea, restlessness, fever or seizure, and tremors. Take your dog to the vet if you see these symptoms.

44. White Chocolate

No! Chocolate is poisonous for dogs. Just because it is white chocolate does not mean it would be less harmful. Any and all kinds of chocolate are completely toxic foods for dogs to consume. Dogs cannot digest theobromine, and even though white, it is still dangerous. Feeding chocolate to your dog can quickly build up the toxicity in your dog’s body and lead to sudden death.
Symptoms to look out for – Drooling, vomiting, and diarrhea (which may smell like chocolate), high blood pressure, or even seizures can be the result of giving your dog chocolate.
The quickest treatment is to induce vomiting as quickly as your dog has consumed it, so you have to rush your dog to the vet before he decides to ingest it.

45. Xylitol

Feeding xylitol present food to your dog is like pushing him towards an early death. Xylitol is an artificial sweetening and is widely used as a sugar substitute. Candy gum, toothpaste, baked goods, and some other diet foods contain xylitol. It can cause your dog’s blood sugar level to fall and lead to liver failure. Consumption of any food or food content that pushes your dog towards death easily counts as toxic food for dogs.
Symptoms to look out for – Early: vomiting, lethargy, and confusion. Later it may lead to seizures and liver failure in a couple of more days.

 46. Yeast Dough

Yeast dough, if fed to dogs can rise in their stomach, stretch his abdomen, and cause severe pain. You should not feed your dog any yeast contained dough, baked or not especially bread even it is brown bread. When the yeast ferments in his stomach it changes into alcohol and may cause alcohol poisoning.
Symptoms to look out for – Abdominal pain, restlessness, bloated stomach, and tight stool.

There are certain responsibilities of owning a dog and knowing what exactly is healthy to feed them is of utmost importance. You cannot be careless about feeding your dog because his health entirely depends on the watch he eats. While some foods are considered to be safe they often turn out to be the most toxic foods for dogs. Thus, the safer the food, the longer your pooch lives. Provide him with a nourished and wholesome diet according to his weight and body needs especially during his growing age. For more information, you can take the help of our Ultimate Puppy Feeding Guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Hello Readers,       

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