15 Fatal Foods for Dogs You Might Have in Your Kitchen Right Now

Human foods can either be your dog’s best buddy or their biggest threat. Some everyday foods lying around in your kitchen can make your dog seriously sick. Many of them are downright toxic! On the flip side, some human foods are completely safe and even good for your dog. But how do you figure out what’s safe and what’s not? Here’s a list of 15 dangerous foods for dogs that may already be in your kitchen.
Alcohol

Since cats and dogs are smaller than humans, alcohol can hit them much harder—and deadlier. Dogs, in particular, are drawn to the sweet taste of alcoholic drinks like eggnog. The symptoms of alcohol poisoning in animals, including dogs, are similar to those in people: vomiting, trouble breathing, coma, and, in extreme cases, death. Even tiny amounts of alcohol can cause heart arrhythmias, dangerously low blood pressure, or worse.
Broccoli

Isn’t broccoli healthy? Sure, for you, it is—but not so much for your furry friend. Broccoli has isothiocyanates, which can harm pets if they eat too much. While small amounts might be fine once in a while, it’s probably better to skip it since there are plenty of other healthy options out there. Plus, broccoli stalks can sometimes get stuck in a dog’s throat and cause a blockage.
Avocado

Avocados might seem like a healthy snack, but they’re a big no for dogs. They’ve got something called persin, which can be super toxic to pups and lead to vomiting and diarrhea. Eating avocados can even cause fluid to build up in their lungs and chest, making it hard for them to breathe—and in really bad cases, it can even be fatal.
Grapes & Raisins

Experts aren’t totally sure why grapes and raisins are bad for dogs, but these fruits can lead to kidney failure. Even just a few bites can cause big problems for some dogs. Signs of grape or raisin poisoning are vomiting, diarrhea, not eating much, changes in how much they pee, or not peeing at all.
Caffeine & Coffee Grounds

Caffeine contains methylxanthines, which can be really dangerous for dogs. It can cause vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, and irregular heartbeats. If your pup gets into coffee grounds or drinks something loaded with caffeine (How? Maybe you left your cup on the table), their heart might start racing. This can lead to tremors, seizures, breathing trouble, arrhythmias, and other serious symptoms.
Apple, Cherry, and Plum Seeds

While the fleshy part of apples is safe for dogs, the core and seeds are not. Apple seeds have cyanide, and while small amounts will not harm your dog, it’s better to steer clear of the core and seeds altogether. But apple seeds aren’t the only ones to watch out for. Seeds from apricots, cherries, and plums are also a no-go. These pits contain cyanide too, which can lead to vomiting, a racing heartbeat, seizures, coma, or even death.
Chocolate

Chocolate poisoning is one of the most common issues for pets during the holidays. Chocolate has a dangerous ingredient called theobromine—the darker the chocolate, the more of it there is. It also contains caffeine, and sugar-free chocolate may even have xylitol, all of which is toxic to dogs. Dogs and cats can’t process chocolate like humans can.
Chicken, Turkey, Other Fatty Cuts of Meat

Isn’t meat healthy for my dog? Well, not all meat is. Fatty cuts of beef, ham, and things like chicken or turkey skin are better off in the trash than in your dog’s bowl. These are loaded with fat, which can lead to acute pancreatitis—a serious and potentially life-threatening condition. And don’t forget to skip the turkey bones too. They can cause severe indigestion or make your dog vomit.
Dairy Products

Milk and other dairy products should be looked at individually. Some dogs can handle milk or dairy just fine. However, other dogs are lactose intolerant or allergic, and they might end up with diarrhea and gas from cow’s milk. Ice cream is also a big no for dogs because of the lactose, plus the high sugar and fat. Instead of ice cream, try freezing healthy fruits your dog can safely eat for a tasty treat.
Macadamia Nuts

Macadamia nuts can cause dogs to experience a bunch of painful symptoms, like weakness, overheating, and vomiting. While we don’t fully understand how they cause poisoning, these popular Hawaiian treats are definitely toxic to dogs. Just six nuts can lead to serious poisoning. Although macadamias are the worst, other nuts can also be choking hazards or cause issues if they’re flavored or spiced.
Mushrooms

It’s safer to skip feeding your dog mushrooms. Why? Because all mushrooms have toxins that can mess with your dog’s kidneys and liver, cause vomiting, diarrhea, hallucinations, and even harm their red blood cells. While store-bought white mushrooms might be okay to eat, it’s probably best to just go for a different treat.
Onions and Garlic

Many pet parents are shocked to know that herbs from the Allium family—like onions and garlic—aren’t safe for their pups. Onions and garlic have sulfoxides and disulfides, all of which can damage red blood cells and lead to anemia in cats and dogs. Onion and garlic powders are in a lot of prepared foods—even baby food—so always check the labels before giving your pet store-bought food.
Xylitol

Xylitol is a sweetener found in a lot of human foods (like sugar-free gum and candy). But for dogs, it can cause a quick drop in blood sugar, making them weak and even causing seizures. Some dogs might also end up with liver failure. Poisoning cases from this sweetener, which is also in sugar-free baked goods, are on the rise. Just five pieces of gum with Xylitol could be enough to kill a 65-pound dog.
Salt

Too much salt can mess with the fluid balance in your dog’s cells, causing serious issues like tremors, seizures, and even coma. Whether they’re begging for a bite of something with rock salt, homemade playdough, or some tasty potato chips, don’t let those pleading eyes convince you to give in. Keeping them safe is more important than a treat.
Tomatoes and Raw Potatoes

Tomatoes and potatoes are one of those foods that are safe in some forms and not so much in others. A ripe red tomato is usually fine. However, the greenish parts of the tomato plant have solanine, which is toxic to dogs. Green, unripe tomatoes also have solanine. Potatoes are similar—baked or boiled with no extras, they’re okay in small amounts. But raw potatoes have solanine, which is harmful to dogs.