15 Foods You Think Are Safe but Could Be Poisonous to Your Dog

woman holding sliced avocado
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As dog owners, we often share our food with our furry friends, assuming that what’s good for us is also good for them. However, many common foods that are safe or healthy for humans can be dangerous or deadly for dogs. Here’s a list of 15 foods you might think are harmless but could actually be poisonous to your dog.

Grapes and Raisins

photo of purple grape fruits
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Grapes and raisins, while seemingly harmless, are highly toxic to your pet and can cause severe kidney damage. Even a small quantity can lead to acute kidney failure, which may result in death if left untreated. The exact toxin in grapes and raisins is still unknown, making them especially dangerous because there’s no clear threshold for safe consumption.

Chocolate

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This is one of the most toxic foods for dogs, containing theobromine and caffeine, both of which are harmful to pups. The darker the chocolate, the higher the concentration of these toxic substances, making it even more dangerous. Depending on the amount of chocolate your dog consumed, symptoms can range from mild (vomiting or diarrhea) to more severe (tremors, seizures, or even death).

Onions and Garlic

A pile of onions sitting next to each other
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Cooked, powdered, or raw onions and garlic are toxic to dogs and can cause gastrointestinal irritation and damage to red blood cells. Both foods contain thiosulfate, which dogs are unable to digest. Ingesting onions or garlic can lead to hemolytic anemia, a condition in which red blood cells are destroyed faster than the body can produce them.

Xylitol

“Xylitol” by bitterlysweet is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

Xylitol is an artificial sweetener usually found in sugar-free gum, candy, and baked goods. While harmless to humans, xylitol can be deadly to dogs, even in small amounts. It triggers a significant release of insulin, which can cause a sharp and dangerous drop in blood sugar (hypoglycemia). Signs of xylitol toxicity include vomiting, loss of balance, seizures, and in severe cases, it can lead to liver failure.

Avocado

sliced green avocado fruit
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Avocados contain a substance called persin, which is harmless to humans but can cause vomiting and diarrhea in dogs. The highest concentration of persin is found in the leaves, skin, and pit of this fruit, but even the flesh can cause digestive upset in dogs sensitive to it. In addition to persin, the pit of the avocado poses a choking hazard and can lead to a serious blockage in a dog’s intestines if swallowed.

Alcohol

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Alcohol, even in small quantities, can be extremely harmful to dogs. Dogs are way more sensitive to alcohol than people, and what seems like a harmless sip to us can cause significant harm to them. Alcohol affects a dog’s central nervous system and can lead to symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, difficulty breathing, and, in severe cases, coma or death.

Macadamia Nuts

a pile of nuts with powdered sugar on top
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Macadamia nuts are highly toxic to dogs, though the exact substance causing the toxicity is unknown. Even a tiny amount can cause symptoms like weakness, vomiting, tremors, and hyperthermia within 12 hours of ingestion. The severity of the symptoms can vary depending on the amount ingested and the size of the dog, but they typically last around 24 to 48 hours.

Coffee and Caffeine

coffee on white ceramic mug
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Caffeine, found in energy drinks, tea, coffee, and some soda drinks, is toxic to dogs. Dogs are far more sensitive to caffeine than us, and even small amounts of it can lead to caffeine poisoning. Symptoms include restlessness, rapid breathing, heart palpitations, muscle tremors, and seizures. In severe cases, caffeine ingestion can result in death.

Cooked Bones

“T-bone-cooked-MCB” by Michael C. Berch is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.5

While raw bones can be a safe and enjoyable dog treat, cooked bones present serious risks. Cooking makes bones more brittle, increasing the likelihood that they will splinter when chewed. These splinters can cause choking, puncture wounds in the mouth or throat, or even perforate the intestines, leading to life-threatening injuries.

Fat Trimmings and Bacon

fried bacon in frying pan
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Fat trimmings, such as those from bacon, can be very dangerous for dogs. Consuming high-fat foods like these can lead to pancreatitis, a severe and painful inflammation of the pancreas that can be life-threatening. In addition, dogs that ingest large amounts of fat may experience gastrointestinal problems like vomiting and diarrhea, which can result in dehydration and other serious health issues.

Dairy Products

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Many dogs have lactose intolerance, which means they lack sufficient lactase, the enzyme necessary to break down lactose found in dairy products. Consuming dairy can lead to digestive issues like diarrhea, gas, and stomach discomfort. Although some dogs might handle small amounts of dairy without problems, it’s generally safer to offer lactose-free alternatives or avoid dairy entirely to prevent any potential adverse effects.

Yeast Dough

“17 – Hefeteig angegangen / yeast dough ready” by JaBB is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

Yeast dough, if consumed by a dog, can continue to rise in the warm, moist environment of the stomach, leading to painful bloating and potentially dangerous conditions like gastric dilatation-volvulus (bloat). Also, as the yeast ferments, it produces alcohol, leading to alcohol poisoning. Symptoms of yeast dough ingestion include abdominal pain, bloating, vomiting, and lethargy.

Tomatoes

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While ripe tomatoes are generally safe for dogs in small quantities, the green parts of the tomato plant, such as the leaves and stems, has solanine, a compound that is toxic to dogs. Ingesting solanine can lead to gastrointestinal issues like vomiting and diarrhea. In some cases, it can cause more serious symptoms, including muscle weakness, tremors, and seizures.

Salt

“Salt Crystals” by Dawn Endico is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0

Salt, while essential in small amounts, can be dangerous for dogs if consumed in excess. High levels of salt can lead to sodium ion poisoning, which can cause symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, and seizures. In severe cases, it can lead to coma or death. Foods like chips, pretzels, and salted popcorn should be avoided, and dog owners should be cautious about the salt content in their pet’s food and treats.

Cherries

red berry lot
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Cherries, particularly the pits, stems, and leaves, contain cyanogenic glycosides, which can release cyanide when metabolized by your dog’s body. Cyanide is highly toxic and can lead to difficulty breathing, dilated pupils, red gums, and even shock or death in severe cases. While the flesh of the cherry itself is not toxic, the risk of cyanide poisoning from the pits makes cherries a hazardous treat for dogs.

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