What Foods Can Dogs Not Eat? 37 Harmful Foods To Watch Out For

By Richard Gray

Given the chance, a dog will follow its nose and eat most of the things humans do, except the bitter tasting ones! Those adoring, pleading eyes may weaken you into giving your dog a portion of what you are eating or cooking. 

But what foods can dogs not eat?

There are just under a quarter of a million cases of pet poisoning in the U.S. alone every year. Many of these figures come from consuming cleaning substances and medications around the home. But many are also from foods that turn out to be toxic. [1]

Here is a list of 37 of the most harmful food items for you to consider. For quick and easy reference they are classified into: 

•  Foods
•  Drinks
•  Fruit & Vegetables
•  Nuts
•  Herbs & Spices  

This list of items is heavily researched from online veterinary sources. The list is in no way a substitute for veterinary diagnosis or a guide to treatment for a health problem.

Consult your veterinarian immediately if you think your dog has eaten a toxic food.

Here is the complete content list.

Foods

#1. Artificial Sweetener Xylitol
#2. Bones
#3. Chocolate
#4. Dough & Yeast
#5. Fat Trimmings
#6. Chicken Skin
#7. Raw Fish & Raw Meat
#8. Salt

Drinks

#9. Alcohol Beverages & Products
#10. Caffeine, Coffee & Tea
#11. Ice Cream & Milk
#12. Soft Drinks

Fruit & Vegetables

#13. Apple Core & Seeds
#14. Avocado
#15. Citrus
#16. Corn on the Cob
#17. Onions, Garlic, Leeks, Chives
#18. Cherries & Apricots
#19. Grapes, Raisins & Currants
#20. Kale
#21. Peaches
#22. Persimmons
#23. Plums
#24. Potato
#25. Raw Sweet Potato
#26. Rhubarb
#27. Tomato
#28. Wild Mushrooms

#29. Nuts

#30. Almonds
#31. Macadamia Nuts
#32. Black Walnuts

Herbs & Spices

#33. Spicy Food
#34. Hops
#35. Mustard Seeds
#36. Nutmeg
#37. Poppy Seeds

Afterword & What To Do Next

Foods

#1. Artificial Sweetener Xylitol

You really have to be very watchful here because xylitol is an artificial sweetener that is present in many things. Check the ingredients on any product before giving it to your dog. Look out for xylitol in peanut butter. It is common in sugar-free gum and toothpaste. When a dog ingests xylitol it causes a rise in insulin levels. This can lead to other complications such as hypoglycemia and in larger quantities, liver failure. [2]

#2. Bones

It may seem strange but bones can cause health problems. Cooked meat with bones is especially dangerous as these bones can shatter easily when chewed. They could cause choking, get stuck in the stomach and intestines. The shards of bone could cut internal organs. 

Giving a dog a raw bone seems a tradition but raw bones can break a dog’s teeth. Also, the uncooked meat on the bone carries the added risk of bacterial infection from salmonella and E.coli and listeria. [3]

#3. Chocolate

Chocolate is toxic to dogs. It contains the chemical substance theobromine. Unlike people, dogs are not able to metabolize this. There is a greater amount of theobromine in bitter dark chocolate and baking chocolate than in milk chocolate. Carob is a recommended substitute for chocolate in treats. Most vets recommend you avoid giving chocolate in any form.

Signs that a dog is experiencing a toxic reaction to chocolate include vomiting, diarrhea, panting & restlessness, and increased heart rate. [4]

#4. Dough & Yeast

Uncooked dough and pizza dough can firstly cause bloat when eaten by a dog. The yeast and sugar in the dough ferments in a dog’s stomach and produces alcohol, which causes a toxic reaction when absorbed into the bloodstream.

A mention here for homemade playdough. This is tempting for your dog when the kids are playing with it! It is toxic to dogs and they shouldn’t come into contact with it as they will be tempted to eat it. Excessive salt is contained in playdough and ingesting it can work a dog’s heart very hard. [5]

#5. Fat Trimmings 

Getting the right balance and the right fats in a dogs diet is important. High-fat cooked or uncooked fat trimmings should not be fed to a dog. They contain three times the amount of calories as proteins. This could cause extreme weight gain and even lead to the life-threatening condition, pancreatitis. [6]

#6. Chicken Skin

Chicken skin, both cooked and uncooked, is also high in fats and is not a good idea for dogs. Cooked skin can often be seasoned with ingredients (garlic, salt, onion powder) toxic to dogs. [7]

#7. Raw Fish & Raw Meat

Fish should be fully cooked before feeding it to a dog. Raw fish can contain parasites like tapeworms and flukes and the bones can also be a choking hazard. Make sure the fish is really cooked when giving to a dog because undercooked fish may contain bacteria like salmonella. [8, 9]

The ancestor’s of dogs consumed raw meat, so it must be good for your dog, right? Well, no according to the AMVA. The American Veterinary Medical Association discourages giving raw meat to a dog. The pathogens in raw meat could be salmonella, E. coli and listeria and could in turn be transmitted to you and your family. Freezing raw meat won’t kill all the bacteria. The AVMA advises to cook meat fully. [10, 11]

#8. Salt

This mineral does need to be ingested by dogs just like it does by humans. But too much salt leads to salt toxicity. Be careful feeding pretzels, salted peanuts, chips to dogs as you need to be aware how much salt your dog should have daily. Toxicity signs are vomiting and diarrhea and extreme cases, seizure. [12]

Drinks

#9. Alcohol Beverages & Products

It’s a definite no-no. Alcohol has a more exaggerated effect on dogs than humans. Watch not to leave discarded drinks around as a dog may lap them up. Ethanol is the alcohol found in beverages, milky or alcoholic creamy beverages can be very tempting for dogs. Raw yeast dough should be kept out of reach; it contains fermenting sugar that turns to alcohol. Ethanol is also found in medications. Be careful when giving any medications to your dog to check with your vet. [13]

Another form of alcohol a dog may come into contact with is isopropanol. It is used in flea sprays and grooming products, so a dog could become poisoned by absorbing through the skin. [14]

#10. Caffeine, Coffee & Tea

Caffeine is toxic to dogs and raises blood pressure, stimulates an increased heart rate and hyperactivity. Yes, it’s there in coffee and tea but also in energy drinks and soft drinks. Careful leaving a cold milky cuppa around that may tempt your pouch or a spilled soft drink that your dog may lap up. [15]

#11. Ice Cream & Milk

Many dogs are lactose intolerant and can suffer digestive problems and skin irritations as a consequence of drinking milk and eating ice cream. They also contain large quantities of fat and sugar. Flavored ice cream may contain toxic ingredients such as xylitol. A few spoons of milk may be okay and unlikely to trigger a painful and unpleasant reaction but avoid giving half a milk carton. 

Cheese and yogurt are known to be easier to digest for a dog. [16, 17]

#12. Soft Drinks

Sodas are high in sugar and contain caffeine but worse still may contain xylitol. They shouldn’t be given to a dog. Not only will they likely dehydrate a dog but can also raise blood sugar levels. Diet sodas should also be avoided because most contain aspartame, which may cause stomach upset in a dog. [18]

Fruit & Vegetables

#13. Apple Core & Seeds

Apple is good for dogs but make certain you remove the seeds and don’t give them the core. The seeds contain a chemical Amygdalin and when it is digested it releases cyanide. One or two seeds eaten by mistake is okay. Your dog will have to eat large amounts for it to be harmful. Be careful not to feed a dog an apple core as he could choke on it. [19]

#14. Avocado

Although the flesh/pulp of avocado is not toxic, it is high in fat and this can cause pancreatitis. The avocado pit is not digested well by a dog.The intestines may become obstructed if a dog eats the pit. Persin is a natural antifungal compound and it is found in the leaves, skin, seeds, and flesh. Many animals have serious health problems from ingesting persin. Dogs are known to be resistant to its effects, but great care should be taken with avocado. Your dog sneaking a slice should be okay but be watchful of signs of stomach distress (diarrhea and vomiting). [20]

#15. Citrus

Dogs have enough of a developed taste to be able to taste when something is bitter, so they are unlikely to eat a lemon. Lemons, grapefruit and limes are all acidic and tart. Oranges are okay in moderation (but high in sugar). A half to one orange/mandarin segment for a dog a day is a good guide. The peel and pips should be removed. The peel is difficult to digest and could cause intestinal blockage and it is also full of oil which can lead to gastro-intestinal upset. [21]

#16. Corn on the Cob

Sweet corn, or the kennels of the corn, are in fact good for dogs and are high in protein and a good source of energy. It is the cob that is the problem. The cob is unlikely to digest in a dog’s stomach and may cause puncturing in a dog’s intestines as it passes through undigested. Sickness, diarrhea, fatigue and tenderness in the stomach area are possible signs a dog has eaten a corn cob. [22]

#17. Onions, Garlic, Leeks, Chives

Raw and cooked onion (the entire plant) is toxic to dogs. So are chives, green onions, garlic and leeks, which are all members of the Allium family of vegetables. Onion contains a toxic compound which breaks down red blood cells and can result in anaemia. Onion and garlic powders are also out. They are widespread ingredients, so please carefully check any supermarket foods before feeding them to your dog. Vomiting, irritation of the mouth, gastroenteritis are signs of poisoning. [23, 24]

#18. Cherries & Apricots

The flesh of cherries is not toxic to a dog, although it can cause stomach upset and the flesh is high in sugar. Giving a few cherries is okay, but the pit or stone must be removed. Like the seeds of apples, the pit contains cyanide. Cherry leaves and the stalk are also toxic to dogs. [25]

Other fruit seeds and pits to avoid are found in Apricots. These fruit pits are small and almond shaped and could easily be a choking hazard. Apricot pits also contain cyanide which acts on red blood cells and their ability to provide oxygen to tissues. When cyanide is ingested it can cause a dog to vomit, increase their heartbeat, induce a seizure, which could ultimately lead to coma and death. [26]

#19. Grapes, Raisins & Currants

Avoid giving your dog grapes and raisins and any foods that contain them. They are toxic. Dogs have been poisoned by both red and green grapes and seed and seedless varieties in very small quantities. A dog will usually vomit them up quickly. Raisins often produce the same reaction. Some dogs will eat one grape or raisin and be ill, some will eat many. They can cause kidney failure and death. [27]

#20. Kale

Kale is not toxic and if you want to feed your dog small amounts it should be fine. But be aware that Kale does contain a compound called calcium oxalate which is known to cause kidney and bladder stones in dogs. Additional compounds found in kale can also cause stomach upset. [28]

#21. Peaches

The flesh of the peach is high in vitamin A. Again, give it in moderation and it’s best to cut the fruit into small pieces. Too much peace can induce diarrhea. The pit or stone needs to be removed because it contains cyanide. Canned or preserved peaches should not be given to a dog; they contain artificial sweeteners. [29]

#22. Persimmons

The fruit is safe and good for a dog as it contains many vitamins and nutrients. But too much of it may induce diarrhea in a dog. The seeds should not be consumed as they can lead to serious problems like intestinal blockage. [30]

#23. Plums

Plums are another fruit that is a good source of fiber and they are high in vitamin A. They should be given in moderation to avoid stomach upset. Like the peach, the pit is a choking hazard and contains cyanide and should be removed. They are also high in sugar. [31]

#24. Potato

Generally cooked baked or boiled potato is safe for dogs, again best in small amounts. Unseasoned mashed potato is okay but your own mashed potato may contain both butter and milk (lactose). Grown dogs lack the enzyme lactase to break down dairy. Raw potato (the peel and flesh) contains solanine and should not be given to a dog. Feeding a dog cooked potato skins is not recommended as they can be difficult to digest. The leaves and sprouts of potato also contain solanine.  In large quantities solanine could cause stomach upset and digestive problems. [32]

#25. Raw Sweet Potato

Sweet potato is a good source of nutrients for a dog when it is cooked. Raw sweet potato can cause stomach upsets and even blockages. 

Both cooked white potato and cooked sweet potato should not exceed 10% of a dog’s daily calorie intake from treats each day.

#26. Rhubarb

Rhubarb leaves should not be given to a dog. They contain oxalate crystals which are toxic to dogs. A dog is unlikely to eat them because they taste bitter. The stem, or part you put in your pie, is edible, but still contains small amounts of the oxalate crystals. So, if you decide to try and give a dog rhubarb stems, only give in small amounts. [33]

#27. Tomato

Ripe red tomatoes are not toxic but should be given in moderation because tomatoes are acidic and can cause stomach upset. Unripe green tomato and the leaves and stem contain solanine, which in large amounts causes stomach problems. [34]

#28. Wild Mushrooms

Store bought mushrooms are generally acknowledged to be safe for dogs and can be eaten in small amounts. Be careful tinned mushrooms don’t contain onion and garlic as part of the ingredients. The ones that may grow in your yard are wild and should not be eaten. Wild mushrooms are toxic to dogs (and humans too!). [35]

#29. Nuts

In general, all nuts are high in calories and oxalate and it is best to find some other treat to give your pouch. If you do give nuts, make sure what you give is no more than the 10% daily calorie treat percentage.

#30. Almonds

Be careful with almonds as they can get stuck on the way down and block a dog’s esophagus, windpipe and intestines. Pistachios are a similar shape and for this reason they can also be a choking hazard. They are both not toxic, but they are high in fat and in salt. [36]

#31. Macadamia Nuts

These you can’t give. They are toxic to dogs. The toxin is not known but only a small amount of these can make a dog seriously ill. They are found in cakes, so be careful not to give them. Symptoms of macadamia poisoning vary and include vomiting, fever and lethargy. This can be followed by loss of balance, reluctance to use the rear legs, and muscle tremors. [37, 38]

#32. Black Walnuts

Black Walnut trees are native to North America. They are a beautiful tree but they poison the ground around them from a herbicide called juglone. The walnut husk is large and falls are round October. The husk also contains juglone. The husk, shells, nuts (especially when moldy) are toxic for a dog and should not be eaten. [39, 40]

Herbs & Spices

#33. Spicy Food

Spicy food should not generally be given to dogs as it is liable to cause stomach problems and bloating. A dog will experience burning in their mouth and in the stomach. Chilli and chili peppers, cumin and paprika are likely to cause discomfort as well as increased thirst.

#34. Hops

Hops are found in beer and your dog should of course not be ingesting beer. They may be around for your dog to scavenge if you are a homebrewer, so be careful. Hops are also found in some teas and soft drinks. Both raw and spent hops are toxic to a dog and can induce malignant hyperthermia. [41]

#35. Mustard Seeds

Mustard seeds contain two toxic compounds (isothiocyanate and glucosinolates) that are harmful to a dog. Mustard may also contain additives that are dangerous, such as garlic powder. [42]

#36. Nutmeg

Nutmeg includes a toxin called Myristicin. Nutmeg in large amounts can cause critical health issues for a dog. A large quantity can bring on disorientation, hallucinations, increased heart rate and blood pressure and even a seizure. The size of a dog is also a factor on the intensity of the reaction. If your dog sneaks a nutmeg cookie it should be okay, but be watchful. It’s best if a dog has no nutmeg at all. [43]

#37. Poppy Seeds

They are something else to avoid. Eating only a few seeds a dog may experience stomach upset and vomiting. More and look out for shaking and pinpoint pupils. They are opioids and could damage a dog’s central nervous system. [44]

Afterword & What To Do Next

We hope you studied this list of items carefully and identified the foods dogs can not eat and the foods that can only be given in moderation.

If you suspect that your dog has consumed something dangerous or unhealthy from this list, do not delay in consulting a veterinarian.

FAQ