Avoid Giving These Foods To Your Dog – Dangerous Foods For Your Pup (And Which Ones Are Safe)
Feeding your dog the right foods is crucial for their well-being. While most pet parents stick to quality dry or wet dog food, some human snacks can be safe in moderation—though many others are downright toxic. Treats like carrots, plain chicken, and blueberries are generally safe, but dangerous items such as chocolate, grapes, onions, and anything with xylitol should be completely off-limits. Knowing the difference is essential to keeping your furry friend healthy and safe.
Grapes And Raisins Are A No-Go
Sometimes dogs can bounce back from eating small amounts of certain off-limits foods, but grapes and raisins are a serious exception. These fruits are highly toxic and can cause kidney failure—and sadly, even be fatal.
If you suspect your dog may have eaten grapes or raisins, watch closely for symptoms like loss of appetite, weakness or lethargy, vomiting, tummy pain when touched, dehydration, and frequent urination. If any of these signs show up, don't hesitate—reach out to your vet right away.
Steer Clear Of Macadamia Nuts
Many dog health experts rank macadamia nuts among the top human foods to avoid, given the serious risks they pose. Although scientists are still pinpointing the exact toxin, even a small amount can be dangerous or even fatal for dogs.
Signs of macadamia nut poisoning include vomiting, loss of balance, weakness, elevated body temperature (hyperthermia), and lethargy. If you think your dog has ingested macadamia nuts, it's vital to contact your veterinarian right away. For milder symptoms, treatments like activated charcoal and medications to help clear their system may be recommended.
Keep The Carrots Coming
This vibrant orange veggie is loaded with vitamins, fiber, antioxidants, and plenty more. It's not only nutritious for dogs but also makes a fantastic reward for good behavior.
For teething puppies, a frozen carrot can double as a soothing cold treat that eases discomfort while supporting dental health. Just be sure to slice the carrots into bite-sized pieces beforehand to keep choking hazards at bay.
Garlic Won't Do Your Dog Any Favors
Though garlic offers health perks for humans, it can be quite harmful to dogs. Their metabolism processes it differently, and the compound thiosulfate found in garlic can damage their red blood cells.
If you think your dog has eaten garlic, keep an eye out for symptoms such as rapid breathing, weakness, yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), vomiting, stomach pain, depression, and dehydration. While it usually takes a large amount to cause illness, sensitivity varies between dogs. If you notice any of these signs, it's crucial to contact your vet immediately.
Don't Cry Over Onions
The Pet Poison Hotline lists onions as one of the most dangerous foods for dogs. Whether raw, cooked, or in powdered form, onions can seriously harm dogs by destroying their red blood cells.
This damage disrupts oxygen flow, making it hard for them to breathe. The toxins aren't just in onions themselves—they’re also found in related foods like garlic, shallots, leeks, and chives. Watch for symptoms such as lethargy, loss of appetite, fainting, reddish urine, or pale gums. If you see any of these signs, contact your veterinarian right away.
Pass The Peanut Butter
Peanut butter is a treat that dogs often love, happily smacking their lips for it all day long. However, there are some important things to keep in mind before offering it to them. When given in moderation, it can be a healthy reward. Veterinarians suggest choosing plain, unsalted peanut butter since added ingredients like salt and sugar might cause negative effects.
This smooth snack is great for helping dogs take medication or as a reward for good behavior. Just remember, peanut butter is high in fat and calories, so overfeeding can lead to weight gain and upset stomachs.
Avoid Avocado At All Costs
There's a lot of debate about whether avocados are safe for dogs, but most experts recommend steering clear of them altogether. The main concern is a toxin called persin, present in the pit, skin, and even the flesh of the fruit.
Persin can trigger serious health issues in dogs, such as vomiting, heart problems, and in severe cases, it can be life-threatening. Additionally, avocados are high in fat, which may cause digestive upset, strain the pancreas, and contribute to weight gain. To keep your dog safe, it’s best to avoid feeding them avocado.
Chop Up Some Broccoli
Dogs don't require large amounts of fruits and vegetables to stay healthy, but adding some to their daily diet can be beneficial. Broccoli, for example, is safe for dogs to eat both raw and cooked. It’s high in fiber and vitamin C while being low in fat.
When feeding broccoli, always serve it plain—without any oils or seasonings—and chop it into small pieces to prevent choking. Keep in mind that the florets contain isothiocyanates, which may cause digestive upset if eaten in excess. Pairing broccoli with white rice and lean protein can make for a nutritious and balanced meal.
White Rice Helps With Upset Stomachs
Just like people, dogs can suffer from stomach issues, often caused by eating something they shouldn't or an abrupt change in their diet. A straightforward home remedy is plain, cooked white rice.
White rice is gentle on a dog’s digestive system and can help firm up loose stools. It also offers easily digestible carbohydrates, giving dogs—especially seniors—a quick boost of energy. Be sure to choose white rice over brown rice, since brown rice has a higher glycemic index and can raise blood sugar more rapidly.
Don't Let Your Dog Go Near Cinnamon
While cinnamon isn't toxic to dogs, it can still lead to several negative reactions. According to the Pet Poison Hotline, cinnamon and foods containing cinnamon may cause skin and digestive irritation as well as damage to the inside of a dog’s mouth. If a dog inhales the powder, it can trigger coughing, choking, and breathing difficulties.
Smaller breeds are particularly vulnerable since they handle large amounts less effectively than larger dogs. Consuming cinnamon can also lower blood sugar levels and may result in vomiting, irregular heartbeats, and liver problems.
Blueberries Help Dogs With Their Weight
It can be difficult to curb the appetite of an overweight dog and something that can fool them into thinking they're getting a sugary treat are blueberries. This fruit is packed with antioxidants that can help reduce inflammation and it gives their bodies several important vitamins and minerals.
Blueberries are actually low in sugar because they are almost all water. Since they are bite-sized they can be used as a treat and in dog puzzle toys. Some studies have found that blueberries have reduced signs of aging in senior dogs as well.
Keep Them Away From The Chocolate
Chocolate is one food that should never be given to dogs. While it's a favorite for many people, it contains theobromine and caffeine—two ingredients that dogs can't process effectively. Even a small bite can be dangerous.
Eating chocolate can cause vomiting, dehydration, tremors, internal bleeding, seizures, and in extreme cases, death. Dark chocolates, including cocoa powder and unsweetened baking chocolate, are the most hazardous since they contain the highest levels of these toxic substances..
Why Ice Cream Is Damaging For Dogs
As much as you might want to treat your dog to a lick of ice cream on a hot day, it's best to resist. Most dogs are lactose intolerant because they stop processing milk after puppyhood, which makes digesting dairy a challenge.
Ice cream can cause issues like gas, diarrhea, bloating, or even vomiting. On top of that, it’s full of sugar and may contain artificial sweeteners like xylitol, which is extremely dangerous for dogs. Thankfully, there are frozen treats made just for pups—like Frosty Paws—that offer a safe and tasty way for them to cool off.
It's Time To Whip Some Eggs
A common human food that can make a positive difference in a dog's diet is eggs. They are very high in protein and contain essential amino and fatty acids. Eggs are great for helping an upset stomach and nausea, but there are a few things to know before preparing them for your dog.
Eggs should never be served raw because they can have salmonella and lead to a biotin deficiency, which affects skin, digestion, metabolism, and cells. They should also be prepared without milk or butter because most dogs are lactose intolerant.
Let Them Eat Turkey
The American Kennel Club says turkey is full of beneficial nutrients like protein, riboflavin, and phosphorus. It's a popular holiday dish and sandwich meat, but it can also be a dog-friendly snack—if prepared correctly.
Turkey is safe for dogs to eat, but it needs to be plain and fully cooked. Skip the butter, spices, and seasonings, as these can upset your dog's digestive system or harm their pancreas. And always take out any bones—they can be dangerous, leading to choking or internal damage.
Put Some Shrimp On The Barbie
Dogs shouldn't eat large amounts of shrimp, but a few every now and then have some proven health benefits. Shrimp contain vitamins B12 and B3, anti-oxidants, and phosphorus, which helps with metabolism, energy, blood circulation, bones, and brain function. They are also low in fat, calories, carbohydrates, and cholesterol.
Before feeding them to your dog it's best to steam them thoroughly and remove any shells to prevent choking. Do not cook them in oils or butter because that provides unnecessary fats that can be harmful to their digestive system.
When Life Gives You Lemons And Limes
Dogs cannot tolerate eating lemons or limes. The skins of these citrus fruits include a substance called psoralen. Eating just small amounts of psoralen can cause vomiting and gastrointestinal issues, but the more serious symptoms come if larger amounts are ingested. These can include muscle tremors, difficulty walking, liver failure, and fatality.
Purina claims that when a dog eats something poisonous it will taste bitter because that's how they used to survive before they were domesticated. Dogs may continue to eat lemons because they aren't necessarily turned off by the sour taste.
The Great Benefits Of Salmon
Salmon is a staple in several human diets and it can work wonders for dogs. They should only eat it cooked without any seasonings, extra oils, lemon, or butter. It's also important for owners to remove any of the little bones that may be hiding to prevent choking.
There are a ton of nutritious parts to salmon such as the omega-3 fatty acids, which can reduce inflammation and protect their skin and fur. Dogs who eat raw salmon may be at risk because there are sometimes poisonous parasites inside, which can be fatal.
Say Cheese!
While most dogs tend to be lactose intolerant one of the few dairy products they can eat is cheese. It's filled with protein, calcium, vitamins A and B, and essential fatty acids. Most veterinarians recommend only feeding dogs cheese in moderation because too much dairy can give them gastrointestinal problems.
Cheese is also perfect to use to motivate your dog's good behavior or as a little snack during the day. Experts stress that moderation is key with cheese because of its high-fat content that can lead to fatal illnesses in dogs.
What Goes Wrong When Dogs Consume Caffeine
Caffeine contains a toxin called theobromine that can cause hyperactivity, restlessness, vomiting, elevated heart rate, increased blood pressure, abnormal heart rhythms, tremors, hyperthermia, seizures, and collapse.
The side effects are very similar to when dogs consume chocolate. The best thing to do if your dog ingests caffeine is to contact a veterinarian who can advise which medication will help them ease their specific symptoms.
Sara Portnoy
