Dogs will eat just about anything—your snacks, your shoes, your leftovers… even things that aren’t technically food. But not everything we enjoy is safe for them. Some human foods can cause serious health problems, and a few can be downright deadly.
To keep your furry best friend safe, here’s the ultimate list of foods your dog should never eat, plus why they’re dangerous.
1. Chocolate
One of the biggest dangers for dogs. Chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine, which can cause vomiting, seizures, heart problems, and even death. Dark chocolate is the most toxic.
2. Grapes and Raisins
Even a single grape or raisin can cause sudden kidney failure in dogs. No amount is considered safe, so keep them completely off-limits.
3. Onions, Garlic, Leeks, and Chives
These vegetables can damage a dog’s red blood cells and lead to anemia. This includes raw, cooked, powdered, or dried versions.
4. Alcohol
Alcohol affects dogs far more quickly than humans. Even small amounts can cause vomiting, difficulty breathing, coma, or death.
5. Xylitol (Artificial Sweetener)
Found in sugar-free gum, peanut butter, candy, and some baked goods, xylitol can cause a sudden drop in blood sugar, seizures, liver failure, and can be fatal.
6. Caffeine
Coffee, tea, energy drinks, and caffeinated snacks are extremely dangerous. Caffeine overstimulates the heart and nervous system.
7. Avocado
Avocado contains persin, which can cause vomiting and diarrhea in dogs. While the flesh is less toxic, it’s safer to avoid it entirely—especially because the pit is a choking hazard.
8. Macadamia Nuts
Just a few macadamia nuts can cause weakness, tremors, vomiting, and high fever in dogs.
9. Raw Dough With Yeast
Yeast dough can expand inside your dog’s stomach, causing painful bloating or even life-threatening complications. It can also produce alcohol inside their system.
10. Bones (Especially Cooked Bones)
Cooked bones can splinter and cause choking, internal blockages, or tears in the digestive tract. Raw bones are safer but still require supervision.
11. Salty Foods
Chips, pretzels, and salty snacks can cause dehydration, vomiting, and sodium poisoning if consumed in large amounts.
12. Fat Trimmings and Fried Foods
These can cause pancreatitis—a painful, dangerous inflammation of the pancreas. Dogs don’t handle greasy scraps well.
13. Dairy Products
Many dogs struggle to digest lactose, leading to gas, diarrhea, and stomach upset. If you want to give dairy at all, keep it tiny and occasional.
Final Thoughts
Your dog depends on you to make safe choices, especially when it comes to food. While some human snacks feel harmless, they can be risky—or even deadly—for your pup. By keeping this list in mind, you can prevent dangerous accidents and keep your furry friend healthy and happy for years to come.
