Toxic Food for Dogs: 30 Human Foods That Can Be Dangerous or Deadly (2026 Guide)
- Alice
- 1 day ago
- 12 min read
This article contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Trust & transparency: Written by an experienced dog owner of multiple dogs & canine nutrition writer (10+ years). Reviewed against guidance from ASPCA Animal Poison Control, FDA animal health resources, AKC canine health, Merck Veterinary Manual, and Pet Poison Helpline education.Last updated: January 7, 2026.Corrections: If you’re a veterinary professional and want a correction, contact us.
You love your dog.
You share your couch, your routines… and sometimes (accidentally) your food.
But here’s the uncomfortable truth: many everyday human foods are toxic foods for dogs — and a few can become an emergency fast.
I learned this the hard way when my Labrador stole a bagel with raisins off the counter. What followed was an emergency vet visit, a lot of guilt, and a deep dive into canine food toxicity that permanently changed how I approach feeding dogs.
For a complete feeding framework, start with our pillar guide: Dog Nutrition: The Complete Guide for Happy, Healthy Pups (internal link).
Emergency? Read This First (Save This Section)
Don’t wait for symptoms. If your dog ate something on this list:
Remove access to the food immediately.
Save the packaging / ingredient list (or take a photo).
Estimate how much + when it was eaten.
Call your vet or a poison control line.
Don’t give food, water, or meds unless a professional instructs you.
Emergency contacts (US):
ASPCA Animal Poison Control (APCC): 1-888-426-4435
Pet Poison Helpline: 1-855-764-7661
Have this ready (quick checklist):
What was eaten
How much
When
Your dog’s weight
Any symptoms
Note: Poison control lines may charge a consultation fee.
<a id="toc"></a>
Table of Contents
Quick Answer: What Foods Are Toxic to Dogs?
Most Dangerous Toxic Foods (Emergency Vet Triggers)
Toxic Foods at a Glance (Canonical List 1–30)
What Makes a Food Toxic for Dogs?
Symptom → Possible Toxin (Quick Clues)
The 30 Most Toxic Foods for Dogs (Full Breakdown)
What to Do If Your Dog Eats Toxic Food (Step-by-Step)
FAQ: Should I Make My Dog Vomit at Home?
How to Prevent Food Poisoning at Home
How to Read Labels: Red Flags to Look For
Safe Human Foods for Dogs (Better Alternatives + Safe Swaps)
More Foods to Be Careful With (Quick Mentions)
Printable Cheat Sheet
Experience, Transparency & Editorial Policy
Sources & Further Reading
<a id="quick-answer"></a>
Quick Answer: What Foods Are Toxic to Dogs?
Toxic foods for dogs include chocolate, grapes/raisins, xylitol, onions/garlic/chives/leeks, alcohol, yeast dough, wild mushrooms, caffeine, macadamia nuts, cooked bones, cherry pits/stems/leaves, and tomato plant parts. Many “combo foods” (trail mix, protein bars, sugar-free candy, some peanut butters) are risky because they can hide those ingredients.
Depending on the food, toxicity may affect the central nervous system (CNS), kidneys, liver, red blood cells (RBCs), pancreas, gastrointestinal tract, or blood sugar. Risk rises with dose, small body size, and delayed treatment.
<a id="emergency-triggers"></a>
Most Dangerous Toxic Foods (Emergency Vet Triggers)
These are some of the most frequent emergency triggers seen in dogs.If your dog ate any of the following, don’t wait for symptoms:
Xylitol (birch sugar)
Grapes
Raisins (including currants/sultanas)
Chocolate (especially dark/baking chocolate)
Alcohol
Yeast dough
Wild mushrooms
Onions
Garlic
Chives
Macadamia nuts
Cooked bones
👉 Jump to: What to Do If Your Dog Eats Toxic Food
<a id="canonical-list"></a>
Toxic Foods at a Glance (Canonical List 1–30)
(1) Chocolate
(2) Grapes
(3) Raisins (including currants/sultanas)
(4) Xylitol (birch sugar)
(5) Onions
(6) Garlic
(7) Chives
(8) Leeks
(9) Alcohol
(10) Yeast dough
(11) Macadamia nuts
(12) Caffeine (coffee/tea/energy drinks/supplements)
(13) Cooked bones
(14) Avocado
(15) Cherries (pits/stems/leaves)
(16) Tomato plant & green tomatoes
(17) Wild mushrooms
(18) Citrus peels & essential oils
(19) Milk & milk-based products (GI risk)
(20) Fatty foods
(21) Extremely salty snacks
(22) Sugar-free gum/candy
(23) Peanut butter (xylitol risk)
(24) Trail mix
(25) Protein bars
(26) Holiday desserts
(27) Baby food (onion/garlic powder)
(28) Flavored chips & seasoning mixes
(29) Fast food leftovers
(30) Sugary candy & gum
<a id="what-makes-toxic"></a>
What Makes a Food Toxic for Dogs?
Dogs metabolize many compounds differently than humans. Some foods:
damage red blood cells (RBCs) → hemolytic anemia
crash blood sugar → hypoglycemia
injure kidneys → acute kidney injury
overstimulate CNS/heart → tremors, seizures, arrhythmias
inflame the pancreas → pancreatitis
create GI hazards → vomiting, pain, obstruction, perforation
Some foods are considered unsafe at any dose.
<a id="symptom-clues"></a>
Symptom → Possible Toxin (Quick Clues)
If you see…
Tremors / seizures → think chocolate, caffeine, wild mushrooms
Pale gums / weakness → think onions, garlic, chives, leeks
Sudden weakness / collapse → think xylitol
Vomiting + not peeing → think grapes/raisins
Bloating + unproductive retching → think yeast dough
(Not diagnoses—just fast clues to help you act quickly.)
<a id="full-breakdown"></a>
The 30 Most Toxic Foods for Dogs (Full Breakdown)
Format note: Every item below uses the same structure for clarity, trust, and scanability.
1) Chocolate — EMERGENCY (call now)
Severity: EMERGENCY
Toxin/Issue: Theobromine, methylxanthines
Target: CNS, cardiovascular system, GI tract
Symptoms: Vomiting, tremors, seizures
Why: Dogs metabolize methylxanthines poorly; baking/dark chocolate is more concentrated.
How much is risky: Even small amounts—risk rises fast in small dogs and with baking chocolate/cocoa powder.
How fast symptoms can show up: Typically 2–12 hours.
What to do: Call your vet or poison control immediately.
2) Grapes — EMERGENCY (call now)
Severity: EMERGENCY
Toxin/Issue: Unknown nephrotoxin (mechanism not fully understood)
Target: Kidneys
Symptoms: Vomiting, lethargy, decreased urination
Why: Can trigger acute kidney injury unpredictably.
How much is risky: No known safe amount.
How fast symptoms can show up: 6–48 hours (can be delayed).
What to do: Emergency vet care now.
3) Raisins (incl. currants/sultanas) — EMERGENCY (call now)
Severity: EMERGENCY
Toxin/Issue: Unknown nephrotoxin
Target: Kidneys
Symptoms: Vomiting, lethargy, decreased urination
Why: Same risk as grapes; may be more concentrated in baked goods/trail mix.
How much is risky: No known safe amount.
How fast symptoms can show up: 6–48 hours (can be delayed).
What to do: Emergency vet care now.
4) Xylitol (birch sugar) — EMERGENCY (call now)
Severity: EMERGENCY
Toxin/Issue: Xylitol triggers rapid insulin release; may also harm the liver
Target: Blood sugar regulation, liver
Symptoms: Vomiting, weakness, seizures
Why: Can cause life-threatening hypoglycemia quickly; liver injury is also a concern.
How much is risky: Very small amounts.
How fast symptoms can show up: Often within 30–60 minutes.
What to do: Emergency vet immediately + poison control.
5) Onions — HIGH-RISK (call vet today)
Severity: HIGH-RISK
Toxin/Issue: Thiosulfates / oxidative compounds
Target: RBCs
Symptoms: Weakness, pale gums, collapse
Why: Oxidative RBC damage can lead to hemolytic anemia; powders are easy to miss.
How much is risky: Repeated small doses can add up; powders are more concentrated.
How fast symptoms can show up: Often 1–5 days (can be delayed).What to do: Call your vet today.
6) Garlic — HIGH-RISK (call vet today)
Severity: HIGH-RISK
Toxin/Issue: Thiosulfates / oxidative compounds
Target: RBCs
Symptoms: Weakness, pale gums, collapse
Why: Same allium mechanism; often hidden in seasonings.
How much is risky: Small repeated exposures can be dangerous.
How fast symptoms can show up: 1–5 days.
What to do: Call your vet today.
7) Chives — HIGH-RISK (call vet today)
Severity: HIGH-RISK
Toxin/Issue: Allium-related oxidative compounds
Target: RBCs
Symptoms: Weakness, pale gums, collapse
Why: Same anemia risk as onion/garlic.
How much is risky: Any meaningful amount; repeated exposure increases risk.
How fast symptoms can show up: 1–5 days.
What to do: Call your vet today.
8) Leeks — HIGH-RISK (call vet today)
Severity: HIGH-RISK
Toxin/Issue: Allium-related oxidative compounds
Target: RBCs
Symptoms: Weakness, pale gums, collapseWhy: Same hemolytic anemia risk; can also irritate the GI tract.
How much is risky: Small repeated doses can be harmful.
How fast symptoms can show up: 1–5 days.
What to do: Call your vet today.
9) Alcohol — EMERGENCY (call now)
Severity: EMERGENCY
Toxin/Issue: Ethanol
Target: CNS, respiratory system, blood sugar
Symptoms: Disorientation, low body temperature, collapse
Why: Rapid absorption; can cause severe neurologic depression.
How much is risky: Even small sips can be dangerous.
How fast symptoms can show up: 30 minutes–2 hours.
What to do: Emergency vet immediately.
10) Yeast dough — EMERGENCY (call now)
Severity: EMERGENCY
Toxin/Issue: Dough expansion + ethanol from fermentation
Target: GI tract, CNS
Symptoms: Bloating, vomiting, lethargy
Why: Can cause painful bloating and alcohol toxicity.
How much is risky: Any amount.
How fast symptoms can show up: 1–3 hours.
What to do: Emergency vet.
11) Macadamia nuts — HIGH-RISK (call vet today)
Severity: HIGH-RISK
Toxin/Issue: Unknown
Target: Nervous system, muscles, GI tract
Symptoms: Vomiting, weakness, tremors
Why: Can cause neurologic/muscle signs even with a few nuts.
How much is risky: Even a few nuts.
How fast symptoms can show up: Often within 12 hours.
What to do: Call your vet today.
12) Caffeine (coffee/tea/energy drinks/supplements) — EMERGENCY (call now)
Severity: EMERGENCY
Toxin/Issue: Methylxanthines
Target: CNS, cardiovascular system
Symptoms: Restlessness, tremors, seizures
Why: Concentrated sources (coffee grounds, energy products, supplements) are most dangerous.
How much is risky: Small amounts can be risky in small dogs.
How fast symptoms can show up: 30 minutes–4 hours.
What to do: Emergency vet.
13) Cooked bones — HIGH-RISK (call vet today)
Severity: HIGH-RISK
Toxin/Issue: Physical hazard (splintering/obstruction)
Target: Airway, GI tract
Symptoms: Choking, vomiting, abdominal pain
Why: Cooked bones splinter and can obstruct or injure the gut.
How much is risky: Any amount.
How fast symptoms can show up: Immediate to 48 hours.
What to do: Call vet today; ER if choking, repeated vomiting, or severe pain.
14) Avocado — CAUTION (monitor + avoid)
Severity: CAUTION
Toxin/Issue: Persin + high fat + pit hazard
Target: GI tract, pancreas
Symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy
Why: High fat can trigger GI upset or pancreatitis in susceptible dogs; pit can obstruct.
How much is risky: More than a tiny taste; avoid pit/skin entirely.
How fast symptoms can show up: Within hours (sometimes next day).
What to do: Stop feeding; call vet if symptoms occur. (Internal link: high-fat foods and pancreatitis in dogs)
15) Cherries (pits/stems/leaves) — EMERGENCY (call now)
Severity: EMERGENCY
Toxin/Issue: Cyanogenic glycosides + choking/obstruction risk
Target: CNS, respiratory system
Symptoms: Vomiting, difficulty breathing, collapse
Why: Pits/stems/leaves can release cyanide; pits may obstruct.
How much is risky: Any amount of pits/stems/leaves.
How fast symptoms can show up: Within hours; sometimes rapid.
What to do: Call poison control or an emergency vet.
16) Tomato plant & green tomatoes — HIGH-RISK (call vet today)
Severity: HIGH-RISK
Toxin/Issue: Solanine (mainly in leaves/stems/green parts)
Target: GI tract, nervous system
Symptoms: Vomiting, tremors, lethargy
Why: Most risk comes from plant parts (leaves/stems) rather than ripe tomato flesh.
How much is risky: Any access to plant parts; small amounts may irritate.
How fast symptoms can show up: Within hours.
What to do: Call vet today; ER if tremors or severe signs.
17) Wild mushrooms — EMERGENCY (call now)
Severity: EMERGENCY
Toxin/Issue: Species-dependent toxins (identification risk)
Target: Liver, CNS, GI tract
Symptoms: Vomiting, seizures, lethargy
Why: Some mushrooms can cause severe liver failure; safe ID at home isn’t reliable.
What to do: Emergency vet + poison control.
18) Citrus peels & essential oils — CAUTION (monitor + avoid)
Severity: CAUTION
Toxin/Issue: Essential oils, psoralens (peels/oils are more irritating)
Target: GI tract
Symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy
Why: Small bites may cause mild GI upset; oils are more irritating than fruit flesh.
How much is risky: Peels/oils are riskier than a tiny taste of fruit.
How fast symptoms can show up: Within hours.
What to do: Avoid; call vet if symptoms persist.
19) Milk & milk-based products — CAUTION (not toxic, GI risk)
Severity: CAUTION
Toxin/Issue: Lactose intolerance (not a toxin)
Target: GI tract
Symptoms: Diarrhea, gas, abdominal discomfort
Why: Not toxic, but a frequent GI trigger; high-fat dairy can raise pancreatitis risk in prone dogs.
How much is risky: More than a lick; repeated servings.
How fast symptoms can show up: Within hours.What to do: Stop dairy; call vet if severe/persistent.
20) Fatty foods — CAUTION (monitor + avoid)
Severity: CAUTION
Toxin/Issue: High fat (pancreatitis trigger)
Target: Pancreas, GI tract
Symptoms: Vomiting, abdominal pain, lethargy
Why: High-fat meals can inflame the pancreas in susceptible dogs.
How much is risky: A “fatty feast” portion; risk rises with binge eating and smaller dogs.
How fast symptoms can show up: Hours to 1–3 days.
What to do: Avoid; call vet if vomiting, pain, or lethargy occurs.
21) Extremely salty snacks — CAUTION (monitor + avoid)
Severity: CAUTION
Toxin/Issue: Sodium overload
Target: Kidneys, nervous system
Symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy
Why: Too much salt disrupts fluid balance; biggest risk is large amounts eaten quickly.
How much is risky: Large amounts (bag-level snacking).
How fast symptoms can show up: Within hours.
What to do: Stop access; call vet if symptoms occur.
22) Sugar-free gum/candy — EMERGENCY (call now)
Severity: EMERGENCY
Toxin/Issue: Xylitol (common in sugar-free products)
Target: Endocrine system, liver
Symptoms: Vomiting, weakness, seizures
How fast symptoms can show up: 30–60 minutes.
What to do: Emergency vet immediately + poison control.
23) Peanut butter (xylitol risk) — EMERGENCY (call now if unsure)
Severity: EMERGENCY
Toxin/Issue: Possible xylitol-containing sweeteners (label-dependent)
Target: Endocrine system, liver
Symptoms: Vomiting, weakness, seizures
Why: Some “no sugar” or “reduced sugar” products may contain xylitol.
How much is risky: Any amount if xylitol is present.
How fast symptoms can show up: 30–60 minutes.
What to do: Check ingredients immediately; if unknown, call poison control now.
24) Trail mix — HIGH-RISK (call vet today)
Severity: HIGH-RISK
Toxin/Issue: Combo risk (raisins/chocolate/nuts)
Target: Kidneys, CNS, GI tract
Symptoms: Vomiting, tremors, lethargy
Why: Multiple toxins often combined in one snack.
How much is risky: Any amount if raisins/chocolate may be present.
How fast symptoms can show up: Hours to 48 hours (delayed possible).
What to do: Call vet today; ER if symptoms or raisins/chocolate confirmed.
25) Protein bars — EMERGENCY (call now)
Severity: EMERGENCY
Toxin/Issue: Often xylitol; may include caffeine/chocolate
Target: Endocrine system, CNS, liver
Symptoms: Vomiting, tremors, weakness
Why: A common “hidden xylitol” product category.
How much is risky: Any amount if xylitol is present or ingredients are unknown.
How fast symptoms can show up: 30–60 minutes (xylitol) or within hours (stimulants).
What to do: Emergency vet + poison control.
26) Holiday desserts — HIGH-RISK (call vet today)
Severity: HIGH-RISK
Toxin/Issue: Combo risk (raisins/chocolate/xylitol)
Target: Kidneys, CNS, GI tractSymptoms: Vomiting, tremors, lethargy
Why: Desserts often contain multiple risky ingredients.
How much is risky: Any amount if raisins/dark chocolate/xylitol present.
How fast symptoms can show up: Hours to 48 hours.
What to do: Call vet today; ER if xylitol is suspected.
27) Baby food (onion/garlic powder) — HIGH-RISK (call vet today)
Severity: HIGH-RISK
Toxin/Issue: Allium powder
Target: RBCs
Symptoms: Weakness, pale gums, lethargy
Why: Powders are concentrated and easy to miss on labels.
How much is risky: Repeated spoonfuls or regular exposure.
How fast symptoms can show up: 1–5 days.
What to do: Call vet today.
28) Flavored chips & seasoning mixes — HIGH-RISK (call vet today)
Severity: HIGH-RISK
Toxin/Issue: Onion/garlic powder + high salt
Target: RBCs, kidneys, GI tract
Symptoms: Vomiting, lethargy, weakness
Why: Hidden allium powders + salt combo.
How much is risky: More than a taste; repeated snacking is worse.
How fast symptoms can show up: Hours (GI) to days (anemia).
What to do: Stop access; call vet today if a significant amount was eaten.
29) Fast food leftovers — CAUTION (monitor + avoid)
Severity: CAUTION
Toxin/Issue: High fat + salt + seasonings
Target: Pancreas, GI tract
Symptoms: Vomiting, abdominal pain, lethargy
Why: Classic pancreatitis trigger; seasonings may include onion/garlic powder.
How much is risky: Meal-sized portions; risk rises with binge eating and smaller dogs.
How fast symptoms can show up: Hours to days.
What to do: Avoid; call vet if vomiting, pain, or lethargy occurs.
30) Sugary candy & gum — HIGH-RISK (call vet today)
Severity: HIGH-RISK
Toxin/Issue: Potential xylitol + caffeine/chocolate additives + wrapper hazard
Target: Endocrine system, CNS, GI tract
Symptoms: Vomiting, weakness, tremors
Why: Ingredients vary; wrappers can obstruct; some contain xylitol.
How much is risky: Any amount if ingredients are unknown.
How fast symptoms can show up: 30–60 minutes (xylitol) or within hours (GI).
What to do: Check ingredients; call vet today (ER if xylitol is suspected).
<a id="what-to-do"></a>
What to Do If Your Dog Eats Toxic Food (Step-by-Step)
Don’t wait for symptoms.
Remove access to the food immediately.
Save the packaging / ingredient list (or take a clear photo).
Estimate how much + when it was eaten.
Call your vet or poison control.
Don’t give food/water/meds unless a professional instructs you.
Emergency contacts (US):
ASPCA Animal Poison Control (APCC): 1-888-426-4435
Pet Poison Helpline: 1-855-764-7661Note: Poison control lines may charge a consultation fee.
If your dog is actively vomiting or lethargic, read dog vomiting: when to call the vet (internal link).
<a id="vomit-faq"></a>
FAQ: Should I Make My Dog Vomit at Home?
No — only do this if your vet or poison control explicitly instructs you.Some toxins and situations make vomiting more dangerous (for example, if a dog is very lethargic, has trouble breathing, or swallowed something sharp).
Avoid home remedies like salt, hydrogen peroxide, or milk unless your vet explicitly instructs you.
<a id="prevention"></a>
How to Prevent Food Poisoning at Home
Keep counters clear (counter-surfing prevention = management + routine)
Lock trash cans (dogs treat garbage like a buffet with mystery toppings)
Brief guests during holidays: “No table scraps, no exceptions”
Store gum/candy/trail mix/protein bars in closed cabinets
Avoid sharing heavily seasoned foods (common hidden onion/garlic powder)
<a id="labels"></a>
How to Read Labels: Red Flags to Look For
Label red flags that often hide dog-danger ingredients:
xylitol / birch sugar
“sugar-free”
onion powder / garlic powder
“natural sweetener” (verify which one—don’t assume it’s safe)
<a id="safe-swaps"></a>
Safe Human Foods for Dogs (Better Alternatives + Safe Swaps)
For a complete feeding framework, start with Dog Nutrition: The Complete Guide for Happy, Healthy Pups (internal link).
If you’re building a safer snack routine, read safe fruits for dogs and safe vegetables for dogs (internal links). For training rewards, check healthy low-calorie dog treats (internal link).
Safe swaps (no seasoning, no onion/garlic):
Carrots
Green beans
Blueberries
Plain canned pumpkin (not pie filling)
Plain boiled chicken
<a id="quick-mentions"></a>
More Foods to Be Careful With (Quick Mentions)
Not part of the “30” list above, but commonly problematic:
Corn cobs (obstruction risk)
Peach/plum/apricot pits (cyanide + obstruction)
Nutmeg (neurologic signs)
Hops (dangerous hyperthermia)
Moldy food (tremors)
Fermented batter/raw dough (GI issues + alcohol risk)
<a id="cheat-sheet"></a>
Printable Cheat Sheet
Bookmark or print this guide for:
Holidays & parties
Pet sitters
“My dog stole my snack” moments
Quick emergency steps + phone numbers
<a id="eeat"></a>
Experience, Transparency & Editorial Policy
Written by an experienced dog owner of multiple dogs & canine nutrition writer (10+ years).How we researched this: We prioritize primary sources and veterinary toxicology references, plus publicly available guidance from trusted animal health organizations.Editorial policy: We update this guide annually and whenever major veterinary guidance changes.Corrections: If you’re a veterinary clinic or professional and want a correction, contact us.
<a id="sources"></a>
Sources & Further Reading (Make These Clickable in Wix)
ASPCA Animal Poison Control: People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pets
Pet Poison Helpline: Poison List / Education Center
FDA: Animal Health & Pet Food Safety
AKC: Can Dogs Eat…? / Canine Health Library
Merck Veterinary Manual: Toxicology
American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA): Pet Safety Resources
Final Thoughts
Knowing which foods are toxic for dogs can literally save a life.
Bookmark this guide, share it with fellow dog parents, and keep it close—especially during holidays, parties, and snack time.
Because the only thing your dog should be stealing…is your heart. 🐾
