Deadly human foods you should never give your dog

Dogs will eat almost anything. They are like little walking rubbish bins. It’s easy to think they can handle leftovers or share your dinner. But some foods aren’t just bad for them - they can be deadly. Even a small bite can cause serious harm.

Here’s a list of the top toxic foods not to feed your dog.

Common poisonous foods for dogs

1. Chocolate

Chocolate contains theobromine, which is poisonous to dogs. Dark chocolate is the most dangerous, but all types can cause harm. This includes any chocolate products, not just chocolate itself. That means cocoa powder, chocolate biscuits, cakes, ice cream or even breakfast cereals with chocolate.

Signs your dog may have eaten chocolate include restlessness, being sick, runny poo, fast breathing, shaking or seizures.

2. Grapes, raisins, currants and sultanas

Even one or 2 grapes, raisins or sultanas can be deadly for dogs, as they can trigger sudden kidney failure.

Signs your dog may have eaten these include being sick, feeling tired, not eating, and peeing less or not at all.

3. Artificial sweetener (Xylitol)

Xylitol is very toxic for dogs. You can find it in sugar-free gum, mints, some peanut butters, and baked goods.

Signs your dog may have eaten xylitol include weakness, shaking, being sick, trouble walking or seizures.

4. Alcohol

Just a small amount of alcohol can be fatal, especially for smaller dogs. Keep all drinks well out of reach.

Signs your dog may have had alcohol include wobbliness, low body temperature, being sick, slow breathing or collapse.

5. Macadamia nuts

Signs your dog may have eaten macadamia nuts include wobbly legs, shaking, high temperature, being sick or weakness.

6. Caffeine

Caffeine is found in tea, coffee and energy drinks. Even small amounts can cause restlessness, seizures or death in dogs.

Signs your dog may have had caffeine include a fast heart rate, shaking, restlessness, fits or being sick.

7. Onions and garlic

Onions and garlic, whether raw, cooked or powdered, can damage red blood cells and cause serious anaemia. In some cases, it can be life-threatening.

Signs your dog may have eaten onions or garlic include weakness, pale gums, being sick, not eating or tiredness.

Dangerous foods dogs may scavenge

Dogs won’t wait for dinner. They’ll sneak a bite of whatever’s going, whether it’s bin food or food being prepped.

• mouldy food can contain toxins that may cause seizures or organ failure.
• raw bread dough expands in the stomach and makes alcohol, which can lead to poisoning or a burst stomach.
• corn on the cob looks safe, but the cob can cause a serious blockage in your dog’s stomach or intestines.
• avocado can upset your dog’s stomach, and the skin, stone and leaves can be toxic or harm the heart.
• cooked bones (like chicken legs or ribs) can splinter in your dog’s throat or gut and cause choking or serious internal injuries.

One salty snack or cheesy treat might not be deadly, but it can still make your dog feel unwell. Too much salt can cause sickness or shaking, and many dogs can’t digest dairy like milk, cheese or cream.

What should I do if my dog has eaten any toxic foods?

If your dog eats something on this list, call your vet straight away. If you have the food packaging, take it with you as it may help the vet. It could save their life. The size of your dog and how much they ate can make a big difference to how serious it is.

Some pet insurers offer free same day vet video calls if you’re worried. They can talk through what to do. 

If you are with Co-op Pet Insurance, you can speak to a vet any time with unlimited 24/7 video calls through FirstVet.