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# Foods that dogs should not eat
- URL: https://www.foodconsumer.org/foods_that_dogs_should_not_eat_0805141116/
- Published: 2014-08-05T12:02:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-09-15T14:20:19.000Z
- Description: Drawing on a review by Handl and Iben, the piece works through foods that can poison dogs, beginning with the methylxanthines in coffee, tea and cocoa. It stresses that dose determines toxicity and advises against feeding dogs anything potentially poisonous.
- Author: Food Consumer
- Tags: Food, Nutrition, #vivvo-import

There are only a few types of foods toxic to dogs. The following summarizes the key points in an excellent review authored by S. Handl, C. Iben and published in Foodstuffs toxic to small animals – a review - Vol. 20 - Issue 1 April 2010 although it may not cover everything pet owners need to know.

It is advisable that readers should weigh the toxicity of a substance with its dose. In other words, a substance can induce a toxic effect only at a minimal dose. This toxic effect here may refer to symptoms of clinical significance. Remember though that a dose of a toxin that is not high enough to induce any clinical symptoms may still harm animals like dogs in this case. So do not feed your dogs anything that can potentially be poisonous. However, just because a substance is toxic does not mean it is always bad. Sometimes, we need toxic substances such as drugs in a therapeutic dose to maintain our health or treat diseases. In any case, the dosage matters.

**Coffee, tea and cocoa**

Some toxic compounds can be found in coffee, tea and cocoa and foods containing any of these food.Potential toxins: In coffee and cocoa, methylxanthines caffeine (1, 3, 7-trimethylxanthine) and theobromine (3, 7 dimethylxanthine) are considered responsible for the toxicity or poisoning effect.Toxicity reported and dog intoxication symptoms: According to a report, six dogs died after eating a diet containing 0.2 to 0.22% theobromine. Clinical symptoms include diarrhea, hyperactivity and increased vocalization. Other cases were also reported. Incidents of coffee or tea poisoning in dogs were not reported though, according to the review. But caffeine intended for humans' use can be poisonous to animals including dogs, the author claims. According to another report, 47 dogs have ingested an herbal remedy with guarana and ma huang which are high in caffeine, and other toxic substances like theobromine and developed hyperactivity, tremor, seizures, abnormal behavior, vomiting, tachycardia and hyperthermia. Among the sickened, seventeen dogs died of the caffeine intoxication. In addition to toxic effects cited above, methylxanthine can also induce other symptoms including excitation, ataxia, weakness, diarrhea, abdominal pain, polyuria, incontinence, tachypnea, dyspnea, and arrhythmias. Deaths can result from cardiac or respiratory arrest. Sources of the toxins: Theobromine is found in cocoa beans (10.6 - 53 mg/g), cocoa husks (5.3 - 9 mg/g), cocoa husk mulch (2-32 mg/g), cocoa powder (14 - 26 mg/g), instant cocoa (4.8 mg/g), baking chocolate (13.8 - 15.9mg/g), dark chocolate (4.8mg/g), milk chocolate (1.6 -2.1 mg/g), white chocolate (0.009 mg/g) while caffeine is found in coffee beans (1-2%), guarana (3-5%), filer coffee (40-150mg/cup), instant coffee (30-90 mg/cup), decaffeinated coffee (2-4mg/cup), black tea (20-90mg/cup), cola soft drinks(40-60mg/can), cocoa powder (0.18-1.5 mg/g), instant cocoa (0.5 mg/g), baking chocolate (1.2mg/g) and milk chocolate (0.2mg/g).Lethal dosage for dogs: For caffeine, the lethal dose is 110 to 200 mg/kg bodyweight and LD50 is 140 mg/kg bodyweight. For theobromine, the lethal dose is 100 - 250 mg/kg bodyweight and oral LD50 is 250 - 500 mg/kg body weight. As reported, as little as 30 grams of baking chocolate can kill a dog of 5 kg.Dog intoxication treatment: Dogs intoxicated by caffeine and threobromine can be treated with fluids, diazepam, lidocaine and metoprolol. But all treatments are intended to relieve symptoms. Other detoxification measures include use of activated charcoal, enemas, laxatives and gastric lavage. Steroids and erythromycin should not be used as they can interfere with the body eliminating methylxanthines.

**Onion and garlic**

Onion and garlic contain high sulfur compounds and both are humans' flavorful foods. But they can be dogs' poison. The culprit may not be those sulfur compounds.Potential toxins: Poisonous chemicals found in plants of the genus Allium are organothiosulphates, which oxidize hemoglobin to methaemoglobin, which can clot together to form Heinz body or precipitates at the cell walls of the erythrocyte. Dogs with inceased erythrocyte counts due to faulty genetics or reduced glutathione and potassium in their blood are generally more sensitive to onion poisoning than others.Toxicity reported and dog intoxication symptoms: Many cases of onion poisoning in dogs and cats have been reported. The typical symptoms include poor condition, anorexia, vomiting, diarrhea, and hemolytic anemia. Heinz bodies can be found in blood smears when examining blood samples from infected animals.Source of toxins: In addition to the onion (Allium cepa), other members of the genus Allium such as garlic (Allium sativum) and Chinese chive (Allium tuberosum) may also cause haemolytic anaemia. Leek (Allium porrum), chives (Allium schoenoprasum), shallots (Allium ascalonium) or wild garlic (Allium ursinum) can also potentially lead to the poisoning, which has not been reported in veterinary literature though, according to the review.Lethal dosage: Unknown.Dog intoxication treatment: Any measure that helps empty the gastrointestinal tract may help. Oxygen therapy or blood transfusion may also be considered when needed. Dietary supplements like antioxidants such as vitamin E and acetylcysteine can be given to sickened dogs to support the natural detoxification process.

**Grapes and raisins**

Potential toxins: It's unknown what causes the poisoning in dogs. But some mycotoxin, pesticide and environmental toxin may be responsible for the intoxication induced by grapes and raisins.Toxicity reported and poison symptoms: It has been reported in the U.S. and UK that dogs after ingesting grapes and raisins experienced intoxication symptoms and some dogs subsequently died. As much as 40% of dogs intoxicated may not show any symptoms. Potential symptoms or signs include vomiting, which occurs often 24 hours after ingestion, anorexia, lethargy, painful stomach, diarrhea, oliguria or anuria. Late-stage symptoms can include hypocalcaemia, elevated blood creatinine, hypophosphatemia, elevated BUN and azotemia. The toxins in grapes and raisins can cause acute renal failure, which leads to death.Source of toxins: Grapes and raisins.Lethal dosage: Unknown.Dog intoxication treatment: The mortality can be as high as 50 to 75%. So what to do when you find your dog has ingested grapes or raisins? When dogs are found to have ingested grapes or raisins or suspected to have done so, they should be rushed to hospitals for intensive treatment. Emetics, laxatives or a gastric lavage should be used to empty the gastrointestinal tract as soon as possible within 30 minutes. Anti-emetics and gastro-protectants may be administered when vomiting persists. Poisoned dogs should also be treated with aggressive intravenous fluid therapy and monitored for renal function and blood electrolytes. Other treatments may also be used. See veterinarians for detail.

**Avocado**

Potential toxins: Persin or (\[Z,Z\]-1-\[acetyloxy\]-2-hydroxy-12,15-heneicosadien-4-on) has been identified as the chemical responsible for the toxicity of Avocado. The degree of toxicity of avocado depends on the cultivar of the avocado plant, the review author claims.Toxicity reported and dog intoxication symptoms: It's reported that dogs died of acute cardiomyopathy after ingesting avocado. *It should be noted that it remains unknown exactly what killed the animals.* Other animals died or developed medical conditions after eating avocado. Symptoms include weakness, dyspnea, lethargy, ruffled plumage, tachypnea, tachycardia, arrhythmia and edema in avocado intoxicated birds. Symptoms in dogs are not clear though.Source of toxins: Any part of avocado plant can be toxic to one animal or another and animals should not be allowed to eat any part of it.Lethal dosage: Unknown.Dog intoxication treatment: Only symptoms can be treated.**The following three paragraphs were added on Aug 8, 2014**After the article was published, foodconsumer.org received a letter from a representative of Central Garden and Pet. Some statements are cited below for those who might be interested in learning more about the toxicity of avocado. *"The research that has addressed the potential health impact of avocados has been based primarily on avocado leaves and animals other than dogs. While it has previously been suggested that avocados may be toxic to dogs, there are no scientific studies or research that have so indicated.There is some actual product and market experience indicating that, properly used, avocados are safe for dogs. Representatives of Breeder's Choice have advised that avocado fruit has been incorporated consistently in Avoderm dog and cat food without issue since 1982\. Avoderm uses only the fruit of the avocado and to ensure zero Persin in present in Avoderm pet food, Avoderm developed an analytical method to detect any levels of Persin in the avocado used in the manufacture of their pet food and guarantees all incoming avocados used in the food are Person free."*

**Macadamia nuts and dogs**

Potential toxins: UnknownToxicity reported and dog intoxication symptoms: Macadamia nut intoxication in dogs have been reported. In one case report, sickened dogs ingested macadamia nuts in a dose of 2.2 to 64.4 g per kg body weight. Initial symptoms can be lethargy and weakness, vomiting, ataxia, muscle tremor, and fever. According to another report, a 3-year old Golden Retriever stole a bag of macadamia nuts form his owner and ate all nuts and then he was unable to stand or to walk. But he recovered next day. No deaths of dogs from macadamia nut intoxication have been reported, according to the review author.Source of toxins: There are ten species of the genus Macadamia of which three yield edible fruits.Lethal dosage: Unknown.Dog intoxication treatment: No treatment is needed in most cases. Vomiting can be induced to lower the uptake of toxic chemicals. If necessary, activated charcoal can also be used. The prognosis is generally very good.

**Hops**

Hops are used for brewing beer.Potential toxins: Unknown.Toxicity reported and dog intoxication symptoms: It has been reported that one dog developed symptoms including restlessness and panting, painful abdomen, tachycardia and tachypnea three days after ingesting homebrewed beer and the brewing waste. The dog also increased their body temperature to 41 oC (hyperthermia). The dog was treated with butorphanol, diazepam and prednisolone but found ineffective. The dog eventually died. Another dog that also drunk the beer and ate some brewing waste developed symptoms six hours later. In this dog, vomiting was induced with apomorphine, gastric lavage and enemas and he recovered after receiving intensive care even though his body temperature also was elevated for some period.Source of toxins: Hops/beer/beer brewing wasteLethal dosage: Unknown.Dog intoxication treatment: Emptying of the gastrointestinal tract should be carried out quickly to save sickened dogs. Body temperature should be monitored and cooling aid such as dantrolene sodium needs to be applied when body temperature is increased over normal levels.

**Table salt (Sodium chloride)**

Potential toxins: SaltToxicity reported and dog intoxication symptoms: Dogs that drunk salt water and ate play-dough containing sodium chloride died or developed symptoms including vomiting, lethargy, diarrhea, regurgitation, tachycardia, tachypnea, coughing, hyperthermia, polyuria, polydipsia, myoclonia, ataxia, confusion, tremor, and seizures. A dog that ate 100 g of salt developed symptoms including renal insufficiency and dilative cardiomyopathy. But she recovered from the poisoning leaving dilative cardiomyopathy unreversed.Source of toxins: Salt or foods containing high salt.Lethal dosage: When salt gets into the body, it attracts water resulting hypervolaemia. The minimal lethal dose is 4 mg per kg body weight. The minimum toxic dose is 2 mg per kg body weight. (The common pet foods may contain far much higher amounts of salt!!!, keep in mind that sodium is a good nutrient that dogs need).Dog intoxication treatment: Vomiting should be induced within 30 minutes of ingestion (This is true). Activated charcoal is not an option as it does not work with salt and could not prevent salt poisoning. If dogs do not develop any symptoms, let him or her drink plenty of water to dilute salt. Infusion of 5% glucose solution can be carried out to get rid of excess sodium from the body; diuretics such as furosemide can also help sodium excretion and prevent edema. When seizures occur, diazepam may be used. Cooling aid is needed when dogs develop hyperthermia.

**Xylitol**

Xylitol is a sugar replacement. It is commonly used by diabetes mellitus patients to control blood sugar. Xylitol can also be used in tooth pastes, chewing gums and lozenges for other health benefits. Potential toxins: xylitolToxicity reported and dog intoxication symptoms: It has been reported that a dog was intoxicated by ingesting 100 pieces of xylitol containing chewing gum. The dose was 3 g per kb body weight. When the dog was rushed to a clinic, he was motionless. After intravenous infusion of Ringer's solution with 50% glucose, he recovered quickly. Deaths of dogs after ingestion of xylitol have been reported associated with symptoms including hypoglycemia, elevated liver enzymes, hypophosphatemia, thrombocytopenia, hyperbilirubinaemia, and prolonged clotting times. The common symptoms associated with xylitol ingestion are lethargy, seizures or unconsciousness, epistaxis, melena, elevated liver enzymes, hypoglycemia, coagulopathy and even death due to liver failure.Source of toxins: xylitol, xylitol-containing foods and drugs.Lethal dosage: The lethal dose can be 0.15 to 16 g xylitol per kg body weight. Dog intoxication treatment: Induction of vomiting and intravenous glucose infusion should be performed. Activated charcoal does not help. A dietary supplement consisting N-acetylcysteine, S-adenosyl-L-methionine, silymarin and vitamin E and vitamin C can help recovery too and should be used as early as possible.

## What foods should dogs not eat (2)

The foods listed below do not seem to be as toxic as those listed above, but should still be considered harzardous.

**Bread dough: Raw bread dough poisoning dogs**

Many pet owners may feed their dogs uncooked bread dough. Uncooked bread dough contains active yeast which can ferment the dough to produce carbon dioxide and alcohol after the dough is ingested. This can cause severe discomfort and abdominal problems and even alcohol poisoning. Starch in wheat flour when uncooked is hard to digest. No dogs should be fed uncooked bread dough.

**Fish**

It has been reported that dogs became ill after ingesting infected trout and salmon and developed symptoms like fever, diarrhea, and vomiting and lack appetite. But it remains unknown whether dogs would become ill by eating healthy fish of any type? Raw fish like salmon, trout, shad and sturgeon can contain pathogenic bacteria and a parasite that causes "salmon Poisoning Disease" which can be life-threatening within two weeks if not treated. But thoroughly cooked fish should be okay for dogs to eat.

**Dairy products**

The major concern is that all dogs are lactose intolerant and they do not have the enzyme to digest dairy products. Dairy products may cause digestive problems like vomiting and diarrhea.

**Mushrooms**

Some mushrooms are known to be poisonous to humans. But some edible mushrooms may not be good for dogs.

**Alcohol**

Alcoholic beverages like beer, liquor, wine, or foods containing alcohol should not be given to dogs. Alcohol has the poisoning effect on a dog's liver and brain and cause vomiting diarrhea, difficulty breathing, central nervous system depression, coordination problems, coma or even death. Smaller dogs are more susceptible.

**Fat trimmings and bones**

Fat trimmings from meat and bones cooked or uncooked can be dangerous and cause pancreatitis in dogs. Dogs can also choke on bones which can splinter and cause an obstruction or lacerations of dogs' digestive system.

## Foods and items that can pose a risk, but are less dangeours than those cited above

The following are foods and items that may be less dangerous than foods and items listed above, but still not good for dogs to eat.**Persimmons, peaches, and plums**The seeds or pits of these fruits can be a problem to dogs. Seeds of persimmons can cause inflammation and intestinal obstruction in dogs. Intestinal obstruction can occur after dogs ingest the pit from a peach or plum. cyanide poisoning is also possible because peach and plum pits contain cyanide.

**Raw eggs**

Raw eggs may harbor Salmonella or E. coli, which is well known. Another problem with raw eggs is that an enzyme in raw eggs interfere with the absorption of a B vitamin leading to the development of skin problems when dogs eat too much of raw eggs or for a long time.

**Sugary drinks and foods**

These beverages and foods are bad not only for humans, but also for dogs. The problem is, they can lead to obesity, dental problems and potentially diabetes.

**Medicine**

Medicine indicated to treat any human disease should not be given animals like dogs. In this case, dogs should be treated like children. Even over-the-counter medications without approval from a veterinarian should not be given to dogs. Pharmaceuticals like acetaminophen and ibuprofen can be deadly for dogs.

**Kitchen items**

Some kitchen items can be dangerous to dogs including baking powder and baking soda, which are highly toxic, nutmeg, and other spices.

## *What to do if you do not know what to do after your dog(s) eat what they are not supposed to eat*

If you do not know what to do after a dog eats a food that he or she is not supposed to eat, contract his or her vet, or local emergency clinic or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 888 426-4435.

## Foods that dogs can eat

Many others are safe for dogs to eat. Processed pet foods are not the only food they can eat. Talk to your vet to see what he or she has to say about what your dog(s) can eat in addition to processed pet foods.

**Lean meat**

Thoroughly cooked lean meat, which is of high protein, is safe for dogs to eat. Make sure the lean meat does not carry fat and bones.

**Some fresh fruits**

Apples, oranges, watermelons and bananas are safe for dogs to eat. Dogs like them. Be sure to remove seeds, stems, and leaves.

**Some vegetables**

Carrot sticks, green beans, cucumber slices or zucchini slices are safe for dogs to eat. Baked potatoes are also okay. But do not let dogs eat raw potatoes.

**Cooked rice and pasta**

Cooked rice and pasta are safe for dogs to eat. Plain white rice served with some boiled chicken may even help relieve gastrointestinal discomfort. (Edited by David Liu, PHD)