Human Foods That Are Toxic To Dogs

Alcohol:

While us humans may enjoy the odd tipple, alcohol should never be given to dogs (or cats) as it can lead to liver failure & death.  Obviously the size of the dog plays a factor, smaller dogs are more susceptible than larger dogs. Drinks should always be kept out of the way of dogs. If you suspect your dog has ingested alcohol, seek veterinary care immediately.

Signs of alcohol poisoning in dogs include disorientation, staggering, increased urination, coma, death.

Avocado:

All parts of the avocado plant contain a fungicidal toxin known as persin. Symptoms of avocado toxicity in dogs include gastrointestinal irritation, vomiting, diarrhea, respiratory distress, congestion, fluid accumulation around the tissues of the heart & death.

Chocolate:

Chocolate contains naturally occurring methylxanthines caffeine & theobromine. The concentration of theobromine is much higher than that of caffeine, but both cause toxicity in dogs (and cats).

Dogs are generally more susceptible than cats, no doubt because they are more likely to consume large quantities of chocolate, whereas cats are generally more finicky eaters & therefore less likely to voluntarily consume chocolate, especially in large quantities. 

Different kinds of chocolate contain different levels. Cooking chocolate contains the highest levels of methylxanthines, followed by dark chocolate, milk chocolate & white chocolate. 

If you must give your dog chocolate, there are brands especially formulated for them. Avoid giving too much though.

Coffee and tea:

Coffee and tea contain caffeine which affects the central nervous system.

Cooked bones:

Not toxic to dogs but important enough to list in this article are cooked bones. These can splinter & cause an obstruction, therefore they should be avoided. Raw bones are fine to give to dogs though.

Fatty foods:

Consumption of too much fatty food can lead to pancreatitis.

Grapes  & raisins (dried grapes):

Grapes & raisins (both with  without seeds) are known to cause kidney damage and anuria (decreased urine output) & vomiting in dogs. It may take as little as 4-5 grapes to cause toxicity. The active ingredient hasn't been identified although it is suspected that it is caused by a mycotoxin.

Symptoms of grape or raisin toxicity include vomiting and diarrhea, abdominal pain, weakness, anorexia, increased thirst, abdominal pain and later acute renal failure.

Macadamia nuts:

It is not known what the toxic ingredient of macadamia nuts is, but they have been shown to cause toxicity resulting in vomiting, tremors, drunken gait & weakness in the rear legs within 6-24 hours of ingestion.

Mushrooms:

Certain species of mushroom can cause toxicity in dogs resulting in kidney & liver failure.

Onion & garlic:

Onions and garlic contain sulfoxides  disulfides which cause damage to red blood cells, leading to a form of haemolytic anemia(anemia resulting from the destruction of red blood cells) known as "Heinz Body Anemia".

Symptoms of onion or garlic toxicity include vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, pale mucous membranes.

Always check the ingredients when feeding a dog human foods.

Potato (green parts & eyes):

These contain solanine glycosides which can cause vomiting, abdominal pain, bloody diarrhoea, nervous system stimulation, depression, trembling, paralysis & cardiac arrest.

Salt:

Too much salt can lead to an electrolyte imbalance in your dog.

Tomato:

See potatoes.

Xylitol:

Xylitol is an artificial sweetener that when ingested can lead to dangerously low blood sugar in dogs along with liver damage.

Yeast dough:

Uncooked yeast dough produces ethanol as the bread rises which is toxic to dogs. Signs of poisoning includes depression, lethargy, weakness, unsteady gait.

Other foods toxic to dogs include; 

• Apple, cherry, peach & plum seeds all contain the toxin cyanide.

• Cat food (too high in fat, can lead to pancreatitis).

• Milk (not all dogs produce the enzyme lactase which breaks down lactose in milk).

• Mouldy food, your dog is not a waste disposal unit.

• Potato peelings.

• Rhubarb leaves.

• Tomatoes (all parts of plant).

Also see

Plants toxic to dogs

Please note:

The medical articles on this site have not been written by a veterinarian & should not be considered a replacement for a veterinarian visit. The articles are provided for informative purposes only.

Always seek immediate veterinary advice for any problems (health or behavioral) in your pets. 

While great care has been made in the creation of these articles, we cannot guarantee the accuracy or omissions on these pages. If in any doubt whatsoever, seek professional medical advice. aaa