Common Toxic Foods for Pets: What to Avoid Feeding Your Dog or Cat

As pet parents, we love to spoil our companions, even by feeding them table food. While some table food is harmless or even beneficial for them, some is extremely toxic for canines and felines. Even small amounts can cause serious illness, from digestive troubles through potentially fatal diseases like organ failure.

Knowing which foods to avoid and what steps to take if your pet accidentally eats something harmful can be crucial for their safety. Below is a detailed guide on some of the most dangerous foods for pets, along with safer alternatives and emergency measures to follow if your pet consumes a toxic item.

1. Chocolate and Caffeine 

Chocolate is likely the most common toxic food for animals, and many cases of accidental consumption continue to occur. Both theobromine and caffeine pose the danger, each one affecting the heart and the nervous system. Chocolate is the greatest culprit, followed by the greatest danger from the consumption of baking chocolate and cocoa powder.

Symptoms of Chocolate Poisoning:

• Vomiting and diarrhea

• Increased heart rate

• Tremors or convulsions

• Restlessness or overactivity

What to Do If Your Dog Has Ingested Chocolate

If you suspect your pet has eaten chocolate, you need to immediately contact your vet or a pet poison hotline. Treatment is best when given early. If the pet has eaten chocolate in the past two hours, your vet can induce vomiting. In serious cases, your pet will need to be admitted for IV fluid treatment.

Safe alternative: Carob treats are a pet-safe chocolate replacement you can indulge your pet in without the risk.

2. Grapes & Raisins 

Many pet owners are not aware grapes and raisins are toxic for their cat and dog companions. Even small amounts can cause sudden kidney failure, and this can be serious and even permanent. 

Symptoms of Grape or Raisin Poisoning:

• Lethargy and weakness

• Vomiting or diarrhea within several hours after consumption

• Loss of appetite

• Increased thirst and reduced urination (symptoms of renal failure)

What to Do If Your Dog Has Ingested Grapes or Raisins

Since kidney failure can happen rapidly, prompt veterinary treatment is needed. If treated early, your vet can induce vomiting and give your pet activated charcoal to absorb the poison. In serious cases, strong IV fluids and close monitoring are required.

Safe alternative: Blueberries or sliced apples (without the seeds) provide great, antioxidant-rich snacks for your pet.

3. Onions & Garlic 

Onions, garlic, leeks, and chives all belong to the allium family and contain compounds that cause the breakdown of red blood cells, leading to anemia in dogs and cats. Even small amounts can cause stomach upset, but larger or repeated intake can be fatal.

Symptoms of Garlic or Onion Poisoning:

• Weakness and lassitude/lethargy

• Pale gums (a sign of anemia)

• Increased heart rate and rapid breathing

• Vomiting and diarrhea

What to Do If Your Dog Has Ingested Onions or Garlic

Even small amounts can be dangerous, so call your vet immediately. Anemia may not necessarily produce noticeable symptoms right away, so blood work may be needed to assess the impact.

Safe alternative: Replace garlic or onion by providing your pet with plain-cooked meats or pet-safe herbs such as parsley for flavor.

4. Avocado 

While avocado is a superfood for humans, its potential for being toxic for pets is high—specifically for small animals and birds. In cats and dogs, the high fat content can cause digestive issues and pancreatitis. Even the pit is a choking hazard.

Symptoms of Avocado Toxicity:

• Vomiting and diarrhea

• Breathing difficulties (rare but serious)

• Pancreatitis in severe cases

What to Do If Your Dog Has Eaten Avocado

If your pet has only eaten a small amount of the flesh, mild digestive upset is likely. However, if they ingest the pit, contact your vet to rule out choking or an intestinal blockage.

Safe alternative: Carrots or cucumbers make great crunchy snacks for pets.

5. Xylitol (Artificial Sweetener) 

Xylitol is a common sugar substitute found in sugar-free candy, gum, peanut butter, and even some medications. It is extremely toxic for dogs, causing a rapid drop in blood sugar levels, leading to hypoglycemia. In high amounts, it can also induce liver failure.

Symptoms of Xylitol Poisoning:

• Weakness and loss of coordination

• Seizures

• Vomiting

• Collapse

What to Do If Your Dog Has Ingested Xylitol

This is a medical emergency. Take your pet to the vet immediately, as rapid treatment is critical.

Safe alternative: If using peanut butter as a treat, always check the label to ensure it is xylitol-free.

6. Dairy Products 

Many pets are lactose intolerant, meaning their digestive systems can't handle dairy products like milk, cheese, and ice cream. This can lead to gastrointestinal discomfort.

Symptoms of Lactose Intolerance in Pets:

• Gas and bloating

• Diarrhea

• Vomiting

Safe alternative: An occasional small amount of lactose-free pet milk or plain yogurt can be given.

7. Raw Dough & Alcohol

Raw dough can expand in your pet's stomach, causing bloating and pain. Alcohol, even in small amounts, can depress the nervous system, leading to serious health issues.

Symptoms of Alcohol or Dough Ingestion:

• Vomiting

• Loss of coordination

• Decreased heart rate

• Severe bloating

What to Do If Your Dog Accidentally Consumes These Foods

Seek veterinary treatment right away, as bloating and alcohol intoxication can cause serious illness.

Safe alternative: Stick to baked, pet-safe snacks without rising agents or alcohol.

Final Thoughts

Preventing your pet from eating toxic foods starts with awareness and education. Always monitor what your pet has access to, and when in doubt, consult your vet before offering human food. If your emergency is after hours, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) is your best resource for any animal poison-related emergency, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. If you think your pet may have ingested a potentially poisonous substance, call (888) 426-4435.  The ASPCA's Animal Poison Control webpage also has helpful information when in doubt.

If your pet ingests something toxic, acting quickly can make all the difference. Keep your vet's contact number and a pet poison hotline handy.

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