Foods toxic to dogs
Every food we've flagged as unsafe for dogs — with the reason, and a cited source for each.
🚨 If your dog already ate something on this list
Don't wait for symptoms. Call your vet, or ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888) 426-4435 / Pet Poison Helpline (855) 764-7661.
Never feed these to dogs (21)
These are unsafe at any amount, or dangerous enough that they're not worth the risk.
Why each one is a problem
Alcohol. Causes vomiting, incoordination, breathing trouble and can be fatal; dogs are far more sensitive than people. Full details →
Almonds. Not toxic but can block or tear the esophagus/windpipe if swallowed, and are high in fat. Full details →
Avocado. Contains persin, which can cause vomiting and diarrhea; the large pit is also a choking/obstruction hazard. Full details →
Bacon. Very high fat and salt can overwhelm a dog's stomach and trigger pancreatitis; best avoided. Full details →
Caffeine. A methylxanthine like chocolate; causes hyperactivity, abnormal heart rhythm, tremors and seizures. Full details →
Cherries. Pits, stems and leaves contain cyanide; watch for dilated pupils and labored breathing. Full details →
Chives. An Allium like onion and garlic; damages red blood cells and can cause anemia. Full details →
Chocolate. Contains theobromine and caffeine dogs can't process; causes vomiting, tremors, seizures, death. Darker = worse. Full details →
Cooked bones. Splinter into sharp shards that can choke a dog or damage the mouth, throat, or intestines. Full details →
Garlic. Most toxic of the Alliums; damages red blood cells and causes anemia, even in small amounts. Full details →
Grapes. Contain tartaric acid that can cause sudden, potentially fatal kidney failure even in small amounts. Full details →
Ham. High sodium and fat can cause salt toxicity and pancreatitis; not recommended for dogs. Full details →
Ice cream. High sugar and lactose cause digestive upset, and some contains toxic xylitol; skip it. Full details →
Leeks. Part of the Allium family; like onions and garlic they damage red blood cells and cause anemia. Full details →
Macadamia nuts. Cause weakness, vomiting, tremors and hyperthermia, usually within 12 hours of eating. Full details →
Nutmeg. Contains myristicin, which in larger amounts causes high heart rate, disorientation and seizures. Full details →
Onion. An Allium that damages red blood cells and causes anemia; toxic raw, cooked, or powdered. Full details →
Raisins. Like grapes, can trigger acute kidney failure; even a few can be dangerous. Full details →
Salt. Excess salt causes sodium ion poisoning: vomiting, tremors, seizures, and can be fatal. Full details →
Walnuts. Choking hazard that can cause pancreatitis; black walnuts contain toxic juglone causing GI upset. Full details →
Xylitol. Sweetener that causes a rapid, dangerous blood-sugar drop and liver failure; often in sugar-free gum and candy. Full details →
Safe only in moderation (25)
Not toxic, but these should be occasional or small-portion foods for dogs — the reason is on each page.
What dogs should actually be eating
Most of a dog's diet should be a complete, balanced dog food. Treats and human foods are best kept to under about 10% of daily calories.
Frequently asked questions
What foods are toxic to dogs?
The most common unsafe foods for dogs include alcohol, almonds, avocado, bacon, caffeine, cherries. Each is listed below with the reason why.
What should I do if my dog ate something toxic?
Contact your vet or a pet poison line immediately — ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888) 426-4435 or Pet Poison Helpline (855) 764-7661. Don't wait for symptoms to appear.
How much of a toxic food is dangerous for dogs?
It varies by food and by the size of the animal — some are dangerous in tiny amounts. Treat any amount as worth a call to your vet.
See the full list of what dogs can and can't eat →