People Foods That Can Be Dangerous to Dogs

Plenty of foods that are perfectly fine for us pose a genuine risk to dogs. Some cause nothing worse than an upset stomach, but others can lead to serious illness, or worse. Here's a practical rundown of everyday foods that can be dangerous to your dog, particularly in larger amounts, followed by a guide to what's actually safe.

Foods to Avoid

Alcohol

Never give a dog alcohol intentionally. It can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, intoxication, loss of coordination, central nervous system depression, breathing difficulty, tremors, abnormal blood acidity, and in severe cases coma or death.

Apple Seeds and Pith

Apple seed casings contain a compound called amygdalin, which releases cyanide when digested. This is only really a risk if a dog eats a large quantity and chews the seeds thoroughly, but to be safe, core and deseed apples before feeding them.

Avocado

Avocados contain persin, which can cause diarrhoea, vomiting and heart congestion. The pit is the most dangerous part, both as a choking hazard and for its high persin content. If your dog swallows a pit, call your vet straight away. A small piece of flesh is usually fine, but keep an eye on your dog regardless.

Candy, Chewing Gum, Toothpaste and Mouthwash

Beyond the sugar content, many of these products contain xylitol, which can bring on vomiting, loss of coordination, seizures and liver failure.

Cat Food

Cat food is formulated for a cat's higher protein and fat needs, not a dog's, and too much can lead to indigestion, obesity and pancreatitis.

Chocolate and Cocoa

Chocolate contains methylxanthines, theobromine and caffeine, all of which speed up the heart rate and stimulate the nervous system. How sick a dog becomes depends on the type of chocolate, the amount eaten, and the dog's weight. Methylxanthines can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, panting, excessive thirst and urination, hyperactivity, abnormal heart rhythm, tremors, seizures and even death. Theobromine and caffeine in excess bring similar risks: vomiting, diarrhoea, restlessness, increased urination, tremors, an elevated pulse, seizures and death.

Citrus

The stems, leaves, peel, fruit and seeds of citrus plants all contain varying levels of acid and essential oils that can irritate the gut, or in large amounts, depress the central nervous system. A small amount of the fruit itself is unlikely to cause more than mild indigestion.

Coconut Water

Coconut water is high in potassium and isn't a good match for a dog's needs. Small amounts of coconut flesh or milk aren't likely to cause serious harm, but the oils they contain can bring on indigestion or loose stools, so it's best offered cautiously.

Coffee, Tea and Other Caffeine

Caffeine is genuinely dangerous to dogs. Within one to two hours, a dog can show mild to severe hyperactivity, restlessness, vomiting, an elevated heart rate and blood pressure, tremors, seizures, and in serious cases, death.

Cooked Bones

Cooked bones splinter easily when chewed, creating a real risk of internal injury. Raw bones, excluding chicken, are generally safer, and can even help with dental health.

Corn on the Cob

Small amounts of corn are fine, but a whole cob is genuinely risky. Determined dogs, which is most of them, will happily eat the cob itself, and it can cause choking or a potentially fatal intestinal blockage.

Fat Trimmings

Both cooked and uncooked fat trimmings can trigger pancreatitis.

Garlic

Small amounts of garlic are generally fine, and it's even used for flea control in some cases, but larger amounts are risky. Garlic and onions both damage red blood cells and can cause anaemia, with signs including weakness, vomiting and breathing difficulty.

Grapes, Raisins and Currants

These can cause kidney failure in dogs, and even a small amount can make a dog seriously ill, typically starting with vomiting, followed by lethargy and depression. There are documented cases of dogs dying after eating just a few grapes, so this one is worth taking especially seriously.

Hops

An ingredient in beer that's toxic to dogs, hops can cause vomiting, panting, an increased pulse, fever, and in severe cases, death.

Human Vitamins

Human supplements are formulated around human daily requirements, and giving them to a dog risks a mineral overdose. Prenatal vitamins are particularly dangerous, given their high iron content, and can cause iron toxicity. If your dog gets into a bottle of these, call your vet immediately.

Liver

A small amount of liver is fine, but too much delivers excessive vitamin A, which can harm a dog's muscles and bones over time.

Macadamia Nuts

Even a small quantity can be dangerous, bringing on muscle spasms, vomiting, high temperature and weakness in the back legs. If chocolate is involved alongside the nuts, symptoms tend to be worse.

Marijuana

Severity depends on the level of exposure. Reported effects include slow response times, dribbling urine, changes in pulse, neurological symptoms, hyperactivity, coma, and in serious cases, death.

Milk and Dairy

Dogs don't produce much lactase, the enzyme needed to break down lactose, so dairy tends to cause digestive upset, unpleasant gas, and sometimes food allergies, though it's unlikely to be life-threatening in small amounts.

Nuts

Almonds, pecans, walnuts and similar nuts are high in oils and fats, which can bring on vomiting, diarrhoea, and potentially pancreatitis.

Mushrooms

Even a small amount of certain mushrooms can severely sicken or kill a dog through liver damage. Watch for vomiting, diarrhoea, excessive salivation, an unsteady gait, coma, seizures, liver failure, jaundice and abdominal pain.

Onions and Chives

In any form, raw, cooked, dried, powdered, or hidden inside another food, onions are among the worst things you can feed a dog. They contain compounds that damage red blood cells and cause anaemia.

Peppers

Bell peppers, in moderation, are actually fine, and offer some benefit as a low-calorie, vitamin C-rich snack. Cut them small, since the skin can be tough to chew, and never offer a spicy variety like jalapeños or chillies.

Persimmon, Peach and Plum Pits

The pits themselves can cause intestinal blockages, and peach and plum pits specifically contain cyanide.

Raw Meat and Fish

Raw meat and fish can carry bacteria that cause gastrointestinal illness, and some fish species carry a parasite responsible for "salmon poisoning disease," with symptoms including vomiting, fever and swollen lymph nodes. Cooking kills the parasite, so cooked fish is a safer option, provided all bones are removed. Raw meat can be fed safely provided it's uncontaminated and properly sourced, which is why raw diets have grown in popularity.

Rhubarb and Tomato Leaves

Both contain oxalates, which can cause drooling, vomiting, diarrhoea, lethargy, weakness, tremors and bloody urine.

Salt and Salty Foods

Excess salt can cause increased thirst and urination, and in serious cases, sodium ion poisoning, bringing vomiting, diarrhoea, depression, tremors, raised temperature, seizures and death.

Sugar

Any food high in sugar, including hidden sources like syrup, can lead to dental problems, obesity and diabetes over time.

Tobacco

Tobacco contains nicotine, which is potentially lethal to dogs, with symptoms including vomiting, abnormal pulse, tremors and weakness, and poisoning can set in within an hour of ingestion.

Xylitol

This sweetener, found in gum, candy, some foods and toothpaste, triggers a dangerous insulin release in most species, which can lead to liver failure. The resulting drop in blood sugar brings vomiting, lethargy, loss of coordination and, in severe cases, seizures, alongside elevated liver enzymes.

Safe Human Foods, in Moderation

Plenty of human foods are genuinely good for dogs. It's still worth checking with your vet before adding anything new to your dog's diet.

Eggs

Cooked eggs are a great source of protein and a range of vitamins. Vets generally prefer cooked over raw, given the small risk of salmonella and biotin deficiency with raw eggs. Skip the butter, oil, salt and pepper, your dog doesn't need them, and some can be harmful.

Curd and Yoghurt

A good source of calcium and protein, provided you choose varieties without artificial sweeteners or added sugar. Live-culture yoghurt can also act as a probiotic.

Fruits

Always peel and slice where needed, and remove seeds and pith first.

• Apple slices: a good source of fibre, vitamin A and vitamin C, and they help clean residue off the teeth.
• Bananas: high in potassium, vitamin B6 and vitamin C.
• Blueberries: rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, a healthy snack for dogs of any size.
• Cantaloupe: supports eyesight, loaded with vitamin A and beta-carotene, plus vitamins B6 and C, fibre, folate, niacin and potassium. Avoid the rind, which can damage the gut.
• Cranberries: a good source of vitamin C, potassium and fibre, low in calories, with anti-inflammatory properties. They may also help reduce tartar buildup and support bladder health.
• Mangoes: the flesh is a good source of vitamins A, B6, C and E, and safe for dogs.
• Oranges: safe and rich in vitamin C, potassium and fibre, though not every dog enjoys the taste.
• Peaches: full of vitamins A and C, low in calories, high in fibre, and useful for immune and liver support.
• Pears: high in copper, vitamins C and K, and fibre.
• Pineapple: a sweet treat in small chunks once the peel and crown are removed, and rich in vitamins, minerals, fibre and the enzyme bromelain, which helps protein absorption.
• Raspberries: fine in moderation, rich in antioxidants and fibre, low in sugar, and gentle on ageing joints thanks to anti-inflammatory properties. They contain a small amount of xylitol, so keep servings under a cup.
• Strawberries: high in fibre and vitamin C, with an enzyme that can help whiten teeth. They contain sugar, so moderation matters.
• Watermelon: a good source of lycopene, vitamin A, B6 and C, and thiamin. Remove the seeds, which carry trace amounts of arsenic.

Vegetables

Good as low-calorie snacks and training treats. Avoid canned or pickled vegetables, which tend to carry too much salt.

• Asparagus: cut into bite-sized pieces, a source of vitamins K, A, B1, B2, C and E, plus folate, iron, copper, fibre, manganese and potassium.
• Broccoli: fine in small quantities as an occasional treat, high in fibre and vitamin C. Watch for isothiocyanates in the florets, which can irritate some dogs' stomachs, and note that the stalks have been known to cause obstruction.
• Brussels sprouts: a source of vitamins K, A, B1 and B6, plus manganese, folate, fibre and potassium.
• Carrots: a low-calorie, high-fibre snack rich in beta-carotene, and good for the teeth.
• Celery: contains vitamins A, B and C, supports heart health, and freshens breath.
• Cucumber: especially good for overweight dogs given its low carbohydrate and fat content, with vitamins K, C and B1, plus potassium, copper, magnesium and biotin.
• Green beans: a source of omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins A, C and K, plus calcium, copper, fibre, folic acid, iron, niacin, manganese, potassium and thiamin.
• Peas: rich in vitamins, minerals, protein and fibre.
• Pumpkin: a good source of fibre and beta-carotene, and useful for supporting digestion.
• Spinach: high in iron, roughly twice that of most other sources, and supportive against inflammation and cardiovascular issues.
• Sweet potatoes: rich in vitamins E, A, B6 and C, along with calcium, iron, folate, potassium, copper and thiamine.

Lean Meat, Grains and Other Proteins

• Lean meat: boneless chicken or turkey with the fatty skin removed makes a tasty, protein-rich treat.
• Oatmeal: a good source of soluble fibre, particularly useful for older dogs with bowel irregularity, and a suitable grain alternative for dogs allergic to wheat. Always cook it first, with no added sugar or flavourings.
• Peanut butter: a favourite for many dogs, offering protein, heart-healthy fats, vitamin B, niacin and vitamin E. Choose raw, unsalted peanut butter, and always check the label for xylitol, which is common in sugar-free varieties and highly toxic.
• Salmon: a good source of omega-3 fatty acids that support a healthy coat and immune system. Serve cooked, or add salmon oil to the food bowl.
• White rice: a common recommendation for an upset stomach, often paired with boiled chicken to help a dog get nutrition when illness makes eating difficult. Don't overdo the quantity.
• Human-grade fresh pet food: not human food exactly, but an increasing number of fresh, doorstep-delivered dog foods use human-grade ingredients. Worth checking what's available locally.

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