What can't dogs eat
Executive summary
Dogs should not eat a range of common human foods because species differences in metabolism make some items directly toxic (for example chocolate, xylitol, grapes) and others dangerous due to mechanical or metabolic effects (for example bones, raw bread dough, high‑fat leftovers) [1] [2] [3].
1. Chocolate, caffeine and other methylxanthines — stimulants that harm hearts and brains
Chocolate and caffeinated products contain methylxanthines (theobromine and caffeine) that dogs metabolize poorly, producing vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, seizures, abnormal heart rhythms and, in severe cases, death; darker chocolates are far more concentrated so smaller amounts can be dangerous [1] [2] [4].
2. Grapes, raisins and dried fruits — kidney failure with unpredictable sensitivity
Grapes, raisins, sultanas and currants can cause acute kidney injury in some dogs even in small quantities; the precise toxic compound remains uncertain but veterinary groups warn that individual sensitivity varies and any ingestion warrants caution and often veterinary advice [5] [3] [2].
3. Alliums (onions, garlic, chives) — delayed red‑blood‑cell damage
Members of the onion family (raw, cooked or powdered) and garlic contain compounds that can damage and rupture red blood cells, producing a haemolytic anaemia that may appear days after exposure, so leftovers, gravies and baby foods that include these ingredients are a documented risk [5] [4] [6].
4. Xylitol and artificial sweeteners — rapid hypoglycaemia and liver risk
Xylitol, a common sweetener in gum, candy, some baked goods and toothpaste, triggers a rapid insulin release in dogs (unlike in humans), causing hypoglycaemia and potential liver failure; even small amounts can be dangerous and should be treated as an emergency exposure [2] [6] [7].
5. Alcohol, raw bread dough and yeast — amplified alcohol and gas dangers
Alcohol is more toxic to dogs than to humans and can cause vomiting, decreased coordination, breathing difficulty and tremors, while raw bread dough can ferment in the stomach producing alcohol and gas that distends the stomach and can lead to serious complications; both are listed repeatedly by veterinary sources as hazardous [5] [2] [3].
6. Nuts, especially macadamia, and high‑fat foods — neurologic signs and pancreatitis
Certain nuts—macadamia nuts in particular—are known to cause weakness, tremors and hyperthermia in dogs, and fatty trimmings or rich human foods can trigger pancreatitis; moreover, many nuts and extremely salty foods can produce vomiting, diarrhea or even sodium‑ion poisoning in large amounts [3] [8] [2].
7. Bones, corn cobs and choking/obstruction hazards — mechanical risks
Cooked bones can splinter and puncture or obstruct the gastrointestinal tract, and items such as corn on the cob may pass through the stomach but then cause a life‑threatening intestinal blockage; veterinary advisories repeatedly stress disposal and supervision to prevent these mechanical emergencies [2] [9].
8. Spices, baking agents and household foods — less obvious but still dangerous
Large amounts of baking soda or powder, nutmeg and some spices, as well as very salty or spoiled foods, can be toxic or produce severe reactions in dogs; the degree of harm often depends on dose, the dog’s size and underlying health, so what’s harmless to people may be dangerous to a pet [10] [8] [11].
9. What to do and limits of reporting — when to seek help
Veterinary sources advise that any suspected ingestion of these items should prompt a call to a veterinarian, an emergency clinic or a poison hotline because toxicity and required treatment depend on the substance, the amount and the dog’s size and health; public guidance varies on exact toxic thresholds and this summary cannot replace professional assessment [2] [1] [6].