Foods That Are Toxic to Dogs: The Complete List

The expanded list of foods toxic to dogs, sorted by how serious they are, plus where they hide and what to do in an emergency.

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If your dog ate something toxic

Call your vet or an emergency vet right away. Don't wait for symptoms, and don't make your dog vomit unless a vet tells you to.

ASPCA Animal Poison Control: (888) 426-4435
Pet Poison Helpline: (855) 764-7661

Both are available 24/7. A consultation fee may apply.

Download the printable list

Emergency: call right away

Food	Why it's dangerous	Where it hides
Xylitol (birch sugar)	Can cause a rapid drop in blood sugar and liver failure, even in small amounts.	Sugar-free gum and mints, some peanut butters, sugar-free baked goods, candy, some toothpastes and vitamins.
Chocolate & cocoa	Contains theobromine and caffeine. Dark and baking chocolate are the most dangerous.	Brownies, cocoa powder, chocolate-covered treats, hot cocoa mix.
Grapes, raisins, currants, sultanas	Linked to sudden kidney failure. Even small amounts can be dangerous.	Trail mix, cereal, bagels, granola bars, fruit cups.
Onions, garlic, chives, leeks	Damage red blood cells. Raw, cooked and powdered forms all count.	Seasoning blends, soups, gravy, pizza, some baby foods.
Macadamia nuts	Can cause weakness, wobbling, tremors and fever.	Cookies, trail mix, nut assortments.
Alcohol	Dogs are far more sensitive than people. Can cause collapse and dangerous blood sugar drops.	Drinks, rum cakes, unattended glasses at parties.
Caffeine	Speeds up the heart and nervous system.	Coffee grounds and pods, tea bags, energy drinks, caffeine pills.
Raw bread or pizza dough	Expands in the stomach and produces alcohol as it ferments.	Rising dough on the counter.
Cannabis / THC edibles	Causes wobbling, urine leaking, and slow heart rate; edibles often also contain chocolate or xylitol.	Gummies, brownies, vape products.

Serious: call your vet

Food	Why it's dangerous	Where it hides
Cooked bones	Splinter and can cut or block the gut.	Chicken wings, rib bones, steak bones from the trash.
Corn cobs	A very common cause of intestinal blockage needing surgery.	Cookouts and kitchen trash.
Fatty scraps & grease	Can trigger pancreatitis, which is painful and sometimes serious.	Bacon, turkey skin, ham fat, drippings.
Salty snacks & salt dough	Too much salt causes vomiting, tremors and seizures.	Chips, pretzels, homemade play dough, salt ornaments.
Fruit pits & seeds	Choking/blockage risk; some contain compounds that release cyanide.	Peach, plum, cherry and apricot pits; apple cores.
Avocado pit & skin	Pit can cause blockage; skin and leaves can cause stomach upset.	Guacamole bowls, compost.
Moldy food & compost	Some molds produce toxins that cause tremors and seizures.	Compost bins, old bread, the trash.
Raw salmon & trout	Can carry a parasite that causes serious 'salmon poisoning,' mainly from Pacific Northwest fish.	Raw or undercooked fish, sushi.
Nutmeg	Large amounts can cause disorientation and racing heart.	Pumpkin pie spice, eggnog, baked goods.
Wild mushrooms	Some yard mushrooms are deadly; it's hard to tell which.	Yards and parks after rain.
Hops	Can cause dangerously high body temperature.	Home-brewing supplies, spent hops.

Use caution

Dairy	Many adult dogs are lactose intolerant: gas, diarrhea. Small amounts of plain yogurt are usually fine.
Unripe tomatoes & tomato plants	Green parts can cause stomach upset. Ripe tomato flesh is generally fine.
Spicy or heavily seasoned food	Upset stomachs, and seasonings often contain onion or garlic.
Raw eggs & raw meat	Risk of bacteria like Salmonella for dogs and the people handling them.

Not sure about something? See our list of human foods that are safe for dogs. This list covers common foods and isn't complete; when in doubt, ask your vet.

Keep reading

Quick list16 Human Foods That Are Safe for Dogs Safe human foods for dogs: healthy snacks from your fridge, how to serve them, and the one rule to remember.

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