Toxic food for dogs | Battersea Dogs & Cats Home (2024)

25 May 2023

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Dogs can be opportunists when it comes to getting their paws on tasty treats, but not all everyday food and drink are safe if they come into contact with them. Learn which nine items are particularly dangerous to your dog.

Toxic food for dogs | Battersea Dogs & Cats Home (1)

1. Onions, garlic and chives

The onion family, whether dry, raw or cooked, is particularly toxic to dogs and can cause gastrointestinal irritation and red blood cell damage. Signs of illness are not always immediate and can occur up to a few days later.

2. Chocolate

However enticing chocolate is for humans and dogs alike, chocolate is another poisonous food for dogs. Chocolate contains a stimulant called theobromine (dark chocolate has the highest content of this) which is toxic to dogs and can cause kidney failure.

3. Macadamia nuts

Macadamia nuts contain a toxin that can affect your dog’s muscles and nervous system resulting in weakness, swollen limbs and panting.

4. Corn on the cob

Corn on the cob could potentially be fatal if eaten by your dog. Although the corn is digested by dogs, the cob can cause a blockage in your dog’s intestine.

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5. Avocado

Avocados are another poisonous food for dogs. Avocado plants contain a substance called Persin which is in its leaves, fruit and seed and can cause vomiting and diarrhoea in dogs.

6. Artificial sweetener (xylitol)

Our desire for sweet treats, chewing gum and drinks together with low-fat, diet and sugar-free products (including some peanut butters so always check the label before using this as a treat) are often laced with an artificial sweetener called Xylitol which causes an insulin release in our bodies. However, if your dog digests one of these sweetened foods they can go into hypoglycaemia which is linked to liver failure and blood clotting disorders.

7. Alcohol

Alcohol has a huge impact on dogs even in small doses. The drink not only causes intoxication as it does in humans, but it can lead to sickness, diarrhoea and even central nervous system damage.

8. Cooked bones

Giving your dog a raw uncooked bone to chew on is great, but avoid cooked bones at all cost. These can easily splinter and in large quantities cause constipation or at worst, a perforation of the gut which can be fatal.

9. Grapes and raisins

Raisins are in many of the foods that we love to eat such as cakes, biscuits and cereals so it’s not just the fruit form we should be concerned with. The active ingredient which causes the toxin is unknown, however both grapes and raisins may cause severe liver damage and kidney failure.

What should I do if my dog has eaten any of these?

If consumed, even small amounts of these items can be fatal so always act immediately and take your dog to the vets.

Download this information as a handy advice sheet to keep for reference:

Toxic food for dogs | Battersea Dogs & Cats Home (2024)

FAQs

Toxic food for dogs | Battersea Dogs & Cats Home? ›

(onion, garlic, leek, and chives), macadamia nuts, Vitis vinifera fruits (grapes, raisins, sultanas, and currants), products sweetened with xylitol, alcoholic beverages, and unbaked bread dough have been reported worldwide in the last decade.

What household food items are toxic to dogs and cats? ›

(onion, garlic, leek, and chives), macadamia nuts, Vitis vinifera fruits (grapes, raisins, sultanas, and currants), products sweetened with xylitol, alcoholic beverages, and unbaked bread dough have been reported worldwide in the last decade.

What household item is toxic to dogs? ›

Many household products, such as paint, glue, and cleaning products, contain dangerous chemicals that can poison a pet. Some pets investigate and consume these items because they smell or feel interesting, despite a less-than-ideal taste, so keep these products in pet-proof containers or behind latched cabinet doors.

What is poisonous to cats or dogs? ›

Onions. Salt. Tobacco products (including e-cigarettes and their refills) Xylitol (a sweetener found in products such as some sugar-free chewing gum, sugar-free candy, cough syrup, mouthwash, and toothpaste)

What are 13 human foods toxic to dogs? ›

Common foods that are toxic and can potentially kill dogs include; grapes, raisins, avocados, chocolate, xylitol (an artificial sweetener), fruit stones and pips (including apple cores and plums), onion, garlic, macadamia nuts, raw eggs, alcohol, caffeine, bread dough, liver, raw fish, milk and cheese.

What are the 10 most toxic foods for dogs? ›

These are the top 10 most toxic foods for dogs that pet owners should avoid to keep their pets healthy and safe:
  1. Chocolate. The top food harmful to dogs is chocolate. ...
  2. Grapes, Raisins, Sultanas, and Currants. ...
  3. Artificial Sweeteners(Xylitol) ...
  4. Onions and Garlic. ...
  5. Caffeine. ...
  6. Alcohol. ...
  7. Macadamia Nuts. ...
  8. Dairy Products.
Sep 27, 2023

Is cheese bad for dogs? ›

While cheese can be safe to feed to your dog, there are some things to remember. Cheese is high in fat, and feeding too much to your dog regularly can cause weight gain and lead to obesity. Even more problematic, it could lead to pancreatitis, a serious and potentially fatal illness in dogs.

What is most poisonous to a dog? ›

Ethylene glycol, antifreeze, is extremely toxic to dogs. It has a sweet taste and thus dogs will drink it. As little as 2 1/2 tablespoons can kill a medium-sized dog in 2–3 days. This type of poisoning is often fatal as dog owners do not know their pet has ingested the antifreeze.

What's the most toxic thing to dogs? ›

Top 10 toxins for dogs are:
  • Anti-inflammatory medications.
  • Xylitol (sugar-free gum and more)
  • Grapes and raisins.
  • Antidepressant medications.
  • Acetaminophen found in drugs like Tylenol.
  • Vitamin D preparations (tablets or creams)
  • Stimulant medications, such as medications for ADD or ADHD.
  • Fertilizers.

What human foods are most toxic to dogs? ›

Toxic food for dogs
  1. Onions, garlic and chives. The onion family, whether dry, raw or cooked, is particularly toxic to dogs and can cause gastrointestinal irritation and red blood cell damage. ...
  2. Chocolate. ...
  3. Macadamia nuts. ...
  4. Corn on the cob. ...
  5. Avocado. ...
  6. Artificial sweetener (xylitol) ...
  7. Alcohol. ...
  8. Cooked bones.
May 25, 2023

What is the number one killer of cats and dogs? ›

According to animal experts, cancer is a top cause of death in cats and dogs.

Is peanut butter bad for dogs? ›

Dogs can eat – and many really enjoy – peanut butter. But beware, some peanut butter brands contain an ingredient called xylitol, which is toxic to dogs and even eating small amounts can be fatal. Xylitol is an artificial sweetener that is often used in foods to keep the product sugar-free.

Are bananas bad for dogs? ›

Bananas are safe for dogs, but moderation is key. Bananas are high in sugar, so too much of it can put your dog at risk of developing medical conditions. You should give your dog only a few thin slices of banana once in a while. At least 90% of your dog's food should be regular dog food.

What foods must dogs never eat? ›

20 Toxic Foods for Dogs
  • Alcohol. Because cats and dogs are smaller than humans, alcohol can have a deadlier effect on them. ...
  • Apple, Apricot, Cherry, & Plum Seeds/Pits. ...
  • Avocado. ...
  • Broccoli. ...
  • Caffeine & Coffee Grounds. ...
  • Chicken & Turkey Skin, Ham, & Other Fatty Cuts of Meat. ...
  • Chocolate. ...
  • Grapes & Raisins.
Sep 15, 2023

What fruit is poisonous to dogs? ›

Grapes, raisins and currants are some of the most toxic fruits to dogs. Just a small amount of these seemingly harmless fruits can cause irreversible kidney damage and failure in your canine buddy. Other fruits to avoid are avocados and the seeds, pits and stones of fruits like apricots, peaches and cherries.

Are eggs good for dogs? ›

Eggs are nutritious for both people and dogs. They can be tasty treats or a hearty breakfast, whether they're hard-boiled, poached, scrambled, or over easy. A cooked entire egg or yolk can be good for your dog, unless your pet has a pre-existing health condition like acute pancreatitis or diabetes.

What household item is toxic to cats? ›

Many household cleaning products contain chemicals that are toxic to cats. For example, bleach is harmful if ingested and can cause serious damage to your cat's mouth, throat, stomach, and intestines. Ammonia-based cleaners are also dangerous because they can irritate a cat's skin and eyes.

What human food are poisonous to cats? ›

What can't cats eat?
  • Alcohol.
  • Chocolate.
  • Tea, coffee and energy drinks.
  • Cheese and milk.
  • Fat trimmings.
  • Raw eggs, raw meat and raw fish.
  • Grapes and their dried forms raisins, sultanas and currants.
  • Onions and garlic.
Dec 3, 2023

Is peanut butter bad for cats and dogs? ›

Most peanut butter is not toxic to cats, as long as it's free from artificial sweeteners like xylitol, which is dangerous to dogs and cats. But for cats, peanut butter is empty calories and adds no nutritional value for them.

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