22 foods that can harm or kill your dog, ranked by severity. Bookmark this. The #1 most dangerous: xylitol (in sugar-free gum and many peanut butters).
Triggers severe hypoglycemia + acute liver failure within minutes. Found in sugar-free gum, mints, peanut butter, baked goods. ANY amount can be fatal — even ONE piece of gum has killed dogs. The #1 most dangerous human ingredient.
Theobromine + caffeine cause tremors, seizures, heart failure. Toxicity scales with cocoa %: dark chocolate is ~7× more toxic than milk. A 50-lb dog needs 1 oz of baking chocolate to develop tremors. Lethal at 2-3 oz.
Cause acute kidney failure within 24-72 hours. Toxic dose is highly variable — some dogs eat handfuls without issue, others die from one grape. The 'tartaric acid' theory is current science. NEVER let dogs eat them.
Damage red blood cells (Heinz body anemia). Cumulative — a small amount daily causes more damage than one big exposure. Garlic-based 'natural' flea treatments are dangerous. All parts of the plant are toxic, raw or cooked.
Cause weakness, vomiting, hyperthermia, tremors. Even 1 nut per pound of dog weight produces symptoms. Often combined with chocolate (in cookies) which compounds toxicity.
Dogs metabolize alcohol slower than humans. Causes vomiting, ataxia, seizures, respiratory failure. Even beer and bread dough (yeast produces alcohol) are dangerous. NEVER share drinks.
Rises in the stomach, causing painful bloat. Yeast also ferments into alcohol. Can rupture stomach. ER vet immediately if eaten.
Splinter into sharp shards. Cause intestinal perforation, internal bleeding. Raw bones are safer (debatable) but COOKED bones from any meat (chicken, turkey, beef, pork) are an emergency if eaten.
Persin in the pit/skin causes vomiting, diarrhea. The flesh is mostly safe in small amounts but the pit can also cause intestinal blockage in small dogs (mechanical, not chemical).
Caffeine + theobromine — same toxicity profile as chocolate. Even one cup of strong coffee can be lethal to a small dog. Coffee grounds in the trash are a common exposure source.
See xylitol entry. Hidden in: sugar-free gum/mints (always), some peanut butters (Krush, Nuts 'N More), baked goods, mouthwash, vitamins, some pet meds. CHECK every label. The dose is shockingly low — 0.1g/kg can be fatal.
Nicotine is highly toxic; cigarette butts in the trash cause fatalities every year. E-cigarette refills + Nicorette gum + nicotine patches are concentrated and especially dangerous.
THC causes ataxia, hypothermia, urinary incontinence, vomiting. Edibles often contain chocolate or xylitol — DOUBLE risk. Calls to poison control have surged with legalization. Be honest with your vet — they need to know to treat.
Salt poisoning causes vomiting, ataxia, seizures. Common sources: homemade play-dough, pretzels, soup, ocean water (in quantity), table salt accidents.
Death Cap (Amanita phalloides) and Destroying Angel cause fatal liver failure within 24 hours. Symptoms appear 6-24 hours late, by which time the dog is critical. Don't let dogs eat ANY wild mushrooms — store-bought are mostly fine.
Contain cyanogenic compounds. Small amounts cause GI upset; large amounts cause cyanide poisoning. The pit itself is also a choking/blockage hazard. Apple flesh is safe; just remove the core.
Solanine toxicity (nightshade family). Cooked, ripe versions are mostly safe in moderation. Raw + green parts cause GI upset and neurological issues.
Salmon, trout, sturgeon from Pacific NW can carry Neorickettsia helminthoeca — 'salmon poisoning disease' — fatal without treatment in 14 days. Cook all wild salmon and steelhead before feeding.
Cause pancreatitis — sudden inflammation of the pancreas with severe pain, vomiting, dehydration. Often triggered by Thanksgiving table scraps. Hospitalization required for severe cases.
Most adult dogs are lactose intolerant. Cheese, milk, ice cream cause GI upset. Some dogs handle small amounts; others vomit or get diarrhea. Plain yogurt with active cultures is usually fine in small amounts.
Salmonella risk + biotin deficiency from avidin in raw whites. One occasional raw egg is fine; daily raw eggs cause issues. Cooked eggs are perfectly safe.
Tremorgenic mycotoxins from moldy bread, cheese, walnuts cause severe tremors and seizures. Garbage-can poisoning. Lock trash bins; check picnic leftovers.