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Foods dogs shouldn't eat

Some everyday human foods are dangerous for dogs, even in small amounts. Keep these out of reach, and tell everyone in your home, including guests and children.

If your dog ate something on this list, don't wait for symptoms. Call your veterinarian or an emergency vet right away, or an animal poison control center:

A consultation fee may apply. Don't make your dog vomit unless a vet tells you to.

Dangerous Harmful Upsets stomach

  • ChocolateDangerous

    Contains theobromine and caffeine. Dark and baking chocolate are the most dangerous.

  • XylitolDangerous

    A sweetener in some sugar-free gum, candy, baked goods and peanut butters. Can cause a dangerous drop in blood sugar and liver damage.

  • Grapes and raisinsDangerous

    Can cause kidney failure, even in small amounts. Includes raisins in baked goods.

  • Onions, garlic, chives and leeksDangerous

    Damage red blood cells, whether raw, cooked or powdered.

  • AlcoholDangerous

    Even small amounts can be dangerous for dogs.

  • Raw yeast doughDangerous

    Expands in the stomach and produces alcohol.

  • Macadamia nutsHarmful

    Can cause weakness, vomiting and tremors.

  • CaffeineHarmful

    Coffee, tea, energy drinks and caffeine pills affect the heart and nervous system.

  • Cooked bonesHarmful

    Can splinter and cause choking or injure the mouth and gut.

  • Fatty foods and trimmingsHarmful

    Can trigger stomach upset and pancreatitis.

  • Salty snacksUpsets stomach

    Large amounts can cause excessive thirst and sickness.

  • Milk and dairyUpsets stomach

    Many dogs digest lactose poorly and get diarrhea.

Not a complete list, and not veterinary advice. How harmful a food is depends on the amount and your dog's size and health. When in doubt, call your vet.

Keep them out of reach

Counters

Push food back from edges and never leave it unattended.

Bags

Keep purses and backpacks with gum or snacks off the floor.

Trash

Use a lidded bin or keep it behind a closed door.

Guests

Ask visitors and children not to share food from the table.

Read feeding your dog and prepare your home, or estimate yearly costs with the dog cost calculator.