Toxic Foods for Dogs: The Complete List to Hang in the Kitchen

## The Dog Owner's Kitchen: A Minefield

Every year, thousands of dogs arrive at veterinary emergency rooms for **ingestion of toxic foods**.

Most of these incidents are **preventable**: you just need to know what NOT to give your dog.

Print this list and put it in your kitchen. It could save your dog's life.

## The 15 Most Toxic Foods for Dogs

### 1. Chocolate (the most famous)

**Toxic substance**: theobromine + caffeine.

**Dangerous doses**:
- **Dark chocolate** (>50% cocoa): 5 g per kg of weight = toxic.
- **Milk chocolate**: 10-15 g per kg.
- **White chocolate**: less dangerous (little theobromine).

**Practical example**: 10 kg dog + bar of dark chocolate = potentially lethal.

**Symptoms**: vomiting, diarrhea, tachycardia, seizures, death.

**What to do**: veterinarian immediately (within 2 hours = induces vomiting).

### 2. Xylitol (the most underrated)

Artificial sweetener found in:
- Sugar-free chewing gum.
- Sugar-free candies.
- Some toothpastes.
- "Light" peanut butter.
- Some medications.

**Toxicity**: **extremely lethal** for dogs.

**Dangerous dose**: 50 mg per kg.

Just one piece of chewing gum can kill a small dog.

**Symptoms** (rapid, 30-60 minutes):
- Hypoglycemia.
- Seizures.
- Acute liver failure.
- Death.

**What to do**: immediate veterinarian care.

### 3. Grapes and raisins

**Toxic substance**: unknown but real.

**Toxicity**: variable (some dogs very sensitive).

**Dangerous dose**: 1 grape per kg in some dogs.

**Symptoms**: vomiting, diarrhea, acute kidney failure within 24-72 hours.

**What to do**: veterinarian immediately even for small amounts.

### 4. Onion, garlic, shallots

**Toxicity**: destruction of red blood cells.

**Dangerous dose**: 5-15 g per kg.

**Note**:
- Cooked, raw, powdered: all toxic.
- Garlic is about **5 times** more toxic than onion.

**Symptoms**: anemia, lethargy, dark urine (48-72 hours).

**Be cautious of**: commercial broths, sauces, human snacks.

### 5. Avocado

**Toxic substance**: persin.

**Toxicity**: mild-moderate.

**Dangerous parts**: leaves, pit, skin.

**Flesh**: less toxic but can cause disturbances.

**Main danger**: the **pit** (foreign body + toxic).

### 6. Caffeine and tea

**Toxic substances**: methylxanthines.

**Sources**: coffee, tea, energy drinks, chocolate.

**Dangerous dose**: 140 mg/kg.

**Symptoms**: hyperactivity, tachycardia, seizures.

### 7. Alcohol

**Toxicity**: high, especially in small dogs.

**Sources**: beer, wine, cocktails, wine sauces, bread dough (fermentation).

**Symptoms**: lethargy, hypoglycemia, hypothermia, death.

### 8. Macadamia nuts

**Toxic substance**: unknown.

**Dangerous dose**: 2 g/kg.

**Symptoms**: weakness in hind legs, vomiting, tremors, hyperthermia.

### 9. Unleavened dough / bread dough

**Danger**:
- Fermentation in the stomach produces **alcohol** and **gas**.
- Expansion → possible gastric torsion.
- Alcohol toxicity.

**Symptoms**: abdominal swelling, vomiting, hypothermia.

### 10. Milk and dairy products

**Toxicity**: low, but widespread intolerance.

Dogs are **lactose intolerant** (almost all).

**Effects**: diarrhea, vomiting, gas.

**Exceptions**: natural yogurt (fermented lactose).

### 11. Uncontrolled raw meat

**Dangers**:
- Salmonella.
- E. coli.
- Listeria.
- Toxoplasma.
- Parasites.

**If BARF**: must be prepared correctly (see dedicated article).

### 12. Cooked bones

**Never ever** give cooked bones:
- They splinter.
- Cause intestinal perforation.
- Choking.

**Only raw and meaty bones** (with caution).

### 13. Dried fruits (almonds, walnuts, pine nuts)

- **Almonds**: dangerous (cyanide).
- **Walnuts**: risk of pancreatitis.
- **Macadamia nuts**: toxic.
- **Pine nuts**: high in fat.

### 14. Green tomato (leaves and stem)

**Toxic substance**: solanine.

**Symptoms**: vomiting, weakness, confusion.

**Ripe tomato**: small amounts are okay.

### 15. Wild mushrooms

**Extreme variability**:
- Some harmless.
- Others lethal.

**Never** let your dog eat wild mushrooms.

If ingested: veterinarian immediately.

## Quick list: "common" foods NOT to give

❌ Chocolate (any type).  
❌ Xylitol (gum, sugar-free candies).  
❌ Grapes, raisins.  
❌ Onion, garlic.  
❌ Avocado.  
❌ Coffee, tea, energy drinks.  
❌ Alcohol.  
❌ Macadamia nuts.  
❌ Raw dough.  
❌ Milk, cheese (intolerance).  
❌ Cooked bones.  
❌ Wild mushrooms.  
❌ Green tomato.  
❌ Onion, shallots, leeks.  
❌ Excessive salt.

## "Neutral" foods: OK in small amounts

✅ Raw carrots.  
✅ Apples (without seeds).  
✅ Bananas (a few).  
✅ Blueberries.  
✅ Watermelon (without seeds/skin).  
✅ Cucumbers.  
✅ Cooked zucchini.  
✅ Boiled chicken without skin.  
✅ Boiled rice.  
✅ Natural yogurt (a little).

## GOOD foods for dogs

✅ **Cooked lean meat**: chicken, turkey, lean beef.  
✅ **Cooked fish**: salmon, cod.  
✅ **Cooked eggs**.  
✅ **Cooked vegetables**: squash, sweet potatoes, green beans.  
✅ **Fruit in small doses**: apples, bananas, blueberries.

## In case of poisoning

**General symptoms**:
- Vomiting.
- Diarrhea.
- Lethargy.
- Tremors, seizures.
- Breathing difficulties.
- Excessive drooling.
- Disorientation.

**What to do**:

**1. Identify** what was eaten (and how much).

**2. Veterinarian** immediately:
- Even for phone advice.
- **Pet Poison Center** number: 348 0166666 (CAV Milan).

**3. DO NOT induce vomiting** without veterinary prescription (some poisons worsen).

**4. DO NOT give milk/other "grandma remedies"**.

**5. Bring** with you:
- Food packaging that was ingested (if possible).
- Any vomit (for analysis).

## Prevention

**At home**:
- Keep trash closed.
- Store foods in cabinets.
- Keep shopping bags away from dogs.
- Never leave human food on low tables.

**In the garden**:
- Check plants (some toxic).
- Regular cleaning.

**On walks**:
- Keep the dog under control.
- Avoid areas with trash.

**At others' homes**:
- Alert friends/relatives.
- Limit access to the kitchen.

## The saving number: Poison Centers

**In Italy**:
- **CAV Milan**: 348 0166666.  
- **CAV Pavia**: 0382 24444.  
- **CAV Genoa**: 010 5636245.  
- **CAV Rome**: 06 49978000.

Available **24 hours a day**.

Consult in case of suspected poisoning, even before going to the clinic.

## The truth

Most poisonings happen due to **negligence** or **ignorance**.

**Knowing the list** = total prevention.

**Print** this article. **Hang** it in the kitchen. **Educate** the family.

And remember: if in doubt, your dog **should not eat it**. Safety comes before momentary pleasure.

Your dog looks at you with big eyes when you eat chocolate. Resist. That resistance could save its life.