A dog's digestive system is different from ours: some foods we eat without any trouble are toxic or even fatal to them. Knowing the complete list is one of the most important things a pet owner can learn.
The 15 Toxic Foods to Keep Away
1. Chocolate
It contains theobromine, which dogs metabolise very slowly. The darker the chocolate, the more dangerous it is.
- Dark chocolate: 10–20 g/kg of body weight = potentially fatal
- Milk chocolate: 25–50 g/kg = dangerous
- Pure cocoa: even more toxic
2. Grapes and raisins
The toxicity is still not fully understood, but they can cause acute kidney failure. Even a single grape can be fatal for small or sensitive dogs.
3. Onions, garlic, shallots
They contain sulphur compounds that destroy red blood cells. Cooked, raw, or powdered: the effect is the same.
4. Xylitol
A sweetener found in chewing gum, sugar-free sweets, and some toothpastes. It causes a sudden drop in blood sugar within 30 minutes. Fatal even in very small doses.
5. Avocado
Persin, found in the flesh, skin, and stone, is toxic to dogs. It can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, and in severe cases pancreatitis.
6. Alcohol
Even small amounts can cause low blood sugar, respiratory depression, and coma.
7. Caffeine
Coffee, tea, energy drinks. These can trigger rapid heart rate, agitation, and seizures.
8. Macadamia nuts
As few as 2–3 nuts can cause weakness in the hind legs, tremors, and fever.
9. Cooked bones
They splinter and can perforate the intestine. Raw, meaty bones are fine; cooked bones never are.
10. Milk and dairy products
Adult dogs are almost always lactose intolerant. They can cause diarrhoea and bloating. Small amounts of plain yogurt are generally fine.
11. Nuts in shells (almonds, walnuts)
High in fat: risk of pancreatitis. Hard almonds can also cause an intestinal blockage.
12. Citrus fruits
Lemons, limes, and to a lesser extent oranges: the oil in the peel irritates the stomach and can cause seizures.
13. Raw oats in large quantities
Cooked oats are fine, but raw oats can cause intestinal bloating.
14. Uncontrolled raw freshwater fish
Risk of parasites and thiaminase (which destroys vitamin B1).
15. Raw bread dough
It continues to ferment in the stomach, producing alcohol and gas: risk of gastric dilation.
What to Do if Your Dog Ingests Something Toxic
- Don't wait: call your vet or the poison control hotline immediately
- Have ready: your dog's weight, what they ate, the approximate quantity, and the time of ingestion
- Do not attempt to induce vomiting with salt or hydrogen peroxide: some toxins cause more damage on the way back up
- Always keep with you (when travelling or on holiday): your trusted vet's phone number
Safe Foods (in Small Quantities)
- Carrots, courgettes, apples without seeds
- Boiled rice, cooked potatoes
- Lean cooked meat with no seasoning
- Cooked fish with no bones
- Blueberries, seedless watermelon
For a safe and balanced diet, read our complete BARF guide for dogs or create your free personalised meal plan.
