Forbidden Foods for Dogs: What You Should Always Avoid

Some everyday foods from our kitchens can be harmful, even fatal, to our furry companions.

When in doubt, always check with your vet to make sure your dog’s diet is safe and suited to their needs 🩺

1. Chocolate 🍫
   Chocolate (especially dark chocolate) contains theobromine, a substance toxic to dogs. Unlike humans, dogs can’t metabolize it properly. This can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, muscle tremors, seizures, and in severe cases, heart failure or death.

2. Grapes & Raisins 🍇
   The exact toxin is unknown, but grapes and raisins can cause acute kidney failure, even in small amounts. Watch for vomiting, diarrhea, appetite loss, and abdominal pain.
   Avoid: fresh grapes, raisins, grape juice, or compote.

3. Alcohol 🍾
   Even tiny amounts of alcohol can be very toxic to dogs. It affects the nervous system and may cause vomiting, diarrhea, coordination problems, coma, or even death.
   Avoid: alcoholic drinks, raw dough with yeast, alcohol-based pastries.

4. Onions & Garlic 🧅🧄
   These (along with leeks and other alliums) can damage red blood cells, leading to anemia. Cooked, powdered, or dried forms are also dangerous.
   Avoid: raw or cooked onion, garlic, powders, and any food containing them.

5. Avocados 🥑
   Avocados contain persin, which is toxic to dogs and can cause vomiting, diarrhea, or even cardiac issues in serious cases.
   Avoid: avocado flesh, skin, pit, and leaves.

6. Macadamia Nuts 🌰
   Even small quantities can cause muscle tremors, vomiting, fever, and abdominal pain. Symptoms typically appear within a few hours.
   Avoid: all forms of macadamia nuts.

7. Xylitol (Artificial Sweetener) 🧪
   Found in sugar-free gums, candies, baked goods, and some toothpaste, xylitol is highly toxic. It can cause dangerously low blood sugar, seizures, or acute liver failure, even in small doses.
   Avoid: sugar-free gum, candy, pastries, some dental products.

8. Cooked Bones 🍖
   Cooked bones (especially poultry) can splinter and cause internal damage or choking hazards.
   Avoid: cooked chicken, turkey, or duck bones.

9. Dairy Products 🥛
   Many dogs are lactose intolerant, especially in adulthood. Dairy can lead to stomach upset, gas, or diarrhea. Not toxic for all, but best given with caution.
   Avoid (if intolerant): milk, cheese, cream, yogurt.

10. Fatty & Fried Foods 🍟
    These can cause digestive issues and, in serious cases, pancreatitis (a painful inflammation that may require emergency care). They also contribute to obesity in dogs.
    Avoid: fried food, fatty meats like bacon or sausage, fast food.

🚨 What to Do If Your Dog Eats Something Toxic?
If you suspect your dog has eaten something dangerous:

• Contact your vet immediately. Let them know what was eaten and how much.

• Watch for symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, shaking, lethargy, or rapid breathing.

• Do not induce vomiting unless your vet tells you to. In some cases, it can make the situation worse.