Foods Toxic to Dogs

Many of the foods on this list may prove to be fatal, but there are also many side effects and symptoms to be aware of.

Scroll to the bottom for a list of common foreign bodies.

Alcohol
Intoxication, lack of coordination, weak breathing, coma, death

Apple and apricot seeds
Natural chemical amygdlin releases cyanide (poison)

Avocados & pit
Persin is the toxin
Diarrhoea, vomiting, heart congestion

Baking powder/soda
Vomiting, diarrhoea

Caffeine
Hyperactivity/restlessness, vomiting/diarrhoea, elevated heart rate and blood pressure

Cat food
Too high in proteins and fat – not balanced for dogs. Obesity, gastrointestinal issues, pancreatitis.

Cherry pits
Cyanide

Chocolate
Theobromine and caffeine
Speeds heart rate and stimulates nervous system, vomiting/diarrhoea, restlessness, increased urination, tremors, seizures, death

Citrus
Citric acid
Skin irritation, nervous system depression

Coconut oil
In excessive amounts can cause gastrointestinal upset and is fattening.

Coconut water
Too high in potassium

Cooked bones
BBQs, left-overs etc
Cooked bones will splinter and may perforate the gastrointestinal tract. Can cause death.

Corn cobs
Choking hazard, gastrointestinal blockage

Dairy
Small doses may be okay.
Vomiting/diarrhoea, food allergy trigger.

Fat trimmings/excessive oils
Pancreatitis

Garlic/onions/chives etc
Disulfides, sulfoxides and thiosulphate kills red blood cell count causing anemia.
Weakness, vomiting/diarrhoea, laboured breathing, death

Grapes/raisins/saltanas
Fruitbread and toast, hotcross buns, fruitcake etc
Kidney failure, vomiting/diarrhoea, depression and low energy, death

Hops (beer ingredient/plant)
Vomiting/diarrhoea, panting, increased heart rate, fever, death

Hot peppers/jalapenos

Human medicine
Doses are not correct for dogs and ingredients may be toxic. Ask for your vet’s advice via consultation prior to giving your dog human medication.

Human vitamins
Mineral overdose

Liver
High in vitamin A, deformed or excessive bone growth, weight loss, anorexia

Macadamia nuts
Tremors, vomiting/diarrhoea, weakness, increased temperature, death.

Marijuana
Not much study on the effect of marijuana in dogs. Slow responses, urine dribblin, changed heart rate, neurological stimulation, hyperactivity, coma, death.

Mold
Tremors, seizures, vomiting/diarrhoea

Mushrooms
Liver disease, neurological distress

Nutmeg
Hallucinogenic, tremors/seizures, death

Nuts
High phosphorus content, bladder stones

Peach, persimmon and plum pits
Cyanide (poison) gastrointestinal blockage, vomiting/diarrhoea

Pear seeds
Cyanide

Plants
Where possible, do not allow your dogs to eat house plants or garden plants. Many are toxic.

Plastic and plastic wrap
Many become foreign bodies.

Processed meats (bacon, ham, sausages, hamburgers etc)
Pancreatitis

Raw eggs
Salmonella, biotin depletion (B vitamins)

Raw meat and fish – only feed if you know is uncontaminated
Food poisoning, contraction of parasites.

Rhubarb leaves and plants
Oxalates
Drooling, vomiting/diarrhoea, depression/lethargy, tremors/seizures, increased temperature, blood in urine, death

Salt
Drooling, vomiting/diarrhoea, depression/lethargy, tremors/seizures, increased temperature, blood in urine, death

Sugar/corn syrup/fructose
Dental issues, diabetes, obesity

Stagnant water
Ponds, bogs, small lakes, seasonal creeks, grey water
Bacteria causing vomiting/diarrhoea

Tobacco
Nicotine
Vomiting/diarrhoea, abnormal heart rate, weakness, tremors, death

Tomato leaves and plants
Oxalates
Drooling, vomiting/diarrhoea, depression/lethargy, tremors/seizures, increased temperature, blood in urine, death

Xylitol (sweetner in peanut butter, candies, coffee, chewing gum, toothpaste, mouthwash etc)

Yeast
Rises in stomach from fermentation (which also makes alcohol) causing gas, discomfort and too much can rupture the gastrointestinal tract or cause a blockage.

Common Foreign Bodies

Includes but are not limited to:
– Socks
– Plastic
– Rocks
– Bones
– Balls
– Sticks