It can be hard to keep your dog safe from foods that are potentially harmful to its health. We’ve compiled a list of 20 foods dogs can’t eat. These foods contain toxins that can cause serious health problems in your dog, including vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, and even death.

If you need to check if a food is toxic for your dog, always err on the side of caution and avoid giving it to them. Not only will this help keep them healthy, but you’ll also be reducing the risk of any accidents happening in the future.

Which Foods Dogs Can’t Eat

Table of Contents

Here Are 20 Foods Dogs Can’t Eat

Here Are 20 Foods Dogs Can't Eat

Dogs deserve the best of everything, including the best food. However, not all food is safe for them to eat. Certain foods can harm dogs if consumed in large quantities or regularly. These substances include caffeine, garlic, onions, grapes and raisins, chocolate, plasticizers like BPA (Bisphenol A), and pesticides.

If your dog ingests these foods in high doses or regularly, it may experience health problems. To ensure the safety of your dog, it’s essential to keep a food journal and identify the items your dog is eating. Here are 20 foods that dogs can’t eat:

Alcohol

Alcohol

There are a few foods that alcoholic dogs can’t eat, but the most common one is alcohol. Alcohol is toxic to dogs and can cause serious health problems if ingested in any amount. Alcohol can also be dangerous for other animals if it ends up in their food chain.

For example, if your dog eats alcohol-tainted food and bites someone, it could get drunker and more violent. So it’s important to be very careful about what your dog consumes and ensure they never have access to any form of alcohol whatsoever.

Apple, Apricot, Cherry, & Plum Seeds/Pits

While many foods can harm dogs, the following five are expressly prohibited. Should not be fed Apple, apricot, cherry, and plum seeds/pits to dogs because they contain a chemical called amygdalin that can cause health problems.

Chandrakala Srinivasan, DVM, explains: “Amygdalin is a substance found in the seeds of these fruits which is converted into cyanide when ingested by a dog. Cyanide is poisonous to dogs and humans and can cause liver damage, intestinal blockages, seizures, and even death.”

Avocado

Avocado

There are a few foods that dogs can’t eat, but avocado is one of the most common. Dogs cannot digest avocados due to their high-fat content and oil, which can cause intestinal blockages and inflammation.

Additionally, avocados contain phenols, which may irritate the dog’s skin and eyes. If your dog accidentally ingests avocados, you should contact a veterinarian as soon as possible.

Broccoli

Broccoli

Broccoli is an excellent food for dogs, but only if they get the right kind. The wrong type of broccoli can contain many toxins that can harm your pet’s health.

Make sure to feed your dog broccoli in moderation, as it can prevent high levels of glucoraphanin and sulforaphane. Broccoli is high in oxalates, which can be harmful if eaten in large quantities.

Caffeine & Coffee Grounds

Caffeine & Coffee Grounds

Caffeine is found in many stimulants, like coffee and tea. While it’s not harmful to dogs in small doses, too much caffeine can be dangerous. Dogs are particularly sensitive to the effects of caffeine, and even a tiny amount can cause them to become energized and excited but also restless and irritable.

In extreme cases, caffeine can even lead to seizures or death. So if you’re ever worried about how your dog is doing after drinking coffee or tea, keep any leftover grounds away from them.

Chicken & Turkey Skin, Ham, & Other Fatty Cuts Of Meat

Chicken & Turkey Skin Ham & Other Fatty Cuts Of Meat

While dogs can technically digest some types of meat, they are not typically recommended because they contain high-fat levels. These include chicken and turkey skin, ham, and other fatty cuts of meat.

Dogs are especially prone to getting fat from these types of foods because their small intestines aren’t able to break down all the fat in these foods properly. It puts a lot of stress on the dog’s liver and gallbladder, which can eventually lead to health problems like liver cirrhosis or pancreatitis. In addition, these foods may also cause your dog to develop pancreatic cancer.

If you’re feeding your dog any meat product containing significant amounts of fat, split it into smaller chunks or provide them with a food dish they cannot easily access. This will help ensure that they don’t get too much information at once and end up eating too much risky foodstuff.

Chocolate

Chocolate

While chocolate dogs are delicious, they’re not good for your dog. Chocolate is high in sugar and can cause major health problems for your pet.

In addition, chocolate contains other harmful ingredients like caffeine and alcohol, which can also be dangerous for dogs. If you want to give your dog a chocolate treat, choose one that’s low in sugar and has no other harmful ingredients.

Grapes & Raisins

Grapes & Raisins

Dogs can’t eat grapes or raisins. These are two of the many hazardous foods to your dog’s health. Grapes and raisins contain high sugar, which can harm your pet’s teeth and gums. In addition, grapes and raisins contain other toxins that can cause problems for your dog’s body.

Macadamia Nuts, Almonds, & Pistachios

Macadamia Nuts, Almonds, & Pistachios

Macadamia nuts, almonds, and pistachios are all high in toxins. All three of these items should be avoided by dogs as they can cause major health problems. Warning signs that your dog might have eaten macadamia nuts include vomiting and diarrhea.

Almonds may cause pancreatitis, an inflammation of the pancreas, which can lead to liver failure, kidney failure, or even death. Pistachios may also cause pancreatitis if large quantities ingest quickly.

Puppies who eat these foods often end up with serious health complications later on in life – keep them safe by keeping them out of reach, literally and figuratively.

Milk & Dairy Products

Milk & Dairy Products

Dogs can’t eat milk & dairy products. These are some of the most common foods that are mistaken for dog food and often end up causing problems for both pet and owner.

Milk & dairy products are high in calcium and phosphorus, which can harm a dog’s teeth and bones. In addition, these foods contain lactose, a sugar that dogs cannot digest.

It can lead to severe gas, diarrhea, and vomiting in dogs. Ingesting large amounts of milk & dairy products can also cause weight gain in dogs since these foods contain many calories.

Mushrooms

Mushrooms

Mushrooms are a fungus that can harm dogs if ingested in large quantities. While some mushrooms are safe to eat, others can be poisonous and even deadly.

Symptoms of a dog eating mushrooms include vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, and seizures. If your dog has eaten mushrooms in excess, it is important to seek veterinary care as soon as possible.

Nutmeg & Cinnamon

Nutmeg & Cinnamon

Nutmeg and Cinnamon are the most common spices used in dog foods. While nutmeg is safe for dogs to eat, Cinnamon can be harmful if ingested in large doses.

Dogs can eat nutmeg and Cinnamon in small doses, but they should avoid eating them in large amounts. Ingesting too many spices can cause vomiting, diarrhea, coma, and even death. If your dog has consumed any of these spices, you should take him to the veterinarian immediately.

Onions, Garlic, Chives, & Leeks

Onions, Garlic, Chives, & Leeks

Onions, garlic, chives, and leeks are all plants that can harm dogs if ingested in large amounts. These plants contain compounds called sulfoxides that can cause stomach ulcers and other health problems.

If your dog eats even a small amount of one of these plants, it is important to get them checked out by a veterinarian as soon as possible.

Salt

Salt

Salt is an essential mineral for dogs, but too much can be harmful. Don’t give your dog table salt, pepper, or any other seasoning – these are all bad for their health. Instead, always read the ingredients before giving them food to ensure there’s no salt in disguise.

It’s also important to avoid feeding dogs processed foods and sugary snacks – these are terrible for their overall health. If you need to give your dog some salt as a treat (a very small amount), use Himalayan pink sea salt instead of regular table salt.

Spicy Food

Spicy Food

Because many foods that are spicy for humans can be very toxic to dogs, it is important to be aware of the ingredients list and look out for common allergens like wheat, soy, and corn. Limiting your dog’s exposure as much as possible is also important. If they eat something they shouldn’t have, take them to the vet.

Sugar-Free Gum & Candy (Xylitol)

Dogs can’t eat sugar-free gum or candy that contains xylitol. Xylitol is a type of sugar found in many types of gum and candy and is very toxic to dogs. Xylitol can cause vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, and even death in pets.

Tomatoes & Raw Potatoes

Tomatoes & Raw Potatoes

It’s important to keep your dog well-balanced and avoid giving them too many of any one type of food. This is because they may develop food allergies or become sick. Dogs can’t eat tomatoes or raw potatoes because these foods contain chemicals that can harm their health.

Tomatoes, in particular, are high in acidity, which can irritate the stomach and intestines, and potatoes are high in starch, which can cause problems like diarrhea and tummy pain.

Tobacco

Tobacco

While dogs can’t technically eat tobacco, giving them any of it’s still a bad idea. Tobacco is highly toxic to dogs; even small amounts can be harmful. Tobacco smoke contains over 4,000 chemicals, including nicotine, which causes dogs to become addicted to the habit.

Smoking even one cigarette can be enough to kill your dog. Additionally, tobacco leaves contain traces of arsenic and lead – both of which are highly poisonous to dogs.

Even if your dog doesn’t eat tobacco, giving them any of these substances will still be risky. If you decide to give your dog some tobacco products, make sure that you keep them out of reach and away from other pets. And always supervise your pet when they’re around these products, so they don’t get into trouble.

Yeast & Raw Dough

Yeast & Raw Dough

If you’re ever cooking bread or other baked goods, be sure to include yeast. Yeast is a fungus that grows on the dough and helps it rise. Dogs can accidentally eat yeast while eating these foods, which can cause problems like diarrhea.

Also, be careful about giving your dog raw dough – this food contains harmful bacteria that can get into their system and potentially cause health problems. In small quantities, the raw dough may be okay for dogs as long as it’s monitored closely – but always remember the importance of feeding them healthy food.

Raw Meat

Raw Meat

Raw meat is one of the most dangerous foods for dogs to eat. Not only can it be harmful, but it also contains toxins that can potentially damage your dog’s health. Giving them raw meat is even riskier than feeding them processed food, as these meats are often riddled with harmful chemicals and contaminants.

Raw meat can easily lead to pancreatitis and intestinal blockages, which are highly unpleasant and potentially life-threatening conditions for your pup.

What To Do If Your Dog Eats A Toxic Food

What To Do If Your Dog Eats A Toxic Food

It can be frightening to realize that your dog ate food that may be toxic to them. But don’t worry. You can take steps to prevent the situation from becoming more serious. If you think your dog ate food that may be toxic to them, you should first call your veterinarian or the poison control center for instructions.

If poisoning does occur, make sure to keep the pet contained and away from other people and animals, and take photos or videos of the food to help identify it in the future. Poisoning is usually not fatal unless provoked deliberately by your pet, so be patient and follow instructions carefully.

Conclusion

In this blog, we’ve listed 20 foods dogs can’t eat that are harmful to your dog’s health. If your dog eats any of these foods, take them to the vet immediately for a check-up.

If you don’t have time to take it to the vet, follow the steps listed in the blog’s sub-headings to help poison control deal with the poisoning. Thank you for reading, and we hope this blog was helpful.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Types Of Food Are Dogs Unable To Eat?

Dogs cannot eat raw meat, bones, feathers, certain fruits and vegetables (such as tomatoes), or honey. Dairy products are also off-limits since they contain lactose, a sugar that can upset their stomachs. Dogs are not supposed to eat other foods, including chocolate, grapes, raisins, and onions.

What Is The Best Food For Dogs?

Dogs need a high-quality diet that includes plenty of protein and essential nutrients. Some people say that raw meat is the best food for dogs, while others say that all dogs should eat specially-made food.

My Old Dog Stopped Eating. What Should I Do?

If your old dog stopped eating, it’s considered because he doesn’t like the new food. It’s important to try different foods until you find one that your dog likes. If you’ve tried multiple foods and your dog still won’t eat them, you might need to take him to the veterinarian.

What People’s Food Do You Share With Your Pets?

There are a few foods that dogs can’t eat, and these include grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, eggs, chicken broth, macaroni and cheese, green beans, and potatoes.

It’s important to keep these foods away from your dog because they can be harmful if ingested in large quantities. Even small amounts can be lethal if your dog ingests them regularly.

How Do I Know If My Dog Has A Food Allergy Or Sensitivity?

If you suspect your dog has a food allergy or sensitivity, This means conducting an elimination diet trial where you feed the dog each food separately and then observe whether or not the dog reacts in any way. If the dog reacts in any way to any of the food items, the food allergy or sensitivity is likely the cause of the symptoms.