We’ve all been there. You make yourself a snack, and here they come: Those big puppy dog eyes pleading for you to share a bite. Or maybe your pup is an expert at snatching food when you’re not looking, digging through your backpack or handbag, or dumpster diving when you’re not at home.
Regardless of the circumstances, many human foods can be toxic to dogs, causing all sorts of horrible symptoms, including GI upset, seizures, and even death.
Although sharing human food with our pets is tempting, it’s simply not worth the risk. “Even if not toxic, the consumption of any human food can cause vomiting and gastrointestinal upset in pets if eaten in excess,” Tina Wismer, D.V.M., senior director of toxicology at the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, says.
“If your pet has more than mild stomach upset, which is more than two times an hour, or if there’s any blood, is weak, lethargic, or is having tremors or seizures, they need veterinary intervention,” Dr. Wismer says.
And different toxic foods can cause different clinical signs in pets. To help you understand your pet’s risks, we compiled a list of the most dangerous people foods for dogs and what happens if your four-legged friend ingests them.
Xylitol
“Xylitol is probably one of the most dangerous substances because it hides on labels and is found in “healthy” high protein or low-carb products,” Dr. Wismer says. “It can also be found in other consumer goods, including chewing gum, cough drops, and toothpaste.” Because dogs enjoy sweets, they’re often drawn to foods that contain xylitol.
Symptoms if ingested: Xylitol poisoning can cause low blood sugar, resulting in seizures and liver failure. This can occur as soon as 30 minutes after ingestion but up to 12 hours later. Liver injury may not be seen for two to three days after ingestion.
Alcohol
Your dog may be attracted to alcoholic beverages or foods that contain alcohol, especially if they’re sweet, such as a summery cocktail.
Symptoms if ingested: Alcohol is rapidly absorbed by the body and may cause vomiting, diarrhea, incoordination, depression, difficulty breathing, tremors, coma, and even death.
Yeast Dough
If you like to bake bread, keep rising loaves out of your dog’s reach. Yeast dough can cause gas to accumulate in your dog’s digestive system.
Symptoms if ingested: Painful gas and stomach bloating may occur, including the risk that the stomach may bloat and twist, becoming a life-threatening emergency. The yeast also produces alcohol as a by-product once ingested, leaving your pet at risk of developing alcohol toxicity, too.
Chocolate
Chocolate is irresistible to some dogs, and it was number four on the list of top 10 calls the ASPCA Poison Control Center received last year from pet parents. The darker the chocolate, the higher the risk for toxicity. White chocolate is the least dangerous, while baking chocolate and cocoa powder have the highest risk of toxicity.
Symptoms if ingested: Chocolate contains methylxanthines, which can cause GI upset, panting, diarrhea, excessive thirst, abnormal heart rhythms, seizures, and death.
Coffee
Coffee may not seem like something your dog would go for, but it can be tempting, especially if it’s sweetened or contains dairy products.
Symptoms if ingested: Coffee contains the same compounds as chocolate with similar symptoms of toxicity, including GI upset, panting, seizures, and death. Dairy products can cause diarrhea and GI issues.
Grapes & Raisins
Grapes and raisins contain tartaric acid, which dogs cannot process.
Symptoms if ingested: Vomiting, lethargy, and injury to kidneys may occur. Even a small amount of grapes can be fatal.
Nuts
Nuts, such as almonds, pecans, and walnuts, contain a lot of oil and fats. Some nuts, such as macadamia nuts, are more worrisome than others.
Symptoms if ingested: The high-fat levels of nuts can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and pancreatitis, a potentially life-threatening condition. Macadamia nuts are even more concerning, causing weakness, depression, tremors, and hyperthermia. Symptoms occur within 12 hours of ingesting.
Onions
Onions are a type of allium, and allium species can cause serious health issues. Although cats are more vulnerable, dogs, depending on how much they have eaten, are also at risk.
Symptoms if ingested: Allium species contain N-propyl disulfide, which can cause GI upset, red blood cell damage, anemia, panting, high heart rate, and blood in the urine.
Garlic
In the same allium family as onions, garlic is also toxic to dogs.
Symptoms if ingested: The symptoms will be the same as if onions are ingested, such as GI upset, anemia, panting, high heart rate, and blood in the urine.
Dairy
Dogs don’t possess enough of the lactase enzyme to break down the lactose in dairy products. Macadamia nut milk, although non-dairy, should be avoided because macadamia nuts are highly toxic to dogs. Other non-dairy milks aren’t advisable, as they may cause upset stomach and diarrhea.
Symptoms if ingested: Dogs who consume milk or dairy-free products may experience diarrhea and other GI upset. Macadamia nut milk is more concerning because of its toxicity, which can cause vomiting, lethargy, and tremors.
Salty Foods
You may think one chip or pretzel won’t hurt your dog, but foods that contain a lot of salt can cause life-threatening symptoms.
Symptoms if ingested: Your dog may experience increased thirst and urination, vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, seizures, and even death.
Citrus
All parts of citrus fruits (peels, fruit, and seeds) contain citric acid and essential oils that may cause problems for your pet.
Symptoms if ingested: Small amounts may cause mouth irritation, minor tummy upset and vomiting. Large amounts may cause lethargy and loss of consciousness.
Coconuts & Coconut Oil
If your dog eats a small amount of a coconut-based product, it will likely be fine. However, fresh coconut and coconut milk pose more significant risks.
Symptoms if ingested: Oils in fresh coconut and coconut milk can cause an upset tummy and diarrhea.
What Should I Do If My Dog Eats Something They Shouldn’t?
Because our pets don’t know any better, we need to protect them from themselves. Assume they’re toddlers who will never grow up—and don’t leave food or products (including personal care products that contain xylitol) where they can reach them.
However, if you suspect your dog has ingested something they shouldn’t, even if you’re unsure, call your vet or ASPCA Poison Control at 888-426-4435 immediately, Dr. Wismer says. In fact, do yourself a favor and program this number into your phone right now.
And don’t wait for life-threatening signs to call. “Anything that is not normal should be a reason to call your vet,” Dr. Wismer says. “Pale gums, weakness, drooling, vomiting, watery or bloody diarrhea need to be addressed as soon as possible.”
Arricca Elin SanSone is a writer, editor, and content creator who specializes in lifestyle and gardening. With a background in health reporting, she applies these same research skills when writing about the science of growing things. She trials new plants in her expansive garden, and her houseplant collection consists of 60+ varieties. Arricca has written thousands of articles for publications such as Country Living, House Beautiful, Good Housekeeping, Prevention, VERANDA, Southern Living, and more. She’s happiest when digging in the dirt, baking, or spending time with the people and dogs she loves.
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