20 Types of Food That Are Bad For Dogs

Zack Keithy, our author, is a certified veterinarian technician (UC Blue Ash) for over 6 years (contact him here). The articles written here are based on his expertise and experience, combined with a review by our expert vet reviewers including Dr M. Tarantino. Learn more about us here.

As a dog owner, I know how tempting it can be to share our favorite snacks with our furry friends.

After all, they give us those irresistible puppy eyes every time we’re munching on something delicious!

But while some human foods are perfectly safe for dogs, others can be downright dangerous.

I’ve been there – that split-second of panic when you realize Fido gobbled up something he shouldn’t have.

That’s why I’ve put together this list of 20 food types that can harm our beloved pups.

Stay tuned as I cover what to avoid and why, so you can keep your canine companion healthy and happy.

List of Food (and Drinks) You Should Not Feed Your Dog

This list is for sure not exhaustive, but I think it’s pretty comprehensive and covers most of the common items we all consume.

Common sense tip: When in doubt, do not feed (insert food or drink here) to your dog!

1. Grapes and Raisins

Grapes and raisins can cause kidney failure in dogs, even in small amounts. The toxic substance is unknown, but they should be avoided at all costs.

2. Onions and Garlic

Onions and garlic contain compounds that can damage a dog’s red blood cells, leading to anemia. This applies to all forms of onion and garlic, including powder.

3. Avocado

The avocado fruit, pit, and plant all contain a toxin called persin, which can cause vomiting and diarrhea in dogs.

4. Cherries

Cherry plants contain cyanogenic glycosides, which can be toxic to dogs if consumed in large quantities. The pits and stems are also a choking hazard.

5. Mushrooms

While only a few varieties of mushrooms are toxic to dogs, it’s best to avoid feeding them any kind, as it can be difficult to identify the poisonous ones.

6. Tomatoes

Tomatoes, especially the green parts, contain solanine, a substance that can be toxic to dogs if consumed in large amounts.

7. Nutmeg

Nutmeg can cause seizures, tremors, and central nervous system issues in dogs if ingested in large quantities.

8. Potato Skins and Sprouts

Potato skins and sprouts contain solanine, which can be toxic to dogs in large amounts. It’s best to avoid feeding them these parts of the potato.

9. Rhubarb

The leaves of the rhubarb plant contain oxalates, which can cause kidney damage and other issues in dogs if ingested.

10. Caffeine

Caffeine, found in coffee, tea, and chocolate, can be toxic to dogs and cause restlessness, rapid breathing, heart palpitations, and seizures.

11. Xylitol

Xylitol, a sugar substitute found in many sugar-free products, can cause a dangerous drop in blood sugar and liver damage in dogs.

12. Macadamia Nuts

Macadamia nuts can cause weakness, vomiting, tremors, and hyperthermia in dogs, even in small amounts.

13. Alcohol

Alcohol can cause vomiting, diarrhea, coordination problems, breathing issues, and even coma in dogs.

14. Salt and Salty Snacks

Large amounts of salt can produce excessive thirst and urination, and potentially lead to sodium ion poisoning in dogs.

15. Yeast Dough

Unbaked yeast dough can expand in a dog’s stomach and cause painful gas, bloating, and potentially rupture the stomach lining.

16. Citrus Fruits

The seeds, stems, and peels of citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, and limes contain compounds that can cause digestive issues in dogs.

17. Coconut and Coconut Oil

While coconut meat is not toxic, it can cause stomach upset, loose stools, or even pancreatitis in some dogs.

18. Persimmons

Persimmons can cause intestinal obstruction and inflammation in dogs if consumed in large quantities.

19. Raw Potatoes

Raw potatoes contain solanine, which can be toxic to dogs if ingested in large amounts.

20. Peaches and Plums

The pits of peaches and plums contain cyanide, which is toxic to dogs. The fruits themselves are safe in moderation, but the pits should be avoided.

In Conclusion

Your dog’s well-being should always be the top priority.

By being vigilant about what we feed them and keeping harmful foods out of reach, we can ensure that our beloved companions stay happy, healthy, and by our sides for many years to come.

Take action today and share this important information with fellow dog owners in your life.

Together, we can create a safer, more informed community for our four-legged friends. After all, they deserve nothing but the best from us!