New Dog Owners · Safety
Foods dogs cannot eat: a practical safety guide
8 min read
TL;DR
Keep toxic foods and risky kitchen scraps out of reach. If your dog eats a potentially dangerous item, contact your veterinarian, an emergency clinic, or an animal poison service promptly. Bring the package and details of what was eaten.
- Watch for xylitol (also called birch or wood sugar), grapes and raisins, chocolate and caffeine, onion and garlic, macadamia nuts, alcohol, and raw yeast dough.
- Bones, corn cobs, pits, and food packaging may cause choking, injury, or a gut blockage even when they are not poisons.
- Do not wait for symptoms or try to make your dog vomit unless a veterinary professional tells you to.
| Keep away | Where it may hide | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Xylitol | Sugar-free gum, mints, some nut butters, baked goods, toothpaste, medicines; also called birch or wood sugar | Can cause a dangerous drop in blood sugar and liver injury. |
| Grapes and raisins | Fruit bowls, trail mix, baked goods | Can damage a dog’s kidneys. |
| Chocolate, cocoa, coffee, and caffeine | Candy, brownies, cocoa powder, coffee grounds, energy drinks | Can affect the heart and nervous system. |
| Onion, garlic, and chives | Cooked meals, sauces, seasoning powders | Can damage red blood cells. |
| Macadamia nuts | Nuts and cookies | Can cause weakness, vomiting, tremors, and other signs. |
| Alcohol and raw yeast dough | Drinks, desserts, unbaked bread or pizza dough | Alcohol can poison; dough can expand and produce alcohol. |
If your dog ate one of these
Call a veterinarian, emergency clinic, or animal poison service now, even if your dog seems normal. The risk depends on the item and the dog; this guide cannot tell you a safe amount.
Next in Health and Safety
Frequently asked questions
- My dog ate a grape but seems fine. Should I wait?
- No. Contact a veterinarian or animal poison service promptly. A normal appearance right after eating does not establish that it was safe.
- Can I make my dog vomit at home?
- Only if a veterinarian or animal poison professional specifically tells you to. Making a dog vomit in the wrong situation can cause harm.
Sources
- FDA: Potentially dangerous items for your pet
- FDA: Xylitol is toxic to dogs
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control: People foods to avoid
- Pet Poison Helpline: Pet poisoning steps
Sources checked 29 September 2026