Guide to Human Foods That Are Toxic to Dogs
Poisons and toxins are substances that cause damage or disturb the function of the body’s tissues, organs, or processes. Depending on the poison, clinical signs may be minimal, severe, or sometimes fatal.
Poisoning in dogs can be a medical emergency. If you think your dog has eaten something potentially dangerous, seek immediate veterinary advice.
Published October 2025 | Review date October 2028 | This advice is for UK pets only and is not a replacement for seeing a vet
Common Human Foods That Are Toxic to Dogs
Chocolate: contains theobromine, a chemical similar to caffeine, which can cause toxic effects in cats and dogs. The amount of theobromine in chocolate varies depending on the quality and type of chocolate. Even a relatively small amount of dark chocolate (which has a high concentration of theobromine) can cause dramatic side effects.
Caffeine: is a stimulant and dogs especially are more sensitive to caffeine than us humans. While a small amount of your coffee is unlikely to do them any harm, if ingested in large enough amounts can be fatal. Caffeine can be found in tea, coffee, energy drinks, chocolate, and even human painkillers, so keep all these items away from your pet.
Grapes and raisins: It is not known why grapes and raisins are toxic to dogs, but they can cause acute kidney failure, even in small amounts. There is no specific diagnostic test or antidote. Clinical signs may start within a few hours of eating it and kidney failure can develop over the next few days and is sometimes irreversible.
Onions and garlic: in all forms, including raw, cooked, and powdered can damage your dog's red blood cells, leading to a condition called anaemia with pale gums, and increased heart rate.
Avocado: contains a chemical called persin, which can be toxic to your dog in large amounts, resulting in diarrhoea and tummy pain.
Nuts: such as macadamia, walnuts, and almonds are also dangerous to dogs due to their high fat content, which can lead to stomach upset problems and pancreatitis Nuts can be also a choking hazard and lead to guts obstructions, especially for small dogs. They can also contain toxic mold.
Xylitol: is a sweetener found in many gums and low-calorie human products like toothpaste, candy, and baked goods. Even in small quantities, xylitol causes liver failure and life-threatening low blood sugar levels. Signs develop within an hour and are severe.
Alcohol: should never be given to your dog, as it can cause disorientation, vomiting, urination problems, coma and other serious health issues.
Mouldy food: is very dangerous to dogs due to mycotoxins (toxic compounds produced by moulds). Eating mouldy food can lead to stomach upsets, liver damage, and even seizures and neurological effects. To keep your dog safe, dispose of any mouldy food promptly and ensure they cannot access bins, food recycling caddies, or compost where mouldy food may be.
Signs of Poisoning in Your Dog and What to Do
Symptoms of poisoning in dogs ca n be varied, but often include:
Behavioural changes (lethargy or agitation)
Other signs like tremors, difficulty breathing or pale gums and sometimes seizures
What to do if you suspect poisoning
If you suspect your dog has swallowed something poisonous, take immediate action and follow these steps:
Stay calm: remaining calm helps you make good decisions and will keep your dog relaxed too.
Contact your vet or your emergency out-of-hours vet: It’s extremely helpful for your vet if you can provide an idea of when and how much of the toxic substance your dog ate and the packaging if you have it.
Follow the instructions given by your vet: Your vet will advise whether you should treat your dog at home or take them to the clinic. Treatment for poisoning usually involves your vet giving your dog an 'emetic', a medication to make them sick, followed by activated charcoal to absorb any remaining toxins. In severe cases, your dog may spend the night at your vet on a drip to flush the system of any remaining toxins. You should never try and make your dog vomit yourself, as this can cause more harm if not done correctly. Your vet may provide you with a dedicated ‘poison line’ to call for advice in these situations.
Human Foods – Poisoning Prevention Tips
Secure potential poisons: keep all potentially toxic substances, including out of your dog's reach. Store them in locked cabinets or containers.
Supervise your dog: constant supervision, especially outdoors, can help prevent your dog from ingesting harmful substances.
Educate yourself: learn about poisonous plants and foods that are harmful to dogs. Avoid or remove these plants from your garden or house.
Keep rubbish bins secure: secure rubbish bins to prevent your dog from accessing potentially harmful food or waste.