Foods Toxic to Dogs and Cats: The Complete Guide (2026)

Your kitchen contains many foods that are perfectly safe for humans but can be lethal for your pets. According to the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, human foods rank as the third most common cause of pet poisoning, with cases increasing significantly in recent years.

This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about foods that are dangerous for dogs and cats, including symptoms of poisoning and what to do in an emergency.

The Most Dangerous Foods for Pets

Before we dive into the complete list, here are the foods that pose the greatest risk to your pets:

Xylitol: The Hidden Killer

Xylitol is an artificial sweetener that's extremely dangerous for dogs. It's found in many common products including:

• Sugar-free gum and candy
• Some peanut butter brands
• Sugar-free baked goods
• Toothpaste and mouthwash
• Some vitamins and supplements

Why it's dangerous: In dogs, xylitol causes a rapid release of insulin, leading to dangerous drops in blood sugar (hypoglycemia). It can also cause liver failure. Even small amounts can be fatal.

Symptoms appear within 15-30 minutes:

• Vomiting
• Weakness and lethargy
• Loss of coordination
• Seizures
• Collapse

Chocolate and Caffeine

Chocolate contains substances called methylxanthines (theobromine and caffeine) that are toxic to dogs and cats. The darker the chocolate, the more dangerous it is.

Chocolate Toxicity by Type

Symptoms of chocolate poisoning:

• Vomiting and diarrhea
• Excessive thirst and urination
• Hyperactivity and restlessness
• Rapid breathing and heart rate
• Muscle tremors
• Seizures (in severe cases)

Grapes and Raisins

Grapes and raisins are highly toxic to dogs and can cause acute kidney failure. The exact toxic substance is still unknown, which means there's no "safe" amount – even a single grape can be dangerous for some dogs.

Why it's unpredictable: Some dogs eat grapes without apparent issues, while others become severely ill from just a few. Because we can't predict which dogs will be affected, all grape/raisin ingestion should be treated as an emergency.

Symptoms typically appear within 12-24 hours:

• Vomiting (often within hours)
• Diarrhea
• Lethargy and weakness
• Loss of appetite
• Abdominal pain
• Decreased urination (sign of kidney failure)

Also avoid: Currants, sultanas, and any products containing these (fruit cake, trail mix, raisin bread).

Onions, Garlic, Chives, and Leeks

All members of the Allium family are toxic to dogs and cats. They contain compounds that damage red blood cells, leading to a condition called hemolytic anemia.

Toxicity comparison:

• Garlic is approximately 5x more toxic than onions
• Cats are more sensitive than dogs
• Both raw and cooked forms are dangerous
• Powdered forms (garlic powder, onion powder) are more potent

Symptoms may be delayed by several days:

• Weakness and lethargy
• Pale gums
• Rapid breathing
• Dark-colored urine
• Collapse

Alcohol

Alcohol is extremely toxic to pets. Dogs and cats are much smaller than humans and cannot metabolize alcohol effectively. Even small amounts can cause serious problems.

Sources of alcohol poisoning:

• Beer, wine, and spirits
• Rum-soaked desserts
• Unbaked bread dough (ferments in stomach)
• Mouthwash
• Some medications

Symptoms:

• Vomiting and diarrhea
• Difficulty breathing
• Loss of coordination (appearing "drunk")
• Depression and lethargy
• Tremors
• Coma (in severe cases)
• Death

Milk and Dairy Products

Contrary to popular belief, most adult dogs and cats are lactose intolerant. They lack sufficient lactase enzyme to digest milk properly.

While not typically fatal, dairy can cause:

• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Stomach upset
• Gas and bloating

Small amounts of plain yogurt or cheese are generally better tolerated than milk, but it's best to avoid dairy altogether or use pet-specific products.

Nuts to Avoid

Macadamia Nuts (TOXIC to Dogs)

Macadamia nuts are toxic to dogs. The exact toxin is unknown, but ingestion causes:

• Weakness (especially hind legs)
• Vomiting
• Tremors
• Hyperthermia

Symptoms usually appear within 12 hours and typically resolve within 48 hours with treatment.

Other Nuts

While not toxic, many nuts pose risks:

• Walnuts: Can contain toxic mold
• Almonds: Choking hazard, difficult to digest
• Pistachios: High fat, can cause pancreatitis
• All nuts: High fat content can trigger pancreatitis

Other Foods to Avoid

Citrus Fruits

The citric acid and essential oils in citrus fruits, peels, and leaves can irritate your pet's digestive system. Small amounts of the fruit itself usually only cause mild stomach upset, but large amounts can cause central nervous system depression.

Coconut

Coconut flesh and milk contain oils that can cause stomach upset and diarrhea. Coconut water is high in potassium and should be avoided.

Raw Eggs

Raw eggs pose two risks:

• Salmonella and E. coli bacteria
• Avidin enzyme interferes with biotin absorption

Cooked eggs are safe and nutritious for pets.

Raw Meat and Fish

Raw meat and fish can contain harmful bacteria (Salmonella, Listeria) and parasites. Raw fish like salmon can contain parasites that cause "salmon poisoning disease" in dogs, which can be fatal.

Salty Snacks

Excessive salt causes increased thirst, urination, and can lead to sodium ion poisoning. Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, elevated body temperature, and seizures.

Fatty Foods

High-fat foods (bacon, ham, fatty trimmings) can trigger pancreatitis, a painful and potentially life-threatening condition.

Mushrooms

While store-bought mushrooms are generally safe, wild mushrooms can be extremely toxic. Some species can cause liver failure, kidney failure, and death. If your pet eats a wild mushroom, treat it as an emergency.

Signs and Symptoms of Food Poisoning

If your pet has eaten something toxic, watch for these symptoms:

Immediate Symptoms (0-2 hours)

• Vomiting
• Excessive drooling
• Diarrhea
• Loss of appetite
• Restlessness or agitation

Delayed Symptoms (2-24+ hours)

• Lethargy and weakness
• Difficulty breathing
• Loss of coordination
• Muscle tremors
• Seizures
• Pale gums
• Dark or bloody urine
• Collapse

What to Do If Your Pet Eats Toxic Food

1. Stay Calm

   Panicking won't help your pet. Take a deep breath and act quickly but calmly.

2. Remove Access

   Take your pet away from the food source immediately. Prevent other pets from accessing it.

3. Identify What Was Eaten

   Try to determine exactly what your pet ate, how much, and when. Save any packaging or remaining food.

4. Call for Help

   Contact your veterinarian, emergency vet clinic, or pet poison control immediately.

5. Follow Professional Advice

   Do not induce vomiting unless specifically instructed by a veterinarian. Some substances cause more damage coming back up.

6. Prevent Further Exposure

   Keep your pet from licking or grooming – toxins may be on their fur or paws.

Emergency Contacts

Foods That ARE Safe for Dogs and Cats

Not all human foods are dangerous! Here are some safe options you can share with your pets:

Safe for Dogs

• Plain cooked chicken, turkey, or lean beef (no bones, skin, or seasoning)
• Carrots (raw or cooked)
• Green beans
• Cucumber
• Apples (without seeds or core)
• Blueberries
• Watermelon (seedless, no rind)
• Plain cooked rice
• Cooked sweet potato
• Plain pumpkin (not pie filling)

Safe for Cats

• Cooked chicken, turkey, or fish (plain, no bones)
• Small amounts of cooked eggs
• Cantaloupe
• Steamed broccoli or carrots

Remember: Always introduce new foods gradually and in small amounts. Even safe foods can cause stomach upset if introduced too quickly.

Prevention: Keeping Your Pet Safe

The best approach to food toxicity is prevention:

• Keep human food out of reach – Store food in closed cabinets and don't leave plates unattended
• Secure trash cans – Use pet-proof lids or keep trash in a closed cabinet
• Educate family members – Make sure everyone knows which foods are dangerous
• Be careful with guests – Remind visitors not to feed your pets table scraps
• Check ingredients – Always read labels, especially for xylitol in peanut butter and other products
• Download ToxiPets – Scan any food to instantly check if it's safe for your pet

Conclusion

Understanding which foods are toxic to your pets is essential for keeping them safe. While accidents can happen, being prepared and knowing what to do can save your pet's life.

Remember: when in doubt, don't feed it. If your pet eats something you're unsure about, contact your veterinarian or poison control immediately. Quick action can make the difference between a minor incident and a serious emergency.

Keep this guide bookmarked, share it with other pet owners, and consider downloading the ToxiPets app for instant safety checks on any food, plant, or product.