Toxic Foods for Dogs and Cats

Toxic foods & plants

Contents

Toxic Foods for Dogs and Cats — A quick-reference guide to common human foods that are dangerous for pets. Learn which foods are toxic, which need caution, and which are usually safe, plus what to do if your pet eats something harmful.

General guidance only — not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. When in doubt, call your vet.

Why food safety matters

Many foods that are fine for people can make dogs and cats very sick. Some cause mild stomach upset, but others can damage organs or even be deadly. Pets also weigh far less than we do, so a small amount can be a big dose for them. This guide lists the most common problem foods. When in doubt, keep human food away from your pet and stick to food made for their species.

Foods that are toxic — never feed

Chocolate

Contains theobromine and caffeine. Dark and baking chocolate are the worst. Causes vomiting, racing heart, tremors, and seizures.

Toxic

Onion, garlic, leek, chive

The allium family damages red blood cells and causes anemia. Toxic raw, cooked, or powdered. Cats are extra sensitive.

Toxic

Grapes and raisins

Can cause sudden kidney failure in dogs. Even a few can be dangerous and the toxic dose is unpredictable.

Toxic

Xylitol (sugar-free sweetener)

Found in sugar-free gum, candy, and some peanut butters. Causes a rapid, dangerous drop in blood sugar and liver failure in dogs.

Toxic

Alcohol

Even small amounts cause vomiting, low body temperature, breathing trouble, and can be fatal. Includes raw bread dough.

Toxic

Macadamia nuts

Cause weakness, vomiting, tremors, and overheating in dogs, usually within 12 hours.

Toxic

Foods to give with caution — small amounts or plain only

Cooked bones

Cooked bones splinter and can choke a pet or tear the gut. Never give cooked bones; raw feeding carries its own risks.

In moderation

Fatty or fried food

Rich, greasy food can trigger pancreatitis, a painful and serious swelling of the pancreas. Avoid table scraps.

In moderation

Milk and dairy

Many pets are lactose intolerant and get diarrhea. Small bits of plain cheese are usually fine.

In moderation

Salt and salty snacks

Too much salt causes thirst, vomiting, and in large amounts salt poisoning. Skip chips and pretzels.

In moderation

Avocado

The pit is a choking and blockage risk. The flesh is low risk for dogs and cats but more toxic to birds and rabbits.

In moderation

Raw eggs and raw meat

Risk of salmonella and E. coli for pets and people in the home. Cook eggs and meat plain if you feed them.

In moderation

Foods that are usually safe in moderation

Plain cooked chicken or turkey

Boneless, skinless, and unseasoned. A good lean protein and common in bland diets.

Safe

Carrots

Low-calorie crunchy snack, good for teeth. Serve raw or cooked in bite-size pieces.

Safe

Plain pumpkin (not pie filling)

Plain cooked or canned pumpkin adds fiber and can help with mild digestive upset.

Safe

Blueberries

A safe, low-sugar treat full of antioxidants. Good for dogs and cats in small amounts.

Safe

Plain cooked rice

Gentle on the stomach and often used in bland diets for upset tummies.

Safe

Apple slices (no seeds)

Sweet, crunchy, and safe once you remove the core and seeds, which contain trace cyanide.

Safe

If your pet eats something toxic, act fast. Call your vet, an emergency animal hospital, or a pet poison hotline right away. In the US you can reach the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 or the Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661 (a fee may apply). Have the food name, how much was eaten, and your pet's weight ready. Do not make your pet vomit unless a vet tells you to — with some substances it does more harm. The sooner you get help, the better the outcome.

General safety tips

Keep purses, backpacks, and grocery bags off the floor — gum, candy, and medicine are common poison sources.
Store chocolate, coffee, and baking supplies in closed cupboards.
Never leave a plate of food unattended where a pet can reach it.
Tell guests and children not to feed the pet table scraps.
Keep the poison hotline number saved in your phone before you ever need it.