Common Foods That Are Toxic to Dogs and Cats
Learn to identify everyday human foods that are dangerous for dogs and cats, recognize signs of poisoning, and know what steps to take if they eat one.
By the Animal Wellness Desk 7 min read
You turn your back for a moment in the kitchen, and your dog has snatched something off the counter. Or perhaps you notice your cat chewing on a plant or licking up a spill. It is a common scenario for pet owners, and it often leads to a moment of panic: was that food safe for them?
Many human foods are harmless for pets as an occasional treat, but many everyday items in our kitchens can be dangerous, even deadly. Knowing which foods pose a risk is the first step in keeping your dog or cat safe. This guide covers some of the most common household food dangers.
The danger of xylitol
Xylitol is a sugar substitute found in a huge and growing number of products. While safe for people, it is extremely toxic to dogs. It causes a rapid, severe drop in blood sugar and can lead to liver failure.
Cats are not thought to be as susceptible to the blood sugar effects, but caution is still strongly advised as its full effects are not as well understood in felines. Changes in behavior can be one of the hidden signs of pain in cats if they do ingest something harmful.
Because it is so potent, even a small amount can be an emergency for a dog. Always check the ingredients list on household products, as xylitol can be hidden where you least expect it.
Common sources of xylitol
- Sugar-free gum and mints
- Candy and baked goods
- Some types of peanut butter and other nut butters
- Toothpaste and mouthwash
- Certain medications, vitamins, and supplements
- Some sugar-free jams, jellies and puddings
The label may list it as “xylitol” or sometimes as “birch sugar”. If you are unsure, it is safest to assume a sugar-free product contains it and keep it away from your dog.
Chocolate, caffeine, and alcohol
These substances affect pets much more intensely than they affect people, and all should be kept securely away from both dogs and cats.
Chocolate
Chocolate contains two related compounds, theobromine and caffeine, that are toxic to pets. They act as stimulants, affecting the heart and nervous system. The darker and more bitter the chocolate, the more of these compounds it contains and the more dangerous it is. Baking chocolate and cocoa powder are the most hazardous, followed by dark chocolate, milk chocolate, and finally white chocolate, which has the least.
Even a small amount of dark chocolate can be a problem for a small dog. Signs can range from an upset stomach, vomiting, and diarrhea to a rapid heart rate, muscle tremors, and seizures.
Caffeine
Like the caffeine in chocolate, the caffeine in coffee, tea, energy drinks, and diet pills can cause serious problems for pets. A curious cat lapping up a spilled coffee or a dog eating coffee grounds from the trash can be at risk. The signs are similar to chocolate toxicity: restlessness, rapid breathing, heart palpitations, and tremors.
Alcohol
Pets are very sensitive to alcohol. It can cause not only intoxication, but also a dangerous drop in blood sugar, body temperature, and blood pressure. In severe cases, it can lead to respiratory failure. Keep all alcoholic drinks and foods containing alcohol away from pets. Pay attention to hidden sources, like certain desserts or uncooked yeast dough.
Onions, garlic, and related vegetables
All members of the onion family, including garlic, leeks, chives, and shallots, are toxic to both dogs and cats. Garlic is considered more potent than onion. These plants contain compounds that can damage red blood cells, leading to anemia. This condition can cause weakness, pale gums, lethargy, and a rapid heart rate.
The effects are not always immediate and can develop over a few days. Toxicity can occur from eating a large amount at once or smaller amounts repeatedly over time. It makes no difference whether the product is raw, cooked, powdered, or dehydrated; all forms are dangerous. Be cautious with prepared human foods like soups, sauces, and baby food, as they often contain onion or garlic powder.
Fruits and nuts to avoid
While many fruits are safe for pets, a few common ones pose a significant danger. It is best to stick to known safe options if you want to share a fruity snack.
Grapes and raisins
Grapes, raisins, sultanas, and currants are highly toxic to dogs. The exact cause of the poisoning has not been fully confirmed, but eating even a small number can lead to sudden, severe kidney failure. The effect does not seem to be dose-dependent, meaning one dog might eat several and be fine, while another could become critically ill after just one or two. Because the reaction is so unpredictable and serious, no amount is considered safe.
The toxicity in cats is less certain, but it is wise to keep these fruits away from them as well.
Macadamia nuts
Macadamia nuts are another food that is toxic to dogs for unknown reasons. They can cause weakness, especially in the back legs, along with vomiting, tremors, and an elevated body temperature. While often not fatal, the signs can be distressing and require veterinary attention. Keep them away from cats as well, just to be safe.
Other kitchen dangers
A few other common items in the kitchen can cause serious issues for a curious pet.
Raw yeast dough
Uncooked dough made with live yeast is a dual threat. First, the warm, moist environment of a pet’s stomach is a perfect place for the yeast to multiply, causing the dough to expand. This can lead to a painful, bloated stomach, which can twist and become a life-threatening emergency known as gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV), especially in deep-chested dogs. Second, as the yeast ferments, it produces alcohol, which gets absorbed into the bloodstream and can cause alcohol poisoning.
Lilies for cats
This is a critical warning for cat owners. All parts of any plant from the true lily family (including Tiger, Day, Asiatic, Easter, and Japanese Show lilies) are extremely toxic to cats. Ingesting even a tiny amount, such as a leaf, a petal, or some pollen from grooming their fur, can cause severe and often fatal kidney failure. If you have cats, the only safe approach is to never have these types of lilies in your home or garden. This is especially important for senior cats whose kidneys may already be compromised.
What to do if your pet eats something dangerous
If you see your pet eat something toxic, or even if you just suspect it, act quickly. Do not wait for symptoms to appear, as some can take hours or even days to develop, by which time treatment may be less effective.
First, safely remove any remaining toxic substance from your pet’s reach. Try to figure out what they ate, how much they ate, and when they ate it. If there is packaging, keep it handy for the ingredients list.
Next, you must get professional advice immediately. Call your veterinarian, a local emergency veterinary clinic, or an animal poison control helpline. These services are staffed with professionals who can assess the risk based on the substance, the amount eaten, and your pet’s size and weight. They will give you the most accurate advice for your specific situation.
Do not try to make your pet vomit at home unless you are specifically instructed to do so by a veterinary professional. Some substances can cause more damage coming back up, and improper methods can be dangerous.
When to call your vet
Fast action is key when you suspect poisoning. Do not wait for your pet to seem sick. Call your vet, an emergency clinic, or an animal poison helpline for immediate advice on what to do next.
Emergency signs: go now
If you see any of the following signs after a suspected poisoning, or at any other time, get to a veterinary clinic immediately. Always call ahead to let them know you are on your way.
- Collapse, severe weakness, or inability to stand
- Seizures or muscle tremors
- Difficulty breathing or rapid breathing
- Pale gums
- Repeated vomiting or retching, especially with a swollen or hard belly
- Obvious severe pain or distress
Book an appointment soon
If your pet has eaten something potentially harmful, call for advice now even if they seem well. Once that advice is covered, book a visit if you notice milder changes over the following days, such as:
- A single episode of vomiting or diarrhea, but they seem otherwise well
- Decreased appetite or thirst
- Lethargy or being less active than usual
- Any other change from their normal behavior that concerns you
