HomeExploreWikiDirectoryMarketplaceEvents
YouSettingsGet started
Wiki›Guides

Toxic Foods for Dogs and Cats

Toxic foods & plants

Contents
Contents
  • Why food safety matters
  • Foods that are toxic — never feed
  • Foods to give with caution — small amounts or plain only
  • Foods that are usually safe in moderation
  • General safety tips
Contents
  • Why food safety matters
  • Foods that are toxic — never feed
  • Foods to give with caution — small amounts or plain only
  • Foods that are usually safe in moderation
  • General safety tips

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
Caffeine (coffee, tea, energy drinks)
Like chocolate, it overstimulates the heart and nervous system. Keep grounds and tea bags out of reach.
Toxic
Raw yeast bread dough
Rises in the warm stomach and releases alcohol. Causes bloating and alcohol poisoning.
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
Nuts (almonds, walnuts, pistachios)
High fat, hard to digest, and a choking risk. Moldy walnuts can contain toxins. Best avoided.
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.