Foods dogs can't eat: the 2026 master list (47 foods, ranked by real risk)
This guide groups 47 commonly searched human foods by their published toxicity information — using ASPCA APCC and Pet Poison Helpline reference doses, scaled to body weight. Use the table to find a food fast, then run a weight-scaled check.
The five foods most likely to cause a serious vet emergency in a US household are xylitol (sugar-free gum / some peanut butters), grapes & raisins, dark and baker's chocolate, onions (raw, cooked, or powdered), and macadamia nuts. If your dog ate any of these, don't wait for symptoms — run a weight-scaled check and call a vet.
How we ranked these 47 foods
Each food was scored on three axes and assigned to one of four severity tiers used across DogPoisonCheck:
- Toxicity at common household exposures — does the typical "I left it on the counter" amount cause clinical signs?
- Evidence quality — well-documented toxicology (ASPCA APCC, Pet Poison Helpline, Merck Veterinary Manual, peer-reviewed literature) vs. anecdote.
- Prevalence in US homes — a high-toxicity food that's almost never around (e.g., obscure imports) ranks lower than a moderate-toxicity food in every kitchen.
Tiers: URGENT never — call a vet immediately · CONTACT VET contact a vet if more than a small amount · MONITOR usually GI upset, not poisoning · LIKELY OK commonly believed dangerous, actually low-risk in normal portions.
The master ranked list
All 47 foods in one place. Tap any row with a deep link for the full source-based substance page.
| Food | Risk | Why it matters | Toxic dose (where known) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xylitol (sugar-free gum, peanut butter, baked goods) Causes a rapid insulin spike and acute liver failure. The single most dangerous everyday food on this list per pound of dog. | URGENT | Causes a rapid insulin spike and acute liver failure. The single most dangerous everyday food on this list per pound of dog. | ≥0.1 g/kg → hypoglycemia · ≥0.5 g/kg → liver injury |
| Grapes & raisins Idiosyncratic acute kidney injury — there is no established 'safe dose.' Any amount warrants a call. | URGENT | Idiosyncratic acute kidney injury — there is no established 'safe dose.' Any amount warrants a call. | Treat any ingestion as potentially toxic |
| Dark & baker's chocolate Theobromine (a methylxanthine) dogs metabolize 4–6× slower than humans. Baker's chocolate has ~10× the theobromine of milk chocolate. | URGENT | Theobromine (a methylxanthine) dogs metabolize 4–6× slower than humans. Baker's chocolate has ~10× the theobromine of milk chocolate. | Cardiac signs ~40 mg/kg theobromine · seizures ~60 mg/kg |
| Onions (raw, cooked, powdered) Disulfides destroy red blood cells (Heinz-body anemia). Onion powder in soups and baby food is a hidden source. | URGENT | Disulfides destroy red blood cells (Heinz-body anemia). Onion powder in soups and baby food is a hidden source. | >0.5% of body weight in a single meal |
| Garlic (concentrated forms) Same mechanism as onions, ~5× more potent gram-for-gram. Garlic powder and supplements are the riskier forms. | URGENT | Same mechanism as onions, ~5× more potent gram-for-gram. Garlic powder and supplements are the riskier forms. | >5 g/kg or repeated small doses |
| Macadamia nuts Cause weakness, tremors, and hyperthermia within 12 hours via an unknown mechanism. Dogs only. Some poisonings show signs later than this. If in doubt, call your vet. | URGENT | Cause weakness, tremors, and hyperthermia within 12 hours via an unknown mechanism. Dogs only. Some poisonings show signs later than this. If in doubt, call your vet. | >2 g/kg |
| Wild mushrooms Owners can't reliably tell hepatotoxic Amanita species from benign yard mushrooms. Treat all foraged mushrooms as toxic until ID'd. | URGENT | Owners can't reliably tell hepatotoxic Amanita species from benign yard mushrooms. Treat all foraged mushrooms as toxic until ID'd. | — |
| Alcohol (any form, including bread dough) Ethanol toxicity: hypoglycemia, acidosis, CNS depression. Rising bread dough produces ethanol in the stomach. | URGENT | Ethanol toxicity: hypoglycemia, acidosis, CNS depression. Rising bread dough produces ethanol in the stomach. | >0.5 g/kg ethanol = clinical signs |
| Raw bread dough (yeast) Two hits at once: ethanol poisoning + gastric distention/bloat as the dough expands. | URGENT | Two hits at once: ethanol poisoning + gastric distention/bloat as the dough expands. | — |
| Milk chocolate (large amount) Lower theobromine than dark, but still dangerous in quantity. Always run a weight-scaled check. | CONTACT VET | Lower theobromine than dark, but still dangerous in quantity. Always run a weight-scaled check. | Mild signs ~20 mg/kg theobromine |
| Caffeine (coffee grounds, tea bags, energy drinks, pre-workout) Same drug class as theobromine but more potent. Pre-workout scoops are a frequent ER call. | CONTACT VET | Same drug class as theobromine but more potent. Pre-workout scoops are a frequent ER call. | >9 mg/kg = signs · >50 mg/kg = severe |
| Avocado (large amounts / pit) Persin is mildly toxic to dogs but the bigger risks are GI obstruction from the pit and pancreatitis from the fat. | CONTACT VET | Persin is mildly toxic to dogs but the bigger risks are GI obstruction from the pit and pancreatitis from the fat. | — |
| Cooked bones (chicken, turkey, pork) Splinter into sharp shards causing GI perforation. The most common 'I gave them table scraps' ER visit. | CONTACT VET | Splinter into sharp shards causing GI perforation. The most common 'I gave them table scraps' ER visit. | — |
| Fatty trimmings, gravy, drippings Triggers acute pancreatitis, especially in small breeds and dogs with prior episodes. | CONTACT VET | Triggers acute pancreatitis, especially in small breeds and dogs with prior episodes. | — |
| Salt, salt-cured meats, jerky Hypernatremia → cerebral edema. Homemade play-dough and table salt are common sources. | CONTACT VET | Hypernatremia → cerebral edema. Homemade play-dough and table salt are common sources. | >2 g/kg sodium |
| Nutmeg (large amounts) Myristicin causes tremors, seizures, and disorientation at baking-quantities or higher. | CONTACT VET | Myristicin causes tremors, seizures, and disorientation at baking-quantities or higher. | — |
| Hops (homebrew waste) Causes malignant hyperthermia, especially in greyhounds and other heat-sensitive breeds. | CONTACT VET | Causes malignant hyperthermia, especially in greyhounds and other heat-sensitive breeds. | — |
| Raw yeast dough (any quantity in small dogs) See 'raw bread dough' above — even a golf-ball-sized piece in a small dog warrants a call. | CONTACT VET | See 'raw bread dough' above — even a golf-ball-sized piece in a small dog warrants a call. | — |
| Apple seeds (large quantity) Contain amygdalin (cyanide precursor). One apple is fine; a bowl of crushed cores is not. | CONTACT VET | Contain amygdalin (cyanide precursor). One apple is fine; a bowl of crushed cores is not. | — |
| Cherry pits, peach pits, apricot pits Same cyanide-precursor mechanism as apple seeds, plus GI obstruction risk from the pit itself. | CONTACT VET | Same cyanide-precursor mechanism as apple seeds, plus GI obstruction risk from the pit itself. | — |
| Mustard seeds & raw mustard Causes vomiting and gastritis; large quantities can be more serious. | CONTACT VET | Causes vomiting and gastritis; large quantities can be more serious. | — |
| Star fruit High oxalate load that can precipitate kidney injury, particularly in dogs with reduced renal reserve. | CONTACT VET | High oxalate load that can precipitate kidney injury, particularly in dogs with reduced renal reserve. | — |
| Persimmons (with seeds) Seeds and pits cause intestinal obstruction; flesh ferments to alcohol in the gut. | CONTACT VET | Seeds and pits cause intestinal obstruction; flesh ferments to alcohol in the gut. | — |
| Cow's milk & cream Most adult dogs are lactose-intolerant. Expect GI upset, not toxicity. | MONITOR | Most adult dogs are lactose-intolerant. Expect GI upset, not toxicity. | — |
| Cheese (large amount) Fat content is the issue more than lactose; small cubes as treats are usually fine. | MONITOR | Fat content is the issue more than lactose; small cubes as treats are usually fine. | — |
| Raw eggs Salmonella/biotin-deficiency risk is overstated for healthy dogs but real for puppies and immunocompromised dogs. | MONITOR | Salmonella/biotin-deficiency risk is overstated for healthy dogs but real for puppies and immunocompromised dogs. | — |
| Citrus fruits (lemon, lime, grapefruit) Psoralens and citric acid cause GI upset. Rinds are worse than flesh. | MONITOR | Psoralens and citric acid cause GI upset. Rinds are worse than flesh. | — |
| Tomatoes (ripe red flesh) Ripe tomatoes are fine in small amounts. Green tomato and tomato-plant leaves contain solanine. | MONITOR | Ripe tomatoes are fine in small amounts. Green tomato and tomato-plant leaves contain solanine. | — |
| Raw potato & potato peels Solanine in green parts and sprouts is the concern. Cooked, peeled potato is fine. | MONITOR | Solanine in green parts and sprouts is the concern. Cooked, peeled potato is fine. | — |
| Almonds Not classically toxic but a frequent choking and pancreatitis trigger; salted almonds add sodium load. | MONITOR | Not classically toxic but a frequent choking and pancreatitis trigger; salted almonds add sodium load. | — |
| Walnuts (especially black) Moldy walnuts can carry tremorgenic mycotoxins. Black walnut hulls are more concerning than English walnuts. | MONITOR | Moldy walnuts can carry tremorgenic mycotoxins. Black walnut hulls are more concerning than English walnuts. | — |
| Pistachios (shelled, unsalted) Shells are a choking/obstruction hazard; high fat content can trigger pancreatitis. | MONITOR | Shells are a choking/obstruction hazard; high fat content can trigger pancreatitis. | — |
| Coconut & coconut oil (large amounts) Not toxic but a high-fat load that causes diarrhea and can trigger pancreatitis in predisposed dogs. | MONITOR | Not toxic but a high-fat load that causes diarrhea and can trigger pancreatitis in predisposed dogs. | — |
| Honey (in puppies, diabetics) Generally safe; concern is botulism spores in puppies and glucose load in diabetics. | MONITOR | Generally safe; concern is botulism spores in puppies and glucose load in diabetics. | — |
| Spicy foods (chili, hot sauce) Capsaicin causes mouth and GI irritation but is not classically toxic. | MONITOR | Capsaicin causes mouth and GI irritation but is not classically toxic. | — |
| Ice cream Lactose + sugar + sometimes xylitol. Always check the label for xylitol or 'sugar-free.' | MONITOR | Lactose + sugar + sometimes xylitol. Always check the label for xylitol or 'sugar-free.' | — |
| Marshmallows & sugary candy Mostly a sugar/GI issue — but always confirm 'sugar-free' versions don't contain xylitol. | MONITOR | Mostly a sugar/GI issue — but always confirm 'sugar-free' versions don't contain xylitol. | — |
| Rhubarb leaves Soluble oxalates can cause GI signs and, rarely, kidney injury in larger ingestions. | MONITOR | Soluble oxalates can cause GI signs and, rarely, kidney injury in larger ingestions. | — |
| Plain peanut butter (xylitol-free) Safe in moderation. Always check the label — newer 'no-sugar' brands sometimes contain xylitol. | LIKELY OK | Safe in moderation. Always check the label — newer 'no-sugar' brands sometimes contain xylitol. | — |
| Plain popcorn (no butter or salt) Safe and even useful as a low-calorie treat. Skip flavored microwave popcorn. | LIKELY OK | Safe and even useful as a low-calorie treat. Skip flavored microwave popcorn. | — |
| Cooked carrots, green beans, peas Genuinely safe and a common ingredient in commercial dog food. | LIKELY OK | Genuinely safe and a common ingredient in commercial dog food. | — |
| Bananas (in moderation) Safe. High in sugar so treat-sized portions only. | LIKELY OK | Safe. High in sugar so treat-sized portions only. | — |
| Apple flesh (no seeds, no core) Safe and a popular crunchy treat. Remove seeds and the core for choking and amygdalin reasons. | LIKELY OK | Safe and a popular crunchy treat. Remove seeds and the core for choking and amygdalin reasons. | — |
| Watermelon (seedless, no rind) Safe and hydrating. Seeds and rind are GI obstruction risks. | LIKELY OK | Safe and hydrating. Seeds and rind are GI obstruction risks. | — |
| Blueberries, strawberries, raspberries Safe in moderation; xylitol-free. | LIKELY OK | Safe in moderation; xylitol-free. | — |
| Plain cooked chicken, turkey, beef Safe — boneless, skinless, no seasoning, no onion or garlic in the cooking liquid. | LIKELY OK | Safe — boneless, skinless, no seasoning, no onion or garlic in the cooking liquid. | — |
| Pumpkin (plain canned, not pie filling) Safe and often vet-recommended for mild GI upset. Avoid pie filling — it contains spices and sometimes xylitol. | LIKELY OK | Safe and often vet-recommended for mild GI upset. Avoid pie filling — it contains spices and sometimes xylitol. | — |
Tier 1 · Never — call a vet immediately
Even small amounts can be life-threatening. Don't wait for symptoms.
Causes a rapid insulin spike and acute liver failure. The single most dangerous everyday food on this list per pound of dog.
Reference dose: ≥0.1 g/kg → hypoglycemia · ≥0.5 g/kg → liver injury
Grapes & raisins
URGENTIdiosyncratic acute kidney injury — there is no established 'safe dose.' Any amount warrants a call.
Reference dose: Treat any ingestion as potentially toxic
Dark & baker's chocolate
URGENTTheobromine (a methylxanthine) dogs metabolize 4–6× slower than humans. Baker's chocolate has ~10× the theobromine of milk chocolate.
Reference dose: Cardiac signs ~40 mg/kg theobromine · seizures ~60 mg/kg
Disulfides destroy red blood cells (Heinz-body anemia). Onion powder in soups and baby food is a hidden source.
Reference dose: >0.5% of body weight in a single meal
Same mechanism as onions, ~5× more potent gram-for-gram. Garlic powder and supplements are the riskier forms.
Reference dose: >5 g/kg or repeated small doses
Macadamia nuts
URGENTCause weakness, tremors, and hyperthermia within 12 hours via an unknown mechanism. Dogs only. Some poisonings show signs later than this. If in doubt, call your vet.
Reference dose: >2 g/kg
Wild mushrooms
URGENTOwners can't reliably tell hepatotoxic Amanita species from benign yard mushrooms. Treat all foraged mushrooms as toxic until ID'd.
Ethanol toxicity: hypoglycemia, acidosis, CNS depression. Rising bread dough produces ethanol in the stomach.
Reference dose: >0.5 g/kg ethanol = clinical signs
Raw bread dough (yeast)
URGENTTwo hits at once: ethanol poisoning + gastric distention/bloat as the dough expands.
Tier 2 · Contact a vet if more than a small amount
Toxicity scales with quantity and dog's weight. Run a weight-scaled check.
Milk chocolate (large amount)
CONTACT VETLower theobromine than dark, but still dangerous in quantity. Always run a weight-scaled check.
Reference dose: Mild signs ~20 mg/kg theobromine
Same drug class as theobromine but more potent. Pre-workout scoops are a frequent ER call.
Reference dose: >9 mg/kg = signs · >50 mg/kg = severe
Avocado (large amounts / pit)
CONTACT VETPersin is mildly toxic to dogs but the bigger risks are GI obstruction from the pit and pancreatitis from the fat.
Cooked bones (chicken, turkey, pork)
CONTACT VETSplinter into sharp shards causing GI perforation. The most common 'I gave them table scraps' ER visit.
Fatty trimmings, gravy, drippings
CONTACT VETTriggers acute pancreatitis, especially in small breeds and dogs with prior episodes.
Salt, salt-cured meats, jerky
CONTACT VETHypernatremia → cerebral edema. Homemade play-dough and table salt are common sources.
Reference dose: >2 g/kg sodium
Nutmeg (large amounts)
CONTACT VETMyristicin causes tremors, seizures, and disorientation at baking-quantities or higher.
Hops (homebrew waste)
CONTACT VETCauses malignant hyperthermia, especially in greyhounds and other heat-sensitive breeds.
Raw yeast dough (any quantity in small dogs)
CONTACT VETSee 'raw bread dough' above — even a golf-ball-sized piece in a small dog warrants a call.
Apple seeds (large quantity)
CONTACT VETContain amygdalin (cyanide precursor). One apple is fine; a bowl of crushed cores is not.
Cherry pits, peach pits, apricot pits
CONTACT VETSame cyanide-precursor mechanism as apple seeds, plus GI obstruction risk from the pit itself.
Mustard seeds & raw mustard
CONTACT VETCauses vomiting and gastritis; large quantities can be more serious.
Star fruit
CONTACT VETHigh oxalate load that can precipitate kidney injury, particularly in dogs with reduced renal reserve.
Persimmons (with seeds)
CONTACT VETSeeds and pits cause intestinal obstruction; flesh ferments to alcohol in the gut.
Tier 3 · Monitor — usually GI upset, not poisoning
Watch closely for at least 24 hours for vomiting, diarrhea or lethargy, and call if signs persist or new ones appear. Some poisonings show signs later than this. If in doubt, call your vet.
Cow's milk & cream
MONITORMost adult dogs are lactose-intolerant. Expect GI upset, not toxicity.
Cheese (large amount)
MONITORFat content is the issue more than lactose; small cubes as treats are usually fine.
Raw eggs
MONITORSalmonella/biotin-deficiency risk is overstated for healthy dogs but real for puppies and immunocompromised dogs.
Citrus fruits (lemon, lime, grapefruit)
MONITORPsoralens and citric acid cause GI upset. Rinds are worse than flesh.
Tomatoes (ripe red flesh)
MONITORRipe tomatoes are fine in small amounts. Green tomato and tomato-plant leaves contain solanine.
Raw potato & potato peels
MONITORSolanine in green parts and sprouts is the concern. Cooked, peeled potato is fine.
Almonds
MONITORNot classically toxic but a frequent choking and pancreatitis trigger; salted almonds add sodium load.
Walnuts (especially black)
MONITORMoldy walnuts can carry tremorgenic mycotoxins. Black walnut hulls are more concerning than English walnuts.
Pistachios (shelled, unsalted)
MONITORShells are a choking/obstruction hazard; high fat content can trigger pancreatitis.
Coconut & coconut oil (large amounts)
MONITORNot toxic but a high-fat load that causes diarrhea and can trigger pancreatitis in predisposed dogs.
Honey (in puppies, diabetics)
MONITORGenerally safe; concern is botulism spores in puppies and glucose load in diabetics.
Spicy foods (chili, hot sauce)
MONITORCapsaicin causes mouth and GI irritation but is not classically toxic.
Ice cream
MONITORLactose + sugar + sometimes xylitol. Always check the label for xylitol or 'sugar-free.'
Marshmallows & sugary candy
MONITORMostly a sugar/GI issue — but always confirm 'sugar-free' versions don't contain xylitol.
Rhubarb leaves
MONITORSoluble oxalates can cause GI signs and, rarely, kidney injury in larger ingestions.
Tier 4 · Commonly believed dangerous, actually low-risk
Safe in normal portions. The myth-busting tier.
Plain peanut butter (xylitol-free)
LIKELY OKSafe in moderation. Always check the label — newer 'no-sugar' brands sometimes contain xylitol.
Plain popcorn (no butter or salt)
LIKELY OKSafe and even useful as a low-calorie treat. Skip flavored microwave popcorn.
Cooked carrots, green beans, peas
LIKELY OKGenuinely safe and a common ingredient in commercial dog food.
Bananas (in moderation)
LIKELY OKSafe. High in sugar so treat-sized portions only.
Apple flesh (no seeds, no core)
LIKELY OKSafe and a popular crunchy treat. Remove seeds and the core for choking and amygdalin reasons.
Watermelon (seedless, no rind)
LIKELY OKSafe and hydrating. Seeds and rind are GI obstruction risks.
Blueberries, strawberries, raspberries
LIKELY OKSafe in moderation; xylitol-free.
Plain cooked chicken, turkey, beef
LIKELY OKSafe — boneless, skinless, no seasoning, no onion or garlic in the cooking liquid.
Pumpkin (plain canned, not pie filling)
LIKELY OKSafe and often vet-recommended for mild GI upset. Avoid pie filling — it contains spices and sometimes xylitol.
If your dog just ate one of these — do this
- 1. Take it away. Remove the food and save the packaging — brand, ingredients, quantity.
- 2. Estimate amount & time. The first 2 hours decide whether a vet can safely induce vomiting.
- 3. Run a weight-scaled check. A 6 lb Yorkie and a 70 lb Lab who eat the same square of chocolate are not in the same situation.
- 4. Call a vet or animal poison-control hotline. Have weight, substance, amount, and time ready before you dial.
- 5. Do not induce vomiting unless told to. Never in a lethargic, seizing, or already-vomiting dog.
Frequently asked questions
What food is most toxic to dogs?
Per pound of dog, xylitol (a sweetener in sugar-free gum, some peanut butters, and baked goods) and grapes/raisins are the highest-risk everyday foods. Both can cause organ failure from very small amounts.
How many foods are actually toxic to dogs?
Around 20 foods are clearly dangerous and well-documented in veterinary toxicology references. Another 15–20 sit in a 'monitor' zone where the dose, the dog's size, and the form (raw, cooked, concentrated) determine the risk.
Is peanut butter safe for dogs?
Plain xylitol-free peanut butter is safe in moderation. Always read the ingredient label — a small but growing number of 'no-sugar' brands sweeten with xylitol, which is acutely toxic.
Can dogs eat cheese?
Small amounts of plain cheese are fine for most dogs. Large amounts cause GI upset (lactose intolerance) and pancreatitis risk from the fat content.
Are bananas safe for dogs?
Yes, in moderation. Bananas are not toxic but are high in sugar, so treat-sized portions are best.
What about grapes — is one really dangerous?
Grape and raisin toxicity is idiosyncratic, meaning some dogs react to tiny amounts and others don't. Because there's no established safe dose, veterinary toxicologists treat any grape or raisin ingestion as a potential emergency.
How fast do symptoms of poisoning appear?
It depends on the substance. Xylitol can cause hypoglycemia within 10–15 minutes, or be delayed up to 12–18 hours with some gums. Chocolate signs typically appear in 6–12 hours and can last up to 72 hours. Grape and raisin kidney injury can take 24–72 hours, or sometimes longer. That's why waiting for symptoms is the wrong strategy.
Can I make my dog throw up at home?
Only on the explicit instruction of a veterinarian or animal poison-control hotline. At-home induced vomiting can cause aspiration pneumonia, esophageal burns (caustic substances), and is contraindicated in lethargic, seizing, or already-vomiting dogs.
Is garlic safe in tiny amounts (like in dog treats)?
The doses in commercial dog treats are below clinical concern for most healthy dogs. Concentrated garlic (powder, supplements, large fresh quantities) is the actual risk.
What should I do right now if my dog ate something on this list?
Run our 90-second weight-scaled check, then call a veterinarian or a 24/7 animal poison-control hotline. Have the dog's weight, what they ate, how much, and how long ago ready before you call.
Sources & review
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center — Toxic and Non-Toxic Food List
- Pet Poison Helpline — Top 10 dog poisons; xylitol, grape, and chocolate references
- Merck Veterinary Manual — Toxicology of household products
- Peer-reviewed literature on canine xylitol-induced hypoglycemia and grape/raisin nephrotoxicity
By DogPoisonCheck. Sources reviewed 14 Oct 2026. Not veterinary advice. This is educational reference content, not veterinary advice. In any acute ingestion, contact a licensed veterinarian or a 24/7 animal poison-control hotline.
Did your dog just eat something on this list?
90 seconds. Weight-scaled. Researched from published sources.