16 human foods your dog cannot eat
When it comes to your dog’s delicate stomach, some foods are best left untouched.
Yes, sometimes our dogs act more like humans than their own kind. And sure, we‘ll humor them every now and then with one-sided conversations and matching outfits. But when it comes to your dog’s nutrition, there’s a running list of scientifically-proven no-gos — the human foods that should never make it near your dog’s mouth.
Keep these forbidden fruits (and so on) away from your dog’s bowl. And if you feel so inclined, dog-ear this list for later so you never forget.
Alcohol
The bar cart is for girl’s night only. It’s hard enough for humans to strike a healthy relationship with alcohol. In a dog’s liver, it’s toxic. Even small amounts of alcohol, like those found in syrups and raw bread dough, can trigger vomiting, diarrhea, decreased coordination, central nervous system depression, difficulty breathing, tremors, and worse.
Chocolate, Coffee & Caffeine
You’ve heard these three over and over before — and for good reason. As much as you’re both tempted, they all contain methylxanthines that are found in cacao seeds and certain nut extracts. In dogs, these substances can wreak havoc on their digestive, urinary, and nervous systems. Baking and dark chocolates are most dangerous, followed closely by milk and white chocolate. Don’t worry, there are plenty of other dog-friendly treats you can reward them with.
Cinnamon
While cinnamon isn’t objectively toxic to dogs, the spice (and all its extracted or compounded forms) can irritate the inside of your dog’s mouth or dangerously lower their blood sugar. Our consensus? Keep the chai lattes for yourself.
Onions, Garlic, & Chives
These vegetables and herbs all belong to the Allium family, plants that are loaded with a substance that can damage or destroy red blood cells, potentially causing anemia. Take extra caution around garlic (again, in all forms); it’s five times more toxic to dogs than the other two, and symptoms can often delay up to a few days post-consumption. If you notice the following, book a quick trip to the vet ASAP:
Weakness
Pale gums
Disinterest in food
Dullness
Breathlessness
Ice Cream
We know, we know. What’s a few licks? While ice cream and other lactose products aren’t necessarily toxic for dogs, they’re not great either. Ice cream is high in sugar, and many dogs are lactose intolerant anyway. If they’re really craving a frozen treat, try a handful of frozen Bone Broth cubes instead.
Macadamia Nuts
This one makes the never, ever, ever, ever list. Macadamia nuts are some of the most poisonous foods for dogs. Even consumption of as little as 2.4 g/kg of these nuts can cause immediate signs of toxicosis, including weakness, depression, vomiting, tremors, hyperthermia, inability to walk, and lethargy. Long term, it could even affect their nervous system. We’ll say it again — avoid with extreme care.
Grapes & Raisins
Though we humans love decorating our dinner party classics with grapes (see: charcuterie boards, finger sandwiches, artisanal salads), they’re not as popular in a dog’s stomach. It’s still unclear why, but grapes and their dehydrated cousins can cause vomiting, lethargy, and kidney failure in dogs. Especially while research is still underway, it’s best to keep the paws away.
Fruit Pits & Seeds
Your dog’s digestive tract is only so wide, it makes sense to keep them away from pits and seeds that can block their systems up. In particular, peach and plum pits should be avoided — they contain traces of cyanide that’s poisonous for dogs and humans alike.
Xylitol
Many of the foods on this list are found, in one form or another, in several others. Xylitol is the perfect example — an artificial sweetener found in candy, gum, toothpaste, and baked goods that cause deep and fast trauma to your dog’s system. Ingestion of xylitol can cause sudden insulin spikes that lead to hypoglycemia, toxicosis, or even liver failure. An extra twist of the toothpaste cap or some quick Tupperware action for those boxed brownies should prevent this well enough.
Raw Yeast Dough
This one follows simple baking logic: uncooked dough rises eventually. If it doesn’t happen in the oven, it will in your dog’s stomach. When the dough rises, it causes gas build-up in your dog’s digestive tract. At the least, your dog will feel bloated and uncomfortable. If worsened or unrelieved, their stomach could twist in position and become life-threatening. Yeast also produces ethanol, a form of alcohol that’s equally dangerous for dogs.