What Foods Should Dogs Avoid?

If you’re unsure about anything your dog has consumed, always contact your veterinarian immediately. This list is not exhaustive.

Some foods are merely unhealthy and may mildly affect your dog, such as spinach and citrus fruits. However, other items like chocolate and certain nuts can be lethal and may require immediate veterinary care.

Foods That Can Make Your Dog Sick

Generally, dogs should not eat food intended for humans. Citrus fruits, onions, spinach, and corn cobs are not necessarily fatal but can still cause illness. Consuming large quantities of these foods, however, can become dangerous.

Citrus Fruits

Dogs typically avoid citrus fruits because they instinctively recognize potential harm. Citrus fruits contain psoralen, which can cause illness in dogs. It’s best to prevent your dog from eating any citrus.

Garlic and Onions

All types of onions, whether cooked or raw, are harmful to dogs. Eating large amounts can lead to breathing difficulties, diarrhea, and vomiting. Avoid feeding your dog onions entirely, including leftovers like spaghetti bolognese.

Spinach

Spinach inhibits the formation of red blood cells. While generally not severely dangerous, your dog should not consume spinach frequently.

Corn Cobs

Corn itself is not dangerous, but kernels can be challenging for dogs to digest, causing stomach issues. Additionally, the cob can become lodged in your dog’s throat, posing a choking hazard.

Foods That Require Veterinary Attention

Avocado

Avocado contains persin, a toxin harmful to dogs’ hearts and lungs.

Mushrooms

Some mushroom species are poisonous to dogs, often more dangerous to dogs than to humans. Ensure your dog does not eat mushrooms during walks in the forest, as some mushrooms can cause severe illness or death.

Nuts

Certain nuts are dangerous for dogs. Macadamia nuts and walnuts are particularly toxic, though the reason remains unclear. Within 12 hours, your dog may begin vomiting and develop a fever.

High Amounts of Salt

Salt binds fluids in the body, potentially causing salt poisoning. Symptoms include vomiting, and without treatment, the condition can worsen, possibly leading to death. Avoid giving your dog salty leftovers.

Theobromine

Theobromine is found in foods like coffee and chocolate, substances dogs cannot metabolize. Consumption can be lethal, so never give your dog foods containing theobromine.

Other Dangerous Items

Flower Bulbs

Flower bulbs can be highly toxic. If your dog has dug up bulbs from the garden, contact your veterinarian immediately to assess potential poisoning.

Antifreeze

Antifreeze is extremely toxic yet appealing to dogs due to its sweet taste. Consumption can lead to nerve damage or death without immediate veterinary care. Always ensure antifreeze is securely stored away from pets.

Our team may have used AI to assist in the creation of this content, which has been reviewed by our editors.