Foods Toxic to Dogs: List with Safety Guidance

Foods toxic to dogs can kill before symptoms appear. Emergency contacts, save these now:

• ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center: 888-426-4435 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week, per-incident fee may apply)
• Pet Poison Helpline: 855-764-7661 (24/7, fee may apply)
• Your local emergency veterinary hospital (find it before an emergency)

Foods toxic to dogs require an immediate call to one of these numbers if your dog has eaten any substance on this list. Do not wait for symptoms to appear. Many toxins cause irreversible organ damage well before clinical signs are visible.

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How to Use This Guide

This article lists common foods and household substances that are toxic to dogs, organized by toxicity level. For each substance, it gives the mechanism of toxicity, typical toxic dose where known, symptom onset time and recommended action.

The three toxicity levels used here:

• Critical: Life-threatening; immediate emergency veterinary care required even for small doses
• Serious: Significant organ damage possible; veterinary contact required
• Mild-Moderate: Primarily gastrointestinal effects at typical exposures; monitor closely; call vet if symptoms appear

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Critical Toxins: Life-Threatening at Small Doses

Xylitol

Appears in. Sugar-free gum across most brands, certain peanut butter and nut butter varieties, sugar-free candies and mints, children's vitamins and adult supplements, some diabetes drugs, dental products like toothpaste and mouthwash, labeled "sugar-free" or "diabetic-friendly" baked

Mechanism: In dogs, xylitol triggers a massive release of insulin from pancreatic beta cells, causing severe and rapid hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). At higher doses, xylitol causes acute hepatic necrosis (liver cell death) through a separate mechanism not yet fully characterized.

Toxic dose: As little as 0.1 g/kg causes hypoglycemia. Liver failure can occur at 0.5 g/kg or above. A single piece of xylitol-sweetened gum may contain 0.2-1.0 g xylitol, enough to cause hypoglycemia in a small dog.

Symptom onset: Hypoglycemia within 30-60 minutes. Liver failure signs (jaundice, vomiting, clotting abnormalities) within 24-72 hours.

Symptoms: Vomiting, weakness, incoordination, collapse, seizures, jaundice, abnormal bleeding

Action: Emergency veterinary care immediately. IV glucose supplementation and liver-protective treatment required.

Grapes and Raisins

Found in: Fresh grapes, raisins, currants, grape juice, raisin-containing baked goods (fruitcake, oatmeal raisin cookies, raisin bread), trail mix, grape-flavored products

Mechanism: Unknown. Despite dozens of documented cases and over two decades of research, the specific nephrotoxic compound in grapes and raisins has not been definitively identified as of 2025. Tartaric acid has been proposed as a candidate. Toxicity is not dose-predictable: some dogs are affected while others appear to tolerate grapes or raisins better. This unpredictability means all exposures must be treated as emergencies.

Toxic dose: No safe dose established. The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center advises treating any exposure as potentially serious regardless of quantity.

Symptom onset. Within hours, pets show vomiting and lethargy and acute kidney failure develops within approximately 48 hours.

Symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, abdominal pain, decreased urination or anuria, azotemia

Action required. Dial ASPCA APCC at 888-426-4435 right away following any exposure. Within two hours of ingestion, induced vomiting, activated charcoal and IV fluid therapy over the first 48 hours may be necessary.

Sago Palm (Cycas revoluta) and Other Cycad Palms

Found in: Popular ornamental houseplant and landscaping plant in warm climates; all parts are toxic but the seeds are most concentrated

Mechanism: Cycasin (methylazoxymethanol glucoside) causes acute liver failure. Secondary neurological effects follow.

Symptom onset: Vomiting within 15 minutes to 3 hours; liver failure within 2-3 days.

Symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, jaundice, seizures, liver failure, death

Action: Emergency veterinary care immediately. Prognosis is poor even with aggressive treatment.

Macadamia Nuts

Mechanism: Unknown. The specific compound responsible for macadamia nut toxicity has not been identified. The toxin affects the locomotor system preferentially.

Toxic dose: As few as 2.4 g/kg of body weight causes symptoms.

Symptom onset: 12 hours after ingestion.

Symptoms: Hind limb weakness or paralysis (characteristically cannot stand), vomiting, tremors, hyperthermia (elevated body temperature), lethargy

Action. Reach out to ASPCA APCC. The majority of dogs recover with supportive care within 24 to 48 hours, yet veterinary monitoring is advised.

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Serious Toxins: Significant Organ Damage Possible

Chocolate (Theobromine and Caffeine)

Mechanism: Theobromine and caffeine are methylxanthines that inhibit adenosine receptors and phosphodiesterase, causing excessive stimulation of the central nervous and cardiovascular systems. Dogs metabolize theobromine and caffeine less effectively than humans, allowing them to accumulate to toxic levels.

Theobromine content by type:

• Baking/unsweetened chocolate: ~450 mg per oz, highest risk
• Dark chocolate (70-85%): ~130-160 mg per oz
• Dark chocolate (45-60%): ~100 mg per oz
• Milk chocolate: ~44-58 mg per oz
• White chocolate: negligible amounts (~0.1 mg per oz)
• Cocoa powder: ~400-737 mg per oz (varies by processing)

Toxic dose: GI signs occur at ~20 mg/kg theobromine. Cardiac effects at ~40-50 mg/kg. Seizures at ~60 mg/kg.

Symptom onset: 6-12 hours after ingestion.

Symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhea, restlessness, increased urination, muscle rigidity, increased heart rate, arrhythmias, hyperthermia, seizures

Action: Calculate approximate theobromine dose using dog's weight and chocolate type. Contact APCC or emergency vet. Decontamination (induced vomiting, activated charcoal) most effective within 2 hours.

Onions, Garlic, Leeks, Chives (All Allium Species)

Mechanism: Organosulfur compounds (including N-propyl disulfide from onions and thiosulfate compounds from garlic) cause oxidative damage to hemoglobin within red blood cells, forming Heinz bodies. These damaged cells are recognized and destroyed by the spleen, causing hemolytic anemia.

Comparative toxicity: Powdered forms are more concentrated than fresh onion.

Toxic dose. Onion at 15-30 g/kg, which is about 100g for a 20 lb dog, alters blood parameters measurably. Lower doses given repeatedly are also hazardous.

Symptom onset: Anemia may not manifest for 3-5 days after ingestion.

Symptoms: Lethargy, weakness, pale or yellowish gums, reduced appetite, vomiting, reddish-brown urine, exercise intolerance

Action: For large ingestions, decontamination within 2 hours. All forms, raw, cooked, powdered, are toxic. Chronic small exposures are cumulative.

Alcohol (Ethanol)

Mechanism: Ethanol is rapidly absorbed and causes CNS depression, respiratory depression, hypothermia, metabolic acidosis, and cardiovascular depression. Dogs metabolize ethanol far less efficiently than humans.

Sources: Beer, wine, spirits, vodka; foods made with alcohol; unbaked yeast dough (yeast fermentation produces ethanol in the stomach); hand sanitizer; certain mouthwashes

Toxic dose: 5.5 g/kg of absolute ethanol can be fatal. Beer is 4-6% ethanol, 1 standard drink can cause serious signs in a small dog.

Symptom onset: Within 30-60 minutes.

Symptoms: Disorientation, vomiting, collapse, hypothermia, hypoglycemia, seizures, respiratory arrest

Action: Emergency veterinary care. Supportive treatment (IV fluids, temperature management, dextrose for hypoglycemia).

Caffeine

Sources: Coffee (grounds are highly concentrated), tea, energy drinks, caffeine tablets, pre-workout supplements, certain sodas, some weight-loss supplements, dark chocolate

Mechanism: Same as theobromine, methylxanthine toxicity via adenosine receptor blockade and phosphodiesterase inhibition.

Toxic dose: 140 mg/kg is the lethal dose 50 (LD50) in dogs, but symptoms appear at much lower doses. A 10 lb dog would be at risk from a small amount of concentrated coffee product.

Symptoms: Hyperactivity, restlessness, rapid breathing, rapid heart rate, tremors, arrhythmias, seizures

Action: Contact ASPCA APCC. Decontamination if within 2 hours.

Raw Yeast Dough

Mechanism. Two distinct risks: (1) yeast fermentation in the warm stomach produces ethanol, causing alcohol toxicity, (2) expanding gas causes gastric dilation that can progress to gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV), a surgical emergency.

Symptom onset: 1-3 hours.

Symptoms: Abdominal distension, unproductive retching, drooling, disorientation (from alcohol), weakness, cardiovascular shock if GDV develops

Action: Emergency veterinary care. GDV is fatal without immediate surgical correction.

Avocado

Mechanism: Persin, a fungicidal toxin found throughout the avocado plant (flesh, skin, pit, leaves), causes vomiting, diarrhea, and in large amounts, myocardial damage and respiratory distress.

Symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhea, inability to defecate, labored breathing (in large exposures)

Action: Monitor and contact vet if symptoms develop. The pit poses a separate choking/obstruction risk.

Ibuprofen and Other NSAIDs (Non-Food Toxin Included Due to Common Exposure)

Sources: Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), aspirin; these are medications, not foods, but are included because accidental ingestion is extremely common

Mechanism: Dogs cannot safely metabolize NSAIDs. Even therapeutic doses in humans cause gastrointestinal ulceration, renal vasoconstriction leading to kidney failure, and potentially liver damage in dogs.

Toxic dose for ibuprofen: Toxicity depends on dose and body weight, and small dogs are at particular risk. Call poison control for any ingestion.

Symptoms: Vomiting (possibly bloody), diarrhea, abdominal pain, decreased urination, kidney failure

Action: Emergency veterinary care immediately. Early decontamination is critical.

Acetaminophen (Tylenol), Non-Food Toxin Commonly Ingested

Mechanism: Toxic metabolites accumulate, causing liver cell necrosis and methemoglobinemia (inability of hemoglobin to carry oxygen). At high doses, methemoglobinemia produces characteristic muddy brown discoloration of gums.

Toxic dose: Depends on dose and body weight; call poison control for any ingestion.

Symptoms: Vomiting, lethargy, abdominal pain, dark brown gums, rapid breathing, liver failure

Action: Emergency veterinary care immediately.

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Mild-to-Moderate Toxins: GI Effects Primarily

Nutmeg

Mechanism: Myristicin and elemicin cause CNS effects. Large doses are needed for serious symptoms.

Symptoms: Disorientation, hallucination-like behavior, rapid heart rate, dry mouth; serious symptoms require ingestion of large amounts

Action: Call vet if more than a small amount consumed or if symptoms appear.

Macadamia Nuts (repeated at moderate for context)

Though covered above under Critical because of potential severity, many instances resolve with supportive care.

Salt (Sodium Chloride) in Excess

Mechanism. Sodium ion toxicity induces osmotic shifts, cerebral edema and electrolyte imbalance.

Sources: Heavily salted snacks, saltwater, rock salt/ice melt products, salt dough ornaments (extremely concentrated)

Symptoms: Excessive thirst, vomiting, diarrhea, incoordination, tremors, seizures, death in severe cases

Action: Do not give additional water rapidly to a dog that has consumed large amounts of salt (rapid rehydration can cause cerebral edema). Seek veterinary guidance.

Corn on the Cob

Risk: Not toxic, but the cob itself causes intestinal obstruction requiring surgery. The kernels alone are not harmful.

Symptoms of obstruction: Vomiting, lethargy, abdominal pain, constipation

Raw/Green Tomatoes and Tomato Plants

Mechanism: Solanine and tomatine in green tomatoes and the plant itself (leaves, stems, unripe fruit) cause GI upset and, in large quantities, neurological signs.

Note: Ripe red tomato flesh is generally safe in small amounts.

Symptoms: Gastrointestinal upset, weakness, drooling (from large plant ingestion)

Cherries, Peaches, Plums, Apricots, Apples (Pits and Seeds)

Mechanism: The pits, seeds, and stems of these fruits contain amygdalin, a cyanogenic glycoside that metabolizes to hydrogen cyanide. The flesh is safe. Danger requires ingestion of multiple seeds or pits.

Symptoms from significant cyanide exposure: Bright red gums, rapid breathing, dilated pupils, collapse

Action: One or two cherry pits is unlikely to cause serious cyanide toxicity but can cause intestinal obstruction.

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Comprehensive A-Z Toxic Foods Reference Table

Substance	Toxicity Level	Mechanism	Symptoms Onset	Toxic Dose (approximate)
Alcohol	Serious	CNS/respiratory depression	30-60 min	5.5 g/kg ethanol
Avocado	Serious	Persin; GI + cardiac	24-48 hrs	Large amounts
Caffeine	Serious	Methylxanthine	1-3 hrs	140 mg/kg LD50; symptoms lower
Chocolate (dark)	Serious	Theobromine	6-12 hrs	~40 mg/kg theobromine for cardiac effects
Corn on the cob	Moderate	Obstruction	Variable	Any whole cob
Garlic	Serious	Heinz body anemia	3-5 days	~15-30 g/kg raw onion equivalent
Grapes/raisins	Critical	Nephrotoxic (unknown)	Hours; kidney failure within about 48 hrs	No safe dose established
Ibuprofen	Serious-Critical	GI ulceration; renal failure	2-6 hrs	Varies with dose and weight
Macadamia nuts	Serious	Unknown neuromotor	12 hrs	~2.4 g/kg
Nutmeg	Moderate	Myristicin; CNS	3-6 hrs	Large amounts only
Onions (all forms)	Serious	Heinz body anemia	3-5 days	15-30 g/kg fresh; less powdered
Pit fruits (seeds)	Moderate-Serious	Cyanogenic glycoside	Variable	Multiple pits
Raw yeast dough	Critical	Ethanol + GDV	1-3 hrs	Any amount
Sago palm (seeds)	Critical	Cycasin; liver failure	15 min-3 hrs	Seeds are most toxic
Salt (excess)	Serious	Sodium ion toxicity	2-6 hrs	~4 g/kg
Xylitol	Critical	Hypoglycemia; liver failure	30-60 min	0.1 g/kg hypoglycemia

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Emergency Response Protocol

When your dog has potentially eaten something toxic:

1. Stay calm and assess. Note what was consumed, approximately how much and when. Look for the packaging.

2. Call immediately, do not wait for symptoms. ASPCA APCC: 888-426-4435 Pet Poison Helpline: 855-764-7661 Or your emergency vet directly.

3. Do not induce vomiting unless directed. Certain toxins, caustic substances and situations where vomiting was already induced contraindicate further emesis. Professionals will advise.

4. Do not feed milk, water in excess, or home remedies. Unless specifically directed by the professional you speak with.

5. Bring all packaging to the vet. If the call directs you to an emergency hospital, bring the packaging or a photograph of the label. Exact product names, ingredient lists and concentrations allow veterinarians to calculate the actual toxic dose and prioritize treatment.

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