Pawrently

Toxic Foods for Dogs & Cats

Search what's dangerous, what needs caution and what's usually fine, and what to do in an emergency.

If your pet already ate something

Call your vet or an emergency clinic right away. Don't make your pet vomit unless a vet tells you to. Have the product label, the amount and your pet's weight ready.

Both hotlines are open 24 hours and charge a consultation fee, so confirm the current amount when you call.

  • Chocolate and cocoa

    DangerousDogsCats

    Contains theobromine and caffeine. Dark and baking chocolate are the most dangerous. Can cause vomiting, tremors and a racing heart.

  • Xylitol (sugar-free gum, candy, some peanut butter)

    DangerousDogsCats

    Even small amounts can crash a dog's blood sugar and damage the liver. Check labels on gum, mints, baked goods and nut butters.

  • Grapes, raisins, currants, sultanas

    DangerousDogs

    Can cause sudden kidney failure in dogs, and the harmful amount is unpredictable. Avoid for cats too.

  • Onions, garlic, chives, leeks

    DangerousDogsCats

    Damage red blood cells and can cause anemia. Cats are especially sensitive. Cooked, raw and powdered all count.

  • Macadamia nuts

    DangerousDogs

    Can cause weakness, tremors, vomiting and fever in dogs.

  • Alcohol

    DangerousDogsCats

    Pets are much more sensitive than people. Even small amounts can cause serious illness. Includes raw dough containing yeast.

  • Raw bread dough (with yeast)

    DangerousDogsCats

    Expands in the stomach and produces alcohol as it ferments.

  • Coffee, tea, energy drinks

    DangerousDogsCats

    Caffeine can cause restlessness, a fast heart rate and seizures.

  • Lilies (plants, including the pollen and vase water)

    DangerousCats

    Even a nibble of a true lily can cause kidney failure in cats. This is an emergency.

  • Cooked bones

    Use cautionDogsCats

    Splinter easily and can injure the mouth or gut, or block the intestines.

  • Fatty trimmings, bacon, grease

    Use cautionDogsCats

    Rich fatty food can trigger pancreatitis, which is painful and can be serious.

  • Avocado

    Use cautionDogsCats

    The pit is a choking and blockage risk, and the skin, leaves and pit contain persin. The flesh is usually mild for dogs and cats but is risky for birds.

  • Salty snacks, soy sauce, salt dough

    Use cautionDogsCats

    Too much salt can cause vomiting, thirst and in severe cases salt poisoning.

  • Nutmeg

    Use cautionDogsCats

    Large amounts can cause tremors and a racing heart.

  • Milk and cheese

    Use cautionDogsCats

    Many pets are lactose intolerant, so dairy can cause diarrhea. Small bites of plain cheese are usually fine for some.

  • Raw meat and eggs

    Use cautionDogsCats

    Can carry salmonella and other bacteria that can make pets and people sick.

  • Corn on the cob

    Use cautionDogsCats

    The cob is a common cause of intestinal blockages. Plain kernels are fine.

  • Fruit pits and seeds (cherry, peach, plum, apple seeds)

    Use cautionDogsCats

    A choking and blockage risk, and some contain traces of cyanide.

  • Moldy food and compost

    DangerousDogsCats

    Mold toxins can cause tremors and seizures.

  • Plain cooked chicken, turkey or lean beef

    Usually OKDogsCats

    No seasoning, bones or skin. A good occasional treat.

  • Carrots, green beans, cucumber

    Usually OKDogs

    Low-calorie crunchy snacks for dogs.

  • Blueberries and watermelon (no seeds or rind)

    Usually OKDogs

    Fine in small amounts as a treat. Introduce slowly.

  • Plain cooked rice or plain pumpkin

    Usually OKDogsCats

    Gentle on the stomach in small amounts. Ask your vet before using it for ongoing tummy trouble.

  • Peanut butter (xylitol-free)

    Usually OKDogs

    Fine in small amounts for dogs. Check the label carefully for xylitol first.

  • Cooked plain fish (no bones)

    Usually OKDogsCats

    A good treat in small portions. Canned tuna should be occasional.

General information, not a complete list and not veterinary advice. Amounts that cause harm depend on your pet's size and health.

Frequently asked questions

What human foods are most dangerous for dogs?

Chocolate, xylitol (an artificial sweetener), grapes and raisins, onions and garlic, macadamia nuts, alcohol and raw yeast dough are the common ones. Call your vet or a poison hotline if your dog eats any of them.

What foods are dangerous for cats?

Onions and garlic, chocolate, alcohol, caffeine and xylitol are risky for cats, and lilies are an emergency: even a little pollen or vase water can cause kidney failure.

Should I make my pet vomit if they ate something toxic?

Not unless a vet or poison hotline tells you to. For some substances it can make things worse. Call first.

How much chocolate is dangerous?

It depends on the type of chocolate and your pet's size. Dark and baking chocolate are far more dangerous than milk chocolate. A poison hotline or vet can work out the risk from the amount and weight.

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This is general information, not veterinary advice. Every pet is different — check with your vet.