16 Dangerous Foods That a Dog Should Never Eat

Don’t you just love sharing things with your dog? We all love to share everything with our favorite pups, from our beds to our hearts! But as much as you might love sneaking them a bite off your plate, some human foods are a no-go for pups. The foods on this list have been flagged by the FDA and American Kennel Club, for being dangerous for your furry friend. Keep these items off your dog’s menu and stick to the safe, pup-approved treats when you want to spoil them. After all, keeping your dog happy and healthy is the ultimate way to show your love!

Note: The content of this article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for advice tailored to your individual circumstances.

Raw Meat

Both humans and dogs should try to avoid consuming any kind of raw meat as it may contain harmful bacteria like salmonella or, even worse, E.Coli. Dogs may get very sick if they eat any kind of raw meat and the effects can occur quite quickly. If you are preparing meat to cook, make sure it is pushed back on the counter and out of your dogs reach. You never know when they might try to jump up and grab it! 

Grapes

It is surprising that something as simple as a grape could be so harmful to a dog. Dogs can experience acute kidney failure after eating grapes, and while scientists aren’t exactly sure why this happens, it is something you want to avoid. Never give your dog grapes or raisins (which are just dried grapes, after all) if you want them to stay healthy! 

Xylitol

Xylitol is a fake sugar substitute that is in many “sugar-free” foods. While it may be okay for humans to eat this artificial sweetener, it is super dangerous for dogs. Even the smallest bit of xylitol may cause a dog to have liver failure. Ingesting xylitol can be life-threatening and deadly for dogs. Keep those sugar-free foods away from your pup and keep them safe!

Macadamia Nuts

This is another food that you may not know can be harmful to dogs. These pale, round nuts have been shown to increase a dog’s body temperature, cause vomiting, and even cause loss of limb control. The exact substance causing the toxicity is unknown, but the effects can be severe and distressing for the dog. You may want to give your dog a tasty macadamia nut, but please do not! The effects can be very intense. 

Onions

Eating too many onions can cause a dog to suffer from hemolytic anemia, a condition caused by the lack of red blood cells. The red blood cells are destroyed by eating too many onions. Without the red blood cells, the dog may not get enough oxygen and can even die. Be wary of foods that also contain onions and onion powder, as they will have the same harmful effects as eating whole onions. 

Garlic

Garlic is in the same family as onions and will cause the same type of issues for your dog. Make sure the food you share with your dog isn’t cooked with garlic or contains garlic powder or flakes. Of course, whole cloves of garlic should be completely avoided. Luckily, most dogs do not like the strong taste of garlic and they should naturally stay away from this dangerous food.

Moldy Food

If you look at a food and see it is moldy, it needs to go into the trash immediately. It is not good for humans, and it is not good for dogs. Dogs who eat moldy foods can even end up in the hospital with food poisoning, just like humans. Some molds produce aflatoxins, which can cause severe liver damage and be potentially fatal. Visible mold is a sure sign that food has gone bad and should never be given to a dog.

High-Fat Foods

Sure, fat tastes good, and your dog may love eating it, but that doesn’t mean it is good for them! Foods high in fat can cause a dog’s pancreas to inflame and damage surrounding internal organs. Once a dog has one occurrence of pancreatitis, it is likely to happen again. Also, excessive fat intake can contribute to obesity, which increases the risk of various health problems such as diabetes, heart disease, and joint issues. Skip the fatty foods to ensure your dog has better long-term health. 

Fried Foods

Now that you know high-fat foods are bad for your dog, you could probably guess that fried foods are a big N.O. Fried foods are literally cooked in fat, making them greasy and very unhealthy. While your dog may be begging for those fried chicken nuggets and a few French fries, do not give in! It is not a healthy food for a pup and definitely not something they need to eat. 

Corn Cobs

While feeding dogs corn is totally okay, giving them a whole corn cob to chew on can be very dangerous. If the dog swallows the cob, it might get stuck in their digestive tract or in their throat. They may even need surgery to get it out. While a dog can chew on a corn cob, they cannot fully digest it which means that cob may quickly become fatal. 

Food in Snack Bags

You may think little of handing your dog a snack pack of pretzels or chips. The problem is that the small, thin bag may suffocate your poor little pup. The FDA warns against giving dog food bags, especially those made of mylar, as the material is thin enough for a dog to breathe in and become tighter and tighter around their nose and mouth. Try to put your dog’s food directly into their bowl rather than handing them a snack bag. 

Alcohol

There is no reason why you should ever give a dog alcohol. It only takes a little bit of alcohol for a dog to have severe alcohol poisoning. Alcohol can cause severe central nervous system and respiratory depression, leading to symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, coordination problems, and even coma or death. No type of alcohol is safe for a dog. Keep alcohol far away from your dog, in a place that they cannot reach. 

Chocolate

You should never feed chocolate to your dog. This food is delicious to us, yet it’s highly toxic to our four-legged friends. If you want to keep it in the house, you must ensure it is stored in a place your pet won’t be able to reach, or you will surely regret it. The amount of chocolate a dog needs to eat to feel sick varies from breed to breed, but remember that it can be lethal!

High-Sugary Foods

Similarly to high-fat foods, high-sugar foods should be avoided. Just as in humans, dogs don’t react well to this type of food. Eating too many candies and cakes may cause numerous issues, such as stomach pain, diabetes, and obesity. This may prevent your dog from leading a healthy life, so you want to avoid feeding your dog products high in sugar at all times.

Chicken Wings

While feeding your dog chicken may seem like a great idea, tossing your pup a whole chicken wing is definitely not something you should do. Chicken wings are full of tiny, brittle bones that are very dangerous when ingested by a dog. While a human may know to eat around the bone, a dog will likely crunch down the whole wing. The bones can splinter inside your pup and cause some serious damage to their intestines. Never give your dog a chicken wing unless you want to take an emergency trip to the vet.

Chives

Did you know that chives are in the same family of foods as onions and garlic? If so, you probably guessed that your pup should not eat those little green stalks. Chives can damage a dog’s red blood cells and eventually lead to anemia and symptoms like weakness, vomiting, or breathing issues. Even small amounts can be harmful, so it’s best to keep chives and foods seasoned with them far away from your pup.

This article was inspired by the FDA and American Kennel Club.