Toxic Foods and more

Animal Poison Control Center
(888) 426-4435

If you suspect your pet has ingested a hazardous substance, please contact Poison Control IMMEDIATELY.
They will assign you a Case number and direct you to the next steps.

Image of dog with chocolate bar in mouth with slash mark through image

Toxic Foods

Alcohol- Both ethanol (in liquor, wine, beer) and hops (in beer) can cause alcohol intoxication in dogs. If left untreated and in severe cases, this can cause failure of the organ systems and even death. Other symptoms include lethargy, weakness, lack of coordination, collapse, drooling, vomiting, decreased respiratory rate, hypotension, hypoglycemia, and hypothermia.
Avocado- Avocados contain persin, a fungicidal toxin. It can cause vomiting, diarrhea, pancreatitis, myocardial damage (heart attack), and death, though the lethal amount is unknown.
Chocolate- Chocolate toxicosis is caused by the compounding of theobromine and caffeine, which dogs process slowly. It may result in potentially life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias and Central Nervous System dysfunction. Symptoms include extreme excitement followed by vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, tremors, irregular heartbeat, and internal bleeding which can lead to death. The severity depends on the type of chocolate, how much was consumed, and the size of the dog.
Coffee/Caffeine- Dogs are more sensitive to caffeine than humans and ingestion can lead to caffeine poisoning. The severity will depend on the size of the dog and the form of caffeine consumed (unused coffee beans and grounds or tea bags are the strongest). Symptoms include restlessness and agitation, panting, elevated heart rate, vomiting, elevated blood pressure, abnormal heartbeat, hyperthermia and in severe cases: collapse, tremors, seizures, and death.
Garlic- See Onions below.
Grapes/Raisins/Currants/Sultanas (Vitis Vinifera)- Even one can be fatal. Ingesting the fruit can cause acute (sudden) kidney failure in dogs. The harmful substance in the fruit has not yet been determined. For Currants, we often see the toxic Zante version in the U.S. however true currants (Ribes) are safe - we'd err on the side of caution and keep all types away from pets.
Medicines for Humans- Always consult your Vet before giving your dog your medicine.
Mushrooms- Although many mushrooms are non-toxic, identification can be difficult and should be left to the experts, mycologists. The majority of confirmed fatal mushroom toxicities in pets are from the Amanita, Galerina, and Lepiota genera. Play it safe and don't feed your dog mushrooms. Some examples are shown below.
Nuts- Black Walnuts, Macadamia Nuts, and any moldy nuts are toxic to dogs. Other nuts should be fed in limited amounts and with caution, as they can be high in fat, salt, or cause choking hazards. Peanut butter and almond butter are high in calories, fat, and salt and should only be given sparingly but make sure they don't contain Xylitol, the same ingredient in sugar free gum that makes it toxic.

Onions- Onions and other members of the allium family (Garlic, Scallion, Shallot, Leek, Chives) contain thiosulfate, a compound which is toxic to dogs. This can cause issues with the circulatory (blood) system leading to anemia. Signs of anemia include pale mucous membranes, rapid breathing, weakness, lethargy and depression, jaundice, and dark urine. Garlic toxicity can also cause vomiting, diarrhea, appetite loss, pain in the abdomen, and dehydration.
Recalled Pet Foods- See below for more information.
Sugar-free gum- Xylitol (aka Birch Sugar or Wood Sugar) is a class of sweetener known as sugar alcohol. It is a common ingredient in sugarless gums and can have detrimental effects to your canine. In dogs, xylitol triggers a large release of insulin causing the blood sugar level to drop quickly and dangerously, known as hypoglycemia. It can also cause liver damage and failure. Other items for humans that contain this potentially fatal ingredient: other sugar-free desserts, breath mints, toothpaste, mouthwash, cough syrup, chewable vitamins and dietary supplements, medicines, and some peanut and nut butters.

For our Feline Friends

Picture of grey and white cat up a tree holding a pink balloon by the string

This list of foods is mostly true for cats as well; however, cats don't typically ingest these items. We want you to be more concerned with strings, balloons, and other various objects they may chew on and ingest as these can obstruct the GI tract. Also beware of your common outdoor lizard as they carry Salmonella.

Picture of a white and black cat with paw raised towards a lizard. Lizard has its mouth open and is facing the cat.

Image of grey/speckled cat with a ball of yard, string around cat

Pet Food Recalls

Please visit the AVMA's website to learn more about Recalls and Safety Alerts on Pet Foods and Products:
Recalls/Safety Alerts Search | American Veterinary Medical Association (avma.org)

Say YES to Grains!

You may believe grain free food is the best for your pet, however, dogs are omnivores and grains make up an important part of their diet. With most "grain free" diets the grains which slow the GI transit, make them feel full, and keep their bowels regular (preventing colorectal disease) are replaced with very fast digesting starches and powders which can wreak havoc on the glycemic index and predispose dogs to diabetes mellitus. Grain free should only be considered applicable if your pet has a rare allergy to grains.