Foods Dogs Shouldn’t Eat

Most pet owners like to occasionally share our food with their dogs while we are baking, snacking, or eating meals. It's okay to give people food to pets, but it's important to know which ones are not safe.

With all food, is important to watch your pet carefully with food that may be a choking hazard. Some dogs also have allergies that may cause difficulty breathing or vomiting.

We have put together a list of several foods that dog owners should avoid giving to their dogs below. We highly recommend contacting your veterinarian if you are concerned about the food your dog has consumed or want a complete list of what your dog can tolerate.

Raw fish- Raw fish can carry parasites including tapeworm.

Pizza- Pizza contains high levels of saturated fat that could cause vomiting, diarrhea, and pancreatitis. Pizza can also pose a higher risk if it contains toppings such as garlic and onions.

Nutmeg- Nutmeg contains myristicin and can cause hallucinations, abdominal pain, and seizures.

Mustard Seeds- Mustard seeds could irritate the stomach.

Kale- Kale contains calcium oxalate and isothiocyanates that can cause kidney stones, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Gravy - Most gravies are high in fat and salt content and many contain garlic and onion. This can lead to stomach issues, anemia, and pancreatitis. 

Fat or Grease Drippings- The fatty material can lead to stomach issues and pancreatitis. If you feed your dog food with grease on it, be sure not to in large quantities.

Cookies- There is little nutritional value for dogs in cookies. Weight gain and sugar content are concerns, but many times the ingredients could contain chocolate, raisins, macadamia nuts, or xylitol. 

Coffee- Coffee contains high levels of caffeine. Beans, ground, and instant granules all have a similar effect. Elevated heart rate, vomiting, and seizures are all possible when a dog ingests coffee.

Macadamia Nuts- Small amounts can irritate a dog’s stomach. Two nuts per pound of body weight can cause paralysis.

Cooked bones- Bones that are cooked become brittle and pose several risks. Choking, broken teeth, constipation, and blockages can occur. At Pure Pheasant, we provide raw pet treats that contain bones and we highly discourage pet owners from cooking these treats because of this risk.

Leeks, Onions, and Garlic- Anything in the allium family can injure red blood cells in dogs and cause anemia. Even a small amount can be serious.

Dairy- Milk, cheese, ice cream, etc. all pose risks of stomach issues and diarrhea. Most dogs are lactose intolerant.

Grapes/Raisins- For unknown reasons, grapes and raisins can cause rapid kidney failure in dogs. Watch out for cookies, cereal, and trail mixes that contain raisins as well.

Chocolate- Chocolate contains compounds like caffeine that can cause vomiting, seizures, dehydration, and even death.

Corn on the cob- While corn off the cob is ok for dogs, corn on the cob is not. The cob can cause choking and blockage issues and is hard to see on X-rays.

Peaches and Plums- The pits in peaches and plums can cause choking and blockage issues.

Avocados- Avocados have high-fat content that can cause stomach issues. The pits can cause blockages.

Raw Dough- Dough can continue to rise once consumed and cause stomach pain, blockages, or twist the stomach.

Bacon- Bacon has a very high-fat content that can lead to pancreatitis.

White Bread- The sugar and oils in white bread can cause pancreatitis. 

Salty Snacks- Chips, crackers, trail mix, etc. contain large amounts of salt and can cause seizures.

Apple Seeds- Apple seeds contain cyanide. If giving apples to a dog, be sure to take the core out and give in slices.

Gum and Candy- Many gums and candies contain xylitol, which is toxic to dogs. It can cause insulin release and lead to liver failure.

Moldy Foods- The fungal neurotoxins can cause elevated body temperature, vomiting, muscle tremors, and even death.

Potatoes- Specifically raw potatoes or any green parts of potatoes can be toxic to dogs.

Nicotine- Nicotine causes hyperexcitability, depression, and vomiting. Keep cigarettes and ashtrays out of reach of dogs.

Rhubarb Leaves- Rhubarb leaves can cause kidney failure. 

Tomatoes- Any unripe tomatoes or green parts of the leaves or plants can be toxic.

Alcohol- Even in small doses alcohol can damage the central nervous system of dogs.

Raw Baking Soda or Powder- If a dog ingests raw baking soda or baking powder, it can cause an electrolyte imbalance and make them quite sick.

Cherries- Cherries contain cyanide and can lead to excessive panting, red gums, shock, and even death.

Chicken Skin- The high-fat content in chicken skin can lead to pancreatitis. 

Hot Peppers- Any hot peppers can cause stomach cramping and vomiting.

Citrus Fruits- Toxic compounds found in seeds, skins, and even on the trees they grow on can cause vomiting and diarrhea.