Toxic foods for dogs: the complete list to avoid

Velto answer

Several common foods from our kitchens are toxic to dogs, sometimes even in very small doses. The most dangerous are chocolate, grapes, onion and garlic, and xylitol (a sweetener found in many 'sugar-free' products). In case of ingestion, contact a vet or a veterinary poison control centre immediately, without waiting for symptoms to appear.

Why are these foods dangerous?

A dog's metabolism is different from ours: it eliminates certain molecules like theobromine from chocolate or the sulphur compounds in onion and garlic very slowly. These substances then build up and damage the heart, nervous system, kidneys or red blood cells.

Everyday precautions

Never leave chocolate bars, fruit or chewing gum lying around within your dog's reach. Be wary of table scraps, accessible bins, and 'sugar-free' products. Teach children not to share their snacks with the dog, and opt for suitable treats instead.

What to do in case of ingestion?

Note down the food ingested, the estimated quantity and the time, then immediately call your vet or a veterinary poison control centre. Never make your dog vomit without medical advice: depending on the substance, this could worsen the situation. The speed of treatment largely determines the prognosis.

Main foods toxic to dogs, their dangers, and signs to watch for

Food	Responsible substance	Main danger	Signs to watch for
Chocolate (especially dark chocolate and cocoa powder)	Theobromine	Heart and nervous system problems; just tens of grams can be enough for a small dog	Vomiting, restlessness, tremors, rapid heart rate
Grapes (fresh or dried)	Substance not yet clearly identified	Acute kidney failure, sometimes from just a few grapes	Vomiting, lethargy, decreased or no urine production
Onion and garlic (raw, cooked or powdered)	Sulphur compounds (thiosulphates)	Destruction of red blood cells (anaemia), cumulative effect	Tiredness, pale gums, dark urine, loss of appetite
Xylitol (chewing gum, sweets, 'sugar-free' spreads)	Xylitol (sweetener)	Sudden drop in blood sugar followed by liver damage; toxic in very small doses	Vomiting, weakness, tremors, seizures
Avocado	Persin	Digestive and heart problems; the stone can also cause an obstruction in the digestive tract	Vomiting, diarrhoea, breathing difficulties
Alcohol and raw bread dough	Ethanol	Drunkenness, neurological and respiratory problems	Staggering gait, vomiting, lethargy
Cooked bones (chicken, ribs)	—	Sharp fragments: digestive perforation or obstruction	Abdominal pain, vomiting, constipation, blood in stools

When should you see a vet?

Any suspected ingestion should be reported to a vet, even if there are no visible symptoms: some signs only appear several hours later, whereas treatment is most effective when given early. Keep the phone number for your vet and a veterinary poison control centre handy.

Frequently asked questions

My dog has eaten a square of chocolate, what should I do?

It all depends on the type of chocolate, the amount eaten, and the dog's weight. Dark chocolate and cocoa powder are the most dangerous. Call your vet with these three pieces of information: they will tell you if an emergency consultation is necessary.

Can a single grape make my dog ill?

Sensitivity varies greatly from one dog to another and no safe dose has been established. As a precaution, any ingestion of grapes, however small, warrants a call to the vet.

Is garlic really toxic, even in small amounts?

Yes. Garlic belongs to the same family as onions and its effects are cumulative: small, repeated doses can eventually cause anaemia. You should therefore never give it, not even 'for fleas'.

Where is xylitol found?

In sugar-free chewing gum and sweets, some spreads, toothpastes and diet products. Check for 'xylitol' or 'E967' on the label before leaving a product within your dog's reach.

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