Some of the most common foods in your kitchen are dangerous — even toxic — for dogs. Here are 15 to keep out of reach, why each is risky, and what to do if your dog gets into something.
⚠ If your dog ate something dangerous
Act immediately — don't wait for symptoms.
- Call your vet or a pet poison helpline right away (ASPCA Animal Poison Control: 888-426-4435).
- Note how much was eaten and when.
- Do not induce vomiting unless a professional tells you to.
1. Chocolate Never feed
Chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine, which dogs break down very slowly, letting them build to toxic levels.
See the full guide on dogs & chocolate →
2. Grapes Never feed
Grapes can cause sudden kidney failure in dogs, even in small amounts. The exact toxin is still unknown.
See the full guide on dogs & grapes →
3. Raisins Never feed
Raisins are dried grapes and are even more concentrated — a very small number can trigger kidney failure.
See the full guide on dogs & raisins →
4. Onion Never feed
Onions damage red blood cells and can cause anemia. All forms — raw, cooked, powdered — are toxic.
See the full guide on dogs & onion →
5. Garlic Never feed
Garlic is part of the onion family and is several times more potent. It damages red blood cells.
See the full guide on dogs & garlic →
6. Xylitol Never feed
This sugar-free sweetener (in gum, candy, some peanut butters) causes a dangerous insulin spike and liver damage in dogs.
See the full guide on dogs & xylitol →
7. Coffee & caffeine Never feed
Caffeine is a stimulant dogs are very sensitive to. Coffee, tea, energy drinks and grounds are all risky.
See the full guide on dogs & coffee & caffeine →
8. Alcohol Never feed
Alcohol is far more toxic to dogs than people. Even small amounts affect the brain, liver and breathing.
See the full guide on dogs & alcohol →
9. Macadamia nuts Never feed
Macadamia nuts cause a specific toxic reaction in dogs affecting muscles and the nervous system.
See the full guide on dogs & macadamia nuts →
10. Star fruit Never feed
Star fruit is high in oxalic acid, which can damage the kidneys and disrupt calcium levels in dogs.
See the full guide on dogs & star fruit →
11. Nutmeg Never feed
Nutmeg contains myristicin, which is toxic to dogs and can affect the nervous system and heart.
See the full guide on dogs & nutmeg →
12. Salt Never feed
Too much salt causes sodium-ion poisoning, drawing water out of cells and affecting the brain and kidneys.
See the full guide on dogs & salt →
13. Cooked bones Never feed
Cooked bones become brittle and splinter, which can cause choking, mouth injuries or a punctured gut.
See the full guide on dogs & cooked bones →
14. Raw bread dough Never feed
Raw yeast dough expands in the warm stomach and ferments into alcohol, causing bloat and alcohol poisoning.
See the full guide on dogs & raw bread dough →
15. Leek Never feed
Leeks are part of the onion and garlic family and damage red blood cells, which can cause anemia.
See the full guide on dogs & leek →Other guides you'll like
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By the CanMyPet Editorial Team · Reviewed against ASPCA Animal Poison Control, the American Kennel Club (AKC) and Pet Poison Helpline · Last updated June 2026.