The Ultimate List of Dangerous Food for Dogs RSPCA to Avoid

Here's the ultimate list of foods to avoid giving your furry friend. Chocolate, for one, is a no-go.

The toxic compound theobromine in chocolate can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and even heart problems in dogs.

Grapes and raisins are another no-no, as they can cause kidney failure in dogs.

Onions and garlic belong on this list too, as they contain a compound that can damage a dog's red blood cells.

Chocolate is a big no-no for dogs, as it contains theobromine, which their bodies can't process. This can cause intoxication, leading to coordination problems, vomiting, and worse.

Onions and garlic are also off-limits, as they contain compounds that can damage a dog's red blood cells. Even small amounts can cause gastrointestinal irritation and red blood cell damage.

Mouldy foods are a serious threat to dogs, producing toxins that can cause convulsions, muscle tremors, and weakness. If you wouldn't eat it, don't let your pet eat it either!

Processed human foods, like biscuits and canned soups, are high in salt, sugar, and additives that can cause severe problems for dogs, including vomiting, diarrhoea, depression, and even death.

Coconut and coconut oil can cause diarrhoea, loose stools, and stomach upsets in dogs, especially if consumed in large amounts. The high level of potassium in coconut water is particularly problematic.

Raw dough can be painful for dogs, causing gas in their digestive system, and can even rupture their intestines or stomach. Cooked dough is safer, but only in small amounts.

Cow's milk is a definite no-go for dogs, as they're lactose intolerant and can experience cramps, diarrhoea, and digestive upset.

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Chocolate is a big no-no for dogs, as it contains theobromine, which can cause intoxication, coordination problems, vomiting, and worse. Even small amounts can be toxic.

Grapes and raisins are also off-limits, as they can cause kidney failure in dogs. The exact cause is unknown, but it's best to avoid them altogether.

Avocados contain persin, a substance that can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and fluid accumulation in the lungs and chest, leading to difficulty breathing and death.

Xylitol, a sugar substitute found in sugar-free gum and candy, can cause a rapid drop in blood sugar, leading to weakness, seizures, and even liver failure.

Macadamia nuts are toxic to dogs and can cause weakness in the rear legs, pain, tremors, and a low-grade fever.

Onions and garlic are also bad news, as they can cause health problems, including gastrointestinal irritation and red blood cell damage.

Mouldy foods are a no-go, as they contain mycotoxins that can cause convulsions, muscle tremors, and weakness, potentially leading to death.

Fatty cuts of meat, such as chicken and turkey skin, ham, and other fatty items, can cause acute pancreatitis, a life-threatening illness.

Here's a list of foods to avoid:

Stone fruits like apples, apricots, cherries, and plums are safe for dogs to eat, but only the fleshy parts are okay. The seeds and pits, however, contain cyanide, which can cause vomiting, irregular heartbeat, seizures, coma, and even death.

Apple seeds, for instance, contain a toxic compound that's also found in apricot, cherry, and plum seeds. These seeds should be avoided altogether to keep your dog safe.

The pits of stone fruits can also cause intestinal obstructions in dogs, which can be fatal if not treated promptly. So, it's essential to remove any seeds, pits, or stones from these fruits before giving them to your dog.

The seeds of persimmons can cause inflammation of the small intestine in dogs, making it crucial to keep an eye on your furry friend after they've eaten a persimmon.

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Broccoli can be a choking hazard for dogs due to its stalks sometimes getting caught in their throat, causing an obstruction.

It's also worth noting that while small amounts of broccoli might be okay for pets on occasion, it's generally best to avoid it altogether since there are so many other healthy options available.

Consuming large doses of broccoli can be particularly problematic for pets due to its isothiocyanates, which can be toxic.

Caffeine is highly toxic to dogs and can cause their heart to race, leading to seizures, tremors, arrhythmias, difficulty breathing, and other symptoms.

Accidental ingestion of coffee grounds or caffeinated drinks can have serious consequences, so make sure to keep them out of your pet's reach.

Dogs can't metabolize caffeine as well as humans, and even small amounts can be problematic.

If you suspect your dog has ingested caffeine, call your vet immediately.

Chicken and turkey skin, ham, and other fatty cuts of meat are best avoided as treats for pets. These food items contain a high-fat content that can cause acute pancreatitis, a life-threatening illness.

Dogs can develop severe indigestion or vomiting after eating turkey bones. If the bones splinter, they can obstruct the bowels or damage the stomach or intestines.

Throwing out fatty cuts of meat is a safer option than feeding them to pets as a treat.

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Chocolate is a definite no-go for your furry friends. Dark chocolate and baker's chocolate are the worst offenders, but any type of chocolate can be problematic.

Chocolate contains a lethal component called theobromine, which dogs and cats can't metabolize as well as humans. The darker the chocolate, the more theobromine it contains.

If your dog ingests any amount of chocolate, no matter how small, you should call your vet immediately. Symptoms associated with chocolate ingestion can include hyperactivity, vomiting, diarrhea, pancreatitis, abnormal heart rhythm, and seizures.

Chocolate also contains caffeine, and some sugar-free chocolate might have xylitol, which is toxic to dogs. Many dogs and puppies suffer each year from chocolate poisoning.

Chocolate toxicity is one of the most common causes of pet poisoning during the holidays. If you're hosting a holiday party, make sure to stash those chocolatey goodies somewhere safe.

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Grapes & Raisins are a big no for our furry friends. Both grapes and raisins can cause kidney failure in dogs, and it's not just a matter of eating a lot of them - even tiny amounts can be enough to cause a problem.

Experts aren't sure exactly why grapes and raisins are so toxic, but it's clear that they can cause a range of symptoms, including vomiting and diarrhea, loss of appetite, changes in the amount of urine passed, or not passing any urine.

If your dog or cat eats grapes or raisins, they might start showing symptoms like decreased appetite, lethargy, vomiting and diarrhea, tenderness in their abdomen, dehydration, and increased thirst. These symptoms can all lead to kidney failure, so it's essential to call the vet straight away if you suspect your pet has eaten grapes or raisins.

Grapes, sultanas, and raisins are all off-limits for dogs, and even removing the seeds and pips won't make them safe. Kidney damage can lead to kidney failure, and in the worst-case scenario, it can result in death or long-term kidney disease.

Here's a quick rundown of the symptoms to watch out for:

Raw dough can be a recipe for disaster for your furry friends. It can expand in their stomach, causing severe pain and potentially life-threatening torsion or rupture of the stomach.

The yeast and sugar in raw dough can ferment, leading to alcohol toxicity. This can quickly become fatal and requires immediate medical intervention.

Cooked dough is a safer option, but it's still a treat that should be given in moderation. Your pet should only have small bits of bread as a treat.

If your pet ingests raw dough, monitor them closely for signs of distress, such as vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy. If you suspect they've eaten something they shouldn't have, take them to the vet as quickly as possible.

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Spicy food can be a real problem for your pup. Hot, spicy food can cause vomiting, stomach ulcers, or diarrhea, which can be painful for both your dog and your wallet.

Chocolate can be a tempting treat, but it's toxic to dogs. Ingesting even a small amount of chocolate can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, and an increased heart rate.

Grapes and raisins are another food to avoid. Eating just a few can cause kidney failure in dogs, and the symptoms can be severe and irreversible.

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Onions and garlic belong to the Allium family and contain a compound that can damage a dog's red blood cells. Even small amounts can cause anemia and other health problems.

Macadamia nuts are a popular snack, but they're not safe for dogs. Ingesting just a few can cause weakness, depression, and tremors in your furry friend.

A ripened red tomato is generally okay. However, the green parts of the tomato plant have solanine, which is toxic to dogs. Green, unripe tomatoes also have solanine.

Raw potatoes contain solanine, which is toxic to dogs. But if baked or boiled with no additives, potatoes are generally safe in small amounts.

Shrimp and fish can be great options for your dog, but only if they're plain and fully cooked. Remove the shell, head, tail, and legs from shrimp before serving.

Plain, fully cooked fish like salmon and sardines are permissible, but make sure it's boneless. A good rule of thumb is to give your dog fish no more than twice a week.

Plain, canned tuna is safe in moderation, but look for the kind packed in water, not oil, to avoid excess mercury and salt.

Corn on the cob is a no-go for pets. It doesn't digest in their stomachs, which can lead to a blockage.

If your pet gets a hold of corn on the cob, it could end in disaster. The risk of a blockage is just too great.

Keep corn on the cob away from your pets' hungry tummies at all costs.

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Nuts can be toxic to dogs, especially macadamia nuts, which can cause weakness in their rear legs and tremors. Macadamia nuts should be kept out of reach of pets.

Some nuts, like walnuts, almonds, and pecans, contain oils and fats that can cause vomiting and diarrhea in dogs. This can potentially lead to pancreatitis.

Macadamia nut poisoning can also cause dogs to develop a low-grade fever.

Can Onions and Garlic be Shared with Pets?

Onions and garlic are a big no-no for pets. They contain compounds that can damage your furry friend's red blood cells.

These compounds can cause severe anaemia, which can be life-threatening. It's essential to keep them out of reach.

Some people think that small amounts won't hurt, but the truth is, even a little can cause problems. Onions and garlic can cause gastrointestinal irritation and red blood cell damage.

You'll want to avoid giving your pet onions, garlic, leek, and chives. These ingredients are commonly found in human food, but they're not safe for pets.

Here are some specific things to watch out for:

Remember, it's always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to your pet's diet. Keep these ingredients out of reach, and stick to pet-safe foods.

Mushrooms can be poisonous and even fatal if consumed by dogs, causing breathing difficulty, vomiting, diarrhoea, changes in heartbeat, seizures, coma, and death.

Some mushrooms can be mistaken for edible ones, making them a hidden danger for dogs.

If your dog ingests a poisonous mushroom, it's essential to seek veterinary attention immediately to prevent further complications.

The symptoms of mushroom poisoning in dogs can be severe and may include difficulty breathing, vomiting, and changes in heartbeat.

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