Many dog owners often share leftovers or scraps with their pets, either to treat them or to reduce food waste. While some human foods are harmless in moderation, others can be dangerous and, in some cases, even life-threatening to dogs. Although well-known dangers such as chocolate and grapes are commonly avoided, many pet owners may not know that other common food items are toxic for their pets.
Experts at Battersea Dogs & Cats Home, one of the UK’s oldest and most respected animal rescue centres established in London in 1860, have identified nine foods that should never be given to dogs. From macadamia nuts to seemingly harmless corn on the cob, this list includes some surprising items that could result in serious illness, emergency vet visits, or costly medical treatment if ingested. The experts warned that even small amounts of these substances can be fatal if ingested, so it’s crucial to act quickly and take your dog to a vet immediately.
1. Onions, garlic and chives
Members of the onion family whether dry, raw, or cooked are highly toxic to dogs. They can cause gastrointestinal irritation and damage to red blood cells. Symptoms may be delayed, sometimes appearing several days after consumption.
2. Chocolate
Chocolate contains theobromine, a stimulant that is toxic to dogs. Dark chocolate has the highest concentration. Even small amounts can lead to vomiting, rapid breathing, kidney failure, or death.
3. Macadamia nuts
Macadamia nuts contain a toxin that affects a dog’s nervous and muscular systems. Ingesting them can cause weakness, tremors, swollen limbs, and panting.
4. Corn on the cob
While corn itself is digestible, the cob can cause dangerous intestinal blockages. If swallowed, it may require emergency surgery and can be fatal if left untreated.
5. Avocado
Avocados contain a substance called persin, found in the fruit, seed, and leaves. In dogs, persin can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, and stomach upset.
6. Artificial sweetener (xylitol)
Xylitol is found in many sugar-free products like gum, mints, sweets, baked foods, diet foods, and even some peanut butters which may be suprising to many dog owners. It causes a rapid insulin release in dogs, which can result in hypoglycemia, liver failure, seizures, or blood clotting disorders. Always check labels before giving any human food to your dog.
7. Alcohol
Even small amounts of alcohol can seriously harm dogs. It can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, breathing difficulties, coordination problems, and in severe cases, central nervous system damage or death.
8. Cooked bones
While it may be tempting to give your dog a chicken bone once you’re done with it, especially if they’re eagerly watching, cooked bones should never be given to your dog. Unlike raw bones, cooked bones are brittle and prone to splintering. This can lead to choking, internal injuries, constipation, or potentially fatal gut perforations.
9. Grapes and raisins
Found in many baked goods and cereals, grapes and raisins are extremely toxic to dogs. Both the skin and flesh of grapes carry this toxicity, so even peeled grapes pose a risk. Even small amounts can lead to severe kidney failure and liver damage.
Raisins are considered even more hazardous because the drying process concentrates the toxic substance. Although the exact cause of grape toxicity wasn’t fully understood until recently, current research points to tartaric acid, an organic acid, as the main factor responsible for the harmful effects in dogs, according to PetMD.
