NATURE FIRST · SAFETY
Toxic foods for dogs
What looks harmless in the kitchen can become dangerous for a dog. Here you will find the most important off limits foods at a glance, plus what to do if you suspect a problem.
Dogs beg, swipe food from the table or grab something that has fallen on the floor. Most foods are harmless, but a few are genuinely risky, some even in small amounts. How strongly a food acts depends on the amount, body weight and the individual dog. When in doubt the rule always applies: better to call the vet once too often than once too rarely.
At a glance
- Some foods are dangerous even in small amounts
- The effect depends on amount and body weight
- Symptoms sometimes only appear hours later
- If you suspect poisoning, call the vet or emergency service immediately
These foods do not belong in a dog
| Food | Why it is risky | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Chocolate & cocoa | Contains theobromine, which strains the heart and nervous system. | The darker it is, the more dangerous. Dark chocolate and baking cocoa are the most critical. |
| Grapes & raisins | Can trigger acute kidney failure. | Even small amounts can be enough, and sensitivity varies greatly between individuals. |
| Onions, garlic, leeks | Damage the red blood cells (the allium group). | Dangerous raw, cooked and dried, and also hidden in sauces or leftovers. |
| Xylitol (birch sugar) | Triggers a strong insulin release, with possible low blood sugar and liver damage. | Found in sugar free chewing gum, sweets and some baked goods. Acts very quickly. |
| Macadamia nuts | Can cause weakness, trembling and vomiting. | Other nuts are less toxic, but they are fatty and hard to digest. |
| Alcohol | Even small amounts are toxic. | Alcohol can also form in foods such as raw yeast dough. |
| Caffeine | Strains the heart and nervous system. | Avoid coffee, black tea, cola and energy drinks, and coffee grounds too. |
| Raw yeast dough | Keeps fermenting in the stomach, producing gas and alcohol. | Can lead to painful bloating, take care when baking. |
| Avocado | Contains persin, which can irritate the gastrointestinal tract. | The large stone is also a choking and obstruction hazard. |
| Heavily salted food | Too much salt can lead to salt poisoning. | Crisps, sausage and seasoned leftovers are unsuitable. |
| Cooked bones | Splinter easily and can cause internal injuries. | Raw bones belong in knowledgeable hands, cooked ones should never go in the bowl. |
Emergency: has your dog eaten something toxic?
Call your veterinary practice or the emergency veterinary service immediately and describe what, how much and when. Do not make your dog vomit without veterinary instruction, and do not wait for symptoms first, as some only appear after hours. Keep the packaging or leftovers ready, this helps with the assessment.
Immediate checklist if you suspect poisoning
Step by step
- Stay calm and move the dog away from the source
- Note down: what, the estimated amount, the time and the dog’s weight
- Call the vet or emergency service and describe the situation
- Keep the packaging or leftovers
- Do not give anything on your own, no home remedies
Frequently asked questions
How much chocolate is dangerous for a dog?
It depends on the cocoa content and body weight. Dark chocolate and baking cocoa are considerably riskier than milk chocolate. Since the threshold is individual, every suspicion is a case for the vet.
Are small amounts of onion or garlic a problem?
Even small, regular amounts can add up and damage the red blood cells. Leftovers with hidden onion or garlic therefore do not belong in the bowl.
My dog has eaten something but shows no symptoms. Do I still need to act?
Yes. Many poisonings only show after hours. When in doubt, call immediately rather than waiting.
Which foods are okay in moderation?
Many uncritical foods such as certain vegetables or fruits are possible in a suitable form. What and how much makes sense is best worked out as part of a balanced diet, more on that in our knowledge section.
Safe feeding starts with good nutrition
What a balanced, fresh diet looks like and which equipment really helps.