Last Updated: 11/11/2025
Toxic Foods for Dogs: A Vet's Guide
Wondering what human foods are dangerous for dogs? Our expert vet explains the most common toxic foods found in your kitchen, including chocolate, grapes, xylitol, and onions. Learn why they are harmful and find safe alternatives to treat your dog.
Author: Dr Teagan Lever BVSc (Hons)
Reading Time: 4 minutes - short read
Those big puppy-dog eyes staring up at the dinner table can be almost impossible to resist. While it’s tempting to share a bite of your meal as a sign of love, many common 'people foods' are surprisingly dangerous for our canine companions. Some ingredients can cause a mild tummy upset, while others can lead to serious illness. Before you offer a tidbit from your plate, it’s vital to know which foods are safe and which should be kept well out of paw's reach.
Chocolate
Cocoa in chocolate contains a compounds called methylxanthines, in small doses these may cause diarrhoea, vomiting and elevated heart rate. Larger doses can result in irregular heart rhythms, seizures and even death. Foods with higher cocoa content contain more methylxanthines, this means that the darker the chocolate, the more toxic it is to your pet. If your dog ingests chocolate or cocoa powder call your veterinarian immediately as they may require emergency treatment.
For more information, take a read through our guide on Chocolate toxicity in dogs.
Sultanas and grapes
Feeding any amount of sultanas or grapes to your dog could cause acute kidney failure. The exact mechanism of this is unknown so it is impossible to calculate a toxic dose. It is best to avoid feeding these all together.
Learn more in our article all about Grape, Sultana and Raisin Toxicity in Dogs.
Xylitol
Xylitol is an artificial sweetener found in some chewing gums and other sugar free foods. Although safe for humans, xylitol can cause problems for your dog's pancreas and liver. The pancreas is responsible for creating insulin, which triggers sugar from the blood to be stored in the body's cells. When your dog consumes xylitol, the artificial sweetener tricks the pancreas into releasing lots of insulin that is not actually needed, resulting in their blood sugar to drop to dangerously low levels. This can cause seizures, coma and even death. In addition to causing problems with the pancreas, xylitol also causes liver damage and potentially even liver failure. The toxic dose of xylitol is very small, even a stick of chewing gum can be enough to make your dog very unwell.
Macadamia nuts
Although they are delicious, macadamia nuts can cause weakness, collapse, tremors and vomiting in dogs. The exact cause of the toxicity is unknown, and the onset of symptoms may be delayed by up to twelve hours after they are eaten. Symptoms may last up to forty-eight hours after ingestion.
Separate from the toxic effect, macadamia nuts have a very high fat content. A large dose of high-fat food can trigger pancreatitis, which is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition in itself.
Learn more about Pancreatitis in Dogs.
Coconut oil
Many people swear by coconut oil as both a delicious ingredient in their favourite recipes as well as for its medicinal properties. Coconut oil can cause tummy upsets, vomiting, diarrhoea and even pancreatitis in dogs so it is best to avoid feeding it to your fur-kids.
Onions and Garlic
Fed in a large enough quantities, onions and garlic can cause damage to your dog's red blood cells. If enough red blood cells are destroyed your dog could become anaemic and show signs of lethargy and weakness.
Salt
Salt is a normal and important component of your dog's diet. Fed in excessive amounts however, salt can result in sodium poisoning which may be fatal.
Symptoms of sodium poisoning range from diarrhoea and vomiting through to tremors, seizures and death. An often overlooked source of sodium poisoning in dogs is homemade 'play dough.'
What to do if your dog eats something toxic
If you suspect your dog has eaten something toxic, act immediately.
Call your vet straight away: This is the most important step. Contact your local clinic or an after-hours emergency hospital. Do not wait for symptoms to appear.
Be ready to tell the vet:
- What your dog ate (have the packaging ready if relevant).
- How much they ingested.
- When it happened.
Your vet will give you the exact next steps, which may include bringing your dog in for immediate treatment.
Do NOT induce vomiting: Never try to make your dog sick unless a veterinarian has explicitly instructed you to do so. It can cause more harm.
Poisons Support: In Australia, you can also contact the Animal Poisons Helpline at 1300 869 738 (a 24/7 service, a consultation fee may apply).
Safe human foods and treats for dogs
We all want to show our dogs that they're loved, and a very common way to do this is through food. A safe alternative to treating with human foods is feeding treats that are specifically formulated with your pet in mind. For dogs with a sweet tooth, take a look at our carob or yoghurt based dog treats.
For something a little more special, have a look at our home-made Summer and Winter recipes, and check out Which Human Foods are Safe for Pets?
FAQs
Keeping your dog safe means being aware of common household dangers. Many human foods can be surprisingly toxic, so it's always best to stick to treats formulated specifically for dogs. If you suspect your pet has eaten something harmful, contact your local veterinarian immediately for advice.
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History
Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space and we update our articles when new information becomes available.
Tue 11 Nov 2025
Edited by Dr Gillian Hill BVSc (Hons)Dr Teagan Lever BVSc (Hons)
Head Veterinarian, BVSc (Hons)
Pet Circle's Head Veterinarian, Dr Teagan graduated from the University of Queensland in 2010 and went on to work in small animal and mixed practice in various locations around QLD & ACT before joining Pet Circle in early 2016. Dr Teagan has special interests in dermatology, nutrition and preventative health care. She feels privileged to witness the special bond people share with their pets on a daily basis and enjoys forming lasting relationships with pet parents and their fur children.
