Last Updated: 24/09/2026
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
Every week, Pet Circle's vets field 'can dogs eat...' questions. 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 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.
In short: chocolate, grapes and sultanas, xylitol, onion and garlic, macadamia nuts, alcohol and cooked bones are among the most common foods that poison dogs in Australian homes, and even small amounts can cause serious illness. If your dog has eaten any of these, call your vet or the Animal Poisons Helpline on 1300 869 738 immediately - don't wait for symptoms to appear before acting.
In this article
- Is chocolate toxic to dogs?
- Are grapes and sultanas dangerous for dogs?
- Is xylitol poisonous to dogs?
- Is avocado toxic to dogs?
- Are macadamia nuts toxic to dogs?
- Can dogs eat nuts?
- Is coconut oil bad for dogs?
- Are onions and garlic toxic to dogs?
- Is too much salt dangerous for dogs?
- Can dogs drink alcohol?
- Are cooked bones dangerous for dogs?
- Can dogs eat Aussie lollies like Zooper Doopers and musk sticks?
- What should I do if my dog eats something toxic?
- What human foods and treats are safe for dogs?
- FAQs
Is chocolate toxic to dogs?
Yes. Cocoa contains compounds called methylxanthines, which in small doses may cause diarrhoea, vomiting and a fast heart rate. Larger doses can cause irregular heart rhythms, seizures and even death. The darker the chocolate, the more toxic it is. If your dog eats chocolate or cocoa powder, call your vet immediately, as emergency treatment may be needed.
For more information, take a read through our guide on Chocolate toxicity in dogs.
Are grapes and sultanas dangerous for dogs?
Yes, feeding any amount of grapes or sultanas could cause acute kidney failure. The exact mechanism is unknown, so it's impossible to calculate a safe dose. Best to avoid feeding these altogether.
Learn more in our article all about Grape, Sultana and Raisin Toxicity in Dogs.
Is xylitol poisonous to dogs?
Yes. Xylitol is an artificial sweetener in some chewing gums and sugar-free foods, and it's highly toxic to dogs even in tiny amounts. It tricks your dog's pancreas into releasing a flood of insulin, causing blood sugar to crash to dangerously low levels, which can lead to seizures, coma and death. It also damages the liver. The toxic dose is very small, even one stick of gum can make your dog seriously unwell, and symptoms can appear within 30 to 60 minutes.
One of the sneakier sources is peanut butter, some "natural", high-protein or diet varieties now use xylitol as a sugar substitute, so it pays to check the label for xylitol, birch sugar, birch bark extract or sugar alcohol before sharing a spoonful with your dog.
Read more in our guide to peanut butter and xylitol.
Is avocado toxic to dogs?
Avocado flesh contains a toxin called persin, which can cause mild vomiting and diarrhoea (dogs are far less sensitive to it than birds or horses). But the bigger danger is the pit - if ingested whole, a large, smooth stone rarely passes on its own and often needs to be surgically or endoscopically removed. Contact your vet even if your dog seems fine after swallowing a pit, as blockages can take days to cause symptoms.
Learn more in our dedicated avocado and dogs guide.
Are macadamia nuts toxic to dogs?
Macadamia nuts can cause weakness, collapse, tremors and vomiting in dogs. The cause is unknown, and symptoms may not appear for up to twelve hours, lasting as long as forty-eight.
Macadamias are also very high in fat, and a large dose can trigger pancreatitis, a serious condition in its own right.
Learn more about Macadamia Nuts and Dogs, and Pancreatitis in Dogs.
Can dogs eat nuts?
Most common nuts, like cashews, almonds and peanuts, aren't toxic to dogs the way macadamias are, but they're still not a great treat choice. Their size and shape make them a choking and blockage risk, especially for small dogs, and their high fat content can trigger pancreatitis if fed regularly. Plain and unsalted is safest if you do share any, since salted or flavoured varieties add extra sodium and sugar on top.
Is coconut oil bad for dogs?
Coconut oil can cause tummy upsets, vomiting, diarrhoea and even pancreatitis in dogs, so it's best avoided despite its popularity as a "natural" remedy.
Are onions and garlic toxic to dogs?
Yes, onions and garlic damage your dog's red blood cells, which can cause anaemia, lethargy and weakness. This effect is cumulative, so repeated small amounts - like leftover takeaway containing onion or garlic powder - can be just as risky as one large dose.
Learn more in our dedicated onions and garlic guide.
Is too much salt dangerous for dogs?
Salt is a normal part of your dog's diet, but excessive amounts can cause sodium poisoning, which may be fatal. Symptoms range from vomiting through to tremors, seizures and death. An often-overlooked source is homemade "play dough."
Can dogs drink alcohol?
No. Alcohol is toxic to dogs at doses far smaller than what would affect a person, and there's no safe amount. It can cause vomiting, disorientation, wobbliness, a dangerous drop in body temperature and blood sugar, tremors, seizures and, in severe cases, coma or death. A commonly missed source is unbaked bread or pizza dough, which keeps fermenting into ethanol once it's in your dog's warm stomach.
We see alcohol exposure spike over the festive season, from rum balls to unattended drinks at a barbecue. See our Christmas food safety guide for the full seasonal list. Contact your vet immediately if your dog has swallowed alcohol in any form.
Are cooked bones dangerous for dogs?
Yes. Cooking dries bones out and makes them brittle, so they splinter far more easily than raw bones. Sharp fragments can lacerate the mouth, throat or gut, or cause a blockage needing emergency treatment. In my experience, small, cooked bones can lodge immediately in the back of the throat and upper oesophagus, preventing dogs from swallowing and eating. Never feed cooked bones, and always supervise dogs with raw bones too.
Learn more about whether raw bones are safe for dogs.
Can dogs eat Aussie lollies like Zooper Doopers and musk sticks?
Not really. Most Aussie lolly-shop favourites aren't on standard "toxic foods" lists, but that doesn't make them safe. Snake lollies and musk sticks are packed with sugar and artificial colours, which can upset your dog's stomach, and their size and chew make them a choking risk, especially for small dogs. Zooper Doopers and icy poles are mostly sugar water and dye, so a small lick isn't an emergency, but the wrapper or stick can cause choking or obstruction if chewed and swallowed. Some "no added sugar" iceblocks are sweetened with xylitol instead, which is highly toxic to dogs even in tiny amounts.
This distinctly Australian question is common in Summer and around Australia Day and school fete season - keep some dog safe treats on hand for use during these times especially.
What should I do if my dog eats 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).
What human foods and treats are safe for dogs?
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? for a full breakdown of what's okay to share.
Title
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.
Thu 24 Sep 2026
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.
