Food poisoning is quite common in dogs, especially those with sensitive digestive systems. While it’s very tempting to give your dogs a treat or two, some foods can be very dangerous for them. These foods can lead to some serious health conditions and issues. 

As pet owners, it's important to know what foods our dogs can and can't eat. By knowing which foods to avoid, you can prevent any digestive emergencies and tummy troubles. Let's take a look at some of the most common foods that make dogs sick, their symptoms, and why they should be avoided.

What Foods Make Dogs Sick?

These are foods your dog can't and shouldn't eat, as they can cause a lot of digestive and health problems. Make sure to avoid giving these and place them away from your dog's reach.

Chocolate

Chocolate is one of the most famous sweets. It looks like a good, sweet treat, but it is actually very toxic for dogs. It contains theobromine, a compound that dogs cannot metabolize effectively, leading to toxic buildup. Chocolate also has caffeine, another compound that is very toxic for dogs. 

The darker the chocolate, the higher the amount of these compounds, making it more dangerous. But to be safe, never give your dog any chocolate. Even if it's a tiny amount, dogs can't eat chocolate.

When dogs eat chocolate, they can experience a couple of severe symptoms. This food not only makes dogs sick but can also lead to very dangerous health problems. 

Dogs who eat chocolate will have a series of symptoms such as:

• High blood pressure

• Acute vomiting

• Excessive urination

• Diarrhea

• Rapid breathing and anxiety

• Lethargy

• Seizures

• Panting

If your dog has eaten chocolate even in small amounts, bring it to the vet immediately. Urgent care is needed to help your dog recover before the compounds in the chocolate develop much worse symptoms. 

When your dog reaches the hospital, we’ll immediately proceed with decontamination. We’ll use noninvasive treatment options and keep monitoring your dog during the process. Induced vomiting, activated charcoal, and further hospitalization if things get worse. 

Grapes and Raisins

Grapes and raisins are also among the most dangerous fruits to give to your dogs. Not only are they full of sugar, but they can also cause serious damage to your dog’s kidneys. While the main cause of the danger is still unknown, it's still better to avoid giving these fruits to your dog. These foods can make your dog sick.

Some of the signs of grape and raisin poisoning can start in a few hours. More severe symptoms can appear after 24 hours. Here are the common symptoms:

• Vomiting

• Diarrhea

• Lethargy

• Stomach upset

• Dehydration

• Acute kidney failure

• Increased thirst

• Loss of appetite

When treating grape-related food poisoning, our vets start by blocking the toxins from entering and causing more damage. Through immediate decontamination, we’ll empty your dog’s stomach and ensure that nothing worse happens to it. 

Onions and Garlic

Onions and garlic are among the deadliest foods for dogs. They contain dangerous chemicals such as N-propyl disulfides and thiosulfates, which can lead to some severe symptoms. Even foods with garlic, such as garlic bread, can make dogs sick.

Even in small quantities, dogs can't eat onions and garlic as they pose some deadly health risks. Here are some of the signs of onion and garlic poisoning in dogs: 

• Vomiting

• Diarrhea

• Lethargy

• Abdominal pain

• Pale gums

• Increased heart rate

• Red or brown urine

• Loss of appetite

If your dog has consumed even a small part of onion or garlic, bring your dog to the clinic immediately. When your dog arrives, we’ll start with some urine and blood tests in the pet laboratory. In some severe cases, decontamination, oxygen therapy, and blood transfusions can be valid options.

Xylitol

Xylitol is a sugar substitute commonly found in many human foods. These include sugar-free gum, candy, toothpaste, ice cream, cookies, and even peanut butter brands. In dogs, xylitol triggers a rapid release of insulin. This leads to a dangerous drop in blood sugar and, in some cases, liver failure.

When dogs eat foods with xylitol, they can get into some deadly health issues. Xylitol makes dogs sick, with some symptoms ranging from mild to severe. So to answer, dogs should not eat sugar. It provides no benefits whatsoever.

Here are some of the signs of xylitol poisoning in dogs:

• Vomiting

• Weakness

• Lack of coordination

• Tremors and seizures

• Collapse

• Difficulty standing

If your dog eats foods with xylitol, the most important step is to contact the vet. Xylitol poisoning should be treated immediately. We’ll provide fast treatments to catch up with the toxins of xylitol. 

Inducing vomiting is one of the steps we’ll initially do. If this proves to be ineffective, blood work and other tests will be used to further monitor your dog’s condition. Additional steps will need to take time. In the meantime, your dog will be given IV fluids and liver protection medications.

Avocado

While avocado is not a super deadly fruit, it is still a food that can make dogs sick. Avocados contain persin, a fungicidal toxin found in the leaves, skin, and pit of the avocado. While the flesh of the avocado is less toxic, it can still cause digestive upset in dogs, and the pit presents a choking hazard.

While the flesh of avocado is good in small amounts, dogs should not eat avocados to be sure. When your dog eats a lot, including the pit, it could lead to some health issues. Here are the common symptoms your dog will have:

• Vomiting

• Diarrhea

• Stomach pain

• Choking

If your dog has ingested the pit, an endoscopy might be needed to find and remove the pit. When dealing with persin, IV fluids, and medications will be administered accordingly based on your dog’s condition.

Alcohol

Alcohol has the same effect on a dog’s liver and brain as it does on humans. Consequently, it only takes a small amount to cause some serious harm to dogs. Even small amounts of alcohol can lead to ethanol poisoning, which affects the central nervous system.

Alcohol, whether it’s ethanol, methanol, or isopropanol, can make dogs sick. While the effects may depend on your dog’s weight, fullness, or organ structure, alcohol still proves to be dangerous. Here are some of the symptoms of alcohol poisoning in dogs:

• Vomiting

• Frequent urination

• Diarrhea

• Weakness

• Loss of balance

• Tremors and seizures

• Slow heart rate

If your dog has ingested alcohol, our vets recommend bringing it in for immediate treatment. This can include inducing vomiting, administering activated charcoal, and providing IV fluids. These steps prevent further absorption of alcohol, help maintain hydration, and support liver function. 

In some cases, we might require hospitalization to help us monitor your dog. Throughout the process, supportive treatments will be used to help relieve the pain and control the symptoms.

Raw Meat

While a raw diet can be beneficial, the risks of improper preparation can put your dog's health on the line. Raw meat and fish can pose significant health risks to dogs. This is due to the potential presence of harmful bacteria and parasites. Even if a raw diet for dogs is beneficial, it's important to check if you have the time and resources for it.

If your dog consumes raw meat, sickness is to be expected. Bacterial and parasitic infections can cause severe health symptoms that require veterinary care. Here is what happens when dogs eat raw meat:

• Vomiting

• Diarrhea

• Lethargy

• Dehydration

• Reduced appetite

• Infections

In this case, vet action is required so we can diagnose your dog’s condition. After a few diagnostic lab tests, antibiotics and antiparasitic medications will be used to help treat your dog’s condition. 

Macadamia Nuts

Macadamia nuts are a popular snack for humans but a deadly treat for dogs. While the exact reasoning behind why dogs can't eat macadamia nuts, it's better to avoid it entirely. The signs of macadamia nut toxicity can start from a few hours to 3 hours and can last up to 48 hours. This depends on the amount consumed and your dog’s sensitivity to the food.

Here are the symptoms of macadamia nut poisoning in dogs:

• Weakness

• Vomiting

• Fever

• Difficulty standing

• Muscle tremors

• Lethargy

Our vets will use IV fluids, activated charcoal, and induced vomiting in order to help your dog recover. We do this to help contain the effects of the macadamia nut poisoning in your dog.

Milk and Dairy Products

While milk and dairy products are often considered harmless, most dogs are lactose intolerant to some degree. This means their bodies lack enough lactase, the enzyme needed to break down lactose. As a result, consuming milk can cause digestive upset and discomfort. To be safe, dogs should not consume milk.

Here are the effects of milk on dogs: 

• Diarrhea

• Gas and bloating

• Vomiting

• Stomach pain

• Pancreatic inflammation

If symptoms are mild, we may recommend hydration and rest. This allows the digestive system to recover on its own. However, if a dog experiences severe diarrhea or vomiting, we may administer IV fluids to prevent dehydration. In some cases, probiotics for dogs are prescribed to help restore gut health.

Salty Foods

Dogs require some sodium in their diet, but too much salt can lead to sodium ion poisoning. Salty foods like chips, pretzels, processed meats, and fast food often contain dangerously high sodium levels. This means that you shouldn't give your dog a piece of your usual snacks.

• Excessive thirst and urination

• Vomiting and diarrhea

• Tremors or muscle twitching

• Weakness and lethargy

• Severe dehydration

Our vets typically begin treatment by administering IV fluids gradually, as correcting sodium levels too quickly can lead to dangerous neurological complications. Electrolyte monitoring is also essential. In severe cases, diuretics may be used to help flush excess sodium from the system. If your dog is experiencing seizures, anti-seizure medications may be necessary. 

FAQs About What Dogs Can’t Eat

1. What are the symptoms of food poisoning in dogs?

   
   Common symptoms of food poisoning in dogs include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, tremors, and seizures. 
   
   

2. Why is chocolate dangerous for dogs?

   
   Chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine, which dogs cannot process. This can lead to vomiting, high blood pressure, seizures, and even death in severe cases.
   
   

3. Can dogs eat table food?

   
   It depends. Dogs can eat carrots, apples, and bananas. However, they can’t eat human foods such as chocolate, onions, garlic, and xylitol. 

   
   

4. Can dogs eat rice? 

   
   Yes. Plain, cooked white or brown rice is safe for dogs and can be helpful for digestive issues like diarrhea. Just avoid adding salt, butter, or seasonings.
   
   

5. Can dogs eat bread?

   
   

   Yes, in moderation. Plain, unsalted bread is not toxic to dogs but offers little nutritional value. Avoid garlic bread, raisin bread, or bread with artificial sweeteners like xylitol, as these can be harmful. Additionally, don’t give bread dough your dog.

Proper nutrition is the foundation of a dog's health. What you feed them today shapes their happiness and well-being tomorrow.

- Dr. Soheyl Simaei

Conclusion

While it can be tempting to give your dog a treat, there are some foods dogs can’t eat. While some human foods may seem harmless, many can cause serious health issues, from digestive problems to organ failure.

By knowing the foods that make your dog sick, you’ll know which to avoid. Doing so will help your dog lead a happier and healthier life.