Foods that are toxic to dogs
The complete list of human foods that can seriously harm your dog — with what each one does, how much is dangerous, and what to do if your dog has already eaten some.
Your dog just ate something?
Call your vet immediately — or the Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509000 (24/7, fees apply). Don't wait for symptoms. Treatment is most effective in the first 1–2 hours.
The big six
These six foods account for the vast majority of food-related emergency vet visits in the UK. If a dog owner learns nothing else, they should learn these:
No. Chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine — both poisonous to dogs. The darker the chocolate, the more dangerous. Dog size, amount eaten, and chocolate type all matter.
Full details →No. Grapes and raisins can cause sudden kidney failure in dogs. Tartaric acid is now identified as the likely culprit, and there is no safe amount.
Full details →No. Xylitol causes a rapid, life-threatening drop in blood sugar in dogs and, in higher doses, liver failure. Even a few pieces of sugar-free gum can be fatal to a small dog.
Full details →No. Onions damage dogs' red blood cells and cause anaemia. Raw, cooked, dried, powdered — all forms are toxic, and cooking doesn't destroy the compounds.
Full details →No. Raisins carry the same tartaric acid toxicity as grapes but in more concentrated form. A single raisin has caused kidney failure in small dogs.
Full details →No. Macadamia nuts cause a distinctive toxic reaction in dogs — weakness (especially in the hind legs), vomiting, tremors, and fever — at doses as low as 2.4 g per kg of body weigh…
Full details →The complete toxic foods list
Every food on this list can cause real harm to dogs. Click any item for the full guide including symptoms, timeline, and what to do if your dog has already eaten some.
Fruit
Vegetables
Snacks
Sweets
Spreads
Nuts
Drinks
Spices
Dairy
Grains
Caution foods — safe in small amounts, risky in more
These foods aren't outright toxic but carry real risks. Some are problematic for specific breeds or health conditions; others are fine as a rare treat but dangerous as a regular food.
Hidden sources to watch for
Many toxic foods sneak into dishes you might not expect. If you're ever sharing human food with your dog, watch out for:
- Gravy and stock — almost all contain onion, and often garlic
- Mince pies, Christmas pudding, hot cross buns, fruit cake — loaded with raisins and sultanas
- Sugar-free chewing gum and low-sugar peanut butter — often contain xylitol
- Chocolate biscuits, chocolate cereals, Easter eggs — theobromine everywhere
- Coffee grounds and used pods — dogs find these in bins; highly concentrated caffeine
- Takeaway food — Chinese, Indian, Thai all typically contain onion and/or garlic
- Playdough — homemade playdough is full of salt; shop-bought can contain cream of tartar (a grape-family compound)
- Baby food — many contain onion in the ingredients; always check
Unexpected vet bills can run into thousands
One emergency visit for food poisoning can cost £500–£5,000+. Compare UK pet insurance in 60 seconds.
Compare pet insurance →What to do if your dog has eaten something toxic
- Don't panic. Clear thinking helps you and your dog.
- Work out what was eaten, how much, and when. Take the packaging if possible.
- Call your vet immediately. Don't wait for symptoms to appear — with most toxins, treatment is most effective in the first 1–2 hours.
- If your vet is closed, call the Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509000 (24/7, fees apply) or the nearest 24-hour emergency vet.
- Don't induce vomiting yourself unless your vet specifically tells you to. It's the wrong choice for many toxins and dangerous for some breeds.
- Don't feed milk, salt water, or anything else as a home remedy. None of the folk remedies help, and some make things worse.