Dog ate something?StrawberriesBananasApplesBlueberriesSee all: Can dogs eat?All breeds A to ZBreed selectorCompare two breedsSee all: BreedsCan my dog eat it?Dog food calculatorChocolate calculatorDog name generatorSee all: ToolsGuides

Foods dogs can't eat

By Your Dog Magazine editors · Updated · How we check

These foods are toxic to dogs or likely to cause real harm. Every entry comes from the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center or the American Kennel Club. If your dog has eaten one, call your vet, an emergency clinic or ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435.

Toxic foods: never feed these

Food Verdict Why
Grapes Toxic No. Grapes are highly toxic to dogs and can cause sudden kidney failure.
Onions Toxic No. Onions can rupture red blood cells and cause anemia.
Garlic Toxic No. Garlic is toxic to dogs and can cause anemia.
Raisins Toxic No. Raisins are as dangerous as grapes and can cause kidney failure.
Chocolate Toxic No. Chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine, which are toxic to dogs.
Xylitol (sugar-free sweetener) Toxic No. Xylitol is extremely dangerous for dogs.
Macadamia nuts Toxic No. Macadamia nuts are one of the most poisonous foods for dogs.
Coffee and caffeine Toxic No. Caffeine is toxic to dogs.
Alcohol Toxic No. Alcohol is absorbed fast and can be deadly for dogs.
Raw bread dough Toxic No. Raw yeast dough can expand in the stomach and produce alcohol.

Best avoided

These are not classed as poisonous, but the AKC advises skipping them because of choking risk, fat, or parts of the plant that are toxic.

Food Verdict Why
Tomatoes Avoid Best avoided. Ripe flesh is generally safe, but the green parts of the plant contain a toxin.
Avocado Avoid No. Avocado contains persin and is very high in fat.
Cherries Avoid No. Cherry pits, stems and leaves contain cyanide.
Almonds Avoid No. Almonds can block the esophagus and are high in fat.
Pistachios Avoid Best avoided. Pistachios are not toxic, but they are fatty, salty and a choking risk.
Cinnamon Avoid Best avoided. Cinnamon is not toxic in small amounts but can irritate the mouth and stomach.
Mushrooms Avoid Store-bought mushrooms are generally fine, but wild mushrooms can be deadly.
Asparagus Avoid Not unsafe, but not worth it. Asparagus is tough raw and loses most of its value when cooked soft.
Ice cream Avoid No. Ice cream is sugary dairy, and some flavors are toxic.
Chicken bones Avoid No. Cooked chicken bones splinter and can choke a dog or tear the gut.

If your dog ate something on this list

  1. Move your dog away from the food and keep the packaging.
  2. Work out roughly how much was eaten and when.
  3. Call your vet, the nearest emergency clinic, or ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435. The Pet Poison Helpline is 855-764-7661.
  4. Don't make your dog vomit unless a vet tells you to.

For chocolate, our chocolate toxicity calculator estimates the dose from your dog's weight and the type of chocolate, using the Merck Veterinary Manual's figures.

Sources

Checked October 17, 2026.

Frequently asked questions

What is the most toxic food for dogs?

Several are serious: grapes and raisins (kidney failure), xylitol (low blood sugar and liver damage), chocolate (especially dark and baking chocolate), onions and garlic, macadamia nuts, alcohol and raw yeast dough. Call a vet if your dog eats any of them.

Are grapes really that dangerous?

Yes. The AKC says no safe amount of grapes or raisins has been established, and they can cause sudden kidney failure.

Questions from dog owners

Got a question about Foods dogs can't eat? Ask it here. We answer the useful ones on this page.

Ask a question

We can’t reply privately. Useful questions get answered here on the page.

Keep reading

Holiday foods dogs can't eatWhich Thanksgiving and Christmas foods are dangerous for dogs: turkey bones, ham, fatty scraps, stu…My dog ate chocolateDog ate chocolate? What to do right now, the symptoms, and how much is dangerous by chocolate type,…What fruits can dogs eat?Every common fruit checked for dogs: which are safe, which need small portions, and which are toxic…What vegetables can dogs eat?Which vegetables are safe for dogs, which to limit, and which are toxic, from carrots and green bea…My dog ate grapes or raisinsDog ate grapes or raisins? Why they cause kidney failure, why no amount is known to be safe, and wh…Xylitol and dogsWhy xylitol is dangerous for dogs, where it hides (gum, candy, baked goods, some peanut butter), th…

Newsletter

One useful dog email a week

Food safety, feeding and breed answers, checked against vet sources. Plus seasonal warnings, like holiday foods to keep away from dogs.

Free. Unsubscribe any time. We never share your email. Privacy.