What foods should dogs avoid?

Alcohol – Even a small amount of alcohol can kill a dog. Some symptoms of alcohol poisoning include vomiting, breathing problems, coma, heart arrhythmias, low blood pressure, and sometimes death.

Allium family (onions, garlic, chives, leeks, etc.) – They can damage red blood cells leading to things like anemia. Japanese dog breeds are more sensitive to this (like Akitas, Shiba Inus, etc.)

Almonds – Dogs can’t digest almonds properly. If a dog consumes almonds it can lead to gastric intestinal distress. 

Apple seeds – Apple seeds contain a small amount of cyanide. For a medium sized dog to consume a deadly amount, it would take about 1000 apple seeds. Eating apple seeds in large quantities can cause vomiting, irregular/fast heartbeat, seizures, coma, or death. 

Apricot pit – Apricot pits contain cyanide, and it only takes 1 or 2 for a small dog to start suffering from cyanide poisoning. Eating apricot pits can cause vomiting, irregular/fast heartbeat, seizures, coma, or death.

Avocado – Avocados contain persin, which is toxic to dogs. It can trigger fluid accumulation in the lungs/chest area, leading to death. 

Broccoli – In large quantities, the isothiocyanates in broccoli are very harmful to dogs. Broccoli stalks can also obstruct a dog’s throat. A safe amount of broccoli is less than 10% of a dog’s daily intake. More than 25% is considered toxic. 

Caffeine/coffee grounds – Coffee contains methylxanthines which can cause fatal symptoms including diarrhea, vomiting, seizures, irregular heartbeats, tremors, arrhythmias, and difficulty breathing. 150mg of coffee per 2.2 pounds of body weight is enough to kill a dog. 

Cherry seeds  – Cherry seeds contain cyanide. They can cause vomiting, irregular/fast heartbeat, seizures, coma, and death. Smaller dogs are also more likely to suffer from intestinal blockages after consuming cherry seeds. 

Chocolate – It contains theobromine, which is toxic. The darker the chocolate, the more toxic it is (ex. dark chocolate and baker’s chocolate). Symptoms of chocolate toxicity include hyperactivity, vomiting, diarrhea, pancreatitis, abnormal heart rhythm, and seizures. 

Cinnamon – Cinnamon can lead to low blood sugar. It can also irritate a dog’s throat and mouth. 

Grapes and raisins – While the reason for toxicity is unknown, grapes and raisins are both extremely toxic to dogs. They can cause kidney failure, among other things. 

Ice cream – Ice cream can be really bad for dogs because it contains a lot of sugar and has a high fat content. 

Macadamia nuts – It only takes 6 macadamia nuts to cause poisoning, which can lead to weakness, overheating, and vomiting. 

Milk/dairy products – Some dogs are lactose intolerant, and will experience diarrhea from cow’s milk. 

Mushroom – Mushrooms contain a variety of toxins, which can cause kidney/liver failure, among other things. 

Nutmeg – Nutmeg is the strongest when it is consumed by small dogs or in big amounts. It can cause vomiting and/or hallucinations. 

Plum pit – Plum pits contain cyanide. A single plum pit isn’t likely to give a dog cyanide poisoning but is a choking hazard. Plum pits are more likely to cause cyanide poisoning in dogs that are smaller or more susceptible to amygdalin. 

Raw meat – Raw meat can contain E. coli or Salmonella, which is toxic to dogs. If there are bones in the raw meat, the dog can choke on them, or they could splinter and injure the dog. 

Raw potatoes – Raw potatoes contain solanine, which is toxic to dogs. 

Salt – Salt can lead to tremors, seizures, or coma because it alters the fluid balance of cells. 

Spicy food – Eating spicy food can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach ulcers. 

Tobacco (and other nicotine-containing products) – Exposure to tobacco can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and rapid/labored breathing, among other things. More frequent exposure to tobacco can lead to blue gums, coma, and death. 

Tomatoes – Unripe tomatoes and green parts of the plant contain solanine, which is toxic. 

Xylitol (artificial sweetener, usually found in sugar-free foods) – If a dog consumes xylitol, it will have a rapid drop in blood sugar, which will lead to weakness and seizures. It only takes 5 pieces of gum to kill a 65-pound dog. 
Yeast and raw dough – If the dough ferments, it will lead to alcohol toxicity. The dough can also expand inside the dog’s stomach, causing pain.