People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pets

ASPCA Poison Control: (888) 426-4435

Many foods made for people are not suitable for pets. The list below covers common items that can create risks for dogs and other companion animals. If you think your pet has eaten one of these foods, note what was consumed and approximately how much, then contact your veterinarian or an animal poison control service promptly at (888) 426-4435.

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Alcohol and Yeast Dough

Alcoholic drinks and foods prepared with alcohol can affect pets quickly. Depending on the exposure, possible effects may include vomiting, diarrhea, poor coordination, depression, trouble breathing, tremors, changes in blood pH, coma, or death. Because alcohol is absorbed rapidly after it is swallowed, prompt veterinary attention is important when a pet has been exposed.

Unbaked yeast dough creates a separate concern. As the dough expands, gas can build up inside the digestive system. This may be painful, cause the stomach to become bloated, and potentially contribute to twisting of the stomach, which is an emergency. Raw dough can also produce alcohol in the stomach as the yeast ferments, so an exposure may involve alcohol-related toxicity as well.

Chocolate, Coffee and Caffeine

Chocolate, coffee, and other caffeinated products contain methylxanthines, a group of compounds responsible for much of the concern surrounding these foods. When pets consume them, possible signs may include vomiting, diarrhea, panting, increased thirst and urination, unusual activity, abnormal heart rhythm, tremors, seizures, or death.

The level of risk can vary with the type of product and its caffeine or cacao concentration. Darker chocolate generally contains more cacao and therefore more methylxanthines than lighter varieties. White chocolate contains the least, while baking chocolate and cocoa powder contain the highest concentrations. Any suspected exposure should be discussed with a veterinarian or poison control service.

Fruits/Vegetables

• Avocado: Avocado is chiefly a concern for birds, rabbits, donkeys, horses, and ruminants such as sheep and goats. In birds and rabbits, the primary concern involves possible cardiovascular injury and death. Horses, donkeys, and ruminants may also develop swelling around the head and neck along with cardiovascular effects. The risks are not the same for every animal, so species matters when assessing an exposure.
• Citrus: The stems, leaves, peels, fruit, and seeds of citrus plants contain differing amounts of citric acid and essential oils. In larger amounts, these compounds may irritate the digestive system and may contribute to depression. A small amount, such as a pet eating some of the fruit, is less likely to cause more than minor stomach upset, but the rest of the plant should still be kept out of reach.
• Grapes and Raisins: Tartaric acid is considered a possible toxic component in grapes and raisins. Dogs may not process this compound effectively, and eating grapes or raisins can lead to kidney damage. Because the amount that may cause a problem is not reliably predictable from the food alone, suspected ingestion warrants prompt professional guidance.
• Onion, Garlic, Chives: Onions, garlic, and chives belong to the Allium group of vegetables. These foods may irritate the gastrointestinal tract and damage red blood cells, potentially causing anemia. Cats are generally more susceptible, but dogs can also be affected depending on the amount consumed.

Milk/Dairy

Pets generally do not produce large amounts of lactase, the enzyme needed to break down lactose in milk. As a result, milk and other dairy products may cause diarrhea or other digestive upset. An item being familiar to people does not necessarily make it an appropriate regular food for a pet.

Nuts/Fatty Foods

• Macadamia Nuts: Macadamia nuts can cause weakness, poor coordination, depression, vomiting, tremors, and elevated body temperature in dogs. Signs commonly appear within about 12 hours after ingestion, and recovery may occur within 24 to 72 hours. A suspected exposure should still be reported promptly rather than waiting for signs to appear.
• Nuts: Nuts such as almonds, pecans, and walnuts contain substantial amounts of oil and fat. These fats may lead to vomiting and diarrhea and may contribute to pancreatitis in some pets. Nuts can also be difficult to portion safely because their fat content and preparation can vary.
• Coconut and Coconut Oil: Small amounts of coconut or coconut-based products are not generally expected to cause serious harm. However, the flesh and milk of fresh coconut contain oils that may result in stomach upset, soft stools, or diarrhea. Larger or repeated servings are therefore not a practical choice for every pet.

Raw/Undercooked Meat, Eggs, and Bones

Raw meat and raw eggs may carry bacteria such as Salmonella and E. coli, which can be harmful to pets and people. Raw eggs also contain an enzyme that can interfere with the absorption of certain vitamins, which may contribute to skin or coat problems.

Raw bones may seem like a natural food, but they can be dangerous for domestic dogs and cats. A bone may injure the digestive tract or become lodged and cause an obstruction. These problems can be serious and may require surgery, so bones should not be treated as automatically safe simply because some animals may encounter them in the wild.

Sweet and Salty

• Xylitol: Xylitol is a sweetener used in products such as chewing gum, candy, baked goods, and toothpaste. In pets, it may cause dangerously low blood sugar and may also contribute to liver damage, depending on the amount consumed. Early signs can include vomiting, lethargy, and loss of coordination, followed by seizures in more severe exposures. Liver-related effects may develop within 12 to 24 hours and can include abnormal bleeding. Check ingredient labels carefully and seek prompt advice after a suspected ingestion.
• Salt/Excessively Salty Foods: Consuming too much salt may lead to increased thirst and urination and, depending on the amount, abnormal electrolyte levels in the blood. Possible signs of salt toxicity include vomiting, diarrhea, depression, tremors, seizures, or death. Keep heavily salted foods away from pets and treat an unusual ingestion as a reason to contact a veterinary professional.

Other Ways to Help:

Keep potentially unsafe foods, ingredients, and food scraps secured where pets cannot reach them. Pay particular attention to products that may contain hidden ingredients, including sweeteners and concentrated powders. If an exposure occurs, record the food, the estimated amount, and when it was eaten before calling a veterinarian or poison control service.

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