Top 3 Poisonous Foods for Your Dog: What Every Pet Owner Needs to Know

By Dr Gayle, Veterinarian

As a vet, one of the most common emergencies I see is accidental food poisoning in dogs. Our pets are curious, opportunistic, and often far too confident about what they can or can’t eat. While some human foods are harmless or even healthy in small amounts others can cause life-threatening toxicity within hours.

Below are the top three most dangerous foods for dogs, why they’re harmful, and what signs you should look for if your dog has eaten something they shouldn’t.

1. Grapes & Sultanas (Including Raisins)

Even small amounts of grapes, sultanas, or raisins can cause acute kidney failure in dogs. The scary part? We still don’t know the exact toxic compound, and the reaction is unpredictable one dog might get sick from a single grape while other eats several without immediate symptoms. Because we can’t predict which dogs are sensitive, all ingestions are treated as emergencies.

Common sources

• Breakfast cereals and muesli

• Hot cross buns

• Trail mix

• Cakes and cookies

• Children’s lunchbox snacks

Signs of toxicity

• Vomiting (often within a few hours)

• Lethargy

• Reduced or no urination

• Abdominal pain

• Loss of appetite

If your dog has eaten any amount even one grape call your vet immediately.

2. Chocolate

Chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine, both of which dogs metabolise very slowly. Dark chocolate and cocoa powder are far more dangerous than milk chocolate, but all types can be toxic depending on the dose.

Why it’s dangerous ?

Theobromine affects the heart, nervous system, and gut. Severe cases can lead to seizures, heart arrhythmias, and even death.

Signs of chocolate poisoning

• Restlessness, hyperactivity

• Vomiting or diarrhoea

• Panting

• Tremors or seizures

• Increased heart rate

• Collapse (in severe cases)

How much is dangerous?

Even a small amount of dark chocolate can be enough for toxicity in small dogs. Always seek veterinary advice for accurate dose guidance.

3. Onions & Garlic (Allium Family)

Foods in the allium family including onions, garlic, leeks, shallots, and chives cause oxidative damage to red blood cells, leading to a dangerous condition called haemolytic anaemia.

This damage can occur from raw, cooked, powdered, or dehydrated forms. Garlic supplements marketed for pets can also be harmful.

High-risk foods

• Leftovers containing onion/garlic

• Stir-fries

• Gravies

• Baby food

• Seasoned meats

Signs of toxicity

Often delayed 1-5 days:

• Lethargy or weakness

• Pale gums

• Rapid breathing

• Dark or reddish urine

• Vomiting

Any ingestion warrants veterinary advice.

What To Do If Your Dog Eats Something Toxic ?

1. Don’t wait for symptoms. Early treatment is critical.

2. Call your vet immediately or an emergency clinic.

3. Provide details: what was eaten, how much, and when.

4. Don’t induce vomiting at home unless specifically instructed by a vet.

Most toxicities are treatable with prompt action.

Final Thoughts

Dogs trust us to keep them safe and accidental ingestions happen in even the most careful homes. Being aware of common toxins and acting quickly can make all the difference in the outcome.

If you ever feel unsure, it’s better to call your vet and ask. When it comes to toxins, “better safe than sorry” truly applies.