While dogs can eat some of the same foods that we do, there are many they should not eat. Some common foods you may have around your house could kill your dog if they ingest the right amount.

Some foods dogs should not eat:

Grapes and Raisins: Grapes and raisins can cause kidney failure in dogs. As little as a single serving of raisins can kill a dog.

Onions: Onions destroy red blood cells and can cause anemia.

Chocolate: Chocolate can cause seizures, coma and death. Dark chocolate is the most dangerous. A dog can consume milk chocolate and appear to be fine because it is not as concentrated, but it is still dangerous.

Coffee, Coffee grounds, tea and tea bags: Drinks/foods containing caffeine cause many of the same symptoms chocolate causes.

Macadamia Nuts: Macadamia nuts can cause weakness, muscle tremor and paralysis.

Animal fat and fried foods: Excessive fat can cause pancreatitis.

Bones: Bones can splinter and damage internal organs.

Tomatoes: Tomatoes can cause tremors and heart arrhythmias. Tomato plants are the most toxic, but tomatoes themselves are also unsafe.

Avocados: The fruit, pit and plant are all toxic. They can cause difficulty breathing and fluid accumulation in the chest, abdomen and heart.

Nutmeg: Nutmeg can cause tremors, seizures and death.

Apples, Cherries, Peaches and similar fruit: The seeds of these fruits contain cyanide, which is poisonous to dogs as well as humans. Unlike humans, dogs do not know to stop eating at the core/pit and easily ingest them.

Raw eggs: Raw eggs can cause salmonella poisoning in dogs. Dogs have a shorter digestive tract than humans and are not as likely to suffer from food poisoning, but it is still possible.

Salt: Excessive salt intake can cause kidney problems.

If your dog has ingested any of these foods, consult your veterinarian right away.


Some foods your dog can eat:

Some "human" foods are good for dogs. Any food that causes stomach upsets or digestive problems in your dogs should be avoided. Like people, some dogs cannot tolerate certain foods.

Meats and Fish: Should be boneless and it's best if the skin is removed. With feeding raw food, there is a small risk of food poisoning and parasites.

Vegetables: Dogs have shorter digestive tracts than humans and cannot digest most vegetables whole or in large chunks. It's best to put them through a food processor before giving them to your dog. Examples are: carrots, green beans, lettuce, potatoes and yams.

Grains: Grains should not be given in large amounts or make up a large part of a dog's diet, but these foods are generally safe in small amounts. Examples are: rice and bread.

Dairy products: Use caution with dairy products as they are high in fat and can cause pancreatitis, gas and diarrhea. Nonfat plain yogurt is safe in small amounts.