Don’t Serve Up These Dangerous Foods For Dogs

Kate Barrington
by Kate Barrington
There are some human vittles that are dangerous foods for dogs. Here are items, inside and outside of the house, you don’t want your dog to ingest.


Owning a dog is a wonderful experience but it is also an important responsibility. As a pet owner, it is your job to keep your dog safe from harm, and that includes making sure that he does not eat anything that could be toxic to him. In this article you will find a list of foods and other substances that are toxic to dogs as well as tips for what to do if your dog ingests something harmful.


Related: Top 10 Foods That Are Bad For Dogs


Dangerous Foods for Dogs


Dogs are naturally curious and they love to eat. If you accidentally drop something on the floor during meal preparation, it will probably be gone and in your dog’s stomach before you even know you’ve dropped it. In most cases, it won’t hurt your dog to eat a little bit of “people food” but there are certain foods that can be very dangerous to your dog, especially in large quantities. We’ve compiled a list of dangerous foods for dogs you may have in your home:


  • Alcohol
  • Avocado
  • Chocolate
  • Coffee
  • Tea
  • Canned fish
  • Grapes
  • Raisins
  • Currants
  • Hops
  • Macadamia nuts
  • Mushrooms
  • Moldy food
  • Onions
  • Persimmons
  • Peach pits
  • Rhubarb leaves
  • Tobacco
  • Yeast
  • Xylitol


What to do if My Dog Eats Something Dangerous


If your dog ingests something toxic, don’t panic – if you do, you won’t be able to help your dog effectively. Your first move should be to call the animal poison control hotline at (888) 426-4435. A representative will be able to look up the substance your pet has ingested and, based on the amount, be able to tell you what your next steps should be. This service is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Keep the number for the animal poison control hotline on your refrigerator or somewhere handy so you will have it just in case you need it.


Related: Phone Numbers Every Pet Parent Should Have On Hand


Other Substances Harmful to Dogs


When it comes to things that could potentially harm your dog, you do not just need to worry about food. There are a variety of other substances that can be harmful as well. This includes things like cleaning products, small objects, and certain plants. To protect your dog, you should keep all cleaning products secured in a cabinet or pantry that your dog cannot access. Keep small objects including toys off the ground where your dog will not be tempted to pick them up in his mouth and possibly choke. Take the time to make sure that the houseplants you have at home, and the plants outside on your property, are not toxic to dogs. Here’s a list of common plants that are hazardous to dogs:


  • Aloe vera
  • Amaryllis
  • Azalea
  • Baby’s breath
  • Begonia
  • Carnations
  • Castor bean
  • Chrysanthemum
  • Daffodils
  • Gladiola
  • Hosta
  • Ivy
  • Lilies
  • Milkweed
  • Morning glory
  • Oleander
  • Poinsettia
  • Pothos
  • Rhododendron
  • Sago palm
  • Tomato
  • Tulips
  • Yew


As a pet parent, you need to know what can go into your dog’s mouth, and make sure he doesn’t get a hold of anything that’s harmful to eat. Always keep food containers tightly closed and clean up spills in the kitchen as quickly as possible. If you keep foods that are dangerous for dogs to eat, also eat them out of your dog’s reach and give him something safe to chew on while you enjoy your dinner.

Kate Barrington
Kate Barrington

Kate Barrington is the loving owner of two cats (Bagel and Munchkin) and a noisy herd of guinea pigs. Having grown up with golden retrievers, Kate has a great deal of experience with dogs but labels herself a lover of all pets. Having received a Bachelor's degree in English, Kate has combined her love for pets and her passion for writing to create her own freelance writing business, specializing in the pet niche.

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