Quick, practical, and based on commonly accepted veterinary safety guidance.
Foods Dogs Must Never Eat — Hero
Why this matters
A few human foods can seriously harm dogs—even in small amounts. Use this list to prevent accidents and act fast if they happen.
The “Absolutely Never” List
Keep these out of reach at all times.
· **Chocolate & Cocoa** – Theobromine + caffeine; darker products are more toxic.
· **Xylitol (sugar-free sweetener)** – In gum, candy, some peanut butters, baked goods; can cause life-threatening hypoglycemia and liver injury.
· **Grapes & Raisins** – Can cause acute kidney failure in sensitive dogs.
· **Onion, Garlic, Chives, Leeks** – Damage red blood cells (raw, cooked, powdered all risky).
· **Alcohol** – Including fermented foods; CNS depression, low blood sugar, aspiration risk.
· **Caffeine** – Coffee, tea, energy drinks; causes restlessness, tremors, arrhythmias.
· **Macadamia Nuts** – Weakness, tremors, fever; even small amounts.
· **Raw Yeast Dough** – Expands in stomach and generates alcohol.
· **Moldy/Rotten Foods** – Mycotoxins may trigger seizures.
· **THC/Marijuana Edibles** – Oils, butter, gummies; severe neurologic signs.
· **Cooked Bones** – Splintering → choking, perforation, obstruction.
· **Human Painkillers** – Ibuprofen, naproxen, acetaminophen (paracetamol), etc.; never give without veterinary direction.
Never-Feed Grid
Chocolate Risk Panel
What about “gray-area” foods?
· Fatty table scraps & deep-fried foods: high risk for pancreatitis—avoid.
· Salty snacks (chips, cured meats): can drive sodium imbalance—avoid.
· Dairy: many dogs are lactose-intolerant; if used at all, choose tiny amounts and stop if GI upset occurs.
If your dog ate a forbidden food: do this
1. Remove remaining food and note what/when/how much.
2. Do not induce vomiting unless instructed by a vet.
3. Call your veterinarian or a pet poison helpline and follow their guidance.
4. Monitor for vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, lethargy, collapse.
Emergency Steps
Disclaimer: This guide is educational and does not replace professional veterinary care. If you suspect poisoning, contact a veterinarian immediately.
Website: pawcassopet.com
