The Hidden Dangers of Food Scraps for Dogs

While some foods are safe for dogs in moderation, many commonly consumed human foods are dangerous—often even in small amounts. Here’s a rundown of what to avoid:

Onions and garlic, in all forms—whether raw, cooked, or powdered—can cause severe damage to a dog’s red blood cells, leading to anemia. This is particularly dangerous for smaller breeds, and ingestion of even small amounts can result in lethargy, vomiting, or diarrhea. Garlic can be even more toxic than onions in large quantities.

We all know that chocolate is toxic to dogs, but many people may not realize how much of a hazard it really is. Chocolate contains theobromine, which dogs metabolize much more slowly than humans. Even small amounts of chocolate can lead to symptoms like vomiting, increased heart rate, seizures, or even death.

Though not all dogs are affected in the same way, grapes and raisins have been known to cause sudden kidney failure in some dogs, even in small amounts. The exact substance that causes this reaction is still not fully understood, but it’s best to avoid them entirely.

Avocados contain a substance called persin, which can cause vomiting and diarrhea in dogs. While it’s usually the pit and skin that are the most toxic, it’s safer to keep all parts of the avocado away from your pet.

It doesn’t take much alcohol to poison a dog. Even small amounts of beer, wine, or spirits can cause a dog to suffer from tremors, seizures, and potentially even a coma or death. Always keep alcoholic beverages out of your pet’s reach.

Xylitol is a sugar substitute commonly found in sugar-free gum, candies, and some baked goods. In dogs, xylitol causes a rapid release of insulin, which can lead to severe hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), seizures, liver failure, and even death.

While raw bones are an essential part of a raw diet, cooked bones—whether from chicken, pork, or beef—become brittle and splinter when chewed. These sharp fragments can cause serious injuries to your dog’s digestive tract, including choking, intestinal blockages, or punctures.

Macadamia nuts are particularly dangerous to dogs. Even a small number of nuts can cause symptoms such as weakness, tremors, hyperthermia, and vomiting. The cause of toxicity is still unknown, but the risks are well-documented.