Vet note: If your dog eats any of the foods below, call your veterinarian or a pet poison helpline immediately. Severity depends on dose, size, and health history.

Some “people foods” are dangerous for dogs—even in small amounts. Use this quick-reference list to prevent accidents and know what to do fast.

1) Xylitol (a.k.a. “birch sugar”) — in sugar‑free gum, candy, peanut butter, syrups, toothpaste

Why it’s dangerous: Triggers rapid insulin release → sudden, life‑threatening hypoglycemia; can also cause acute liver failure.

Common signs: Vomiting, weakness, wobbliness, seizures; may progress to jaundice/bleeding issues.

What to do: Emergency. Call vet/poison line at once. Do NOT induce vomiting unless instructed.

Safer swap: Use plain peanut butter that clearly lists NO xylitol; choose regular sugar (tiny amounts) over sugar‑free for dog recipes.

2) Grapes & Raisins (including trail mix, breads, cereals)

Why it’s dangerous: Can cause sudden kidney failure; sensitivity varies and even 1–2 grapes may be dangerous for small dogs.

Common signs: Vomiting within hours, lethargy, decreased appetite; later, increased thirst/urination or none at all.

What to do: Emergency decontamination and fluids are time‑sensitive—call your vet immediately.

Safer swap: Offer blueberries or seedless cucumber instead.

3) Chocolate & Cocoa (including baking chocolate, cocoa powder, dark chocolate)

Why it’s dangerous: Theobromine + caffeine overstimulate the heart and nervous system.

Common signs: Restlessness, panting, vomiting/diarrhea, fast/irregular heartbeat, tremors, seizures.

What to do: Call vet with amount and type (dark/baker’s worst). Do not wait for symptoms.

Safer swap: Plain carob dog treats (check ingredients).

4) Onions, Garlic, Leeks, Chives (raw, cooked, powdered)

Why it’s dangerous: Allium compounds can damage red blood cells → hemolytic anemia; powders in soups/sauces are highly concentrated.

Common signs: Weakness, pale gums, rapid breathing, collapse; GI upset early on.

What to do: Contact your vet—bloodwork may be needed for several days.

Safer swap: Skip “seasoning” for dogs; serve plain meats/veggies.

5) Alcohol & Unbaked Yeast Dough

Why it’s dangerous: Ethanol causes CNS depression; rising dough expands in the stomach and produces alcohol.

Common signs: Ataxia (wobbling), vomiting, low body temperature, coma; distended, painful abdomen with dough.

What to do: Emergency—especially with raw dough. Do not induce vomiting without guidance.

Safer swap: Bake dough fully and keep proofing dough out of reach.

6) Macadamia Nuts

Why it’s dangerous: Unknown toxin causes transient neurologic signs.

Common signs: Weakness (especially hind limbs), tremors, elevated temperature, vomiting.

What to do: Call your vet; supportive care is often needed.

Safer swap: Peanut butter (xylitol‑free) in tiny amounts; avoid nut mixes.

7) Cannabis/THC Edibles (gummies, brownies, oils)

Why it’s dangerous: THC is toxic to dogs; edibles may also contain chocolate or xylitol—stacking risks.

Common signs: Dilated pupils, dribbling urine, low heart rate, wobbliness, agitation or sedation, vomiting.

What to do: Contact a vet/poison line—bring the package label if possible.

Safer swap: Store all products in child‑proof, pet‑proof containers; never “dose” pets.

8) Excess Salt & Salty Snacks (chips, jerky, brine, play‑dough/salt dough)

Why it’s dangerous: Too much sodium can lead to sodium ion poisoning and dangerous electrolyte shifts.

Common signs: Vomiting, diarrhea, thirst, tremors, seizures; severe cases can be fatal.

What to do: Provide fresh water and call your vet—large exposures are emergencies.

Safer swap: Use plain, unsalted veggies as treats; avoid sharing brined foods.

9) Avocado (pit/skin/leaves; large amounts of flesh)

Why it’s dangerous: Persin (mainly in pit/skin/leaf) and high fat can cause GI upset/pancreatitis; choking/obstruction risk from pit.

Common signs: Vomiting/diarrhea, abdominal discomfort; choking or blockage signs if pit swallowed.

What to do: Call your vet—obstructions require urgent care.

Safer swap: Offer small amounts of cucumber or cooked green beans instead.

10) Fruit Pits & Many Seeds (peach, apricot, cherry pits; apple seeds; bitter almonds)

Why it’s dangerous: Contain cyanogenic compounds; pits also pose choking/obstruction hazards.

Common signs: Drooling, vomiting, difficulty breathing, collapse (with significant exposure); sudden gagging/abdominal pain with pits.

What to do: Emergency if a pit is swallowed or large exposure suspected—call your vet immediately.

Safer swap: Serve fruit as thin slices with ALL pits, cores, and seeds removed.

Emergency Steps (Quick Reference)

• Stay calm. Note what was eaten, how much, and when.
• Remove access to the remaining food/toxin.
• Call your veterinarian or a pet poison helpline (have your dog’s weight ready).
• Do NOT induce vomiting or give home remedies (hydrogen peroxide, milk, charcoal) unless a professional instructs you.
• Save packaging for ingredients/strength (e.g., percentage xylitol, cacao %, mg THC).

Prevention & Safe Storage Tips

• Keep purses, lunch boxes, and kids’ snacks off floors and counters.
• Use latched/child‑proof containers for high‑risk items (xylitol gum, edibles, baking chocolate).
• Train a reliable “leave it” and manage counter‑surfing with gates/crates.
• Brief guests and kids about not sharing food with the dog.

Sources & Notes

• Merck Veterinary Manual—common canine toxicities
• ASPCA Animal Poison Control—people foods & plants that are toxic to pets
• FDA—xylitol in consumer products
• AKC—foods dogs should not eat (overview)