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Dog & Cat Health • Toxicology

Which foods are toxic to dogs and cats?

Some everyday human foods can cause serious poisoning in pets. Risk depends on the substance, amount, species, body weight and time since ingestion.

Veterinarian reviewedUpdated Aug 20, 2026
Quick answer

Chocolate, xylitol, grapes/raisins and Allium foods such as onions and garlic are among the important hazards. Do not wait for symptoms before calling for veterinary advice after a meaningful exposure.

Common food hazards

  • Chocolate/cocoa: methylxanthines can affect the GI tract, heart and nervous system.
  • Xylitol: can cause profound hypoglycemia in dogs and, in some cases, liver injury.
  • Grapes/raisins: can cause acute kidney injury in susceptible dogs; the toxic dose is unpredictable.
  • Onion, garlic and related Allium foods: can damage red blood cells.
  • Alcohol and raw yeast dough: can cause serious intoxication.
After a suspected ingestion: identify the food, amount, time and pet's weight, keep packaging, and contact a veterinarian or veterinary poison service promptly. Do not induce vomiting unless specifically instructed.

Why “a little bit” is not always reassuring

Toxicity is dose-dependent for some substances but unpredictable for others. Concentrated products such as baking chocolate or xylitol-containing gum can be dangerous in small quantities.

Related VetWel guides

Read dog appetite loss, cat vomiting and foreign-body ingestion.

Veterinarian Nazif Oben Akşemsettinoğlu
Veterinarian Nazif Oben AkşemsettinoğluVetWel Founder & Veterinary Consultant

Safety sources

U.S. FDA — Potentially dangerous items for petsASPCA Animal Poison Control — People foods to avoid