← Back to Resources

The "No-Go" List:
Foods Your Pet Can't Eat

We've all been there: those puppy dog eyes begging for a piece of your dinner. But sharing isn't always caring. Some everyday human foods are surprisingly dangerous for our four-legged friends.

🚫 The "Never, Ever" List

These are the big ones. If your pet eats any of these, don't wait to see what happens—call your vet immediately.

🍫

Chocolate

It's not just the caffeine. Theobromine is the real killer here. Dark chocolate and baking chocolate are the most dangerous. Signs include racing heart and seizures.

🍬

Xylitol

Found in sugar-free gum and some peanut butters. It causes a massive insulin spike that can be fatal in minutes. Always check your peanut butter label!

🍇

Grapes & Raisins

Scientists still don't know exactly why, but even a single grape can cause sudden kidney failure in some dogs. It's just not worth the risk.

🧅

Onions & Garlic

Whether raw, cooked, or powdered, these damage red blood cells. Cats are especially sensitive, but dogs aren't immune either.

😲 Surprising Hazards

  • Macadamia NutsThey cause weakness, overheating, and vomiting in dogs. Scientists aren't sure why, but the effects are scary.
  • AvocadoThe flesh is mostly okay for dogs (though fatty), but the pit is a huge choking hazard, and the skin contains persin, which is deadly to birds and rabbits.
  • Bread DoughRaw yeast dough expands in the stomach (painful!) and creates alcohol as it ferments, leading to alcohol poisoning.

Be Prepared

In an emergency, you don't want to be Googling numbers. Keep the ASPCA Poison Control number on your fridge.

Get a Poison Control Magnet

Legal Disclaimer

Not a Veterinary Service: The content provided on SafePaws Monitor is for informational purposes only. We are not veterinarians, and this data is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your veterinarian with any questions you may have regarding your pet's health.

Data Source: All recall data is sourced programmatically from theU.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) OpenFDA API. While we strive for accuracy, we cannot guarantee the completeness or timeliness of the data provided by the source.