Foods Toxic to Dogs and Cats: The Everyday Safety List
The common kitchen foods that are dangerous for pets — keep this list on the fridge.
Most of us share our lives — and sometimes our snacks — with our pets. But a lot of everyday human foods are genuinely dangerous for dogs and cats, and the symptoms aren't always obvious right away. Here's a plain-English list of the big ones to keep out of reach.
Chocolate and caffeine. Both contain methylxanthines, which pets process far more slowly than we do. Dark chocolate and baking chocolate are the most dangerous. Keep coffee, tea, and cocoa well out of reach too.
Grapes and raisins. Even small amounts can cause kidney problems in some dogs, and the exact "safe" amount isn't known — so the rule is simply none. That includes trail mix, baked goods, and juice.
Onions, garlic, chives, and leeks. This whole family (raw, cooked, or powdered) can damage red blood cells in dogs and especially cats. Watch out for seasoned leftovers and broths.
Xylitol. This sugar substitute — in sugar-free gum, some peanut butters, and baked goods — is extremely dangerous for dogs and can cause a sudden, dangerous drop in blood sugar. Always check peanut-butter labels before sharing.
Macadamia nuts, alcohol, raw yeast dough, and cooked bones round out the list to avoid. Cooked bones can splinter; raw dough can expand and ferment in the stomach.
The safest snacks are simple, single-ingredient ones you can actually see — a piece of plain cooked chicken, a slice of plain sweet potato, a bit of plain pumpkin. That's exactly the thinking behind what we're building: fresh, gently-dehydrated, single-ingredient treats with nothing on the label you can't pronounce. If that sounds like the kind of treat your pet deserves, join our launch list at everypethaven.com/kickstarter.
This article is general information, not veterinary advice. If you think your pet has eaten something toxic, contact your vet or an animal poison control line right away.