13 Common Foods That Are Toxic to Dogs: A List Every Small Dog Owner Should Know

Foods toxic for dogs.

Keeping your small dog safe means more than locking away cleaners and sharp objects. Many foods that seem harmless are actually dangerous for dogs. Some of these treats sit right on your kitchen counter. Knowing what foods are toxic helps you protect your best friend from a trip to the vet or worse. Here’s a list of the top 10 foods you should never give your dog. Let’s learn why.

1. Chocolate

Chocolate is one of the most recognized poisons for dogs. It contains theobromine and caffeine, both harmful to your dog’s system. Dark chocolate and baking chocolate are the most dangerous, but even milk chocolate can upset your dog’s heart and nervous system. Small dogs are more at risk since it takes only a little to make them sick.

2. Grapes and Raisins

Just a few grapes or raisins can trigger kidney failure in some dogs. Scientists still don’t know why these fruits are so toxic, but even a handful can cause severe illness or death. Symptoms can start within hours and include vomiting, weakness, and lack of appetite. I lost my Brandy to grape consumption. Knowledge of these foods is crucial.

3. Onions and Garlic

Onions, garlic, leeks, and chives all belong to the allium family. These vegetables and their powders break down red blood cells in dogs. Even a small serving—cooked, raw, or powdered—can cause anemia in small dogs. Watch for pale gums, weakness, or trouble breathing.

4. Avocado

Avocado contains persin, a toxin that’s harmful to dogs in high amounts. The pit is also a choking hazard and can block the digestive tract if swallowed. While tiny bits of avocado flesh might not hurt every dog, some are highly sensitive, and reactions can be severe.

5. Macadamia Nuts

Macadamia nuts can cause muscle tremors, vomiting, fever, and weakness in dogs. As few as six nuts can make a small dog very sick. There’s no antidote, so keep baked goods and other treats made with these nuts far out of reach.

6. Alcohol

Even small amounts of alcohol can poison a small dog. Alcohol is found not just in drinks, but also in raw yeast dough. Signs of poisoning include vomiting, drooling, unsteady walking, and trouble breathing. In severe cases, alcohol can put your dog in a coma or even be fatal.

7. Xylitol

Xylitol is a sugar substitute found in gum, candy, some peanut butters, and even baked goods. Even tiny amounts cause a sudden drop in your dog’s blood sugar, leading to weakness, seizures, and liver failure. Small dogs are especially vulnerable since it takes only a little to cause disaster.

8. Coffee and Tea

Caffeine is dangerous for pets. Dogs absorb it much faster than people do. Coffee, tea, soda, and some medications all contain enough caffeine to trigger vomiting, a fast heart rate, and seizures in dogs. Even a few licks of a spilled latte can pose a real risk.

9. Cooked Bones

Cooked bones can splinter and get stuck in your dog’s throat or intestines. Raw bones are safer, but cooked bones—chicken, beef, pork, fish—should never be given to any dog. Bone fragments can pierce organs, which can be deadly.

10. Raw Yeast Dough

Raw yeast dough rises in the stomach after eating, leading to painful bloating. The fermenting yeast also produces alcohol that can make your dog drunk and sick. Small dogs can experience dangerous symptoms from even a small amount of dough.

11. Milk and Dairy

Some dogs can’t process lactose, the sugar in milk. Cheese, ice cream, and milk can cause diarrhea, gas, and stomach cramps. While a few dogs can handle small amounts, others react badly. Symptoms like vomiting or loose stools are signs your dog can’t tolerate these foods.

12. Apple Seeds and Fruit Pits

Apple seeds, along with the pits of cherries, peaches, plums, and apricots, contain amygdalin, which releases cyanide when chewed. Swallowing a pit can also cause choking or blockages in smaller dogs. Avoid feeding your dog whole fruits with seeds or pits.

13. Salty Snacks

Salty treats like chips, pretzels, or processed meats can make your dog very thirsty and lead to sodium ion poisoning. Signs of salt poisoning include vomiting, tremors, and even seizures. Small dogs are more likely to be affected since it takes less salt to make them sick.

Knowing which foods are toxic to dogs is one of the simplest ways to prevent emergencies. Many things you snack on could be dangerous for your tiny companion. A few bites can cause serious issues for a small dog. Keep these foods locked away and watch for any symptoms if your dog gets into something they shouldn’t. A little caution keeps your little pup healthy and happy.

If you ever think your little dog has ingested any of the items above, don’t hesitate to seek emergency care. It could mean saving your precious friend’s life.