It’s easy to see when our dogs are happy. A little tail wag, excited eyes, maybe even a happy dance on the kitchen floor. And yes, sometimes all it takes is sharing a bite of what we’re eating. But just because something is safe (or tasty) for us doesn’t mean it’s safe for them.
As dog owners, we all want to make our furry friends feel loved. However, part of that love means keeping them safe – even if it means saying no to those puppy eyes. Some foods that are totally fine for humans can actually make dogs really sick. A few can even be toxic.
So, what should you avoid?
What makes certain foods dangerous for dogs?
Dogs process food differently than we do. Some ingredients that are healthy – or at least harmless – for humans can upset their stomach, cause long-term health problems, or even lead to serious emergencies. That’s why it’s so important to know what not to share. Let’s start with some common pantry items that might surprise you.
Nuts
Some nuts are super healthy for us, but not for your dog. Many are hard to digest and high in fat, which can upset their tummy or even lead to more serious issues. Let’s look at a few you should definitely keep out of paw’s reach.
1. Almonds
Almonds are packed with nutrients for humans, but your dog’s stomach isn’t built to handle them. Even a small amount can lead to vomiting, gas, or diarrhea. They’re also a choking hazard, especially for small dogs. Better skip the almond snack altogether.
2. Macadamia nuts
These nuts are especially dangerous. Just a couple of macadamia nuts can cause serious reactions in some dogs. No one really knows why they’re toxic, but symptoms can include:
- Vomiting
- Weakness or tremors
- Fever
- Lethargy.
The good news? Most dogs recover with treatment. But if your dog eats any macadamia nuts, call your vet right away.
3. Pecans
Pecans are high in fat and hard to digest, which can lead to stomach upset or even blockages. In some cases, moldy pecans can produce toxins that affect your dog’s liver and nervous system. It’s best to keep them out of reach completely.
4. Walnuts (store-bought)
Store-bought walnuts aren’t the worst offender, but they still aren’t great. They can cause stomach problems even in small amounts, especially if your dog eats a handful. If you ever do give your dog a walnut by mistake, keep an eye out for signs of discomfort like vomiting or sluggishness.
5. Walnuts (from the ground)
Fresh walnuts that fall from trees can be a lot more dangerous. Why? Because they might grow mold, which can contain harmful toxins called tremorgenic mycotoxins. These can trigger seizures and other neurological problems. So, if you’re walking near walnut trees, make sure your dog doesn’t snack on anything from the ground.
Fruits and vegetables
Fruits and veggies seem healthy, right? And many are! But a few common ones can be harmful – or even deadly – for dogs. Here’s what you should absolutely avoid.
6. Grapes and currants
These are small but seriously dangerous. Grapes and currants can cause sudden kidney failure in dogs, even just a few. The scary part? Some dogs get sick after eating one or two, while others don’t show symptoms at all.
Since there’s no way to know how your dog will react, the safest choice is to avoid grapes and currants completely.
7. Cherries
Sweet, juicy, and… toxic. Cherries contain cyanide, especially in the pit, stem, and leaves. Cyanide blocks oxygen from reaching your dog’s cells. Over time, this can lead to serious illness – or worse.
Even the fruit’s flesh can cause an upset stomach. So, it’s better to skip cherries altogether, no matter how much your pup begs.
8. Figs
Figs aren’t always toxic, but they can still cause problems. This fruit contains natural enzymes (ficin and ficusin) that can irritate your dog’s digestive system. If your dog eats too much, it could lead to:
- Vomiting
- Drooling
- Rashes
- Mouth irritation
If you really want to share figs, stick to very small portions and only every once in a while.
9. Peach pits
Peach flesh is safe in tiny amounts, but the pit is the real danger. Like cherries, peach pits contain cyanide. If your dog chews or swallows one, it could cause:
- Difficulty breathing
- Stomach pain
- In serious cases, death
Also, the pit can get stuck in your dog’s digestive tract. So always remove it – better yet, just avoid peaches.
10. Peppers and paprika
Spicy foods are a no-go. Peppers, especially hot or processed ones, can upset your dog’s stomach and irritate their skin or eyes. Even sweet peppers can be hard to digest in large amounts.
Paprika is often found in sauces like ketchup, pizza toppings, or pasta dishes. So be extra careful when sharing food that contains these ingredients, even if they seem harmless to you.
Other common foods to avoid
Not everything toxic to dogs is obvious. Some everyday items – cheese, chocolate, bones – might seem harmless but can be surprisingly dangerous. Here are five more foods you should always keep away from your pup.
11. Blue cheese
Cheese in small amounts isn’t always harmful, but blue cheese is different. It contains a toxin called roquefortine C, which dogs can’t handle. Eating it can cause:
- Vomiting
- Muscle tremors
- Seizures
Blue cheese might be delicious on your pasta or salad, but it’s best to keep it far from your dog’s bowl.
12. Bones (cooked or raw)
We’ve all seen cartoon dogs chewing bones, but in real life, they’re risky. Cooked bones can splinter and cause choking or internal injuries. Raw bones, on the other hand, may carry bacteria like salmonella or E. coli. Even thick bones like T-bones can be dangerous. If you want to offer a bone, ask your vet about safe alternatives made specifically for dogs.
13. Chocolate
This one’s well-known, but it’s worth repeating. Chocolate is toxic to dogs. It contains theobromine, a chemical that dogs can’t process. It builds up quickly and can cause serious health problems – even death.
Dark chocolate has the highest theobromine content, but even milk or white chocolate can be dangerous, especially for small dogs. If your pup eats any chocolate, call your vet right away.
14. Processed meats (sausages, hotdogs, etc.)
Sausages, hotdogs, deli slices – they’re all super salty and full of fat. Some also contain spices and preservatives that can upset your dog’s stomach. Pork, in particular, is tough for dogs to digest.
If your dog sneaks a bite, don’t panic. But watch for symptoms like:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Signs of dehydration
When in doubt, skip processed meat and stick to dog-friendly treats.
15. Raw eggs
You might’ve heard raw eggs are good for a shiny coat. That’s partly true, but only if the eggs are pasteurized. Unpasteurized raw eggs can carry salmonella, which can make your dog seriously sick.
Also, eating raw eggs regularly can cause a biotin deficiency over time. So if you ever give raw egg, make sure it’s safe – and don’t make it a daily habit.
Final thoughts
Sharing food is one of the ways we show love. But when it comes to your dog, love also means protecting them from harm. The safest bet? Stick to dog food approved by your vet and offer treats made just for dogs.
It may be hard to say no to those eyes, but your dog’s long, healthy life is worth it.
💡 Curious about healthier alternatives? Take a look at my post on the benefits of organic dog food to learn why it might be a better choice for your pup.