Foods Dogs Should Never Eat: A Complete UK Dog-Safety Guide
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Foods Dogs Should Never Eat: A Complete UK Dog-Safety Guide
Those pleading eyes can be difficult to resist, but food that is perfectly safe for us can be dangerous—and sometimes life-threatening—for dogs.
Chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic and the sweetener xylitol are among the most important foods dog owners should keep out of reach. Dogs can react differently depending on their size, health, the food involved and how much they have eaten. With some toxins, even a seemingly small amount may require urgent veterinary advice.
At Wild & Worthy, pet wellbeing comes first. This guide explains which foods dogs should never eat, why they are dangerous and what to do if your dog gets hold of something they shouldn’t.
Emergency advice: If you think your dog has eaten something toxic, contact your vet immediately. Do not wait for symptoms and never try to make your dog vomit unless a vet specifically instructs you to do so. (pdsa.org.uk, pdsa.org.uk)
Quick answer: What foods are poisonous to dogs?
Dogs should never be given:
- Chocolate or cocoa
- Grapes, raisins, sultanas and currants
- Onions, garlic, leeks and chives
- Xylitol, sometimes labelled “birch sugar”
- Alcohol
- Macadamia nuts
- Raw bread dough containing yeast
- Mouldy or spoiled food
- Blue cheese and mould-ripened foods
- Caffeine, coffee and energy drinks
- Cooked bones
- Very fatty, salty or heavily seasoned foods
Some foods on this list are toxic, while others can cause choking, intestinal blockages, pancreatitis or other serious health problems.
1. Chocolate and cocoa
Dogs must not eat chocolate. It contains theobromine, a stimulant that dogs cannot process as effectively as humans.
Dark chocolate, cooking chocolate and cocoa powder usually present the greatest risk because they contain higher concentrations of theobromine. Milk and white chocolate should still be kept away from dogs.
Chocolate poisoning may cause:
- Vomiting or diarrhoea
- Restlessness or hyperactivity
- Excessive thirst
- A raised heart rate
- Tremors
- Seizures
- Collapse
The level of danger depends on the chocolate type, quantity eaten and the dog’s weight. Never assume a small amount is safe—call your vet and let them assess the risk. (pdsa.org.uk, rspca.org.uk, bluecross.org.uk)
2. Grapes, raisins, sultanas and currants
Fresh and dried vine fruits can cause sudden kidney failure in dogs. This includes grapes, raisins, sultanas and currants.
They can also be hidden inside:
- Hot cross buns
- Christmas cake and Christmas pudding
- Mince pies
- Fruit loaf
- Cereals and granola
- Trail mix
- Biscuits and cakes
There is no reliably safe amount. Toxicity can be unpredictable, and a quantity that appears not to affect one dog may seriously harm another.
If your dog eats any vine fruit, contact your vet immediately—even if they seem completely well. (pdsa.org.uk, bluecross.org.uk)
3. Onions, garlic, leeks and chives
Members of the allium family can damage a dog’s red blood cells and lead to potentially life-threatening anaemia.
They may be dangerous when:
- Raw
- Cooked
- Dried
- Powdered
- Mixed into another meal
Onion and garlic powders can be particularly easy to miss. Check the ingredients in gravy, stock cubes, stuffing, soups, sauces, ready meals, seasoning mixes and baby food.
Possible signs include vomiting, weakness, pale gums, rapid breathing, reduced appetite and dark-coloured urine. Some effects may be delayed, so seek veterinary advice rather than waiting for symptoms. (pdsa.org.uk, pdsa.org.uk)
4. Xylitol
Xylitol is a sweetener used in some sugar-free and low-sugar products. It may also appear on an ingredients list as birch sugar.
Potential sources include:
- Sugar-free chewing gum
- Mints and sweets
- Some peanut and nut butters
- Sugar-free cakes and desserts
- Toothpaste and dental products
- Certain medicines and supplements
Xylitol can cause a dog’s blood sugar to fall dangerously low and may also cause liver damage. Signs can include vomiting, weakness, poor coordination, shaking, seizures and collapse.
Treat possible xylitol ingestion as an emergency and contact your vet immediately. Always examine the ingredients before offering a dog peanut butter or another packaged human food. (rspca.org.uk, bluecross.org.uk, bluecross.org.uk)
5. Alcohol
Dogs should never be given alcohol. It can affect their nervous system and may cause vomiting, poor coordination, breathing difficulties, tremors, unconsciousness and potentially death.
Remember that alcohol may be present in more than drinks. Keep dogs away from:
- Alcoholic desserts
- Unbaked yeast dough
- Fermenting fruit
- Alcohol-based flavourings
- Spilt alcoholic drinks
Even a “funny” photo of a dog with a drink is not worth the risk.
6. Macadamia nuts
Macadamia nuts are toxic to dogs and may cause weakness—particularly in the back legs—vomiting, tremors, discomfort and an increased body temperature.
They are often found in biscuits, cakes, chocolates and nut mixes. Products containing both macadamia nuts and chocolate create more than one potential danger. (bluecross.org.uk, vcahospitals.com)
7. Raw yeast dough
Raw bread or pizza dough can expand inside a dog’s stomach, causing painful bloating and potentially dangerous pressure.
As the yeast ferments, it can also produce alcohol. That means uncooked dough may expose a dog to both severe stomach expansion and alcohol poisoning.
Keep rising dough at the back of a high worktop or inside a switched-off oven where curious dogs cannot reach it.
8. Mouldy or spoiled food
Food waste, compost bins and mouldy leftovers can contain toxins that make dogs seriously ill.
Possible signs include vomiting, agitation, tremors, seizures and a raised body temperature. Secure food bins and compost containers, and never allow a dog to scavenge discarded food during walks.
“Natural” does not automatically mean safe—mouldy natural food can still be extremely dangerous.
9. Blue cheese and mould-ripened food
Blue cheeses and some mouldy dairy products can contain substances capable of causing vomiting, tremors, seizures and a high temperature in dogs.
Ordinary cheese is not toxic to most dogs, but it can be high in fat and salt, and some dogs cannot tolerate dairy. Cheese containing onion, garlic, herbs or mould should be avoided. (bluecross.org.uk)
10. Caffeine, coffee and energy drinks
Caffeine is a stimulant and can be harmful to dogs. Keep dogs away from:
- Coffee and coffee grounds
- Tea bags
- Energy drinks
- Caffeine tablets
- Chocolate-covered coffee beans
- Pre-workout products
Caffeine poisoning can cause restlessness, vomiting, a rapid heartbeat, tremors, seizures and collapse.
Used coffee grounds can contain a concentrated amount of caffeine, so secure kitchen and compost bins carefully.
11. Cooked bones
Cooked bones are not poisonous, but they can become brittle and splinter.
Bone fragments may:
- Choke a dog
- Damage the mouth or throat
- Become lodged in the stomach or intestines
- Cause constipation
- Pierce the digestive tract
Never give dogs cooked chicken, lamb, pork or rib bones. Choose an appropriately sized dog chew and supervise your dog instead.
12. Fatty foods and table scraps
Fatty leftovers such as sausages, bacon, gravy, meat trimmings, butter and roast drippings can cause vomiting or diarrhoea. In some dogs, a very fatty meal may trigger pancreatitis, a painful condition that can require hospital treatment. (pdsa.org.uk, vcahospitals.com)
Avoid giving dogs rich leftovers, particularly after barbecues, Sunday roasts and festive meals.
13. Excessively salty foods
Crisps, salted nuts, processed meats and heavily salted leftovers are unsuitable for dogs. Large amounts of salt can cause serious illness.
Dogs should also be prevented from drinking seawater. Take fresh water to the beach and offer it regularly.
Foods that are not necessarily toxic but still require care
Some foods are commonly described as poisonous when the main danger is actually choking, blockage, stomach upset or excessive fat.
These include:
- Avocado: The stone presents a choking and blockage risk, while the flesh is high in fat.
- Corn on the cob: The cob can become lodged in the intestines.
- Fruit stones and pips: These can cause choking or obstruction; some also contain potentially harmful compounds.
- Nuts: Many are fatty and difficult to digest, and some present a choking risk.
- Milk and dairy: These may cause digestive upset in lactose-intolerant dogs.
- Raw meat or eggs: These may carry harmful bacteria unless sourced, stored and handled as part of an appropriately formulated diet.
What should I do if my dog eats something poisonous?
Act quickly, even if your dog seems normal.
- Remove the remaining food so they cannot eat any more.
- Contact your vet or nearest emergency veterinary practice immediately.
- Tell them what your dog ate, approximately how much and when.
- Give them your dog’s weight, age and any existing health conditions.
- Keep the packaging or photograph the ingredients label.
- Follow the vet’s instructions.
- Never use salt, hydrogen peroxide or another home remedy to make your dog vomit.
Symptoms can take hours or even days to appear. Waiting until your dog looks ill may reduce the treatment options available. (pdsa.org.uk, pdsa.org.uk, rspca.org.uk)
UK dog owners can also contact the Veterinary Poisons Information Service’s Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509000. It is a chargeable, 24-hour specialist service for owners concerned about possible poisoning. If your dog is already unconscious, struggling to breathe, fitting or seriously unwell, contact an emergency vet immediately. (animalpoisonline.co.uk, animalpoisonline.co.uk)
How to prevent accidental poisoning
A few simple habits can greatly reduce the risk:
- Keep food, medicines and supplements in closed cupboards.
- Never leave shopping bags where a dog can investigate them.
- Use secure kitchen, bathroom and compost bins.
- Ask visitors and children not to feed your dog without permission.
- Check ingredients before sharing any packaged human food.
- Keep handbags out of reach—they may contain gum, sweets or medication.
- Clear plates and drinks immediately after parties.
- Teach a reliable “leave it” and “drop” cue.
- Carry dog-safe treats so you have a suitable alternative available.
Frequently asked questions
Can dogs eat a small amount of chocolate?
No amount of chocolate should deliberately be given to a dog. The risk depends on the type, quantity and the dog’s weight, so contact your vet if your dog has eaten any.
Can one grape hurt a dog?
Potentially, yes. The response to grapes and dried vine fruits is unpredictable, and there is no reliably safe quantity. Contact your vet immediately.
Is peanut butter safe for dogs?
Some peanut butter can be offered occasionally, but only if it contains no xylitol and is not excessively salty. Always read the complete ingredients list.
Can dogs eat garlic in small amounts?
Garlic belongs to the allium family and can damage red blood cells. Do not deliberately give it to your dog. Ask your vet about any product or supplement containing garlic.
Should I make my dog sick after it eats something poisonous?
No. Never attempt to make your dog vomit unless a vet specifically tells you to. Home methods can cause additional poisoning, choking or internal injury.
How quickly do signs of poisoning appear in dogs?
It varies. Signs may develop quickly or take hours or days. Do not wait for symptoms before asking your vet for advice.
Safer treating starts with informed choices
Dogs do not know which foods can harm them—that responsibility falls to us.
At Wild & Worthy, we carefully select dog treats, natural chews and wellbeing products designed specifically for pets. Always check the product instructions, choose a suitable size and supervise your dog while they enjoy a treat or chew.
Shop carefully selected dog treats and chews at Wild & Worthy, or visit us at selected London and Essex markets.
This article offers general educational information and is not a substitute for veterinary advice. If you suspect poisoning, contact a veterinary professional immediately.