We all love to spoil our furry mates with a cheeky snack or two, but not every food that’s safe for humans is safe for dogs. In fact, some of the foods we enjoy daily can be highly toxic to our pups. Knowing what’s off-limits is essential for keeping tails wagging and bellies happy.
Top Toxic Human Foods for Dogs
- Chocolate: Contains theobromine, which dogs cannot process. Even small amounts can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, tremors, or worse.
- Grapes & Raisins: Known to cause kidney failure in dogs. Symptoms may include lethargy, vomiting, and loss of appetite.
- Onions & Garlic: Can damage red blood cells and cause anaemia. Cooked, raw, or powdered forms are all dangerous.
- Avocado: Contains persin, which is toxic in larger amounts. It can cause upset stomachs and difficulty breathing.
- Alcohol: Even tiny amounts of alcohol can lead to dangerous drops in blood sugar, coordination issues, and serious poisoning.
- Macadamia Nuts: Just a few nuts can cause weakness, vomiting, tremors, and hyperthermia in dogs.
- Xylitol (artificial sweetener): Found in sugar-free gum, lollies, and some peanut butters. It can cause a rapid insulin release, leading to life-threatening hypoglycaemia.
- Coffee & Caffeine: Much like chocolate, caffeine overstimulates a dog’s nervous system and can be deadly in higher doses.
Safe & Tasty Snack Alternatives
While some foods are dangerous, there are plenty of healthy, dog-safe snacks you can offer as a treat instead:
- Carrot sticks – crunchy, low-calorie, and great for teeth.
- Apple slices – just remove the seeds and core.
- Blueberries – packed with antioxidants.
- Plain cooked chicken – a lean source of protein.
- Pumpkin – good for digestion (make sure it’s plain, not spiced).
What To Do If Your Dog Eats Something Toxic
If you suspect your pup has eaten something they shouldn’t, don’t wait—call your vet immediately. Quick action can save lives. Have details ready, such as what food was eaten and how much.
Prevention is Key
Keeping harmful foods out of reach is the simplest way to avoid a dangerous situation. Many dogs are clever at sniffing out snacks, so it’s worth having extra help in training.
One tool many Aussie dog parents use is the QuietPaws™ Bark Control Device. While not directly related to food safety, it can help with training by reinforcing calm behaviour, especially if your pup tends to beg or bark when you’re eating. This makes mealtimes more peaceful and helps reduce the chance of sneaky snacking on harmful foods.
Final Thoughts
Sharing your lunch with your pup might feel like love, but it can actually do more harm than good. Stick to dog-safe treats, keep toxic foods well out of reach, and train your dog to avoid scavenging. Your furry mate will thank you with years of tail wags and good health.