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Veterinary Emergency services at Home
throughout London and Greater London and Manchester and Greater Manchester

What foods are toxic to dogs?

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Toxic foods for dogs

toxic foods

Many foods we consume in our daily lives are toxic to your pets and can be deadly.

If your dog has eaten chocolate, onions, garlic, leeks, avocado, grapes, potatoes, or nuts, or has consumed tea, coffee, or energy drinks, their life may be at risk. If your pet has just ingested any of these, here’s what you should do. Be aware that some other foods not listed here may also be toxic. If you have any doubts about an ingested food, do not hesitate to contact us or reach out to your regular veterinarian immediately.

Chocolate (including tea, coffee, and energy drinks containing guarana)

The theobromine found in cocoa belongs to the methylxanthine group, just like caffeine and theophylline. This substance is toxic to the nervous system and the heart muscle. The darker the chocolate, the more dangerous it is for dogs. White chocolate, which contains no cocoa and therefore no theobromine, does not have the same toxicity but can still cause problems if consumed in large quantities due to its high fat content.

Even small amounts of chocolate can cause symptoms of poisoning. Not all dogs react the same way, and some—especially those with heart conditions—are more sensitive. Signs of chocolate poisoning can appear from as little as 15g of dark chocolate per 10kg of body weight.

Symptoms evolve over several hours, beginning with restlessness, vomiting, and diarrhea. Your dog may also experience rapid breathing, increased urination, and an accelerated heart rate. In severe cases, seizures may occur. This poisoning can be fatal, so be extremely vigilant. If you suspect your dog has ingested chocolate, inducing vomiting—even several hours after ingestion—can help reduce the amount absorbed, as there is currently no antidote.

Onions, Garlic, Chives, Shallots, Leeks, and Other Allium Plants

Whether raw or cooked, alone or as part of a dish, these foods are toxic to dogs. Poisoning can occur either after a large one-time ingestion or after repeated small exposures over time.

Sulfur compounds found in onions and other allium vegetables cause the destruction of red blood cells, preventing oxygen from being transported properly in the bloodstream. Affected dogs may appear lethargic, suffer from digestive upset, or experience difficulty breathing, which can lead to death. One characteristic symptom of onion toxicity is dark brown or reddish urine.

The toxic threshold is 5 to 10g per kg of body weight over several days, which means that for a 10kg dog, eating half to one onion or two cloves of garlic can be dangerous.

Onion poisoning is the second most common fatal food poisoning in dogs, following chocolate toxicity. It’s also worth noting that certain breeds, such as Akitas, are more sensitive to this form of poisoning.

Avocado

The entire plant is toxic, including the leaves, seeds, and fruit. However, most cases of poisoning occur after ingestion of the fruit’s flesh. The toxicity level depends on the amount consumed, but some dogs can experience severe symptoms even with small doses.

Symptoms often start with digestive issues like vomiting and diarrhea, followed by respiratory distress and cardiovascular problems, leading to fluid accumulation (effusions and edema) that can be fatal.

If your dog ingests even a small amount of avocado, contact your veterinarian or an emergency service immediately.

Grapes

Grapes are toxic to dogs at doses over 10g per kg of body weight. A single bunch of fresh grapes can be lethal to a dog. Raisins are even more toxic, as they are more concentrated.

Hunting dogs, or those that roam near vineyards, are particularly at risk because they might eat fermenting grapes fallen on the ground.

Symptoms of grape toxicity appear within a few hours after ingestion, including vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and lethargy. Severe kidney failure may also develop, which can be fatal.

Potatoes

Potato poisoning most often occurs when dogs consume green, sprouted, or old potatoes, or large amounts of potato peels, as these contain high levels of solanine, a toxic compound.

For a 10kg dog, consuming more than 300g of green potatoes can pose a significant risk.

Potato toxicity affects both the digestive and nervous systems. Symptoms include excessive drooling, vomiting, and diarrhea (sometimes black or tarry). Neurological signs such as tremors, loss of balance, and hypothermia can appear within 2 to 3 hours after ingestion.

While most cases resolve with proper treatment, fatalities have been reported, especially in small dogs that consume large amounts.

Macadamia Nuts

Just six macadamia nuts can be enough to poison a dog, whether raw, cooked, or in baked goods like cookies. While macadamia nuts are the most toxic, other nuts can also be harmful. For a 10kg dog, as little as 20g of macadamia nuts can cause serious poisoning.

Symptoms include vomiting, nausea, excessive drooling, and neurological problems such as tremors, difficulty walking, and even seizures. Symptoms can appear within just a few hours of ingestion.

If your dog eats macadamia nuts, seek veterinary care immediately.

🚨 What to Do If Your Dog Eats a Toxic Food?

If you suspect your dog has consumed any of the foods listed above, contact a veterinarian immediately.

Early intervention can significantly improve the outcome and may save your dog’s life.

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