Many everyday foods and snacks seem harmless to share with a dog, especially when they look eager for a bite. However, some common treats can be harmful or even toxic to dogs, even in small amounts.
Understanding which foods to avoid can help prevent illness and keep pets safe. Some of these items are well known hazards, while others are less obvious and often given with good intentions.
This article is for general knowledge only and is based on reputable veterinary sources. Dogs vary in size, health and sensitivity, so always consult a veterinarian if you are unsure or if your dog has eaten something potentially unsafe. Images are for illustrative purposes only.
1. Nutmeg
A sprinkle of nutmeg in baked goods may smell inviting, but it contains myristicin, a compound that can cause hallucinations, disorientation, and increased heart rate in dogs. Even small amounts in cookies or eggnog can make your pet ill.
Symptoms may not appear immediately, but when they do, your dog might act confused or unsteady. Keep spiced treats out of reach, especially during the holidays when nutmeg appears in many recipes. If you suspect your dog has eaten nutmeg, contact your vet right away.
2. Chewing Gum And Mints
Many sugar-free gums and mints contain xylitol, an artificial sweetener that can cause a rapid drop in blood sugar and liver failure in dogs. Symptoms like weakness, vomiting, or tremors may appear within an hour of ingestion.
Xylitol is far more dangerous than most owners realize. Even a single piece of gum can be life-threatening for small breeds. Store these products in cabinets or purses your dog cannot access, and seek emergency veterinary care if ingestion occurs.
3. Salted Snacks
Pretzels, crisps, and salted popcorn might seem harmless, but too much salt can lead to sodium ion poisoning. Excessive thirst, vomiting, and even seizures can result from dogs eating large amounts of salty food.
Dogs need far less sodium than humans do. What tastes just right to us can overwhelm their system quickly. If your dog sneaks a few chips, monitor them closely for unusual behaviour. Offer plenty of fresh water and call your vet if symptoms develop.
4. Tomato Leaves And Stems
Ripe tomatoes are generally safe in small amounts, but the green parts of the plant contain solanine, which is toxic to dogs. Consuming stems or leaves can cause drooling, lethargy, and stomach upset.
Home gardeners should be especially cautious if their dog likes to explore the vegetable patch. The toxin is most concentrated in unripe fruit and plant foliage. Keep dogs away from tomato plants, and if they nibble on green parts, watch for signs of distress and consult your veterinarian promptly.
5. Raw Potatoes
Like tomato plants, raw potatoes, especially green ones, also contain solanine. Cooking neutralises the toxin, but feeding raw potato or peelings can lead to nausea and weakness. Avoid giving dogs uncooked potatoes or potato skins.
Green potatoes indicate higher solanine levels and should never be fed to pets. While a tiny taste is unlikely to cause harm, larger amounts can result in serious digestive issues. Stick to cooked, plain potatoes in moderation if you want to share this vegetable safely.
6. Fat Trimmings
It may feel natural to give dogs leftover fat from meat, but doing so increases the risk of pancreatitis. This painful condition causes inflammation of the pancreas and can lead to vomiting, loss of appetite, and severe abdominal pain.
Dogs cannot process high-fat foods the way humans do. What seems like a special treat can trigger a medical emergency requiring hospitalization. Choose lean meat scraps instead, or better yet, offer dog-safe treats designed for their digestive system.
7. Blue Cheese
Some cheeses, particularly those with mould such as Roquefort or Stilton, contain roquefortine C, a toxin that can cause muscle tremors and seizures in dogs. Even small amounts of blue cheese can make them ill.
While mild cheeses like cheddar are usually safe in moderation, mouldy varieties are off-limits. The toxin affects the nervous system and can lead to serious complications. If your dog accidentally eats blue cheese, contact your vet immediately, especially if tremors or odd behaviour develop.
8. Canned Tuna (For Humans)
Tuna meant for humans often contains high levels of mercury compared to varieties used in pet food. Frequent feeding can cause mercury buildup over time, leading to neurological issues. If you want to share fish, choose tuna made specifically for dogs.
An occasional bite is unlikely to harm your pet, but making it a regular treat poses risks. Mercury poisoning symptoms include loss of coordination and vision problems. Opt for dog-formulated fish products that meet safety standards for pets.
9. Nut Butters With Additives
Plain peanut butter in moderation is fine, but many nut butters include xylitol or added salt. Always check the label carefully, even natural-looking products can hide harmful ingredients.
Brands marketed as sugar-free are the biggest concern because they often use xylitol as a sweetener. A quick scan of the ingredient list can save your dog from a dangerous reaction. When in doubt, choose organic varieties with only nuts and maybe a touch of salt, or buy nut butter formulated for pets.
10. Mushrooms From The Wild
Some wild mushrooms are safe for humans but highly toxic to dogs. Ingesting the wrong type can cause liver failure or neurological symptoms. Unless you’re an expert, it’s safest to assume all wild mushrooms are off-limits.
Dogs often nibble on things during walks or in the backyard without owners noticing. Toxic varieties can look similar to harmless ones, making identification tricky. Train your dog to avoid mushrooms entirely, and remove any that appear in your yard to prevent accidental poisoning.
11. Apple Seeds
While apple flesh is safe, the seeds contain cyanide compounds. Eating several seeds can be dangerous, especially for smaller dogs. Always remove the core before offering apple slices as a treat.
One or two seeds are unlikely to cause harm, but repeated exposure or a large amount at once can lead to poisoning. Symptoms include difficulty breathing and bright red gums. Apples make a healthy, crunchy snack when prepared properly, so take the extra moment to core them first.
