Foods, plants, and household items that poison dogs

Castor bean

Ricinus communis

Contains ricin, one of the most potent natural toxins known. Inhibits protein synthesis in cells.

Sago palm

Cycas revoluta

Cycasin (via its aglycone methylazoxymethanol) causes acute liver failure. Even with aggressive treatment, mortality rate is around 50%.

Yew

Taxus spp.

Contains taxine alkaloids that disrupt heart rhythm. Death can occur within hours, sometimes with no warning symptoms.

Acorns

Tannins irritate the gut and, in quantity, can damage the liver and kidneys; whole nuts can block the gut.

Alcohol

Rapid central-nervous-system depression and drop in blood sugar.

Azalea

Rhododendron spp.

Contains grayanotoxins that disrupt sodium channels in nerve and muscle tissue, including the heart.

Cherry

Pits contain amygdalin which breaks down to cyanide. The pit itself is a choking hazard.

Chocolate

Contains theobromine. Dogs metabolize it very slowly, so it builds up to toxic levels.

Coffee

Similar to theobromine — cardiac and nervous-system stimulant.

Foxglove

Digitalis purpurea

Contains cardiac glycosides (digitoxin and related compounds) that disrupt heart rhythm. The plant family is the source of digoxin used medicinally in humans; in pets, the raw plant compounds are lethal at small doses.

Grape

The exact toxic agent is still being researched (likely tartaric acid). Reactions vary wildly between individuals.

Lily of the valley

Convallaria majalis

Contains cardiac glycosides (convallatoxin) that disrupt heart rhythm.

Macadamia

Unknown toxin causes weakness and tremors. Not usually fatal but very unpleasant.

Mushroom

Many yard and woodland species cause liver/kidney failure or neurological signs.

Nutmeg

Myristicin causes tremors and seizures in large doses. A sprinkle in cooking is low-risk.

Oleander

Nerium oleander

Contains cardiac glycosides (oleandrin) that disrupt heart rhythm. Effects similar to digitalis poisoning.

Onion

Allium species damage red blood cells, causing anemia. Garlic is ~5× more potent than onion.

Pistachios

Not acutely toxic, but high fat and salt, possible aflatoxin mold, and shells that choke or block.

Raw dough

Yeast continues fermenting in the warm stomach — produces ethanol and painful gas distension.

Rhubarb

Rhubarb leaves contain soluble calcium oxalates; stalks are high in oxalic acid. No benefit to dogs.

Walnuts

Black walnuts are toxic; moldy walnuts carry tremorgenic mycotoxins; all are high in fat.

Xylitol

Triggers massive insulin release in dogs, dropping blood sugar; higher doses cause liver failure.

Avocado

Contains persin — more concern in birds and horses than dogs. Pit is the real danger.

Butter

Almost pure fat plus dairy. No benefit; fat is a pancreatitis trigger.

Cat food

Formulated for cats — far higher protein and fat than dogs need. Regular access causes GI upset, weight gain, and pancreatitis risk.

Cooked bone

Cooking makes bones brittle and likely to splinter — causing mouth, throat or gut injury.

Ham

Cured, very high in salt and fat, with nitrates. No nutritional reason to feed it.

Honey

Trace antioxidants but essentially sugar. Raw honey can carry botulism spores.

Ice cream

Sugary and full of dairy many dogs can't digest. Some flavors (chocolate, coffee, xylitol) are toxic.

Lily

Lilium spp., Hemerocallis spp.

GI irritation. Dogs lack the kidney-specific sensitivity that cats have.

Milk

Variable lactose tolerance. Ice cream also has too much sugar.

Peanut butter

Plain peanut butter is safe — but many "sugar-free" brands contain xylitol which is deadly to dogs.

Popcorn

Plain popped corn is low-calorie. Butter, salt, and unpopped kernels are the real problems.

Pork

Good protein and B vitamins. Risk is in the form: raw pork carries parasites, cured pork (bacon/ham) is too salty/fatty, and cooked bones splinter.

Raw chicken

Raw poultry commonly carries Salmonella and Campylobacter, a risk to the dog and household.

Raw egg

Salmonella risk (to pet and family); avidin binds biotin if fed long-term.

Raw fish

Parasitic risk; thiaminase as with cats.

Salt

Excess salt shifts water out of brain cells; also worsens heart and kidney conditions.

Shrimp

Lean protein with B12 and antioxidants. Risk is all in prep: raw shrimp carries bacteria/parasites, and shells are a choking/obstruction hazard.

Turkey

Lean protein used in many dog foods. The dangers are skin, bones, and seasoning.

Aloe

Aloe barbadensis

Saponins and anthraquinones cause GI irritation; rarely fatal.

Peace lily

Spathiphyllum spp.

Insoluble calcium oxalate crystals.

Philodendron

Philodendron spp.

Insoluble calcium oxalate crystals.

Pothos

Epipremnum aureum

Insoluble calcium oxalate crystals embed in oral tissue, causing intense irritation and swelling.

Apple

Good fiber and vitamin C. Seeds contain cyanide — small amounts are harmless but remove for safety.

Banana

High in potassium and vitamin B6. High in sugar — don't overdo it.

Blueberry

Low calorie, high in antioxidants. Most dogs love them.

Carrot

Low calorie, good for teeth, high in fiber and beta-carotene.

Chicken

Lean protein. Avoid bones, skin, and heavy seasoning.

Green bean

Low calorie, high fiber — great for weight management.

Oranges

Vitamin C and potassium. Sugar and acidity mean it is an occasional treat at most.

Pumpkin

Fiber helps with constipation and mild diarrhea. Avoid pie filling (spices + sugar).

Rice

Easy to digest, low fiber. Combines well with plain chicken for bland-diet days.

Strawberries

Low-calorie source of vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants. Natural sugar only matters in excess.

Tuna

Occasional tuna in water (not brine) is fine for dogs.

Watermelon

90% water — great summer hydration.

Yogurt

Probiotics can support gut health. Avoid flavored varieties (sugar, xylitol).

Zucchini

One of the safest veggies — low calorie, high fiber and water, with vitamins A and C.