The information on this page is from years of research and is to make pet owners aware of the many common foods and plants that are toxic to dogs and cats. Because I am not an expert and things change all the time, please make sure if you do not see an item on my list, do your own research and/or consult your vet or your local poison control center to make sure it is safe for your pet.

How Much is a Toxic Dose?

There are many variables, like the size of the animal, the quantity of toxic food that the animal has ingested, the animal's overall health conditions and underlying food allergies or sensitivities.

For these reasons, it's impossible to say how much of a particular food constitutes a toxic dose. If a large dog eats one grape or one M&M, it's unlikely he'll suffer any ill effects. On the other hand, a fairly small dose of xylitol from a few pieces of sugar-free gum can be deadly to a large dog. The same goes for foods like peanuts; if a dog who's allergic to peanuts smells a peanut, he could suffer a deadly allergic reaction. The dog's health condition also plays a role in what constitutes a toxic dose; a dog who has suffered at bout of pancreatitis in recent months could have a deadly relapse, triggered by eating a small amount of cat food, nuts or another fatty food.

In short, many dog owners may say, "Hey, my dog has eaten that before and he lived." That does not mean a particular food is safe! It means the dog was lucky; he ingested a less-than-lethal dose of the toxin. Further, many of the effects of toxic foods, like organ damage, are not visible to the untrained eye, but that does not mean the dog is unscathed.

TOXIC FOODS

Chocolate/Caffeine

Chocolate contains theobromine, a compound that is a cardiac stimulant and a diuretic.

After their pet has eaten a large quantity of chocolate, many pet owners assume their pet is unaffected. However, the signs of sickness may not be seen for several hours, with death following within twenty-four hours. Symptoms include Staggering, labored breathing, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, tremors, fever, heart rate increase, arrhythmia, seizures, coma, death.

Cocoa powder and cooking chocolate are the most toxic forms. A 10 kg (22 lb) dog can be seriously affected if it eats a quarter of a 250g packet of cocoa powder or half of a 250g block of cooking chocolate. These forms of chocolate contain ten times more theobromine than milk chocolate. Thus, a chocolate mud cake could be a real health risk for a small dog. Even licking a substantial part of the chocolate icing from a cake can make a dog unwell.

Semi-sweet chocolate and dark chocolate are the next most dangerous forms, with milk chocolate not as dangerous and white chocolate being the least dangerous. A dog needs to eat more than a 250g block of milk chocolate to be affected. Obviously, the smaller the dog, the less it needs to eat.

Milk Chocolate...
Lethal Dose = 2 oz per kg of body weight (approximately 13 mg/kg) of milk chocolate can be fatal unless treated...ie: 5 kg (11 lb) dog = 10 oz (280g); 25 kg (55 lbs) dog = 1.4 kg chocolate.

Unsweetened (bakers) Dark Chocolate...
This is 10 times more lethal than milk chocolate (much higher theobromine content)...ie:5 kg (11 lb) dog = 1 oz (28g); 25 kg (55 lbs) dog = 5 oz (140g).

White Chocolate...
Low enough in both theobromine and caffeine to be unlikely to cause poisoning.

Onions/Garlic

Onions and garlic contain the toxic ingredient thiosulphate. Onions are more of a danger.

Pets affected by onion toxicity will develop haemolytic anaemia, where the pet's red blood cells burst while circulating in its body. Symptoms include Hemolytic Anemia, labored breathing, liver damage, vomiting, diarrhea, discolored urine.

The poisoning occurs a few days after the pet has eaten the onion. All forms of onion can be a problem including dehydrated onions, raw onions, cooked onions and table scraps containing cooked onions and/or garlic. Left over pizza, Chinese dishes and commercial baby food containing onion, sometimes fed as a supplement to young pets, can cause illness.

While garlic also contains the toxic ingredient thiosulphate, it seems that garlic is less toxic and large amounts would need to be eaten to cause illness.

Mushrooms

Mushroom toxicity does occur in dogs and it can be fatal if certain species of mushrooms are eaten. Amanita phalloides is the most commonly reported severely toxic species of mushroom in the US but other Amanita species are toxic. Symptoms include Abdominal pain, drooling, liver damage, kidney damage, vomiting diarrhea, convulsions, coma, death.

Grapes/Raisins

As few as a handful of raisins or grapes can make a dog ill; however, of the 10 cases reported to the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC), each dog ingested between 9 ounces and 2 pounds of grapes or raisins. Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and lethargy.

Macadamia Nuts

Macadamia nuts are another concern, along with most other kinds of nuts. Their high phosphorus content is said to possibly lead to bladder stones. Dogs develop a tremor of the skeletal muscles, and weakness or paralysis of the hindquarters. Affected dogs are often unable to rise and are distressed, usually panting. Some affected dogs have swollen limbs and show pain when the limbs are manipulated.

Pet owners should not assume that human food is always safe for pets. When it comes to chocolate, onions, garlic and macadamia nuts, these foods should be given in only small quantities, or not at all. Be sure your pets can not get into you stash of chocolates or macadamia nuts and that food scraps are disposed of carefully to prevent onion and garlic toxicity.

Alcohol

Dogs cannot tolerate alcohol, even in small amounts. And the hops in beer are also potentially toxic to dogs. Alcohol ingestion by dogs can result in intoxication, liver failure, coma, seizures and death.

Tomatoes, Potatoes and Rhubarb

Tomatoes, potatoes and rhubarb contain oxalates, which trigger abnormalities with the nervous system, kidneys and digestive tract. Especially toxic are green tomatoes, green potatoes, potato skins, and tomato leaves and plants, can trigger tremors, seizure and heart arrhythimia, so tomatoes should never be given to dogs.

Avocado

Avocado fruit, pits, leaves and the actual plant are all potentially poisonous to dogs, along with other pets like cats, mice, rats, birds, rabbits, horses, cattle and goats, among others. Avocados will trigger fluid accumulation in the lungs and chest, leading to difficulty breathing and death due to oxygen deprivation. Fluid accumulation can also occur in the heart, pancreas and abdomen.

Citrus fruits and oil extracts

Lemons, oranges, limes and grapefruit peels, fruit and seeds can cause vomiting or diarrhea.

Xylitol

This is an artificial sweetener created from birch, raspberries, plums and corn. This sweetener is found in many human "sugar free" products, such as gum, candies and other sweets. In humans, high doses may have a mild laxative effect, but in dogs, ingestion could be fatal.

It has been known for quite some time that there is a link between xylitol ingestion and hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) in dogs. Now, with the prevalence of this sweeter in human foods, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center has noted a connection between xylitol consumption and acute toxicity in dogs. Xylitol has also been suspected of causing toxicity in ferrets.

Signs of toxicity can be seen as quickly as 30 minutes after xylitol ingestion in dogs. The xylitol causes a rapid release of the hormone insulin, causing a sudden decrease in blood glucose. This in turn may cause symptoms like vomiting, weakness, ataxia (uncoordinated movements), depression, hypokalemia (decreased potassium), seizures, coma, liver dysfunction and/or failure.

The most common xylitol item is sugar-free gum. Gum can be found everywhere, and is often tempting to dogs. Keep gum out of reach - watch out for open pockets, purses, counter tops, and in the car. Xylitol can also be found in sugar-free (low carb and diabetic) candies, baked goods, some pharmaceuticals and many dental products, including mouthwashes, mints and toothpastes. Only use pet toothpaste for pets, NEVER human toothpaste.

Baby Food

Can contain onion powder, which can be toxic to dogs. Can also result in nutritional deficiencies, if fed in large amounts.

Bones from fish, poultry, or other meat sources

Can cause obstruction or laceration of the digestive system...always monitor your dog when eating any type of bone.

Dog/Cat Food

If accidental ingestion, will not cause a problem; if dog food is fed repeatedly to a cat it may result in malnutrition and diseases affecting the heart. Cat food is generally too high in protein and fats, which can be harmful to dogs over time.

Fat Trimmings

Can cause pancreatitis.

Milk and other dairy products

Some adult dogs and cats do not have sufficient amounts of the enzyme lactase, which breaks down the lactose in milk. This can result in diarrhea. Lactose-free milk products are available for pets.

Raw Eggs

Contain an enzyme called avidin, which decreases the absorption of biotin (a B vitamin). This can lead to skin and hair coat problems. Raw eggs may also contain Salmonella.

Raw Fish

Can result in a thiamine (a B vitamin) deficiency leading to loss of appetite, seizures, and in severe cases, death. More common if raw fish is fed regularly.

Toxic Plants

As we let our pets roam freely in and out of the house, we need to be aware of what we are exposing our pets to. There are various plants that are poisonous to pets both inside and outside of our homes. Below is just a general list of the more common plants our pets may come in contact with. Always do research on any plants that you decide to bring in your home or put in your garden. For a list of non-toxic plants, click here.

ALOE - Scientific Name: Aloe Vera/Family: Liliaceae
Toxic to: dogs and cats
Symptoms: Vomiting, depression, diarrhea, anorexia, tremors, change in urine color.

AMARYLLIS - Other Common Names: Belladonna lily, Saint Joseph lily, Cape Belladonna, Naked Lady/Scientific Name: Amaryllis sp./Family: Amaryllidaceae
Toxic to: dogs and cats
Symptoms:Vomiting, depression, diarrhea, abdominal pain, hyper-salivation, anorexia, tremors.

APPLE - Other Common Names: Includes crabapples/Scientific Name: Malus sylvestrus/Family: Rosaceae
Toxic to: dogs, cats and horses
Causes: Stems, leaves & seeds contain cyanide, particularly toxic in the process of wilting. Symptoms: brick red mucous membranes, dilated pupils, difficulty breathing, panting, shock.

APRICOT - Scientific Name: Prunus armeniaca/Family: Rosaceae
Toxic to: dogs, cats and horses
Causes: Stems, leaves & seeds contain cyanide, particularly toxic in the process of wilting. Symptoms: brick red mucous membranes, dilated pupils, difficulty breathing, panting, shock.

ASIAN LILY - Other Common Names: Asiatic Lily/Scientific Name: Lilium asiatica/Family: Liliaceae
Toxic to: cats
Symptoms: Vomiting, inappetence, lethargy, kidney failure, and death is possible.

ASPARAGUS FERN - Other Common Names: Asparagus, Emerald Feather, Emerald Fern, Sprengeri Fern, Plumosa Fern, Lace Fern, Racemose Asparagus, Shatavari/Scientific Name: Asparagus densiflorus cv sprengeri/Family: Liliaceae
Toxic to: dogs and cats
Symptoms: Allergic dermatitis with repeated dermal exposure. Berry ingestion could result in gastric upset, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea.

AVOCADO - Other Common Names: Alligator Pear/Scientific Name: Persea americana/Family: Lauraceae
Toxic to: dogs, cats, horses, cattle, rabbits, goats and birds
Symptoms: DOGS and CATS: vomiting, diarrhea. HORSES: Poisonings can occur when avocado groves are used as pastures, or pruned branches become accessible. The leaves, seeds fruit and bark are likely all toxic. Clinical effects occur mainly in mares, and includes noninfectious mastitis, as well as occasional gastritis and colic. CATTLE: inflammation of the mammary glands, decreased milk production. RABBITS: inflammation of the mammary glands, decreased milk production, difficulty breathing, fluid around heart, heart rhythm problems, death. GOATS: inflammation of the mammary glands, decreased milk production, difficulty breathing, fluid around heart, heart rhythm problems, death. BIRDS: difficulty breathing, fluid around heart, heart rhythm problems, death.

AZALEA - Other Common Names: Rosebay, Rhododendron/Scientific Name: Rhododendron spp/Family: Ericaceae
Toxic to: Dogs, cats and horses
Symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhea, hypersalivation, weakness, coma, hypotension, CNS depression, cardiovascular collapse and death. Ingestion of a few leaves can cause serious problems. Rhododendron is typically not very palatable to horses unless it is the only forage available. The toxic principle interferes with normal skeletal muscle, cardiac muscle and nerve function. Clinical effects typically occur within a few hours after ingestion, and can include acute digestive upset, excessive drooling, loss of appetite, frequent bowel movements, diarrhea, colic, depression, weakness, loss of coordination, stupor, leg paralysis, weak heart rate and recumbency for 2 or more days; at this point, improvement may be seen or the animal may become comatose and die.

BABY'S BREATH - Other Common Names: Maidens Breath/Scientific Name: Gypsophila elegans/Family: Caryophyllaceae
Toxic to: dogs and cats
Symptoms:vomiting, diarrhea.

BEGONIA - Scientific Name: Begonia spp/Family: Begoniaceae
Toxic to: dogs and cats
Symptoms: Oral irritation, intense burning and irritation of mouth, tongue and lips, excessive drooling, vomiting, difficulty swallowing. Tubers are the most toxic.

BIRD OF PARADISE - Other Common Names: Crane Flower, Bird's Tongue Flower/Scientific Name: Strelitzia reginae/Family: Strelitziaceae
Toxic to: dogs, cats and horses
Symptoms: Mild nausea, vomiting, drowsiness; caused mainly by fruit and seeds. Should not be confused with Caesalpinia or Poinciana gilliesii, which is also known as Bird of Paradise and is more toxic.

BUTTERCUP - Other Common Names: Butter Cress, Figwort/Scientific Name: Ranunculus sp./Family: Ranunculaceae
Toxic to: dogs, cats and horses
Symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhea, depression, anorexia, hyper-salivation and wobbly gait.

CALLA LILY - Other Common Names: Pig Lily, White Arum, Trumpet Lily, Florist's Calla, Garden Calla, Arum Lilly/Scientific Name: Zantedeschia aethiopica/Family: Araceae
Toxic to: dogs and cats
Symptoms: Oral irritation, intense burning and irritation of mouth, tongue and lips, excessive drooling, vomiting, difficulty swallowing

CARNATION - Other Common Names: Pinks, Wild Carnation, Sweet Willian/Scientific Name: Dianthus caryophyllus/Family: Caryphyllaceae
Toxic to: dogs and cats
Symptoms: Mild gastrointestinal signs, mild dermatitis

CHAMOMILE - Other Common Names: Ground Apple, Roman Chamomile/Scientific Name: Anthemis nobilis/Family: Asteraceae
Toxic to: dogs, cats and horses
Symptoms: Contact dermatitis, vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia, allergic reactions. Long term use can lead to bleeding tendencies.

CHERRY - Scientific Name: Prunus species/Family: Rosaceae
Toxic to: dogs, cats and horses
Causes: Stems, leaves & seeds contain cyanide, particularly toxic in the process of wilting. Symptoms: brick red mucous membranes, dilated pupils, difficulty breathing, panting, shock.

CHRISTMAS ROSE - Other Common Names: Hellebore, Lenten Rose, Easter Rose/Scientific Name: Helleborus niger/Family: Ranunculaceae
Toxic to: dogs, cats and horses
Symptoms: Drooling, abdominal pain, diarrhea, colic, depression.

CHRYSANTHEMUM - Other Common Names: Daisy, Mum/Scientific Name: Chrysanthemum spp./Family: Compositae
Toxic to: dogs, cats and horses
Symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhea, hyper-salivation, in-coordination, dermatitis

CLEMATIS - Other Common Names: Virgin's Bower, Leatherflower/Scientific Name: Clematis sp./Family: Ranunculaceae
Toxic to: dogs, cats and horses
Symptoms: Salivation, vomiting, diarrhea.

CROCUS - Other Common Names: Meadow Saffron/Scientific Name: Colchicum autumnale/Family:Liliaceae
Toxic to: dogs, cats and horses
Symptoms: Oral irritation, bloody vomiting, diarrhea, shock, multi-organ damage, bone marrow suppression.

CUTLEAF PHILODENDRON - Other Common Names: Hurricane Plant, Swiss Cheese Plant, Ceriman, Mexican Breadfruit, Split-leaf Philodendron, Window Leaf Plant/Scientific Name: Monstera deliciosa/Family: Araceae
Toxic to: dogs and cats
Symptoms: Oral irritation, intense burning and irritation of mouth, tongue and lips, excessive drooling, vomiting, difficulty swallowing.

CYCLAMEN - Other Common Names: Sowbread/Scientific Name: Cyclamen spp/Family: Primulaceae
Toxic to: dogs and cats
Symptoms: Salivation, vomiting, diarrhea. Following large ingestions of tubers: heart rhythm abnormalities, seizures, death.

DAFFODIL - Other Common Names: Narcissus, Jonquil, Paper White/Scientific Name: Narcissus spp/Family: Amaryllidaceae
Toxic to: dogs, cats and horses
Symptoms: Vomiting, salvation, diarrhea; large ingestions cause convulsions, low blood pressure, tremors and cardiac arrhythmias. Bulbs are the most poisonous part.

DAHLIA - Scientific Name: Dahlia species/Family: Compositae
Toxic to: dogs and cats
Symptoms: Mild gastrointestinal signs, mild dermatitis.

DAISY - Other Common Names: Chrysanthemum, Mum/Scientific Name: Chrysanthemum species/Family: Compositae
Toxic to: dogs and cats
Symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhea, hyper-salivation, in-coordination, dermatitis.

DAY LILIES - Scientific Name: Hemerocallis spp./Family: Liliaceae
Toxic to: cats and cattle
Symptoms: CATS: kidney failure. CATTLE: In-coordination, paresis, blindness, death.

DIEFFENBACHIA - Other Common Names: Charming Dieffenbachia, Giant Dumb Cane, Tropic Show, Dumbcane, Exotica, Spotted Dumb Cane, Exotica Perfection./Scientific Name: Dieffenbachia/Family: Araceae
Toxic to: dogs and cats
Symptoms: Oral irritation, intense burning and irritation of mouth , tongue and lips, excessive drooling, vomiting, difficulty swallowing.

DRACAENA - Other Common Names: Corn Plant, Cornstalk Plant, Dragon Tree, Ribbon Plant./Scientific Name: Dracaena spp./Family: Agavaceae
Toxic to: dogs and cats
Symptoms: Vomiting (occasionally with blood), depression, anorexia, hyper-salivation, dilated pupils.

EASTER LILY - Scientific Name: Lilium longiflorum/Family: Liliaceae
Toxic to: cats
Symptoms: Vomiting, inappetence, lethargy, kidney failure, and death is possible.

ENGLISH IVY - Other Common Names: Branching Ivy, Glacier Ivy, Needlepoint Ivy, Sweetheart Ivy, California Ivy/Scientific Name: Hedera helix/Family: Araliaceae
Toxic to: dogs, cats and horses
Symptoms: Vomiting, abdominal pain, hyper-salivation, diarrhea. Foliage is more toxic than berries.

EUCALYPTUS - Scientific Name: Eucalyptus/Family: Myrtaceae Toxic to: dogs, cats and horses
Symptoms: Salivation, vomiting, diarrhea, depression, weakness.

FOXGLOVE - Scientific Name: Digitalis purpurea/Family: Scrophalariaceae
Toxic to: dogs, cats and horses
Symptoms: Cardiac arrhythmias, vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, cardiac failure, death.

HYACINTH - Scientific Name: Hyacinthus orientalis/Family: Liliaceae
Toxic to: dogs and cats
Symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhea, dermatitis and allergic reactions. Bulbs contain highest amount of toxin.

GARDENIA - Other Common Names: Cape Jasmine/Scientific Name: Gardenia jasminoides/Family: Rubiaceae
Toxic to: dogs, cats and horses
Symptoms: Mild vomiting and/or diarrhea, hives.

GERANIUM - Scientific Name: Pelargonium/Family: Geraniaceae
Toxic to: dogs and cats
Symptoms: Vomiting, anorexia, depression, dermatitis.

GLADIOLA - Scientific Name: Gladiolus species/Family: Iridaceae
Toxic to: dogs, cats and horses
Symptoms:Salivation, vomiting, drooling,lethargy, diarrhea. Highest concentration in bulbs.

HIBISCUS - Other Common Names: Rose of Sharon, Rose of China/Scientific Name: Hibiscus syriacus/Family: Malvaceae
Toxic to: dogs, cats and horses
Symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, anorexia.

HOPS - Scientific Name: Humulus lupulus/Family: Cannabidaceae
Toxic to: dogs
Symptoms: Panting, high body temperature, seizures, death.

HOSTA - Other Common Names: Plantain Lily, Funkia/Scientific Name: Hosta plataginea/Family: Liliaceae
Toxic to: dogs, cats and horses
Symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhea, depression.

HYDRANGEA - Other Common Names: Hortensia, Hills of Snow, Seven Bark/Scientific Name: Hydrangea arborescens/Family: Hydrangeaceae
Toxic to: dogs, cats and horses
Symptoms: Vomiting, depression, diarrhea. Cyanide intoxication is rare, usually produces more of a gastrointestinal disturbance.

IRIS - Other Common Names: Flag, Snake Lily, Water Flag/Scientific Name: Iris species/Family: Iridaceae
Toxic to: dogs and cats
Symptoms: Salivation, vomiting, drooling,lethargy, diarrhea. Highest concentration in rhizomes.

JADE PLANT - Other Common Names: Baby Jade, Dwarf rubber plant, Jade tree, Chinese rubber plant, Japanese rubber plant/Scientific Name: Crassula argentea/Family: Crassulaceae
Toxic to: dogs and cats
Symptoms: Vomiting, depression, ataxia, slow heart rate.
LARKSPUR - Scientific Name: Delphinium species/Family: Ranunculaceae
Toxic to: dogs, cats and horses
Symptoms: Neuromuscular paralysis, constipation, colic, increased salivation, muscle tremors, stiffness, weakness, recumbency, and convulsions. Cardiac failure, death from respiratory paralysis.

LILY - Scientific Name: Lilium species/Family: Liliaceae
Toxic to: cats
Symptoms: Kidney failure.

MORNING GLORY - Scientific Name: Ipomoea spp/Family: Convolvulaceae
Toxic to: dogs and cats
Symptoms: Gastrointestinal upset, agitation, tremors, disorientation, ataxia, anorexia. Seeds may cause hallucination, may cause diarrhea.

PEACH - Scientific Name: Prunus species/Family: Rosaceae
Toxic to: dogs, cats and horses
Symptoms: Stems, leaves, seeds contain cyanide, particularly toxic in the process of wilting: brick red mucous membranes, dilated pupils, difficulty breathing, panting, shock.

PEONY - Scientific Name: Paeonis officinalis/Family: Paeniaceae
Toxic to: dogs, cats and horses
Symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhea, depression.

PRIMROSE - Scientific Name: Primula vulgaris/Family: Primulaceae
Toxic to: dogs, cats and horses
Symptoms: Mild vomiting.

RHODODENDRON - Other Common Names: Rosebay, Azalea/Scientific Name: Rhododendron spp/Family: Ericaceae
Toxic to: dogs, cats and horses
Symptoms: DOGS and CATS: Vomiting, diarrhea, hyper-salivation, weakness, coma, hypotension, CNS depression, cardiovascular collapse and death. Ingestion of a few leaves can cause serious problems. HORSES: Clinical effects typically occur within a few hours after ingestion, and can include acute digestive upset, excessive drooling, loss of appetite, frequent bowel movements, diarrhea, colic, depression, weakness, loss of coordination, stupor, leg paralysis, weak heart rate and recumbency for 2 or more days; at this point, improvement may be seen or the animal may become comatose and die.

STARGAZER LILY - Scientific Name: Lilium orientalis/Family: Liliaceae
Toxic to: cats
Symptoms: Vomiting, inappetence, lethargy, kidney failure and death is possible.

SWEET PEA - Other Common Names: Perennial Pea, Everlasting Pea/Scientific Name: Lathyrus latifolius/Family: Fabaceae
Toxic to: dogs, cats and horses
Symptoms: Weakness, lethargy, pacing, head pressing, tremors, seizures and possibly death.

TIGER LILY - Scientific Name: Lilium tigrinum/Family: Liliaceae
Toxic to: cats
Symptoms: Vomiting, inappetence, lethargy, kidney failure, and death is possible.

TULIP - Scientific Name: Tulipa species/Family: Liliaceae
Toxic to: dogs, cats and horses
Symptoms: Vomiting, depression, diarrhea, hyper-salivation. Highest concentration of toxin in bulb.