Foods Your Pets Must Avoid

Contains theobromine and caffeine, which dogs and cats cannot metabolize effectively

Possible symptoms: Vomiting, Rapid heart rate, Seizures, High fever

What to do: Get to a vet immediately. Note the type of chocolate (dark is worse) and the amount eaten.

Note: Dark and baking chocolate are the most toxic — even a small piece can be fatal.

Can trigger acute kidney failure (mechanism not fully understood)

Possible symptoms: Vomiting, Lethargy, Decreased urination, Loss of appetite

What to do: Get to a vet immediately; early decontamination (vomiting/flushing) greatly improves the outlook.

Note: Even small amounts can be toxic and sensitivity varies widely — never "test" it.

Triggers a massive insulin release, causing hypoglycemia and liver failure

Possible symptoms: Vomiting, Weakness, Stumbling, Seizures

What to do: Emergency vet visit — now! Xylitol is common in gum, sugar-free foods, and toothpaste.

Note: Extremely toxic to dogs; treat even a tiny amount as an emergency.

Suppresses the central nervous system

Possible symptoms: Vomiting, Stumbling, Respiratory depression, Coma

What to do: Get to a vet immediately; do not induce vomiting.

Note: Fermenting raw dough also produces alcohol and is equally dangerous.

Some toxic mushrooms contain liver- or neuro-toxins

Possible symptoms: Excessive drooling, Abdominal pain, Jaundice, Neurological signs

What to do: Get to a vet immediately and bring a mushroom sample for identification if possible.

Note: When you cannot identify a mushroom, treat it as toxic.

Ibuprofen, acetaminophen, antidepressants, and more are highly toxic to pets

Possible symptoms: Vomiting, Bloody stool, Kidney failure, Seizures

What to do: Get to a vet immediately; bring the drug name and dose.

Note: Never give human medicine as a "pet medicine".

Sulfides destroy red blood cells, causing hemolytic anemia

Possible symptoms: Weakness, Pale gums, Dark urine, Vomiting

What to do: See a vet promptly; small repeated amounts can also poison over time.

Note: Onions, garlic, leeks, and scallions are all in this category.

The toxic mechanism is unknown but can cause neuromuscular signs

Possible symptoms: Hind-limb weakness, Trembling, Fever, Vomiting

What to do: See a vet promptly; most pets recover within 48 hours.

Note: Other nuts such as hazelnuts and walnuts also need caution.

The skin and pit contain persin, which is toxic to birds and some animals

Possible symptoms: Vomiting, Diarrhea, Difficulty breathing

What to do: Avoid feeding it; if eaten, monitor and consult your vet.

Note: The flesh is also high in fat and unsuitable as a treat.

Coffee, tea, and energy drinks all contain caffeine

Possible symptoms: Restlessness, Rapid heart rate, Vomiting, Seizures

What to do: See a vet promptly.

Note: Store coffee grounds and tea bags out of reach.

Ferments in the stomach, producing gas (bloat) and alcohol

Possible symptoms: Abdominal bloating, Abdominal pain, Vomiting, Dry heaving

What to do: Immediate vet visit — gastric dilatation-volvulus is an emergency.

Note: Keep an eye on dough while baking so your pet cannot steal it.

Cooked bones splinter into sharp shards that can lacerate the digestive tract

Possible symptoms: Vomiting, Bloody stool, Abdominal pain, Difficulty swallowing

What to do: See a vet to check for perforation.

Note: Never feed chicken, duck, or fish bones; even large raw bones need caution.

Parasites (such as anisakis) and bacteria like Salmonella

Possible symptoms: Vomiting, Diarrhea, Fever

What to do: See a vet promptly if symptoms appear; always cook food thoroughly before feeding.

Note: Salmon and sashimi carry the highest risk.

Excess sodium can cause salt poisoning

Possible symptoms: Excessive thirst, Vomiting, Tremors, Seizures

What to do: See a vet promptly if a large amount was eaten.

Note: Keep chips, cured meat, and pickles — highly processed human snacks — far away.

Contain cyanogenic glycosides that release toxic compounds when chewed

Possible symptoms: Difficulty breathing, Reddened mucous membranes, Vomiting

What to do: Immediate vet visit if a large amount was eaten.

Note: Peach, apricot, and plum pits work the same way.

Solanine poisoning

Possible symptoms: Vomiting, Diarrhea, Neurological signs

What to do: See a vet.

Note: Potato skin and sprout eyes have the highest toxin levels.

Mycotoxins (e.g., aflatoxin) can damage the liver and kidneys and cause neurological signs

Possible symptoms: Vomiting, Loss of appetite, Jaundice, Seizures

What to do: Stop feeding and discard the suspect food, then see a vet promptly.

Note: Mold on bread, nuts, and rice is especially dangerous — do not just cut off the moldy part.

Like macadamia nuts, can cause vomiting and neuromuscular signs, and are a choking hazard

Possible symptoms: Vomiting, Trembling, Hind-limb weakness, Fever

What to do: See a vet promptly; most pets recover within 48 hours.

Note: Be cautious with all nuts for dogs, and always shell them first.

Corn cobs are hard to digest and can cause an intestinal blockage

Possible symptoms: Vomiting, Abdominal pain, Loss of appetite, Straining to defecate

What to do: Immediate vet visit — blockage often requires surgery.

Note: A few corn kernels are fine; the cob and whole corn are not.