Toxic foods for dogs and cats: what they should never eat
Which everyday foods are toxic to dogs and cats, how dangerous each one really is, and exactly what to do if your pet eats something it shouldn't.
7/9/2026
· Gatsou Team
· safety, nutrition
A scrap dropped from the table, a chocolate bar left on the couch, a pack of gum in a handbag — many ordinary household foods are genuinely dangerous for dogs and cats. Here's what should always stay out of reach, and what to do if your pet eats something from the list.
Which foods are dangerous for dogs?
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Chocolate and cocoa — they contain theobromine; the darker the chocolate, the more toxic it is
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Grapes and raisins — can cause acute kidney failure, even in small amounts
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Onion, garlic and leek — damage red blood cells, raw or cooked
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Xylitol — a sweetener in gum, candy and 'sugar-free' peanut butters; causes a sudden drop in blood sugar
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Avocado — contains persin, which irritates the digestive system
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Alcohol and caffeine — even a few sips are dangerous
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Raw yeast dough — expands in the stomach and produces alcohol
Chocolate is the most common "accident". How serious it is depends on the type of chocolate, the amount, and your dog's weight: 50 grams of dark chocolate is a far bigger deal for a chihuahua than for a labrador. When in doubt, don't weigh the risk yourself — call your vet.
Which foods are dangerous for cats?
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Onion and garlic — even powdered (watch out for stocks and ready meals); they cause anemia
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Chocolate and caffeine — just as toxic as they are for dogs
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Raw fish on a regular basis — it destroys thiamine (vitamin B1)
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Raw dough and alcohol — dangerous even in tiny amounts
What about milk? Despite the classic image of a cat lapping from a saucer, most adult cats are lactose intolerant. Milk isn't toxic, but it often causes diarrhea and stomach upset — plain water is all they need.
What do I do if my pet eats something toxic?
1
Remove the food
Stay calm and immediately move whatever is left out of your pet's reach.
2
Note what, how much and when
Keep the packaging if there is one. Your vet will need the type of food, the amount, and the timing.
3
Call your vet right away
Don't induce vomiting on your own initiative — in some cases it does more harm than good. Follow your vet's instructions.
4
Watch for symptoms
Vomiting, diarrhea, trembling, excessive drooling or lethargy mean an immediate vet visit, even if your pet seemed fine at first.
It's also worth reading Gatsou's pet first aid guide, so you know in advance how poisoning is handled until you can reach the vet.
"A little" doesn't mean "safe". Toxicity depends on your pet's weight, the amount and the type of food — and symptoms can take hours to appear. When in doubt, a phone call to the vet costs nothing.
Safe treats from the kitchen
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Carrot and cucumber — crunchy and low in calories
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Boiled chicken without bones, skin or seasoning
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Apple without seeds or core
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Boiled pumpkin — good for digestion too
Treats — even safe ones — should stay under about 10% of the daily food intake. For anything new you plan to feed regularly, ask your vet first.
Frequently asked
How much chocolate is dangerous for a dog?
It depends on the type of chocolate and your dog's weight. Dark chocolate and cocoa are far more toxic than milk chocolate, and small dogs are at risk from smaller amounts. If your dog eats chocolate, call your vet with the type and estimated amount.
My dog ate grapes — what do I do?
Call your vet immediately, even if it was only a few. Grapes and raisins can cause kidney failure and there is no known "safe" amount — early treatment makes all the difference.
Can cats drink milk?
Better not. Most adult cats are lactose intolerant and milk gives them diarrhea. It isn't toxic, but plain water is what they actually need.
Is peanut butter safe for dogs?
Yes, in small amounts — as long as it does NOT contain xylitol. Check the ingredients: xylitol (common in "sugar-free" products) is extremely toxic to dogs.
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