What human foods are safe or toxic for pets?

Safe and Toxic Human Foods for Pets

Chocolate and certain other human foods are potentially lethal to pets, particularly dogs, and should be strictly avoided to prevent serious illness or death. 1

Toxic Foods for Dogs

Chocolate and Methylxanthines

Chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine, which are highly toxic to dogs. Dogs metabolize these substances much more slowly than humans (18-hour half-life vs. 2-3 hours in humans). 1

• Toxicity levels by chocolate type:

  • Cocoa powder: 20 mg/g of theobromine
  • Dark/plain chocolate: 15 mg/g
  • Milk chocolate: 2 mg/g
  • White chocolate: 0.1 mg/g

• Lethal dose: 100-500 mg/kg of body weight (less than 100g of plain chocolate can be fatal for a 10kg dog) 1

• Clinical signs of chocolate poisoning:

  • Initial: Vomiting, hematemesis, excessive thirst
  • Progressive: Hyperexcitability, irritability, tachycardia, excessive panting, ataxia, muscle twitching
  • Severe: Cardiac arrhythmias, seizures, death

• Treatment: Induction of vomiting, activated charcoal, oxygen, IV fluids 1

Other Toxic Foods for Dogs

• Grapes and raisins: Can cause acute kidney failure 2, 3
• Onions and garlic: Contain thiosulfate which can cause hemolytic anemia 2, 3
• Macadamia nuts: Can cause weakness, hyperthermia, and vomiting 3
• Xylitol: Found in sugar-free gum and candies; causes insulin release and potentially fatal hypoglycemia 2, 3
• Alcohol: Toxic to the central nervous system and can cause respiratory depression 2
• Unbaked bread dough: Can expand in the stomach and ferment, producing alcohol 3
• Avocado: Contains persin which can cause vomiting and diarrhea 2

Toxic Foods for Cats

• Onions and garlic: Even more toxic to cats than dogs, causing hemolytic anemia 2
• Chocolate: Also toxic to cats, though they are less likely to consume it
• Avocado: Toxic to cats as well 2
• Plant-based/vegan diets: Cats are obligate carnivores and require animal-derived nutrients; plant-based diets can lead to multiple nutrient deficiencies resulting in anemia, lethargy, muscle wasting, and weight loss 4

Safe Human Foods for Pets

While commercial pet food is the safest option, some human foods can be safely given in moderation:

• Cooked lean meats (without bones, fat, or seasoning)
• Some fruits and vegetables (excluding those listed as toxic)
• Special "pet chocolate" that does not contain theobromine (though still may contribute to obesity) 1

Environmental Hazards

• Cocoa shell mulch: Contains high levels of theobromine (25 mg/g) and can be attractive to dogs due to its chocolate smell 1
• Pet food and treats: Even commercial pet foods and treats can sometimes be contaminated with pathogens like Salmonella 1

Prevention Guidelines

1. Keep all chocolate, candy, gum, and other potentially toxic foods out of pets' reach
2. Educate all family members about foods that are dangerous to pets
3. Contact a veterinarian immediately if ingestion of toxic foods is suspected
4. For dogs that enjoy treats, use special "pet chocolate" or other pet-specific treats 1

When to Seek Emergency Care

Seek immediate veterinary care if your pet has ingested any toxic food, especially chocolate, grapes/raisins, or xylitol-containing products, or if they show any of these symptoms:

• Vomiting or diarrhea
• Lethargy or weakness
• Excessive thirst or urination
• Rapid breathing or heart rate
• Seizures or collapse

The best approach is prevention - the safest option is to feed pets only food specifically formulated for their species 2.