Let’s be real for a minute, how many of you can resist those puppy dog? It’s gets me every time! But, when it comes to what’s safe to eat, not all human foods belong in your dog’s bowl. Some are harmless, even healthy, but others? Downright dangerous.
At PetWell, we believe in real food for pets, whole, human-grade ingredients that nourish, not harm. But knowing what to avoid is just as important as knowing what to feed.
9 Toxic Foods You Should Never Feed Your Dog (Even If They Beg)
here’s your dog-safe cheat sheet: 9 toxic foods that should never make it onto their plate (no matter how cute they look when you’re snacking).
🍫 1. Chocolate
Chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine, both toxic to dogs. The darker the chocolate, the more dangerous it is. It can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, a racing heart, tremors, seizures, and in severe cases, kidney failure or worse.
Better treat option? Try our PetWell Freeze-Dried Chicken or Turkey Breast, single-ingredient, high-protein snacks your dog will thank you for (with zero toxins in sight).
🧅 2. Onions, Leeks, Chives (and a bucket full of Garlic)
Whether raw, cooked, powdered, or leftover from last night’s pasta, onions and their cousins (leeks, chives, shallots) can destroy your dog’s red blood cells, leading to dangerous anaemia.
FYI: Garlic is often misunderstood. In small, controlled amounts, it can be very beneficial to their health. The danger lies in large quantities, think cloves, not kilos.
🍇 3. Grapes & Raisins
These tiny fruits pack a toxic punch. Even a small number of grapes or raisins can trigger acute kidney failure in dogs. That includes raisin bread, muesli bars, and fruit cake, steer clear.
🥜 4. Xylitol (Artificial Sweetener)
This hidden hazard is found in sugar-free gum, lollies, baked goods, and even some peanut butters. It causes a spike in insulin, which can lead to low blood sugar, seizures, and liver failure.
Label check tip: If you're treating your dog to peanut butter, make sure it's 100% natural, nothing artificial, nothing sneaky.
Gut health tip: If your dog has eaten something they shouldn’t, their tummy might need support. PetWell DIGEST contains probiotics, enzymes, and gut-soothing ingredients to help restore balance.
🥂 5. Alcohol
A sip for you is not a sip for them. Alcohol affects dogs far more severely, even in small amounts. Symptoms can include vomiting, disorientation, breathing issues, seizures, or worse, especially in small breeds.
It also hides in mouthwash, unbaked dough, and fermented foods, so store those safely too.
🥜 6. Macadamia Nuts
They might be a luxe snack for humans, but even a few macadamias can lead to tremors, vomiting, muscle weakness, and fever in dogs. Combine them with chocolate or raisins, and it’s a toxic trifecta.
🧂 7. Salty Snacks
Crisps, pretzels, cured meats, all delicious for us, but way too salty for dogs. Excessive salt can lead to sodium ion poisoning, causing vomiting, tremors, dehydration, or seizures.
Need a crunchy fix? Try PetWell Freeze-Dried Sardines, protein-rich, nutrient-dense, and naturally low in sodium.
🍞 8. Raw Yeast Dough
Unbaked dough can rise in your dog’s stomach (yes, really), causing painful bloating and potentially dangerous stomach twisting. As it ferments, it also produces alcohol, double danger.
🍖 9. Cooked Bones
Not technically “toxic,” but still risky. Cooked bones can splinter, leading to choking or gut injuries. Large amounts can also cause painful constipation or blockages.
Safer solution? Our Chicken Necks freeze-dried making the bones fragile, it crumbles as they chew, making is safe as they deliver real benefits, no bone-splinters required.
At PetWell, we believe in real food for pets, whole, human-grade ingredients that nourish, not harm. But knowing what to avoid is just as important as knowing what to feed
What Should You Do if Your Dog Eats Any of These Foods?
First things first, don’t panic, but do act fast. Even small amounts of toxic foods can cause serious harm, especially in puppies, small breeds, or dogs with sensitive systems.
Here’s what to do:
Check what they ate
Note the food, how much, and when. Grab the packaging or label if available.
Call your vet immediately
Time matters. Even if they seem fine, some effects (like onion or grape toxicity) are delayed.
Skip DIY fixes
Don’t induce vomiting or “wait it out” unless your vet tells you to.
Support their recovery
After a food scare, their gut may need some TLC. PetWell DIGEST is designed to calm the tummy, restore gut flora, and support immune function.
The Safe (and Tasty) Way to Treat
We believe in nourishing pets with real food, not fillers. That’s why PetWell products are made from human-grade ingredients with nothing artificial, just pure, functional goodness.
Want a healthy topper? Try PetWell RELIEF + VENISON to boost immunity, support skin and coat health.
Need a better chew? Our functional treats combine supplements with freeze-dried protein.
Want a raw snack without the mess? Explore our freeze-dried range, pure, raw single-ingredient protein that’s safe for dogs and cats.
Quick Recap: Top 9 Toxic Foods for Dogs
Keep these far from the food bowl:
- Chocolate
- Grapes & raisins
- Onions, leeks, chives
- Xylitol (artificial sweeteners)
- Alcohol
- Macadamia nuts
- Salty snacks
- Raw yeast dough
- Cooked bones
Want to Know What Is Safe?
👉 Read our guide to What to Feed Your Dog or Cat
Disclaimer: The entire contents of PetWell emails and website are not to be taken as medical advice. The team at Pet Squad Pty Ltd trading as PetWell encourages you to make your own pet health care decisions based on your research and in partnership with a qualified pet healthcare professional.
Posted By Ayda Hornak - Trained in Canine Psychology and Natural Animal Nutrition Care
