Foods toxic to dogs: what never to share from your plate

Dogs have two settings around food: asleep, or extremely interested.

That second setting is how a raisin that rolled under the table, a pack of sugar-free gum in a handbag or the last slice of chocolate cake becomes an emergency. None of them look dangerous. Several of them are.

Here is the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center's list of people foods to keep away from dogs, what each one can do, and what to do in the first five minutes if your dog gets one.

What human foods are toxic to dogs?

The ASPCA lists chocolate, coffee and caffeine, grapes and raisins, xylitol, onions, garlic and chives, macadamia nuts, and alcohol and raw yeast dough among the people foods to keep away from pets.

Which other foods can upset a dog’s stomach?

The ASPCA also lists foods that are less dangerous but can still cause trouble: dairy, salty snacks, nuts, citrus, coconut and raw meat or eggs.

• Milk and dairy: pets have little lactase, the enzyme that breaks down lactose, so dairy can cause diarrhea.
• Salt and salty snacks: can cause excessive thirst and urination.
• Nuts: almonds, pecans and walnuts are high in oils and fats that can cause vomiting, diarrhea and potentially pancreatitis.
• Citrus: stems, leaves, peels, fruit and seeds contain citric acid and essential oils that can cause irritation in significant amounts.
• Coconut: large amounts can cause stomach upset and loose stools.
• Raw meat and raw eggs: can carry bacteria such as Salmonella and E. coli, harmful to pets and people.

What should I do if my dog eats something toxic?

Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 straight away, even if your dog seems fine.

• Note the time: tell the vet when your dog ate it and roughly how much.
• Bring the evidence: the wrapper or package tells the vet the ingredients and amount.
• Follow instructions: do not give home remedies unless the vet or poison control tells you to.

Emergency visits are also where pet insurance earns its keep; our dog insurance comparison shows what five plans would pay on a $2,500 bill.

How do I keep these foods away from my dog?

Keep risky foods out of reach and out of the trash your dog can open; storage and habits do most of the work.

Dogs left alone get the most time to raid the kitchen. If yours is also destructive whenever you leave, read our guide to separation anxiety in dogs.

Bottom line

Grapes and raisins, xylitol, chocolate and caffeine, onions and garlic, macadamia nuts and alcohol or raw dough stay off the floor. If your dog gets one, call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 right away.