Human foods that are risky for dogs and cats
Short answer. Several common foods can poison dogs and cats. Xylitol, chocolate, grapes and raisins, onions, garlic, macadamia nuts and alcohol are the main ones. If your pet ate one, call a vet or a poison helpline at once. Do not wait for symptoms.
The main foods
| Food | Main concern | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Xylitol (E967) | Dogs: sudden low blood sugar, liver damage | Found in sugar-free gum, sweets and some peanut butter. Sources agree that dogs are at high risk. They differ on cats. |
| Chocolate and cocoa | Theobromine and caffeine affect heart and nerves | Dark chocolate and baking cocoa are the most dangerous. |
| Grapes, raisins, sultanas | Dogs: kidney damage | The toxic substance is not certain. Sources differ on cats. |
| Onion, garlic, chives, leeks | Damage to red blood cells, anaemia | Cats are more sensitive than dogs. Garlic is stronger than onion. Powders and cooked forms count. |
| Macadamia nuts | Dogs: weakness, tremor, vomiting | |
| Alcohol and raw yeast dough | Drunkenness, low blood sugar, bloating | Even small amounts can harm a small animal. |
| Caffeine | Restlessness, fast heartbeat | Coffee, tea, guarana and energy drinks. |
Where sources disagree
- Grapes and cats. Some lists include cats. Others list dogs only.
- Xylitol and cats. Some sources list xylitol as toxic to both species. Others say current evidence does not show a risk for cats.
When sources disagree, treat the food as risky for both animals.
What to do
- Remove the food and keep the packet.
- Call your vet or an animal poison helpline immediately. Say what, how much and when.
- Do not make your pet vomit unless a professional tells you to.
Why labels matter
Xylitol appears in ingredient lists under its name or as E967. Chocolate and cocoa are in many baked goods and sweets, and garlic and onion powder in sauces, stock cubes and crisps. None of this shows on the front of a pack.
What IngrediScan does
Choose a Dog or Cat profile, and the app flags the ingredients in this guide and other ingredients that are risky for pets. See the pages for xylitol, onion and grapes.
Sources
- ASPCA: people foods to avoid feeding your pets
- Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine: small animal toxins
Ingredient pages
The assessment is for information only. It does not replace the manufacturer's label or advice from a doctor or vet. Text recognition (OCR) can miss part of a label. No result does not mean the product is safe.