Dangerous Foods for Puppies & Safer Alternatives

While you may be eager to share your favorite snacks with your four-legged friend, knowing that many foods humans consume daily can be harmful—or even toxic—to puppies is crucial. What may seem like a harmless treat can seriously affect your puppy’s health. 

Let’s discuss the most dangerous foods for puppies, explain why they’re harmful, and provide safer alternatives to keep your pup happy and healthy.

Why Chocolate Isn't a Good Food for Puppies

Chocolate might be a favorite indulgence for people, but it’s a recipe for disaster for puppies. The main culprits in chocolate are theobromine and caffeine, both of which are toxic to dogs. These chemicals can cause vomiting, diarrhea, excessive thirst, and in severe cases, seizures or even death.

The level of toxicity varies depending on the type of chocolate. Dark chocolate and baking chocolate contain higher concentrations of theobromine, making them more dangerous than milk chocolate. Even white chocolate, though less harmful, should be off-limits.

Safer alternative: Looking to treat your puppy? Opt for dog-safe treats or fruits like blueberries or apples (just be sure to remove the seeds)!

Grapes and Raisins - Healthy for Humans, Not Great for Puppies

Grapes and raisins may seem like a healthy snack, but they are surprisingly toxic to dogs, including puppies. Even small amounts can cause sudden kidney failure, leading to symptoms such as vomiting, lethargy, and decreased appetite. While not all dogs react the same way, it's best not to take any chances.

The exact substance in grapes and raisins that causes toxicity is still unknown, but the effects can be severe and irreversible.

Safer alternative: If you want to give your pup a fruity treat, serve up small pieces of bananas or strawberries instead.

Don't Feed Puppies Onions and Garlic

Whether raw, cooked, powdered, or dehydrated, onions and garlic are toxic to puppies. These foods contain compounds called thiosulfates, which can damage your puppy’s red blood cells, leading to anemia.

The symptoms of onion or garlic poisoning can include weakness, vomiting, and difficulty breathing. It’s important to note that poisoning can occur even if these ingredients are consumed in small quantities over time.

Many processed foods contain onion or garlic powder, so be sure to check the ingredients before sharing any of your savory snacks with your pup.

Safer alternative: Carrots and green beans make great, crunchy substitutes for puppies.

Puppies Shouldn't Consume Xylitol

Xylitol is a sugar substitute commonly found in sugar-free gum, candies, baked goods, and even some peanut butter brands. It’s one of the most dangerous substances for dogs, and even small amounts can cause a sudden release of insulin, leading to hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), liver failure, seizures, or death.

Symptoms of xylitol poisoning often appear quickly and include vomiting, weakness, tremors, and collapse. If your puppy consumes anything containing xylitol, it’s a veterinary emergency.

Safer alternative: For puppies that love peanut butter, be sure to choose a natural, xylitol-free variety.

Avocado

Avocados contain a toxin called persin, which can be harmful to dogs, particularly in large quantities. While small amounts of avocado flesh may not be immediately life-threatening, the pit, skin, and leaves are more dangerous.

Persin can cause vomiting and diarrhea in dogs, and the large avocado pit poses a choking hazard or could cause a blockage in their digestive tract.

Safer alternative: Try pumpkin or sweet potato for a creamy, nutritious treat your puppy will adore.

Macadamia Nuts

Macadamia nuts are another highly toxic food for dogs. Even a small amount of these nuts can cause weakness, vomiting, hyperthermia (increased body temperature), and tremors in dogs. While the exact cause of macadamia nut toxicity is not well understood, the effects can last for up to 48 hours.

Other nuts, such as almonds and walnuts, should also be avoided due to their high fat content, which can cause pancreatitis in dogs.

Safer alternative: Choose dog-friendly snacks like unsalted, roasted peanuts in moderation.

Alcohol, Of Course

It may seem obvious, but alcohol is extremely dangerous for puppies, even in small doses. Puppies are much more susceptible to the toxic effects of alcohol than humans.

Alcohol can cause vomiting, diarrhea, coordination problems, breathing issues, coma, and in severe cases, death.

It’s not just beverages that are harmful—alcohol can also be found in certain foods, like desserts, so be cautious when leaving food or drinks out during gatherings.

Safer alternative: Offer your pup fresh, cool water or an ice cube to nosh on and play with if they’re looking for something refreshing.

Dogs Shouldn't Consume Caffeine

Caffeinated beverages and foods such as coffee, tea, soda, and certain energy drinks should be kept far from your puppy’s reach.

Like chocolate, caffeine contains methylxanthines, which can cause restlessness, rapid breathing, heart palpitations, muscle tremors, and seizures in dogs. In extreme cases, it can be fatal.

Even caffeine-free products should be treated with caution, as decaffeinated coffee and tea still contain trace amounts of caffeine.

Safer alternative: Water is always the best hydration option for puppies. For an extra-special treat, consider a safe bone broth.

Raw Dough is Not a Suitable Food for Dogs

Raw dough containing yeast can be extremely dangerous for puppies. When a dog ingests raw dough, the yeast can continue to rise in their stomach, causing it to expand and lead to bloating, a potentially life-threatening condition known as gastric dilation-volvulus (GDV). Additionally, as the yeast ferments, it produces alcohol, which can lead to alcohol poisoning.

If you’re baking, keep raw dough well out of reach of your curious pup.

Safer alternative: If your pup wants to get in on the baking fun, consider making dog-friendly treats using whole wheat flour, oats, or peanut butter.

Don't Give Puppies Cooked Bones

While many people think of bones as the quintessential dog treat, cooked bones—especially from poultry—can splinter easily and cause choking, blockages, or even puncture a dog’s digestive tract. Raw bones, while less risky, should still be given with caution and under supervision.

If you want to satisfy your puppy’s urge to chew, consider a specially-made dog bone or chew toy instead.

Safer alternative: Look for rubber or nylon chew toys designed specifically for teething puppies.

Avoid Raw Eggs, Meat, and Fish

While some pet owners may opt for a raw diet, feeding puppies raw eggs, meat, or fish comes with risks.

Raw eggs can expose your puppy to bacteria like Salmonella or E. coli, which can lead to food poisoning. Raw fish, particularly salmon, can carry parasites that are harmful to dogs.

Symptoms of food poisoning from raw foods include vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy.

Safer alternative: Give your pup a protein boost while putting some pep in their step with cooked, plain chicken or fish (be sure not to include spices or seasoning).

Milk and Dairy Products

While some dogs can handle small amounts of dairy, many are lactose intolerant (have difficulty digesting lactose, a sugar found in milk). After consuming dairy products, puppies may experience gastrointestinal upset such as diarrhea, gas, and bloating.

It’s best to avoid giving your puppy cow’s milk, cheese, or ice cream, especially in large quantities.

Safer alternative: Want to offer your puppy a creamy treat? Try a small amount of plain, unsweetened yogurt, as it’s easier to digest.

Salt

High levels of salt can lead to sodium ion poisoning in dogs. Salty foods such as chips, pretzels, and processed snacks are not suitable for your puppy. Too much salt can cause symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, and seizures. In severe cases, sodium intake can even be life-threatening.

Keep an eye on snacks and foods left out around your home, especially during gatherings where guests might unknowingly feed your puppy salty foods.

Safer alternative: Look for low-sodium, dog-specific treats formulated with your pup’s health in mind.

How to Prevent Accidental Ingestion of Harmful Foods for Dogs

Now that you know which foods are harmful to puppies, prevention becomes key. Puppies are naturally curious and will often explore their world through taste. Here are a few tips to prevent accidental ingestion of dangerous foods:

1. Puppy-proof your home: Keep all harmful foods out of reach, using cabinets or high shelves to store potentially dangerous items.

2. Educate family and friends: Ensure that everyone interacting with your puppy knows not to feed them table scraps or human snacks.

3. Be cautious during holidays or gatherings: Festive occasions often mean more food around. Make sure your puppy stays clear of food tables and that guests know what not to share.

4. Have emergency numbers ready: Keep your vet’s number and the number for animal poison control (such as the ASPCA’s Poison Control Center) handy in case of an emergency.

Puppies rely on their owners to keep them safe and healthy. Knowing which foods harm your puppy is a crucial part of responsible pet ownership. You’ll set them up for a long, happy, and healthy life by avoiding these dangerous foods and offering your puppy safe, nutritious alternatives.

Remember, when in doubt, always consult your veterinarian before introducing new foods into your puppy’s diet. Not every dog reacts the same way to food, and your vet can provide guidance based on your puppy’s specific needs.

With careful attention to what your puppy eats, you’ll help ensure that your furry companion grows up strong, healthy and full of energy.

Jenna and the JLDD Team