Your pet is a loyal companion and trusted confidante, and you likely share just about everything with them—your bed, the couch, secrets about an irritating relative—and while sharing is generally a kind gesture, sharing food with your pet can have unintended and deadly consequences. While the complete list of human foods containing ingredients that are toxic to pets is extremely long, familiarizing yourself with some of the most common culprits is a good start. To help you protect your pet’s stomach—and their life—read our Twin Lakes Veterinary Hospital team’s cheat sheet of human foods that are most toxic to your beloved companion. 

Why is chocolate toxic to pets?

Although they are unlikely to die, if your pet ingests only a small amount of chocolate, they can become severely ill, because the food contains the chemical compounds caffeine and theobromine. While humans metabolize these compounds easily, pets have much more difficulty digesting this food. When a pet ingests chocolate, the compounds dissipate into their bloodstream, and the chemicals circulate throughout their body. Chocolate toxicity severity depends on your pet’s size, the chocolate type—methylxanthine concentration is greatest in dark and baker’s chocolate—and the amount they consumed. Pets’ chocolate toxicity signs may include:

  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Seizures
  • Tremors
  • Irregular heart rate
  • Heart arrhythmia
  • Internal bleeding

Dogs are more likely than cats to consume large amounts of chocolate. However, both species are sensitive to this food’s stimulant ingredients and can experience dangerous cardiac and nervous system effects. 

Why is alcohol toxic to pets?

While most owners know they should refrain from giving their four-legged friends alcoholic drinks, pets’ alcohol poisoning is more common than you might realize. Pets are often attracted to alcohol’s sweet aroma and may drink from an unattended glass. If your pet ingests unbaked yeast dough, the fermenting yeast’s alcohol quickly dissipates into their bloodstream. Alcohol—whether consumed directly or through fermenting yeast—can cause:

  • Hypoglycemia
  • Low blood pressure
  • Low body temperature
  • Seizures 
  • Respiratory arrest

If not treated quickly, alcohol toxicity can cause your pet’s death. If you suspect your pet has consumed alcohol, immediately contact our Twin Lakes Veterinary Hospital team or the Pet Poison Helpline.

Why are grapes and raisins toxic to pets?

Although grapes and raisins are an appropriate people snack, they are not safe for your pet. Grapes and raisins contain the toxin tartaric acid, which can cause pets to experience the following:

  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Excessive thirst
  • Kidney damage

Although they may eat a very small amount of grapes or raisins, your pet can become extremely ill. Within 12 hours of ingesting these tiny morsels, your pet may experience vomiting or diarrhea, and kidney failure can develop rapidly.  

Why are macadamia nuts toxic to dogs?

While you may enjoy macadamia nuts, which are often a dessert ingredient, these nuts can poison your dog if they ingest them. Nut toxicity signs’ severity vary, and most dogs experience hind leg weakness, vomiting, and diarrhea. If you suspect your dog has consumed macadamia nuts, and they begin shaking, running a high fever, or are unable to walk, they need immediate veterinary care. 

Why is xylitol toxic to pets?

Xylitol (i.e., birch sugar, wood sugar, or birch bark extract) is a natural sugar substitute. Xylitol has 40% fewer calories than sugar, yet tastes equally sweet, and is used in many desserts and sugar-free sweets, such as gum, candy, and mints. Xylitol is also an oral care and personal hygiene product ingredient. Little is known about cats’ xylitol toxicity. However, if a dog ingests xylitol, their pancreas releases an abundance of insulin, which causes their blood sugar to drop below normal (i.e., hypoglycemia). In addition to developing severe hypoglycemia, a dog who ingests xylitol can experience liver damage. 

Why are onions, garlic, and chives toxic to pets?

Onions, garlic, and chives are in the Allium plant family. You may use these foods as seasonings, but if your pet ingests these ingredients, they can experience red blood cell (RBC) oxidative damage. Although these herbs can poison a pet who ingests them, garlic is the most toxic of the three. Initial toxicity signs may include vomiting, weakness, nausea, and collapse, but the signs’ full effects may take several days to appear.

If your pet ingests a toxin, prompt care is essential. If you suspect your pet has consumed a toxin, immediately contact our Twin Lakes Veterinary Hospital team, the ASPCA Pet Poison Control, or the Pet Poison Helpline to speak with veterinary professionals who can help you determine if your pet needs emergency care.