Toxic Foods for Pets: Complete Master List by Species
This comprehensive, species-by-species master list covers over 100 foods that are toxic or dangerous to dogs, cats, birds, reptiles, and fish. Bookmark this page, print it out, and keep it accessible for quick reference in an emergency. Knowing which foods are dangerous can save your pet's life.
Emergency Contacts
ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center: (888) 426-4435 (fee may apply)
Pet Poison Helpline: (855) 764-7661 (fee may apply)
If your pet has ingested a toxic food, contact one of these hotlines or your veterinarian immediately. Do NOT wait for symptoms to appear.
Toxic Foods for Dogs
Dogs are curious eaters and frequently ingest foods that are dangerous to them. The following table lists over 50 foods that are toxic to dogs, ranging from mildly harmful to potentially fatal. Toxicity levels are categorized as: Severe (potentially fatal), High (requires veterinary treatment), Moderate (may require veterinary attention), and Mild (causes discomfort, monitor closely).
| Food Item | Toxicity Level | Symptoms | Emergency Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xylitol (birch sugar, sugar-free gum) | Severe | Rapid hypoglycemia, vomiting, loss of coordination, seizures, liver failure | Vet immediately. Onset in 30 min. |
| Chocolate (baking/dark) | Severe | Vomiting, diarrhea, rapid breathing, seizures, cardiac arrest | Vet immediately. Bring packaging. |
| Chocolate (milk) | High | Vomiting, restlessness, increased urination, tremors | Call vet; depends on amount and dog size. |
| Grapes and Raisins | Severe | Vomiting, lethargy, kidney failure (can occur within 24-72h) | Vet immediately. Any amount is dangerous. |
| Onions (all forms) | High | GI upset, lethargy, pale gums, hemolytic anemia | Vet if more than a small amount consumed. |
| Garlic | High | GI upset, weakness, pale gums, elevated heart rate, anemia | Vet if significant amount; more toxic than onions per gram. |
| Macadamia Nuts | High | Weakness, vomiting, tremors, hyperthermia, inability to walk | Vet recommended. Symptoms in 12h. |
| Avocado (pit, skin, leaves) | Moderate | Vomiting, diarrhea; pit is a choking/obstruction hazard | Vet if pit ingested or large amount of skin/leaves. |
| Alcohol (all forms) | Severe | Vomiting, diarrhea, difficulty breathing, coma, death | Vet immediately. |
| Caffeine (coffee, tea, energy drinks) | High | Restlessness, rapid breathing, heart palpitations, tremors, seizures | Vet immediately for significant ingestion. |
| Cooked Bones (chicken, pork) | High | Splintering causing mouth/GI lacerations, obstruction, peritonitis | Vet if choking, vomiting, or bloody stool. |
| Yeast Dough (raw) | High | Bloating, GDV risk, alcohol toxicosis from fermentation | Vet immediately if significant amount. |
| Nutmeg | Moderate | Hallucinations, increased heart rate, disorientation, seizures | Vet if large amount consumed. |
| Hops (brewing hops) | Severe | Malignant hyperthermia, rapid heart rate, seizures, death | Vet immediately. |
| Salt (large quantities) | High | Excessive thirst, vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, seizures, sodium ion poisoning | Vet if large amount; provide fresh water. |
| Fat Trimmings | Moderate | Pancreatitis, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea | Monitor; vet if symptoms persist. |
| Corn Cobs | High | GI obstruction, vomiting, loss of appetite, lethargy | Vet immediately; surgery often required. |
| Peach/Plum/Cherry Pits | High | Cyanide poisoning (if crushed), GI obstruction | Vet if pit was chewed/crushed or if obstruction signs. |
| Apple Seeds | Mild | Cyanide compounds (large quantity needed); GI upset | Monitor; unlikely danger from a few seeds. |
| Persimmons | Moderate | Intestinal obstruction from seeds, enteritis | Vet if seeds ingested causing obstruction signs. |
| Rhubarb Leaves | High | Drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, kidney failure (oxalates) | Vet if more than a small nibble. |
| Tomato Plant (green parts) | Moderate | GI upset, drooling, weakness, confusion (solanine) | Monitor; vet if large quantity or severe symptoms. |
| Mushrooms (wild) | Severe | Varies: vomiting, diarrhea, liver failure, seizures, death | Vet immediately. Bring sample if possible. |
| Star Fruit | High | Vomiting, kidney damage (oxalates) | Vet recommended. |
| Coconut Oil (large amounts) | Mild | Diarrhea, pancreatitis in sensitive dogs | Monitor; vet if prolonged symptoms. |
| Liver (excessive amounts) | Moderate | Vitamin A toxicity: bone deformity, weight loss | Vet if chronic overconsumption suspected. |
| Raw Eggs (frequent) | Mild | Biotin deficiency, Salmonella risk | Monitor; occasional raw egg is generally low risk. |
| Raw Fish (salmon, trout) | High | Salmon poisoning disease (fluke parasite): vomiting, fever, swollen lymph nodes | Vet immediately if Pacific Northwest raw salmon. |
| Chives | High | Same as onion/garlic: hemolytic anemia | Vet if significant amount consumed. |
| Leeks | High | Same as onion family: anemia, weakness, pale gums | Vet if significant amount consumed. |
| Moldy Food | High | Mycotoxin tremors, seizures, vomiting | Vet immediately if tremoring or seizing. |
| Candy and Sweets | Moderate | GI upset, pancreatitis; check for xylitol (severe) | Check ingredients for xylitol; vet if present. |
| Black Walnuts | High | Vomiting, tremors, seizures (especially moldy ones) | Vet if symptoms appear. |
| Potato (raw/green) | Moderate | GI upset, drooling, weakness (solanine) | Monitor; vet if large amount or severe symptoms. |
| Tobacco/Nicotine | Severe | Vomiting, tremors, collapse, cardiac failure | Vet immediately. |
| Marijuana/THC Edibles | High | Incoordination, drooling, urinary incontinence, slow heart rate, coma | Vet immediately. Be honest about substance. |
| Milk/Dairy (large amounts) | Mild | Diarrhea, gas, bloating (lactose intolerance) | Monitor; typically self-limiting. |
| Citrus (large amounts) | Mild | GI upset, central nervous depression (essential oils in skin/pith) | Monitor; vet if large amount of peel consumed. |
| Spicy Foods | Mild | GI upset, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain | Monitor; provide water. |
| Sugarless Candy/Mints | Severe | Same as xylitol if present: hypoglycemia, liver failure | Check for xylitol; vet immediately if present. |
| Bread Dough (unbaked) | High | Stomach expansion, alcohol toxicosis, bloat | Vet immediately. |
| Energy Bars (with xylitol/chocolate) | Severe | Depends on ingredients; check for xylitol and chocolate | Check label; vet immediately if xylitol present. |
| Fruit Cake | High | Contains raisins, alcohol, and potentially nutmeg | Vet due to raisin content. |
| Sago Palm Seeds | Severe | Vomiting, bloody stool, liver failure, death | Vet immediately. 50% fatality rate. |
| Poppy Seeds | Moderate | Opioid alkaloids: sedation, pinpoint pupils, slow breathing | Vet if significant amount consumed. |
| Currants | Severe | Same as grapes/raisins: kidney failure | Vet immediately. |
| Sultanas | Severe | Same as grapes/raisins: kidney failure | Vet immediately. |
| Unripe Tomatoes | Moderate | GI upset, drooling, lethargy (solanine and tomatine) | Monitor; vet if large amount. |
| Baking Powder/Soda (large qty) | Moderate | Electrolyte imbalance, muscle spasms, heart failure | Vet if large amount consumed. |
| Jerky Treats (from China, recalled) | High | Kidney failure, GI illness (associated with certain brands) | Vet if symptoms develop after consumption. |
| Ham/Bacon (large amounts) | Moderate | Pancreatitis from high fat; salt toxicity | Monitor; vet if vomiting or lethargy. |
Sources: ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, Pet Poison Helpline
For more details on specific foods, see our guides on chocolate toxicity in dogs and grape and raisin toxicity.
Toxic Foods for Cats
Cats are obligate carnivores with unique metabolic limitations. They lack certain liver enzymes that other species use to break down toxins, making them especially vulnerable to substances that dogs or humans handle easily. The following list covers 30+ foods toxic to cats. For a deeper dive, see our guide on foods toxic to cats.
| Food Item | Toxicity Level | Symptoms | Emergency Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lilies (all parts of true lilies) | Severe | Vomiting, lethargy, complete kidney failure within 24-72h | Vet IMMEDIATELY. Even pollen is fatal. |
| Onions (all forms, including powder) | High | Heinz body anemia, weakness, pale gums, rapid breathing | Vet if any amount consumed; cats are very sensitive. |
| Garlic | High | Hemolytic anemia, weakness, collapse (5x more toxic than onions) | Vet immediately; more toxic to cats than dogs. |
| Chocolate | High | Vomiting, diarrhea, rapid heart rate, seizures | Vet immediately for any chocolate ingestion. |
| Grapes and Raisins | Severe | Kidney failure, vomiting, lethargy | Vet immediately. |
| Alcohol | Severe | Vomiting, disorientation, difficulty breathing, coma | Vet immediately. |
| Caffeine | High | Restlessness, rapid breathing, heart palpitations | Vet immediately. |
| Raw Eggs | Moderate | Salmonella risk, avidin interferes with biotin absorption | Monitor; vet if GI symptoms develop. |
| Raw Fish (frequent) | Moderate | Thiamine deficiency (neurological problems), parasites | Vet if neurological signs; stop feeding raw fish. |
| Raw Meat | Moderate | Bacterial contamination (Salmonella, E. coli) | Monitor for GI symptoms. |
| Dog Food (as sole diet) | Moderate | Taurine deficiency, malnutrition, heart disease over time | Switch to proper cat food; vet if symptoms present. |
| Tuna (canned, excessive) | Moderate | Mercury poisoning, steatitis (yellow fat disease), malnutrition | Limit tuna; vet if symptoms of steatitis. |
| Liver (excessive) | Moderate | Vitamin A toxicity: bone pain, deformity, lethargy | Reduce liver in diet; vet if symptoms present. |
| Milk/Dairy | Mild | Diarrhea, gas, bloating (most adult cats are lactose intolerant) | Monitor; self-limiting in most cases. |
| Chives | High | Same as onion family: hemolytic anemia | Vet if consumed. |
| Xylitol | High | Hypoglycemia, liver damage (less studied in cats than dogs) | Vet immediately. |
| Yeast Dough | High | Stomach expansion, alcohol production, bloating | Vet immediately. |
| Green Tomatoes/Tomato Plants | Moderate | GI upset, drooling, slow heart rate (solanine) | Monitor; vet if significant amount. |
| Mushrooms (wild) | Severe | Liver failure, seizures, death | Vet immediately. |
| Rhubarb | High | Kidney failure from oxalates, tremors | Vet immediately. |
| Avocado | Moderate | Vomiting, diarrhea (persin toxicity) | Monitor; vet if significant amount. |
| Macadamia Nuts | Moderate | Lethargy, vomiting, tremors | Monitor; vet if symptoms develop. |
| Coconut Milk (large amounts) | Mild | Diarrhea, GI upset from high fat | Monitor. |
| Nutmeg | Moderate | Hallucinations, increased heart rate, abdominal pain | Vet if significant amount consumed. |
| Salt (excessive) | High | Sodium ion poisoning: vomiting, tremors, seizures | Provide fresh water; vet if large amount. |
| Fat Trimmings | Moderate | Pancreatitis, vomiting, diarrhea | Monitor; vet if persistent symptoms. |
| Baby Food (with onion powder) | High | Onion toxicity: anemia, weakness | Check ingredients; vet if onion powder present. |
| Citrus Oils | High | Liver damage, vomiting, drooling (cats lack glucuronidase) | Vet if essential oils ingested or applied to skin. |
| Peppermint Oil | High | Liver toxicity, drooling, vomiting, difficulty breathing | Vet if ingested; remove from environment. |
| Tea Tree Oil | Severe | Muscle tremors, weakness, collapse, liver failure | Vet immediately. |
| Potato (raw/green) | Moderate | GI upset, neurological symptoms (solanine) | Monitor; vet if significant amount. |
Sources: ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, Pet Poison Helpline
Toxic Foods for Birds
Birds have extremely sensitive respiratory and digestive systems. Many foods that are safe for mammals can be lethal to pet birds. Even fumes from overheated nonstick cookware (PTFE) can kill birds within minutes. For a complete safe foods list, see our guide on foods safe for birds.
| Food Item | Toxicity Level | Symptoms | Emergency Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| Avocado (all parts) | Severe | Respiratory distress, fluid around heart, death within 12-24h | Avian vet IMMEDIATELY. Often fatal. |
| Chocolate | Severe | Vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, cardiac arrest | Avian vet immediately. |
| Caffeine (coffee, tea) | Severe | Cardiac arrhythmia, hyperactivity, seizures | Avian vet immediately. |
| Apple Seeds | High | Cyanide toxicity: difficulty breathing, shock | Avian vet; remove all seeds before feeding fruit. |
| Cherry/Peach/Apricot Pits | High | Cyanide compounds, respiratory failure | Avian vet immediately. |
| Onions and Garlic | High | Hemolytic anemia, weakness, respiratory distress | Avian vet if consumed. |
| Mushrooms | High | Digestive upset, liver failure | Avian vet if consumed. |
| Alcohol | Severe | Rapid organ failure, death (very small lethal dose in birds) | Avian vet immediately. |
| Salt (excessive) | High | Dehydration, kidney failure, death (birds have limited sodium tolerance) | Provide fresh water; avian vet if symptomatic. |
| Rhubarb | High | Kidney failure from oxalic acid | Avian vet. |
| Uncooked Beans (raw kidney, lima) | Severe | Hemagglutinin toxicity: nausea, GI distress, death | Avian vet immediately. Cooked beans are safe. |
| Tomato Leaves/Stems | Moderate | GI upset (solanine); ripe fruit flesh is safe in small amounts | Monitor; vet if symptoms develop. |
| Dairy Products | Mild | Diarrhea (birds lack lactase enzyme) | Avoid dairy; monitor if consumed. |
| High-Fat Foods (fried, butter) | Moderate | Fatty liver disease, obesity, organ damage | Eliminate from diet; vet if chronic exposure. |
| Xylitol | High | Not well-studied in birds; potential for hypoglycemia | Avian vet as a precaution. |
| Peanuts (moldy) | Severe | Aspergillosis: respiratory infection, potentially fatal mold | Avian vet; only use human-grade, fresh peanuts. |
| Fruit Pits/Seeds (general) | High | Cyanide compounds in seeds of many fruits | Always remove seeds/pits before feeding fruit. |
Toxic Foods for Reptiles
Reptile dietary needs vary dramatically between species. What is safe for an omnivorous bearded dragon may be toxic to an herbivorous tortoise. Always research the specific dietary needs of your reptile species.
| Food Item | Species Affected | Toxicity Level | Symptoms/Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fireflies/Lightning Bugs | All reptiles | Severe | Contain lucibufagins; one firefly can kill a bearded dragon |
| Avocado | All reptiles | High | Persin toxicity; cardiac and respiratory distress |
| Rhubarb | All reptiles | High | Oxalic acid causes kidney failure and calcium binding |
| Spinach (excessive) | Tortoises, iguanas | Moderate | Oxalates bind calcium; contributes to metabolic bone disease |
| Lettuce (iceberg) | All herbivorous reptiles | Mild | Virtually no nutrition; causes diarrhea and nutritional deficiency |
| Citrus Fruits | Most reptiles | Moderate | Too acidic; causes GI distress and mouth irritation |
| Wild-caught Insects (pesticides) | Insectivorous reptiles | Severe | Pesticide toxicity; seizures, organ failure |
| Onions and Garlic | All reptiles | High | Toxic; GI upset and potential organ damage |
| Mushrooms | All reptiles | High | Potentially toxic; difficult to determine safe species |
| Broccoli (excessive) | Tortoises, iguanas | Mild | Goitrogens can affect thyroid function if fed excessively |
| Cabbage (excessive) | Tortoises, iguanas | Mild | Goitrogenic; limit intake to occasional feeding |
| Dog/Cat Food | All reptiles | Moderate | Inappropriate protein/fat ratios; kidney and liver damage over time |
Toxic and Harmful Substances for Fish
Fish toxicity typically comes from water contaminants and inappropriate feeding rather than food ingestion. Maintaining proper water chemistry is the primary safety concern for aquarium fish.
| Substance/Food | Toxicity Level | Effects | Prevention |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chlorine/Chloramine (tap water) | Severe | Burns gills, respiratory failure, death | Always use dechlorinator before adding water |
| Copper (medications, pipes) | Severe for invertebrates | Lethal to shrimp, snails, and many invertebrates | Test water; use invertebrate-safe products |
| Ammonia | Severe | Gill damage, chemical burns, organ failure, death | Maintain nitrogen cycle; test water regularly |
| Nitrite | High | "Brown blood disease" — prevents oxygen transport | Maintain proper biological filtration |
| Bread | Moderate | Bloating, constipation, water contamination | Never feed bread to aquarium fish |
| Mammal/Bird Meat | Moderate | Digestive issues, water quality degradation | Feed species-appropriate fish food only |
| Overfeeding (any food) | High | Ammonia spikes, water quality crash, organ damage | Feed small amounts 1-2x daily; remove uneaten food |
| Pesticides (residual on plants) | Severe | Rapid death, gill damage | Quarantine and rinse all new live plants |
| Essential Oils/Fragrances | High | Toxic through water absorption; organ damage | Never use near open aquariums |
| Soap/Detergent Residue | Severe | Gill destruction, rapid death | Never use soap on aquarium equipment; rinse with water only |
Universally Toxic Foods for All Pets
The following foods and substances are dangerous across virtually all pet species and should never be offered to any animal:
- Alcohol — Causes organ failure in all species; lethal in small doses for birds and small animals
- Chocolate — Theobromine is toxic to dogs, cats, birds, and small animals
- Caffeine — Dangerous to all pets; especially lethal to birds and small animals
- Onions and Garlic — Causes hemolytic anemia in dogs, cats, and birds
- Xylitol (birch sugar) — Severely toxic to dogs; potentially toxic to cats and other species
- Wild Mushrooms — Impossible to identify safe species reliably; potentially fatal to all animals
- Moldy Foods — Mycotoxins can cause seizures, organ failure, and death in all species
- Tobacco/Nicotine — Toxic to all animals; can cause cardiac failure
Emergency Action Steps
If you suspect your pet has eaten something toxic, follow these steps immediately:
- Stay calm and remove any remaining toxic substance from your pet's reach
- Do NOT induce vomiting unless specifically instructed by a veterinarian or poison control professional
- Identify what your pet ate, approximately how much, and when
- Call for help:
- Your veterinarian or nearest emergency veterinary hospital
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center: (888) 426-4435
- Pet Poison Helpline: (855) 764-7661
- Bring the packaging or a sample of the substance to the vet if possible
- Monitor your pet's breathing, heart rate, and consciousness while transporting to the vet
For more comprehensive emergency guidance, see our when to go to the emergency vet guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most toxic food for dogs?
Xylitol (birch sugar) is one of the most dangerous substances for dogs. Even tiny amounts can cause rapid insulin release, leading to life-threatening hypoglycemia within 30 minutes. Other extremely toxic foods include chocolate (especially dark and baking chocolate), grapes and raisins, and macadamia nuts. The severity depends on the amount ingested relative to the dog's body weight.
Can cats eat any human food safely?
Some human foods are safe for cats in moderation, including plain cooked chicken, turkey, salmon, and small amounts of cooked eggs. However, many common foods are toxic to cats, including onions, garlic, grapes, chocolate, and especially lilies, which can cause fatal kidney failure from even small exposures including pollen.
What should I do if my pet eats something toxic?
Immediately remove any remaining toxic substance from your pet's reach. Do NOT induce vomiting unless specifically directed by a veterinarian. Contact your vet, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888-426-4435), or the Pet Poison Helpline (855-764-7661) immediately. Note what your pet ate, how much, and when. Time is critical in poisoning cases.
Are grapes toxic to all pets or just dogs?
Grapes and raisins are confirmed toxic to both dogs and cats, potentially causing acute kidney failure. The toxic substance has not been definitively identified, which means there is no known safe amount. Even a single grape can be dangerous for some dogs. They should also be kept away from birds and other pets as a precaution.
Why is avocado dangerous for birds but not always for dogs?
Avocado contains persin, a fungicidal toxin found in the fruit, pit, skin, and leaves. Birds are extremely sensitive to persin, and even small amounts can cause respiratory distress and death within 12-24 hours. Dogs are more resistant to persin, though the high fat content can cause pancreatitis, and the pit presents a choking and obstruction hazard.
How much chocolate is toxic to a dog?
Toxicity depends on the type of chocolate and your dog's weight. Baking chocolate is most dangerous at just 0.5 oz per pound of body weight. Dark chocolate is toxic at about 1.5 oz per pound, and milk chocolate at approximately 3.5 oz per pound. White chocolate has very little theobromine but the fat content can still cause pancreatitis. When in doubt, always contact your veterinarian.
Concerned About Something Your Pet Ate?
Our AI assistant can help you quickly assess whether a food is safe for your specific pet species and guide you on next steps. For true emergencies, always call your vet or poison control first.