Dangerous Foods for Dogs: What’s Safe, What’s Toxic, and What to Feed Instead

Chocolate is a big no-no when it comes to dangerous foods for dogs. But many other toxic foods also exist.

Last weekend, I was at my neighbor Regina’s house for a backyard cookout when I noticed something that made my heart stop—her toddler, Maya, was toddling around, happily dropping bits of food behind her as their golden retriever patiently waited for the next morsel.

Cute, right?

Well, until I saw what he was feeding him—grapes.

I rushed over, picking up those sweet treats while trying not to alarm Maya. She didn't know any better. Getting Regina's attention, I loud-whispered, "Grapes are toxic to dogs.”

She looked at me, horrified. “Wait—what? I thought they were healthy! Antioxidants.”

"Not for dogs. They can get antioxidants elsewhere."

Some human food for dogs are excellent, even nutritious, while some you'd least suspect are like poison. After picking up all the grapes and ensuring Maya had no more to give, we sat down to talk about foods dogs should not eat.

What Foods Should Dogs Not Eat?

1. Grapes & Raisins

Why they’re dangerous: They can cause kidney failure, even in small amounts. I reminded Regina to watch her golden closely over the next few days for signs of kidney distress.

Safe alternative: Blueberries—packed with antioxidants and totally dog-safe.

2. Chocolate

Why it’s dangerous: It contains theobromine and caffeine. These can cause vomiting, seizures, and heart problems.

Safe alternative: Carob—a dog-safe chocolate substitute. It's a little sweet and packed with fiber, the perfect occasional treat. Or better yet, give them high-value dog treats like beef trachea chews.

3. Pre-packaged Bone Broth

Wait! Don't give your dog that seasoned beef bone broth. It almost always has garlic and onion—not to mention a ton of sodium.

Why alliums are dangerous: They can cause red blood cell damage, leading to anemia.

Why high sodium is dangerous: Too much can cause dehydration and brain swelling in extreme cases.

Safer alternative: a single-ingredient beef marrow dog bone. It's packed with all of the collagen, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals from bone broth but without harmful ingredients. Plus, it feeds a dog's instinct to gnaw.

4. Avocados

Why they’re dangerous: They contain persin, which can be toxic in large amounts. It can cause pancreatitis. The pit is also a choking hazard.

Safe alternative: Pumpkin—Great for digestion and safe for dogs. Loaded with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, too! Just make sure that's just pumpkin and not sweetened pumpkin pie filling. Butternut squash is also great for dog health.

5. Xylitol (Artificial Sweetener in Gum & Peanut Butter)

So, when I first heard that xylitol is poisonous to dogs, I thought, who in the world would give their dog xylitol? Then I found out it's in some peanut butter, which is absolutely a common dog-friendly treat.

Why it’s dangerous: It causes a dangerous drop in blood sugar, leading to seizures or liver failure.

Safe alternative: All-natural peanut butter (just check the label for xylitol or sugar, for that matter! ). Oh, and no chewing gum for Bruno and Pixie. They chew on beef dog bones to freshen their breath instead.

6. Cooked Bones

Why they’re dangerous: They can splinter and cause choking, intestinal blockages, or internal injuries. Whether we're talking about a whole chicken or pork ribs, any dinner bones cooked hot and long enough for human consumption are a risk.

Safe alternative: K9 Connoisseur meaty marrow bones—long-lasting and safe for regular chewing. I give my dogs their bones 2-3 times a week and can freeze them in between so one bone lasts a really long time. They're slow roasted on low heat to achieve the safest density for enjoyable chewing sessions.

7. Alcohol, Coffee, Caffeine, or Cannabis

I shouldn't even have to say this. But some people think it's funny. Dogs don't understand and can hurt themselves. Giving a dog drugs is like giving them to a toddler like Maya. It's cruel and definitely not something a loving dog parent would do.

Why they’re dangerous: They can cause neurological issues, heart problems, and even death.

Safe alternative: Plain water (dogs don’t need fancy drinks!). If you want to improve your dog's hydration, follow my tips over here. One thing I like to give my dogs is refilled dog bones to enhance hydration. Once the dog bone is empty, I fill it with healthy foods like plain yogurt with blueberries, pumpkin puree with fresh green beans from my little garden or peanut butter with a few apple chunks. These are safe human food for dogs.

The Most Dangerous Food for Dogs

It's hard to name just one. Chocolate, grapes, and cooked dinner bones can all cause serious harm. Now, you have some much safer alternatives.

How to Train Your Dog to Avoid Toxic Foods

Teach the "Leave it" and "Take It" commands. If Maya's oversized follower had known "Leave it", I wouldn't have had to scramble to find the grapes in the freshly cut lawn.

How to Teach "Take It" Command with Positive Reward Training

1. Put an irresistible treat in your closed hand. I use beef lung bites from K9 Connoisseur. They're small, and my dogs can smell them even though I can't.
2. Let your dog try to get your hand open. They'll lick and nose at your hand.
3. When they stop trying to get the treat, open your fist and say, "Take It".
4. Do it again to reinforce the skill.
5. Next, place the treat in an open palm. Close your fist if they try to get it.
6. Once they're not trying to get it, open your hand and say, "take it."
7. Practice.

How to Teach "Leave It"

This will be easier if you teach them to "take it" first.

1. Get down on the floor with your dog and place the sub-par treat (like a piece of kibble) on the floor and put your hand over it. Let them try to get it. But they'll probably stop trying quickly because they'll remember what they learned with "take it".
2. Keep a second high-value treat like a beef lung bite in your pocket.
3. When they stop trying, say "Leave it", and pull the other better treat from your pocket. Say "take it".
4. Put another treat on the ground and say, "leave it". If they leave the treat alone, give them the one from your pocket. If they go for it, put your hand over it, and repeat.
5. Now, this part is vital as long as grape-wielding toddlers are about. Put a leash on your dog and stand next to them. Drop a treat and say, "Leave it". If they go for it anyway, put your foot on it. You have to be fast. Don't let them get it.
6. Once they ignore the treat under the foot, give them the one in your pocket and say, " Take it."
7. Be patient. Practice makes perfect.

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