What Can Dogs NOT Eat? A Vet-Approved Guide (2025)

My Beagle-Lab mix, Max, has those puppy eyes that make it hard to say no when he begs for my snacks. But last month, he swiped a grape, and I panicked—grapes are toxic! My Seattle-based vet, Dr. Emily Carter, taught me what foods to keep away from Max. Dogs’ digestive systems differ from ours, and some human foods can cause serious harm. Whether you’ve got a tiny Chihuahua or a burly German Shepherd, here’s my guide, blending my experience with Max and Dr. Carter’s expertise, to help US dog owners avoid dangerous foods.

Why Some Foods Are Bad for Dogs

Max’s grape incident could’ve led to kidney failure, says Dr. Carter. Dogs can’t process certain chemicals (e.g., theobromine, solanine) that humans handle fine, risking toxicity, digestive issues, or choking ($100–3,000 for vet care). Fatty foods or bones can strain digestion, especially in sensitive breeds like Bulldogs, while toxins in fruits like grapes harm all breeds. Knowing what’s unsafe keeps your pup healthy and saves on emergency vet bills ($500–2,000) [1].

What Fruits Can Dogs NOT Eat?

Max loves fruit, but some are dangerous, says Dr. Carter:

• Avocados ($1–2 each): Persin in skin/pits causes vomiting or diarrhea ($100–300 for vet care). Flesh is safe in tiny amounts but best avoided for Chihuahuas.
• Cherries, Peaches, Plums ($2–4/lb): Pits contain cyanide, risking poisoning or choking ($500–2,000 for surgery/treatment). Flesh is safe in small amounts, but not worth the risk for Labs.
• Grapes/Raisins ($3–5/lb): Cause kidney failure, even in small amounts ($1,000–3,000 for emergency care). Max’s grape scare prompted a vet call ($40–100).
• Persimmons ($1–2 each): Seeds can block intestines, causing fever or diarrhea ($500–2,000 for surgery). Avoid for Beagles.
• Tomatoes (Green Parts) ($1–2/lb): Solanine in stems/leaves causes nausea ($100–300 for vet care). Ripe tomato flesh is safe in moderation for Mastiffs.

Introduce fruits slowly, stick to safe ones like apples ($1–2/lb, seedless) [2].

What Nuts Can Dogs NOT Eat?

Nuts tempt Max, but Dr. Carter warns:

• Macadamia Nuts ($10–15/lb): Cause weakness, vomiting, or tremors ($200–500 for vet care). Toxic for all breeds, including Pugs.
• Black Walnuts ($5–10/lb): Moldy husks trigger seizures ($500–2,000 for emergency care). Avoid for Golden Retrievers.
• Pistachios (Shelled, Seasoned) ($5–8/lb): Shells risk choking, seasonings cause upset ($100–300 for vet care). Plain, shelled pistachios are safe in tiny amounts for Border Collies.
• Raw Cashews ($5–8/lb): Hard texture risks digestive issues ($100–300 for vet care). Roasted, unsalted cashews are safer but limit to 1–2 nuts.

Max gets peanut butter (Jif, $3 for 16 oz) instead, safe in moderation [3].

What Vegetables Can Dogs NOT Eat?

Veggies seem healthy, but some harm Max:

• Onions, Garlic, Chives, Leeks ($1–2/lb): N-propyl disulfide damages red blood cells, causing anemia ($200–500 for vet care). Toxic for all breeds, especially Yorkies.
• Wild Mushrooms ($5–10/lb): Can cause liver failure or seizures ($500–2,000 for emergency care). Store-bought white/cremini mushrooms ($2–3/lb) are safe for Labs.

Safe veggies like carrots ($1–2/lb) keep Max’s diet balanced [2].

What Beverages Can Dogs NOT Drink?

Max only gets water ($0). Dr. Carter warns:

• Tea/Coffee ($3–5 for 12 oz): Caffeine raises heart rate, causes nausea or seizures ($500–2,000 for emergency care). Avoid for Chihuahuas.
• Alcohol ($5–20): Causes intoxication, coma, or death ($500–2,000 for vet care). Toxic for all breeds, including German Shepherds.
• Energy/Soft Drinks ($1–3): Caffeine and sugar harm digestion ($100–300 for vet care).

Keep cups and grounds out of reach [1].

What Other Common Foods Can Dogs NOT Eat?

Dr. Carter’s list of household dangers:

• Chocolate ($2–5, Hershey’s): Theobromine causes heart issues or seizures ($500–2,000 for emergency care). No type is safe, even milk chocolate.
• Xylitol (in gum, candy, $2–5): Drops blood sugar, damages liver ($1,000–3,000 for emergency care). Check labels for Pugs.
• Salt ($1 for 26 oz): High doses cause sodium poisoning, harming kidneys ($200–500 for vet care). Avoid for Beagles.
• Dairy ($1–2, milk/cheese): Lactose intolerance causes diarrhea in Bulldogs ($100–300 for vet care).
• Fatty Foods ($3–5, bacon): Risk pancreatitis ($200–500 for vet care). Harmful for Mastiffs.
• Raw Dough ($2–3): Yeast ferments, causing bloat or blockages ($500–2,000 for surgery).

Max sticks to dog-safe treats like carrots [3].

How to Know If Your Dog Has Eaten Something Harmful

Max’s grape incident showed me warning signs, per Dr. Carter:

• Unusual Behavior: Lethargy, excessive sleep, or low energy (common in Chihuahuas).
• Digestive Upset: Vomiting, diarrhea ($100–300 for vet care).
• Other Symptoms: Itchiness, dry nose, reduced appetite, or frequent urination (signals kidney issues in Labs, $200–500 for tests).

Monitor closely for 24 hours post-exposure [1].

What to Do If Your Dog Eats Something Bad

When Max ate a grape, I acted fast:

• Stay Calm, Act Quickly: Remove the food source to prevent more ingestion.
• Call Your Vet: Contact a vet ($40–100) or ASPCA Poison Control ($75 hotline). Max’s vet guided me immediately.
• Avoid Home Remedies: Don’t induce vomiting unless instructed ($100–300 for improper treatment harm).
• Monitor: Watch for symptoms and rush to an emergency vet ($500–2,000) if severe.

Max was fine after quick action [2].

Key Takeaways

• Avoid Toxins: Grapes, chocolate, onions ($100–3,000 for vet care).
• Safe Alternatives: Apples, carrots, peanut butter ($1–5).
• Dog-Proof: Store harmful foods high up (e.g., lockable pantry, $20).
• Act Fast: Call a vet ($40–100) if your dog eats something bad.

Final Thoughts

Max’s puppy eyes make it tough to say no, but Dr. Carter’s advice keeps him safe. US dog owners can shop at Walmart or Chewy for dog-safe treats ($1–5) and avoid toxins like chocolate or grapes. Dog-proof your kitchen, stick to AAFCO-approved kibble (Blue Buffalo, $40–70), and consult your vet ($40–100) for a tailored diet for any breed, from Pomeranians to Mastiffs. Keep those tails wagging safely!

References:
[1] PetMD.com, “Toxic Foods for Dogs” (accessed July 2025).
[2] AKC.org, “Foods Dogs Should Avoid” (accessed July 2025).
[3] AVMA.org, “Pet Safety and Toxic Substances” (accessed July 2025).