Dogs
Dogs are omnivorous scavengers, but their slow hepatic metabolism makes them uniquely vulnerable to methylxanthines, alliums, and xylitol.
7 foods reviewed for Dogs
Toxicology Profile
Methylxanthine Sensitivity
Theobromine and caffeine are metabolized extremely slowly in dogs, causing cardiac arrhythmias and seizures. Dark chocolate can be lethal at doses as low as 100–150 mg/kg body weight.
Allium Toxicosis
Onions, garlic, leeks, and chives contain organosulfur compounds that oxidize red blood cells, producing Heinz-body hemolytic anemia. Symptoms can appear 3–5 days after a single large exposure.
Xylitol Hypoglycemia
Even small amounts of xylitol (found in sugar-free gum, baked goods, and peanut butter) trigger a massive insulin release, causing life-threatening hypoglycemia within 30–60 minutes.
Most At-Risk Systems
Most Dangerous Foods
All 7 Reviewed Foods
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Clear FiltersChocolate
Chocolate is toxic to dogs. The theobromine and caffeine it contains can trigger vomiting, a racing heart, tremors and seizures — and the darker the chocolate, the greater the danger.
Raisins
Raisins are severely toxic to dogs and represent one of the most dangerous common household foods a dog can ingest. Even a single small serving can trigger acute kidney failure in some individuals, and the toxic mechanism remains incompletely understood, making no dose reliably safe. Any raisin ingestion by a dog should be treated as a veterinary emergency.