Foods harmful to dogs and cats: Understanding the risks

Pets are wonderfully curious, and that curiosity often leads them straight to whatever food happens to be nearby. From a dropped snack to a shared moment at the table, many everyday foods can seem harmless, but for dogs and cats they can sometimes pose unexpected risks. 

While some food dangers are widely known, others can come as a surprise to even the most attentive pet parents. In this guide, we’ll look at the foods harmful to dogs and cats, why they’re risky, and how you can help keep your dog or cat safe and well. 

Table of contents 

1. Why some human foods are dangerous for pets 

2. Foods harmful to dogs and cats 

3. Why chocolate is toxic to dogs and other animals 

4. Festive foods that can put pets at risk 

5. What dogs and cats should eat instead 

6. When to seek help and how pet insurance can support you 

Why some human foods are dangerous for pets 

Many foods we enjoy every day simply aren’t made for pets. Dogs and cats digest food differently to humans, and some ingredients can affect their nervous system, blood cells or digestion, while others may lead to poisoning, blockages or strain on their organs. 

How an individual pet is affected will depend on the type of food, the amount eaten, and your pet’s size, age and overall health status. If you’re ever unsure which human foods are safe for your pet, it’s safest to stick with food that’s been specially made for them. 

Foods harmful to dogs and cats 

There are several common household foods that are known to be harmful to dogs and cats. This list isn’t exhaustive, but it covers many of the most important ones to be aware of and avoid where possible. 

Foods best kept out of reach include: 

• Chocolate and cocoa products 

• Onions, garlic, leeks and chives (raw, cooked, or powdered) 

• Grapes, raisins, sultanas, and currants 

• Alcohol 

• Xylitol (found in some sugar-free gums, sweets, and baked goods) 

• Cooked bones and bone fragments 

• Fatty foods, leftovers, and food scraps 

• Nutmeg 

• Mince pies 

• Stuffing and gravy 

• Macadamia nuts 

• Caffeine 

Even small amounts can sometimes cause serious illness, which is why careful storage and supervision are so important. 

Why chocolate is toxic to dogs and other animals 

Chocolate is one of the most well-known food risks for dogs. It contains theobromine (and in most cases, caffeine), which dogs and some other animals process much more slowly than humans. 

When these substances build up in the body, they can cause a range of symptoms, from vomiting and diarrhoea to tremors, seizures and heart problems. 

As a simple rule of thumb, the darker, more bitter and higher quality the chocolate, the more toxic it is. That’s because higher cocoa content means higher levels of theobromine. 

In terms of risk, cocoa powder and baking chocolate are the most dangerous, followed by dark chocolate, then milk chocolate. White chocolate contains very little theobromine, but it’s still high in fat and sugar, which can upset your pet’s stomach. 

If your dog eats chocolate: 

• Don’t induce vomiting unless specifically advised by a vet 

• Remove any remaining chocolate from the area 

• Try to identify the type of chocolate 

• Estimate how much was eaten 

• Keep any packaging, if possible, and bring it to the vet or take a clear photo 

• Contact your vet as soon as possible 

Quick action can make a critical difference. 

Festive foods that can put pets at risk 

Celebrations often mean more food around the home, and with it, more opportunities for pets to get involved. Some festive foods can be harmful, especially those that are rich, fatty or contain ingredients like onion, garlic, dried fruit or nutmeg. 

Festive foods to be mindful of include: 

• Stuffing and gravy (often high in fat, salt, onion, or garlic) 

• Mince pies, Christmas pudding, and other baked goods containing dried fruit or nutmeg 

• Chocolate treats and desserts 

• Fatty meats and leftovers 

If you’d like to include your pet safely, some pet-friendly festive treats may include: 

• Small amounts of plain, cooked, skinless and boneless turkey or chicken 

• Steamed vegetables like carrots, green beans, pumpkin or sweet potato 

• Small pieces of apple (with no seeds), banana, watermelon, or blueberries 

Always keep portions small, avoid seasoning, and introduce new foods slowly. 

What dogs and cats should eat instead 

The best way to support your pet’s health is with a balanced, species-appropriate diet. Dogs and cats have different nutritional needs, which is why food that suits one may not suit the other. 

Dogs are omnivores. They do best on complete and balanced dog food tailored to their age, size and health, providing the right mix of protein, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals for steady energy and overall vitality. Cats, on the other hand, are obligate carnivores. They require high-protein, meat-based diets rich in animal protein and essential nutrients such as taurine and other amino acids, along with specific vitamins and minerals that support their heart, muscles and vision. 

As a general guide, choose a commercially prepared, complete, and balanced pet food designed specifically for your dog or cat’s life stage. Treats, whether store-bought or homemade, should always be offered in moderation, and human foods should never replace proper pet nutrition. 

If you’re unsure what’s right for your pet, your vet can help you choose with confidence. Some pets may also have food allergies, sensitivities, or medical conditions that require specialised diets, so it’s always best to speak with your vet before introducing new foods or treats. 

When to seek help and how pet insurance can support you 

If you think your pet has eaten something harmful, it’s important to contact your vet straight away. Acting quickly can help limit complications and give your pet the best chance at a smoother recovery. 

That’s where pet insurance can really help. 

With RSPCA Pet Insurance, you can choose the annual cover limit, benefit percentage and excess that suit you and your pet. So when unexpected vet costs pop up, you can focus on your pet’s wellbeing, without worrying about the costs involved. 

To learn more about how RSPCA Pet Insurance could support you and your pet, click here. Or, if you’re ready to take the next step, you can fetch a commitment-free pet insurance quote online. 

Disclaimer 

As with any insurance, terms, conditions and exclusions apply. Please read the Product Disclosure Statement to make sure this cover suits your needs. 

 

References 

[1] RSPCA Australia. What are common household dangers for pets? RSPCA Knowledgebase. 
Available from: https://kb.rspca.org.au/categories/companion-animals/household-and-garden-dangers/what-are-common-household-dangers-for-pets

[2] RSPCA Australia. Why is chocolate toxic to dogs and other animals? RSPCA Knowledgebase. 
Available from: https://kb.rspca.org.au/categories/companion-animals/household-and-garden-dangers/why-is-chocolate-toxic-to-dogs-and-other-animals

[3] RSPCA Australia. Should I feed bones to my dog? RSPCA Knowledgebase. 
Available from: https://kb.rspca.org.au/categories/companion-animals/dogs/caring-for-my-dog/should-i-feed-bones-to-my-dog

[4] RSPCA Australia. What should I feed my dog? RSPCA Knowledgebase. 
Available from: https://kb.rspca.org.au/categories/companion-animals/dogs/caring-for-my-dog/what-should-i-feed-my-dog

[5] RSPCA Australia. What should I feed my cat? RSPCA Knowledgebase. 
Available from: https://kb.rspca.org.au/categories/companion-animals/cats/caring-for-my-cat/what-should-i-feed-my-cat