What Foods Can Be Harmful to Dogs and Cats?

By Target Pet Feed Editorial Team · Reviewed by Pet Nutrition Specialists · Updated July 2026

Have you ever seen your dog watching you hopefully as you eat chocolate cake, or caught your cat sniffing around your dinner plate? Most pet owners have experienced this. It can be hard to resist sharing a treat with the pets who bring us so much joy. If it’s safe for us, it must be safe for them, right?

Not always.

Let's explore which foods should stay off your pet's menu and what you can safely offer instead.

Can Dogs and Cats Eat Human Food?

Yes, dogs and cats can eat some human foods, but only certain types and in moderation.

Cats need nutrients like taurine that many table scraps don't provide. Rather than relying on human food, feed complete and balanced healthy dog food or healthy pet food designed for your pet's nutritional needs. If you want to give your pet a treat now and then, choose something safe for them and keep the portion small.

Choosing quality nutrition is just as important as comparing the best dog food price in Pakistan or the best cat food price in Pakistan, because balanced nutrition supports your pet's long-term health.

15 Foods That Can Be Harmful to Dogs and Cats

Knowing what not to feed your pets is just as important as knowing what they should eat. Here are some of the most common foods every pet owner should keep out of reach.

1. Chocolate

According to veterinarians, chocolate poisoning is one of the most common food-related emergencies in dogs. Dark chocolate and baking chocolate contain higher concentrations of theobromine than milk chocolate, making even small amounts potentially life-threatening for small breeds.

Even a small amount may cause:

Vomiting
Restlessness
Rapid heartbeat
Tremors
Seizures

2. Grapes and Raisins

Many people are surprised to learn that grapes and raisins can cause sudden kidney failure in dogs.

If your dog accidentally eats grapes or raisins, contact your veterinarian immediately, even if no symptoms appear at first.

3. Onions, Garlic, and Chives

Whether raw, cooked, powdered, or dried, these ingredients can damage your pet's red blood cells and lead to anemia.

They're often hidden in foods like:

Soups
Sauces
Seasonings

Always check leftovers before sharing them with your pets.

4. Xylitol

Xylitol is an artificial sweetener commonly found in:

Sugar-free gum
Peanut butter
Candy
Baked goods
Toothpaste

For dogs, even tiny amounts can cause a rapid drop in blood sugar and severe liver damage.

5. Alcohol

Alcohol affects pets much faster than humans. Even small amounts can lead to:

Vomiting
Breathing problems
Loss of coordination
Coma

6. Caffeine

Coffee, tea, energy drinks, and some soft drinks contain caffeine, which can overstimulate your pet's nervous system.

Signs of caffeine poisoning include:

Hyperactivity
Increased heart rate
Tremors
Seizures

7. Avocado

Avocados contain persin, a natural compound that may upset the digestive system of some pets .Their high fat content may also cause digestive upset.

8. Macadamia Nuts

Although the exact cause isn't fully understood, macadamia nuts can make dogs seriously ill.

Symptoms may include:

Weakness
Vomiting
Muscle tremors
Difficulty walking

9. Raw Dough with Yeast

Unbaked bread dough continues to rise inside a pet's stomach, causing painful bloating. As the yeast ferments, it also produces alcohol, creating an additional health risk.

10. Cooked Bones

Many people assume bones are a natural treat for dogs, but cooked bones can splinter easily.

These sharp fragments may:

Choke your pet
Damage the mouth
Injure the stomach or intestines

11. Raw Eggs and Raw Meat

While some diets include raw ingredients, improperly handled raw meat and eggs may contain harmful bacteria such as Salmonella or E. coli.

12. Dairy Products

Many adult dogs and cats have difficulty digesting lactose.

Milk, ice cream, and soft cheeses may lead to:

Gas
Diarrhea
Stomach discomfort

13. Salty Snacks

Potato chips, pretzels, and other salty treats contain more sodium than your pet needs.

Too much salt can contribute to dehydration and other health concerns.

14. Fatty and Fried Foods

That leftover fried chicken might smell irresistible to your dog, but greasy foods can upset the digestive system and may increase the risk of pancreatitis.

15. Dog Food Isn't Cat Food and Cat Food Isn't Dog Food

Cats require nutrients like taurine that dog food doesn't provide in sufficient amounts, while dogs have different nutritional requirements. Feed each pet food formulated specifically for its species. Choosing quality nutrition from trusted pet food suppliers in Pakistan also gives you confidence that your companion is receiving food formulated for their unique needs.

Which Foods Are Toxic to Both Dogs and Cats?

If you remember only one thing from this guide, let it be this: some foods should never be shared with your pets, no matter how much they beg.

The table below highlights some of the most dangerous foods for both dogs and cats.

Food	Why It's Harmful
Chocolate	Contains theobromine and caffeine, which can affect the heart and nervous system.
Onions, Garlic & Chives	Can damage red blood cells and lead to anemia.
Alcohol	Affects the brain, liver, and breathing.
Caffeine	Can cause restlessness, rapid heartbeat, and seizures.
Xylitol	Extremely dangerous for dogs and unsafe around pets.
Raw Dough with Yeast	Expands in the stomach and produces alcohol during fermentation.

Veterinarian's Tip:

Pets often hide signs of illness. If you know your dog or cat has eaten a toxic food, contact your veterinarian immediately instead of waiting for symptoms to develop.

Avoid These Common Mistakes

Do not induce vomiting unless your veterinarian instructs you to.
Do not give milk or home remedies.
Do not wait for symptoms to appear.
Save the food packaging if possible.
Tell your veterinarian your pet's weight and approximately how much was eaten.

Are Some Foods Safe for Dogs but Dangerous for Cats?

Yes, and this surprises many pet owners.

Dogs and cats have different nutritional needs, so a food that's safe for one isn't always suitable for the other.

For example:

Tuna: Safe occasionally for dogs but not as a regular meal for cats.
Dog Food: Cats shouldn't rely on it because it lacks taurine.
Cat Food: Too rich for dogs if fed regularly.

Always choose food formulated for your pet's species to meet its nutritional needs.

Safe Human Foods Dogs and Cats Can Eat in Moderation

Not every human food is off-limits. In fact, a few fresh, plain foods can make healthy treats when offered in small portions.

Some safer options include:

Plain cooked chicken
Plain cooked turkey
Cooked pumpkin
Carrots
Green beans
Plain white rice
Sweet potatoes
Blueberries (especially for dogs)

Offer these foods only occasionally alongside complete healthy pet food.

Signs Your Pet Has Eaten Something Toxic

Pets can't tell us when something is wrong, so it's important to recognize the warning signs.

Watch for symptoms such as:

Vomiting
Diarrhea
Excessive drooling
Weakness or unusual tiredness
Tremors
Difficulty walking
Loss of appetite
Trouble breathing
Seizures

If you notice any of these signs after your pet eats human food, contact your veterinarian immediately.

When Should You Call a Veterinarian?

Contact your veterinarian immediately if you know or suspect your pet has eaten a toxic food.

Before you call, try to gather a few important details:

What food was eaten?
Approximately how much?
When did it happen?
Is your pet showing any symptoms?

Avoid trying home remedies unless your veterinarian specifically recommends them. For example, inducing vomiting without professional advice can sometimes make the situation worse.

Quick Pet Food Safety Checklist

Want an easy way to keep your furry family members safe? Save this checklist.

Keep chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, and garlic out of reach.
Store sugar-free products containing xylitol in closed cabinets.
Read ingredient labels before sharing any food.
Keep countertops clean after cooking.
Always provide fresh drinking water.
Feed a complete and balanced diet every day.

Choose the Right Nutrition with Target Pet Feed

At Target Pet Feed, we know that every meal is an opportunity to support your pet's health.

While avoiding harmful foods is essential, feeding complete and balanced nutrition every day is the best way to support your pet's long-term health.

If you're comparing the best dog food price in Pakistan or searching for the best cat food price in Pakistan, remember that quality matters just as much as cost. Choosing nutritionally balanced food from trusted pet food suppliers in Pakistan means you're investing in your pet's long-term health, not just filling their bowl.

We provide healthy dog food and cat food you can trust.

Because at the end of the day, your pets aren't just animals, they're family. And family deserves meals that keep them healthy, happy, and by your side for years to come.
Sources & References

The information in this article is based on current veterinary nutrition and pet health guidance, including:

American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)
American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Animal Poison Control
World Small Animal Veterinary Association Nutrition Guidelines

Disclaimer:

This article is intended for educational purposes only and should not replace professional veterinary advice. If you suspect your dog or cat has eaten a toxic food or is showing signs of poisoning, contact your veterinarian or an emergency animal poison service immediately.

FAQs

1. Can dogs eat human food every day?

No, dogs should primarily eat balanced pet food, with only a few safe human foods offered occasionally.

2. What foods are poisonous to both dogs and cats?

Chocolate, onions, garlic, alcohol, caffeine, and raw yeast dough are among the most toxic foods for both pets.

3. Is chocolate equally dangerous for dogs and cats?

Yes, chocolate is toxic to both dogs and cats, though dogs are more likely to eat harmful amounts.

4. What should I do if my pet eats grapes or raisins?

Contact your veterinarian immediately, as grapes and raisins can cause serious health problems, especially in dogs.

5. Can cats eat dog food occasionally?

A small amount is unlikely to cause harm, but cats should not eat dog food regularly because it lacks essential nutrients.

6. Are cooked bones safe for dogs?

No, cooked bones can splinter and may cause choking or internal injuries.

7. What are the first signs of food poisoning in pets?

Common early signs include vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, weakness, and loss of appetite.

8. What healthy human foods can dogs and cats eat safely?

Plain cooked chicken, turkey, pumpkin, carrots, green beans, and plain rice are safe treats when served in moderation.