Toxic Food Checker
Search any food to instantly check if it's safe for your pet
Grapes
Symptoms: Kidney failure, vomiting, lethargy
Even small amounts can cause acute kidney failure in dogs.
Raisins
Symptoms: Kidney failure, vomiting, lethargy
Same toxicity as grapes. Avoid all forms.
Xylitol
Symptoms: Hypoglycemia, seizures, liver failure
Found in sugar-free gum, candy, and some peanut butters.
Alcohol
Symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhea, breathing difficulty, coma
Even small amounts can be very dangerous.
Lilies
Symptoms: Kidney failure, vomiting
All parts of the lily plant are extremely toxic to cats.
Chocolate
Symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhea, rapid breathing, seizures
Dark chocolate is most dangerous. Theobromine is the toxic compound.
Onions
Symptoms: Anemia, weakness, red-tinged urine
All forms (raw, cooked, powder) are toxic.
Garlic
Symptoms: Anemia, weakness, elevated heart rate
More concentrated than onions. Even small amounts are harmful.
Macadamia Nuts
Symptoms: Weakness, vomiting, tremors, hyperthermia
Symptoms usually appear within 12 hours.
Caffeine
Symptoms: Restlessness, rapid breathing, heart palpitations
Found in coffee, tea, energy drinks, and some medications.
Mushrooms
Symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhea, liver failure, seizures
Wild mushrooms can be deadly. Store-bought are generally safe.
Avocado
Symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhea
Persin in the pit, skin, and leaves is most dangerous for birds.
Apple
Flesh is safe. Remove seeds and core (contain cyanide).
Milk
Symptoms: Diarrhea, stomach upset
Many pets are lactose intolerant. Use in small amounts.
Raw Eggs
Symptoms: Salmonella risk, biotin deficiency
Cooked eggs are safe and nutritious.
Bones
Symptoms: Choking, intestinal blockage, tooth fracture
Cooked bones splinter easily. Raw bones are safer but supervise.
Chicken
Cooked, boneless chicken is a great protein source.
Carrots
Low-calorie snack rich in vitamins and fiber.
Blueberries
Rich in antioxidants. Great as occasional treats.
Rice
Cooked white rice helps settle upset stomachs.
Pumpkin
Plain canned pumpkin aids digestion.
Salmon
Cooked salmon is rich in omega-3. Never feed raw salmon to dogs.
Peanut Butter
Must be xylitol-free. Good for treat puzzles.
Watermelon
Remove seeds and rind. Hydrating summer treat.
Banana
High in potassium. Feed in moderation due to sugar content.
Showing all 25 foods in our database. Search to filter.
⚠️ This list is not exhaustive. Always consult your veterinarian if your pet ingests something unknown. In emergencies, contact the ASPCA Animal Poison Control: (888) 426-4435
Pet Food Safety: What Every Owner Should Know
Accidental ingestion of toxic foods is one of the most common emergencies veterinarians treat. According to the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, which handles over 400,000 cases annually, human foods account for a significant percentage of pet poisoning incidents. Understanding which foods are dangerous — and why — can help you prevent emergencies and respond effectively when they occur.
Understanding Toxicity Levels
Not all dangerous foods affect pets equally. Toxicity depends on the substance, the amount consumed relative to body weight, the pet's species, and individual sensitivity. For example, a 70-pound Labrador that eats a small piece of milk chocolate will likely experience mild gastrointestinal upset, while the same amount of dark baking chocolate could cause serious cardiac and neurological symptoms due to its higher theobromine concentration. This dose-dependent relationship is why our checker categorizes foods across four severity levels: safe, caution, toxic, and potentially deadly.
Species-Specific Dangers
Dogs and cats metabolize substances differently. Cats lack certain liver enzymes (specifically glucuronyl transferase) that dogs and humans use to process many compounds, making them more susceptible to toxicity from essential oils, certain medications like acetaminophen (Tylenol), and plants like lilies — which are harmless to dogs but can cause fatal kidney failure in cats even from minimal exposure to pollen. Birds are extremely sensitive to fumes from nonstick cookware (PTFE/Teflon), scented candles, and aerosol sprays, in addition to food toxins like avocado.
What to Do If Your Pet Eats Something Toxic
If you suspect your pet has ingested a toxic substance, time is critical. Do not induce vomiting unless specifically instructed by a veterinarian or poison control — some substances cause more damage coming back up. Note the product name, estimated amount consumed, and time of ingestion. Contact your veterinarian, the nearest emergency animal hospital, or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 (a consultation fee may apply). Having this information ready helps professionals assess the situation and recommend appropriate treatment quickly.
Prevention Tips
The best approach to food toxicity is prevention. Store human foods out of reach, especially chocolate, grapes, raisins, and xylitol-containing products. Check ingredient labels on sugar-free items for xylitol (also listed as birch sugar). Secure garbage cans, as discarded food scraps — coffee grounds, onion peels, chicken bones — pose common risks. Educate family members and guests about which foods should never be shared with pets, and consider keeping a list of toxic foods on your refrigerator for quick reference.