Think your pet ate something toxic? Call your vet or an emergency animal hospital right away. You can also call ASPCA Animal Poison Control: (888) 426-4435 or Pet Poison Helpline: (855) 764-7661. Both are open 24/7 and may charge a consultation fee.
A quick, searchable guide to common foods and household items that are risky for pets. It is not a complete list, and "lower risk" does not mean "safe". If in doubt, don't feed it. For the full list, see the ASPCA's people foods to avoid and the Pet Poison Helpline.
| Food / item | Who's at risk | Risk | Why |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chocolate & cocoa | Dogs, cats, birds, small pets | High risk | Contains theobromine and caffeine. Dark and baking chocolate are the most dangerous. |
| Xylitol (birch sugar) | Dogs (others likely) | High risk | A sweetener found in some sugar-free gum, candy, baked goods, and some peanut butters. In dogs it can cause a sudden drop in blood sugar and liver damage. Always check the label. |
| Grapes, raisins, currants & sultanas | Dogs, cats | High risk | Linked to kidney injury in dogs, even in small amounts, and it's hard to predict which pets will react. |
| Onions, garlic, chives & leeks | Dogs, cats, birds, small pets | High risk | These can damage red blood cells. Cats are especially sensitive. That includes powders and cooked forms. |
| Lilies (true lilies & daylilies) | Cats | High risk | Even small exposures, including pollen or vase water, can cause kidney failure in cats. This is an emergency. |
| Alcohol & raw yeast dough | All pets | High risk | Alcohol is toxic to pets, and raw dough can produce alcohol and expand in the stomach. |
| Avocado | Birds, rabbits, guinea pigs (dogs & cats: mild) | High risk | Contains persin, which can be very dangerous for birds and some small pets. |
| Caffeine (coffee, tea, energy drinks) | All pets | High risk | Can over-stimulate the heart and nervous system. |
| Macadamia nuts | Dogs | Moderate | Can cause weakness, wobbliness, vomiting, and fever in dogs. |
| Cannabis / THC edibles | All pets | High risk | Can cause serious symptoms. Edibles may also contain chocolate or xylitol. |
| Cooked bones | Dogs, cats | Moderate | Can splinter and cause choking or gut injury. |
| Fatty scraps, bacon & greasy food | Dogs, cats | Moderate | Can upset the stomach and is linked to pancreatitis. |
| Salt & very salty snacks | All pets (birds are very sensitive) | Moderate | Too much salt can make pets seriously ill. Watch out for salt-dough ornaments too. |
| Fruit pits & seeds (apple seeds, cherry, peach, plum, apricot pits) | Dogs, cats, birds, small pets | Moderate | Many contain compounds that can release cyanide, and pits can also cause choking or blockages. |
| Raw or undercooked meat & eggs | Dogs, cats | Moderate | Can carry bacteria such as Salmonella, which can make pets and people sick. |
| Milk & dairy | Dogs, cats (most adult cats) | Lower risk | Many adult pets are lactose intolerant, so dairy may cause stomach upset. |
| Citrus (stems, leaves, peels) | Dogs, cats | Lower risk | Citric acid and oils can cause stomach irritation. Small amounts of the fruit are unlikely to cause more than an upset stomach. |
| Nutmeg & some spices | Dogs, cats | Moderate | Large amounts of nutmeg can cause serious symptoms. |
| Rhubarb leaves, tomato & potato leaves/stems, raw potato | Small pets, birds, dogs, cats | Moderate | These contain plant compounds that can be harmful. Only feed small pets vegetables known to be safe for their species. |
| Non-stick pan fumes (overheated PTFE/Teflon) | Birds | High risk | Not a food, but overheated non-stick cookware gives off fumes that can kill pet birds quickly. Keep birds out of the kitchen. |
Sources for this guide: the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, Pet Poison Helpline, and the Merck Veterinary Manual. Written in our own words. Last reviewed November 2026.
Not veterinary advice. These free tools and guides are for general education only. They can't diagnose, treat, or replace a visit with a licensed veterinarian. Every pet is different, so always ask your vet about your own pet's diet, health, and care.