3 Things You Should Never Feed Your Dog

Never feed your dog chocolate, including cocoa powder and baked goods made with it, because chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine, which dogs process more slowly than people do. Dark chocolate and baking chocolate are especially concentrated, but any chocolate exposure deserves prompt veterinary advice because the risk depends on the type, amount, and your dog’s size.

Signs of poisoning can include vomiting, restlessness, a rapid heartbeat, tremors, and seizures, although you should not wait for symptoms to appear before calling for help. Keep chocolate treats, cocoa, and candy out of reach, and ask guests not to share desserts with your dog.

Check the product’s listed specifications when evaluating chocolate.

Never give your dog grapes or raisins, including foods that contain them, such as some trail mixes, breads, cookies, and salads. Grapes and raisins can cause sudden kidney failure in dogs, and the amount that causes serious harm can vary, so even a small exposure should be treated as urgent.

If your dog eats either one, contact your veterinarian or an animal poison control service immediately and tell them what was eaten and approximately when. Store these foods securely, clean up dropped pieces, and inspect ingredient lists before offering your dog any human food.

Xylitol is a sweetener found in some sugar-free gum, candy, baked goods, and other products, including certain peanut butters, and it can cause a dangerous drop in a dog’s blood sugar. It can also cause liver damage, so read ingredient labels carefully before sharing a packaged food, even if a similar product was safe in the past.

If your dog may have eaten xylitol, call your veterinarian or an animal poison control service immediately rather than waiting for signs such as weakness, vomiting, or seizures. Keep the package available to help identify the ingredients, and do not induce vomiting unless a veterinary professional tells you to do so.

Check the product’s listed specifications when evaluating xylitol.

Our team recommends serving your dog an appropriate dog food and keeping human snacks separate, especially when children or visitors are around. Our Ceramic Elevated Pet Bowl with Cute Cartoon Design is one option for serving your dog’s food; whatever bowl you use, wash it regularly and keep fresh water available.

If your dog eats something potentially toxic, move the remaining food out of reach and contact a professional promptly with the product name, estimated amount, and your dog’s weight. For a handy reference, revisit our guide to three things you should never feed your dog.

The Cozy Puppy and Kitten Bed – Fluffy Pet Cushion for Dogs & Cats provides a defined sleep surface during family stops and overnight travel, pairing with the featured product during everyday use.