Toxic Foods & Household Dangers for Dogs and Cats
Vet-reviewed by Veterinary Reviewer, DVM · Last reviewed June 2026
Toxic foods for dogs and cats
| Item | Risk |
|---|---|
| Chocolate | Theobromine poisoning; dark/baking chocolate is worst |
| Grapes, raisins, sultanas | Can cause kidney failure (dogs) |
| Onion, garlic, leek, chive | Damage red blood cells |
| Xylitol (sugar-free gum, sweets, some peanut butter) | Causes dangerous blood-sugar crash and liver failure in dogs |
| Macadamia nuts | Weakness, tremors (dogs) |
| Alcohol & raw bread dough | Toxic; dough ferments in the stomach |
| Caffeine | Stimulant toxicity |
Deadly for cats specifically: lilies
All parts of lilies — petals, leaves, pollen, even the vase water — can cause fatal kidney failure in cats, often from just grooming pollen off their fur. Keep lilies out of any home with cats entirely.
Household and seasonal dangers
Antifreeze (ethylene glycol) is sweet-tasting and extremely toxic — even tiny amounts cause fatal kidney failure, and cats are very vulnerable; clean spills immediately and store securely. Other hazards include rodenticides (rat poison), slug pellets, certain houseplants, human medicines, and seasonal items like grapes/raisins in mince pies and Christmas pudding.
What to do if your pet is poisoned
Act fast — don’t wait for symptoms. Call your vet or a pet poison helpline with the substance, the amount, and the time. Take packaging with you. Don’t try to make your pet vomit unless a vet tells you to.
Related guides: Heatstroke in dogs · How to care for a dog · How to care for a cat
Frequently asked questions
How much chocolate is dangerous for a dog?
It depends on the dog's size and the chocolate type — dark and baking chocolate are most dangerous; call your vet for any ingestion.
Why are lilies so dangerous to cats?
All parts cause kidney failure, even pollen groomed off the coat.
My pet ate something toxic but seems fine — should I wait?
No — call a vet immediately; many poisons act before symptoms show.