At Barkivore, we believe every dog deserves safe, wholesome nutrition. Sharing human food might feel like love, but some foods can cause serious harm—or even death. As Kansas City’s premier fresh dog food company, we’re here to help you keep your pup healthy and happy.
Below is a comprehensive guide to 15 common foods that should never make it into your dog’s bowl, and why.
1. Cooked Bones
Why they’re bad: Cooked bones, like those from rotisserie chicken, become brittle during the cooking process. This makes them prone to splintering when chewed, which can lead to choking or puncture the intestines.
Worst-case scenario: Splintered bones can cause broken teeth, mouth injuries, constipation, or intestinal perforation. In severe cases, this can lead to peritonitis—an inflammation of the abdominal lining that requires emergency care.
2. Dairy
Why it’s bad: Most dogs are lactose intolerant. Foods like milk, cheese, and ice cream can cause digestive upset because dogs lack the enzymes needed to break down lactose.
Worst-case scenario: Vomiting, diarrhea, and dehydration that may require hospitalization.
3. Leeks, Onions, and Garlic
Why they’re bad: These flavorful seasonings belong to the allium family, which can damage dogs’ red blood cells and cause anemia. The risk is highest when consumed raw and in large quantities.
Worst-case scenario: Hemolytic anemia, which can take days to appear and often requires intensive veterinary care.
4. Bacon
Why it’s bad: Bacon is loaded with fat and sodium, which can upset your dog’s stomach and even trigger pancreatitis—an inflammation of the pancreas that disrupts digestion.
Worst-case scenario: Severe vomiting, diarrhea, pancreatitis, and sodium ion poisoning.
5. Raw Dough
Why it’s bad: Yeast in unbaked bread dough continues to rise inside a dog’s stomach, causing painful bloating and potential blockages. Fermentation also produces ethanol, which can lead to alcohol poisoning.
Worst-case scenario: Gastric dilation-volvulus (a dangerous twisting of the stomach) and alcohol toxicity, both of which are life-threatening emergencies.
6. Avocados
Why they’re bad: Avocados contain high levels of fat that can upset digestion. The slippery pit poses an additional hazard—it’s easy to swallow and can cause choking or intestinal obstruction.
Worst-case scenario: Choking or surgery to remove a gastrointestinal blockage.
7. Peaches and Plums
Why they’re bad: While small amounts of fruit flesh are generally safe, the pits are dangerous. They can cause choking and contain cyanide, which is toxic to dogs.
Worst-case scenario: Gastrointestinal obstruction or cyanide poisoning, both potentially fatal.
8. Corn on the Cob
Why it’s bad: Corn itself isn’t harmful, but the cob can easily lodge in the intestines. Worse, corn cobs are difficult to detect on X-rays, often requiring ultrasound or exploratory surgery.
Worst-case scenario: Intestinal blockage that can be fatal without surgical intervention.
9. Chocolate
Why it’s bad: Chocolate contains caffeine and theobromine, compounds that dogs cannot metabolize effectively. Even small amounts can cause vomiting, tremors, irregular heartbeat, seizures, and death.
Worst-case scenario: Fatal toxicity without immediate treatment.
10. Grapes and Raisins
Why they’re bad: Grapes and raisins can cause sudden kidney failure in dogs—even in small quantities. These ingredients often hide in trail mix, baked goods, and cereals.
Worst-case scenario: Acute kidney failure requiring hospitalization; untreated cases are often fatal.
11. Alcohol
Why it’s bad: Dogs are far more sensitive to alcohol than humans. Sweet cocktails can mask the smell, making them appealing to pets.
Worst-case scenario: Alcohol poisoning, which demands urgent medical care.
12. Coffee
Why it’s bad: Coffee acts as a stimulant, causing increased heart rate, high blood pressure, tremors, and seizures. Chocolate-covered espresso beans are an especially dangerous combination.
Worst-case scenario: Seizures and secondary complications that can lead to death.
13. Sugar-Free Gum or Candy
Why it’s bad: Most sugar-free products contain xylitol, a sweetener that triggers a dangerous insulin spike and can cause liver failure.
Worst-case scenario: Hypoglycemia, liver failure, and death.
14. White Bread
Why it’s bad: Commercial white bread is high in sugar and oil, which can lead to pancreatitis—especially in breeds like Schnauzers.
Worst-case scenario: Severe pancreatitis requiring hospitalization.
15. Salty Snacks
Why they’re bad: A single chip might only make your dog thirsty, but large amounts of salt can cause tremors, seizures, and even death.
Worst-case scenario: Sodium poisoning and neurological complications.
The Bottom Line
At Barkivore, we’re passionate about keeping dogs safe and well-fed. Avoid these dangerous foods and choose fresh, balanced meals designed for canine health. If your dog ingests any of these items, contact your veterinarian immediately. Quick action can save lives.