Toxic Food Checker for Dogs & Cats

• Chocolate

  Contains theobromine and caffeine. Dark/baking chocolate is most dangerous. Causes vomiting, tremors, seizures, heart problems.

• Grapes & raisins

  Can cause sudden kidney failure in dogs even in small amounts. Avoid entirely; the toxic dose is unpredictable.

• Onion, garlic, leek & chives

  Damage red blood cells causing anaemia. Cats are especially sensitive. Includes powdered/cooked forms in sauces and baby food.

• Xylitol

  Artificial sweetener in sugar-free gum, sweets, peanut butter and baked goods. Causes a dangerous drop in blood sugar and liver failure in dogs.

• Macadamia nuts

  Cause weakness, tremors, vomiting and overheating in dogs. Other nuts are high-fat and a choking/obstruction risk.

• Alcohol

  Even small amounts are dangerous — including in raw bread dough and some desserts.

• Caffeine

  Coffee, tea, energy drinks and pills. Causes restlessness, racing heart, tremors and seizures.

• Raw bread dough

  Rises in the warm stomach causing bloating, and ferments to produce alcohol. A double emergency.

• Cooked bones

  Cooked bones splinter and can cause choking, mouth injuries or gut perforation. Never feed cooked bones.

• Avocado

  Contains persin; the flesh is low-risk in small amounts but the stone is a serious obstruction and choking hazard.

• Cow’s milk & dairy

  Most adult cats and dogs are lactose intolerant — milk often causes tummy upset and diarrhoea. Not toxic, but best avoided.

• Raw fish

  Regular raw fish can cause a vitamin B1 (thiamine) deficiency in cats, and may carry parasites. Cooked, plain fish is safer.

• Fatty/fried foods

  High-fat foods can trigger pancreatitis, especially in dogs. Avoid fat trimmings and fried scraps.

• Salty snacks

  Too much salt causes excessive thirst and, in large amounts, sodium poisoning.

• Cooked plain chicken

  Plain, boneless, skinless cooked chicken is fine in moderation and often used for upset tummies.

• Carrot

  A low-calorie, crunchy snack. Safe raw or cooked, in moderation.

• Plain cooked pumpkin

  Plain pumpkin (not pie filling) is a gentle fibre source that can help with mild digestive upsets.

• Blueberries

  A safe, antioxidant-rich treat for dogs in moderation. Cats can have a little but don’t need fruit.

• Apple (no seeds)

  Flesh is a safe crunchy treat. Remove the core and seeds (seeds contain trace cyanide compounds).

• Plain rice

  Plain boiled rice is gentle and often used as part of a bland diet for upset stomachs.

No match — try another word. If in doubt, treat it as unsafe and call your vet.