15 Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Cat or Dog

• Posted on 5 August 2025
• By Dr. Jill Tack
• Posted in cat food avoid, chocolate dogs, dog food avoid, foods for your pet to avoid, foods to avoid cat, foods to avoid dog
• 0

Learn which foods are toxic to dogs and cats—from chocolate and grapes to grains and dairy. Plus, find healthier, species-appropriate alternatives at The Pet Beastro.

You want to give your pet the best, and sometimes that means knowing what not to feed them.

We get questions every day at The Pet Beastro, like:
“Can dogs eat grapes?” or “Is a little chocolate really that bad?”

The truth is, even small amounts of certain foods can be dangerous, or even life-threatening, to pets. So we’re breaking it down with a clear guide to the 15 foods you should never feed your cat or dog, why they’re harmful, and what to offer instead.

1. Onions

Onions (raw, cooked, powdered, or dehydrated) can damage red blood cells in dogs and cats, leading to anemia. 

About Garlic…

Garlic often gets lumped in with onions as a “no-no” food, but here’s the real scoop:
Garlic, when used in the right form and amount, can be incredibly beneficial for pets.

It’s been used for generations to support naturally:

• Immune function

• Flea and tick prevention

• Circulation and detox

• Digestive health

We don’t recommend tossing raw garlic into your pet’s bowl. But we do recommend products that include safe, measured amounts of garlic, formulated specifically for dogs and cats.

What to feed instead: Add natural immune support like turkey tail mushrooms or fermented foods.

2. Chocolate

Chocolate contains theobromine, which pets metabolize slowly. Even small amounts, especially dark or baker’s chocolate, can be toxic and potentially fatal.

What to use for treats: Try carob-based pet treats or single-ingredient options like freeze-dried liver or rabbit.

3. Yeast (Especially Raw Dough)

Raw yeast dough can expand in your pet’s stomach and release alcohol during fermentation, yikes. Even nutritional yeast may cause issues for dogs with yeast sensitivity.

What to try instead: Use probiotic-rich foods or supplements like Adored Beast Love Bugs for gut health.

4. White Potatoes (Especially Raw or Sprouted)

Raw potatoes, especially those with green skin or sprouts, contain solanine, a natural toxin. Cooked white potatoes can be tolerated in moderation, but they’re not needed in a species-appropriate diet.

What to feed instead: Swap for antioxidant-rich vegetables like green beans or leafy greens.

5. Grains

Dogs and cats are not natural grain eaters. Grains like corn, wheat, and rice convert to sugar in the body, feeding inflammation, allergies, obesity, and even cancer.

Look for: Grain-free foods that are also low in starch. We can help you pick better formulas.

6. Dairy Products

Most pets lose the enzyme to digest lactose as they age, making dairy a common cause of gas, diarrhea, or skin irritation. While plain yogurt and cottage cheese are better tolerated, they’re not your best source of probiotics.

Try instead: Goat milk, fermented fish stock, or a probiotic supplement like Adored Beast Love Bugs.

7. Raw Pacific Northwest Salmon & Trout

These fish may contain a parasite that’s fatal if eaten raw. If you don’t know the source, skip it.

What’s safe: Look for trusted brands like Orijen that use safe, properly processed salmon. Ask us which ones we recommend.

8. Sugary Fruits and Starchy Veggies

Fruits and veggies like bananas, peas, and carrots may seem healthy, but they’re high in sugar. Over time, too much can lead to inflammation or yeast issues.

Keep it minimal: Stick to low-sugar options like zucchini, green beans, or small berries.

9. Avocados

Avocados contain persin, a natural fungicide that’s harmless to most humans, but may cause vomiting, diarrhea, or even toxicity in some dogs.

Better options: Feed healthy fats like sardines, raw egg yolk, or krill oil instead.

10. Alcohol (Even a Small Sip)

Beer, wine, and liquor can all depress the central nervous system and cause serious damage. It takes very little to hurt a small dog or cat.

Hard no: Keep all alcohol out of reach, including sauces or desserts made with it.

11. Coffee, Tea, and Caffeine

Caffeine can lead to heart palpitations, muscle tremors, and seizures in pets. There’s no antidote, and even a few beans or tea bags can be toxic.

Check your pantry: Watch for caffeine in pain relievers, energy drinks, and supplements too.

12. Grapes & Raisins

Even a small handful of grapes or raisins can cause kidney failure in dogs. The exact toxin is still unknown, but the risk is clear.

Better treat ideas: Use fresh blueberries or species-appropriate treats from brands like Vital Essentials or Green Juju.

13. Macadamia Nuts

Macadamias are highly toxic to dogs, even just a few can cause tremors, vomiting, or paralysis of the back legs.

Safe alternatives: Stick to meat-based treats and avoid trail mix-type snacks altogether.

14. Xylitol (Found in Candy, Gum, Toothpaste & More)

Xylitol is deadly for dogs. It causes a dangerous insulin spike that can result in liver failure, seizures, or death.

Check labels: Especially on peanut butter, sugar-free gum, baked goods, and oral care products.

15. Persimmons, Peaches & Plums

The seeds and pits of these fruits can cause intestinal blockages, and in the case of peach and plum pits, even cyanide poisoning.

Keep fruit whole and out of reach: Or opt for safer treats without any seeds or pits involved.

What If Your Pet Eats Something Dangerous?

• Call your vet or an emergency animal hospital immediately

• Save the packaging or note the food item and amount consumed

• Contact the ASPCA Poison Control Hotline if needed: 888-426-4435

Let's Talk About What To Feed Instead

Avoiding harmful foods is just the start. What your pet eats every day is what matters most.

We can help you upgrade your pet’s nutrition, whether that means switching to raw, finding a trusted freeze-dried brand, or just improving what’s already in their bowl.

Need help choosing a better food?
Stop by The Pet Beastro in Madison Heights or Warren. We’ll help you build a safe, balanced diet that supports your pet’s long-term health, no guessing, no stress.