Every year, thousands of Australian pets end up in emergency vets after eating human food. Some of the most dangerous items are the most surprising — a single sugar-free biscuit can be lethal. Bookmark this vet-reviewed list.

Each year, thousands of Australian pets are taken to emergency vets after eating food meant for people. Many owners are caught off guard because some harmful items look harmless. A single sugar-free biscuit containing xylitol, for instance, can be fatal to a dog.

This vet-reviewed guide lists the foods that pose the greatest risk to dogs and cats, along with the symptoms that may follow if a pet eats one. It also covers what owners should do straight away and which human foods are safe to share in small amounts. It’s worth saving for quick reference at home.

Key takeaways

  • Common foods like chocolate, grapes, onions and xylitol-sweetened products can seriously harm pets.
  • Vomiting, tremors, lethargy or unusual behaviour after eating human food require prompt veterinary attention.
  • Plain carrots, apple slices without seeds and cooked lean meat are generally safe treats in moderation.

The danger list ☠️

Some common pantry and lunchbox items can cause serious harm to dogs. The table below ranks them from most to least dangerous.

Food Risk level What it does
Xylitol (sugar-free gum, some peanut butters, lollies) 🔴 Extreme Triggers a sudden insulin surge and can lead to liver failure. Very small amounts can be fatal.
Chocolate 🔴 High Contains theobromine. Dark and cooking chocolate carry the most risk.
Grapes, sultanas and raisins 🔴 High Linked to kidney failure. There is no known safe amount.
Alcohol and caffeine 🔴 High Harmful even in small doses, including used espresso grounds.
Onion, garlic and chives 🟠 High Damage red blood cells, whether raw, cooked or powdered.
Macadamia nuts 🟠 High Can cause weakness, tremors and fever.
Cooked bones 🟠 Moderate Break into sharp pieces that may cause choking, blockages or gut tears.
Avocado 🟡 Mild–moderate Persin can upset the stomach, and the seed is a choking risk.

Tip: Check peanut butter labels for xylitol before sharing a spoonful with your pet.

Symptoms of poisoning 🤢

Signs may show up within 30 minutes, or take several days to appear, as can happen with grapes.

Owners should watch for:

  • Vomiting or diarrhoea
  • Drooling
  • Wobbliness, tremors or seizures
  • Pale gums or rapid breathing
  • Lethargy or sudden collapse

Don’t wait for symptoms. If a pet has eaten something toxic, harm may already be occurring, so call a vet straight away.

Steps to Take Straight Away 🚑

Acting quickly gives a pet the best chance if they’ve eaten something harmful.

  1. Remove the food and note roughly how much was eaten and when.
  2. Phone the vet or a local emergency animal hospital.
  3. Ring the Animal Poisons Helpline on 1300 869 738, available 24/7 across Australia.
  4. Don't induce vomiting unless a vet advises it, as this can worsen some poisonings.

Human foods pets can share in small amounts 🥕

Plenty of kitchen staples are safe for pets when offered plain and sparingly.

Pet Safe options
Dogs Carrot sticks, cucumber, blueberries, plain cooked chicken, a small lick of xylitol-free peanut butter
Cats Plain cooked meat, a little tinned salmon in spring water

Treats should make up less than 10% of a pet's daily kilojoules. A quality complete dog or cat food remains the best base for balanced daily nutrition.

Quick points to remember ✅

  • Xylitol, chocolate, grapes and onions account for the most emergency vet visits.
  • Phone a vet straight away, before symptoms appear.
  • Store the Animal Poisons Helpline, 1300 869 738, in your mobile phone now.