Foods to skip in homemade pet treats
These ingredients show up in everyday kitchens and holiday baking. None of them belongs in a treat for your dog or cat.
If your pet ate something on this list, call your veterinarian or an emergency clinic now. You can also call ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 or Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661 (fees may apply). Don’t wait for symptoms.
| Skip | Why | Read more |
|---|---|---|
| Chocolate | Contains theobromine and caffeine; darker and baking chocolate are the most dangerous. | Pet Poison Helpline · ASPCA |
| Xylitol (birch sugar, E967) | Sugar substitute in some peanut butters, gum, candy and baked goods; can cause low blood sugar and liver injury in dogs. | FDA · VCA Animal Hospitals · Pet Poison Helpline |
| Grapes, raisins, currants, sultanas | Linked to kidney injury in dogs; watch for them in baked goods and trail mix. | Pet Poison Helpline · ASPCA |
| Onion, garlic, leeks, chives, shallots | Can damage red blood cells; includes powders in seasonings, broths and gravy. | Pet Poison Helpline · Pet Poison Helpline · ASPCA |
| Alcohol and raw yeast dough | Alcohol is toxic to pets; raw yeast dough can expand and produce alcohol. | Pet Poison Helpline · ASPCA |
| Macadamia nuts | Can cause weakness, vomiting and tremors in dogs. | Pet Poison Helpline · ASPCA |
| Cooked bones | Can splinter, break teeth, choke, or block and injure the gut. | VCA Animal Hospitals · FDA |
| High-fat scraps (fat trimmings, poultry skin, gravy) | Can upset the stomach and trigger pancreatitis. | FDA |
| Caffeine (coffee, tea, energy drinks) | Stimulant; risky for pets. | ASPCA · WSAVA |
Watch for hidden versions
- Peanut butter and baked goods with xylitol — see our label guide.
- Onion or garlic powder in broth, stock, gravy and seasoned meat.
- Raisins in cookies, bagels and trail mix.
- Pumpkin pie mix instead of plain purée — see pumpkin.
This list is not complete. For a fuller list, see the ASPCA – People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pets.
Work out your dog’s treat budget
Sources
- ASPCA – People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pets
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center
- FDA – Paws Off Xylitol; It’s Dangerous for Dogs
- FDA – Keep Your Dogs and Cats Safe From Holiday Hazards
- VCA Animal Hospitals – Why Bones Are Not Safe for Dogs
- Pet Poison Helpline – Chocolate
- Pet Poison Helpline – Grapes and raisins
- Pet Poison Helpline – Onions
- Pet Poison Helpline – Garlic
- Pet Poison Helpline – Macadamia nuts
- Pet Poison Helpline – Alcohol
- WSAVA – Feeding treats to your dog (PDF handout)