Your kitchen is full of delicious, wholesome foods—for you. But for your dog? Some of those same ingredients could spell trouble. From onions hiding in your stir-fry to halved grapes burrowed in your salad, many common human foods are toxic to pups, and the risks aren’t always obvious. If you’ve ever shared a bite off your plate without a second thought, this article is for you. We’ll break down 10 of the most dangerous foods, separating fact from fiction, so you can simultaneously pamper your dog and keep them safe.

Grapes and Raisins

You might think grapes are a healthy snack, but for dogs, they’re anything but. Even a small amount can cause sudden kidney failure, and veterinarians still don’t fully understand why some dogs react more severely than others. It’s not worth the risk—whether fresh, dried or baked into foods, keep grapes far away from your pup. If your dog accidentally eats one, watch for vomiting, lethargy or loss of appetite, and call your vet immediately.

Onions and Garlic

Onions, garlic, leeks and chives might add flavour to our meals, but they contain compounds that destroy a dog’s red blood cells, leading to anaemia. This includes all forms—raw, cooked, powdered or even hidden in sauces and seasonings. Symptoms might not appear right away, but weakness, pale gums and laboured breathing are red flags. Even small doses over time (like garlic supplements marketed for dogs) can be harmful, so it’s best to avoid them altogether—no walk in the park considering how ubiquitous these aromatics are.

Chocolate

Most pet owners know chocolate is toxic, but do you know why? It contains theobromine, a stimulant that dogs can’t metabolise quickly. Dark chocolate and baking chocolate are the most dangerous, but even milk chocolate can cause vomiting, rapid heart rate, seizures or worse. If your dog snags a piece, don’t wait for symptoms—contact your vet right away. And know that cocoa powder (like in brownie mix) is even more concentrated.

Dairy Products

While some dogs handle small amounts of cheese or yoghurt just fine, many are lactose intolerant, meaning dairy can cause upset stomach, gas or diarrhoea. Ice cream is an especially risky treat because of its high sugar and fat content, which can lead to pancreatitis. If you want to give your pup a creamy snack, opt for lactose-free dog treats or a spoonful of plain, unsweetened yoghurt instead.

Avocado

Avocados might be a superfood for humans, but they contain persin, a toxin that can cause vomiting and diarrhoea in dogs. The pit is also a serious choking hazard and can cause intestinal blockages if swallowed. While some dogs seem to tolerate small amounts of avocado flesh, it’s better to be safe than sorry—skip the guacamole sharing and stick to dog-safe treats.

Salty Snacks

Pretzels, chips and other salty human snacks can lead to excessive thirst, sodium ion poisoning, or even kidney damage in dogs. A few pieces might not seem like a big deal, but dogs are much smaller than us, and their bodies can’t handle high salt intake. Signs include vomiting, diarrhoea, tremors and seizures. Instead of sharing your fries, try offering your pup a few unsalted, air-popped popcorn pieces as a crunchy alternative. Although a few salty bites here and there may seem harmless, remember they can stack up over time and shorten their already precious lifespan.

Citrus Fruits

Oranges, lemons and grapefruits contain citric acid and essential oils that can irritate a dog’s digestive system. While small amounts of peeled, seedless fruit might not cause major harm, too much can lead to an upset stomach or even central nervous system depression. The peels and seeds are especially risky, so keep those citrusy treats to yourself—no matter how refreshing they may be on a hot day.

Raw Meat and Eggs

Some pet owners swear by raw diets, but uncooked meat and eggs can harbour salmonella or E. coli, which can make your dog (and you!) seriously sick. Raw eggs also contain avidin, which interferes with biotin absorption and can lead to skin and coat problems. If you want to feed your dog meat, make sure it’s fully cooked and unseasoned.

Nuts

While some nuts (like plain peanuts) are okay in moderation, others—like macadamias, walnuts and pecans—are toxic. Macadamias, in particular, can cause weakness, vomiting and shivering, even in small amounts. Nuts are also high in fat, which can trigger pancreatitis, and their hard texture makes them a choking hazard. Again, stick to vet-approved treats instead, or opt for pup-safe alternatives that are made just for them, just like our pet-friendly menu at Two Bakers.

Cooked Bones

It might seem natural to give a dog a bone, but cooked bones (especially chicken or rib bones) splinter easily, posing a risk of choking, intestinal punctures or blockages. If your pup loves to chew, opt for vet-approved dental chews or rubber toys designed for heavy chewers.

Treat Your Pup the Safe Way at Two Bakers

That look’s been burnt into our brains—the hopeful eyes, perked ears, and the tail that starts wagging the second you reach for a snack. It’s impossible not to want to share those little moments of joy with your furry best friend. The good news? You absolutely can—as long as you choose the right treats!

At Two Bakers, we believe sharing food with your pup should be fun, not stressful. That’s why we’ve crafted a special menu just for dogs, so you can both enjoy brunch together without any worries. Imagine digging into your truffle mushroom rigatoni while your pup happily chows down on our dog-safe pup noodles—made with all-natural, pup-friendly ingredients that deliver the same satisfying slurp (or gobble) without any of the risks.

Every item on our dog menu is carefully designed to be as delicious as it is safe, because we know your pup isn’t just a pet—they’re family. So next time you’re craving brunch, bring your furry foodie along. We’ll make sure their meal is just as memorable (and tail-waggingly tasty) as yours. After all, the best memories are made when everyone at the table—including the four-legged ones—can dig in with joy and peace of mind.

See you and your pup at Two Bakers soon. We’ll have the water bowl ready and the treats waiting!

Two Bakers is located on 88 Horne Rd, open daily from 9am - 5pm.

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