Vegetables & Fruits That Are Harmful to Dogs

Many dog owners give their pets table scraps or allow them to lick plates, bowls, pots and pans used to prepare and eat a meal, unaware that many foods are toxic to dogs. Giving your dog leftover spaghetti may seem harmless, but onions, garlic and tomatoes are all dangerous. It is important to know which foods are harmful so you can keep out of your pet's reach. If you notice any signs or symptoms of poisoning by toxic fruits and vegetables, seek veterinary care immediately.

Vegetables

Tomato, onion and garlic are all toxic to dogs.

Onions and garlic contain thiosulphate, which is toxic to dogs. Thiosulphate causes gastrointestinal upset. Onions and garlic also contain sulfoxides and disulfides, which cause anemia by damaging red blood cells. Onions are more toxic than garlic, but thiosulphate can build up in the system, becoming dangerous with repeated consumption of small, seemingly harmless amounts. Onions and garlic are toxic in raw, cooked and powdered forms. Potato peels contain oxalates, which cause harm to the digestive, nervous and urinary systems. Potatoes that have turned green also contain oxalates. Although the plant leaves, stems and seeds are more dangerous, eating tomatoes can cause heart arrhythmia and tremors. Broccoli acts as a gastrointestinal irritant, though it takes significant quantities to become toxic.

Fruit

A single serving of raisins can be potentially fatal.

The avocado fruit, pit and plant may cause difficulty breathing, followed by fluid accumulation in the chest, abdomen or heart. Avocados can also cause pancreatitis. A single serving of grapes, raisins or prunes can cause severe vomiting, diarrhea and kidney failure because of an unknown kidney toxin. Eating a few grapes or raisins may not be immediately fatal, but eating small amounts regularly can cause severe damage. Eating cherries can cause rapid breathing, inflammation of the mouth, increased heart rate and shock.

Plants, Pits and Seeds

Every part of the tomato plant is toxic to dogs.

The leaves and stems of potato, rhubarb and tomato plants all contain oxalates that harm the digestive, nervous and urinary systems. Seeds and pits from apples, cherries, peaches, pears, plums and apricots all contain the poison cyanide. All seeds and pits can cause impaction, or obstruction of the digestive tract. Eating stems, seeds and leaves from apples, almonds, apricots, peaches, cherries, plums, pears and prunes can cause diarrhea, vomiting and abdominal pain.