Pet Insurance Australia is alerting pet owners to the serious risks posed by everyday human foods that can be toxic — and sometimes deadly — to dogs and cats.
While chocolate and grapes are well-known hazards, many less obvious foods found in the average home can cause severe health issues, including accidental poisoning, organ failure, and even death.
"Many pet owners know about the obvious dangers like chocolate and grapes," says Nadia Crighton, spokesperson for Pet Insurance Australia. "But it’s the hidden risks - the cinnamon in your pantry, the xylitol in your sugar-free gum, the handful of salty chips — that often catch people by surprise and lead to emergency vet visits."
Food-related pet insurance claims remain a consistent concern across Australia. Inappropriate feeding and accidental ingestion continue to contribute to a range of preventable illnesses.
“The PetSure Health Monitor 2024 data shows other common but more unusual items ingested by dogs last year were human medication, shoes and corn cobs,” Crighton says. “When a toxin or foreign body is consumed, it could mean a costly trip to the vet for examination, intensive medical therapy or surgery.”
Hidden Dangers in Common Foods
Pet Insurance Australia highlights a range of unexpected foods that can pose serious threats to pet health:
❌ Xylitol: A common sweetener in sugar-free gum, sweets, baked goods, and even some peanut butters. In dogs, xylitol causes a rapid insulin release, leading to hypoglycaemia and potentially fatal liver failure.
❌ Nutmeg: Found in many desserts and baked goods, this spice in large doses can cause vomiting, low blood sugar, liver toxicity, and even neurological symptoms like seizures.
❌ Mouldy Foods: Leftovers, spoiled fruits, or improperly stored food can contain dangerous mycotoxins that cause tremors, seizures, and liver damage.
❌ Salty Snacks: Chips, pretzels, and salted popcorn can lead to sodium ion poisoning, resulting in vomiting, diarrhoea, tremors, and other health concerns.
❌ Yeast Dough: Yeast dough is highly dangerous for dogs and should never be fed. Once ingested, the yeast continues to ferment inside the stomach, releasing gas and alcohol. This can cause life-threatening bloating and lead to serious complications like alcohol poisoning.
❌ Cherries and Blue Cheese: Cherries contain cyanide in their pits, stems, and leaves; blue cheeses contain roquefortine C, a toxin that can cause vomiting and neurological signs in pets.
❌ Common Human Medications: Pain relievers like ibuprofen and paracetamol, when accidentally ingested, are highly toxic and can cause severe internal damage.
❌ Butter – while butter isn’t toxic to dogs, it’s generally not recommended for pets. Its high fat content can easily lead to digestive upset, increase the risk of pancreatitis, and contribute to unhealthy weight gain if consumed in large amounts.
"Everyday items we wouldn’t think twice about — a piece of bread dough, a slice of cake, a salt-covered snack — can quickly become life-threatening for our pets," Crighton explains. "We want to raise awareness not just about chocolate, but about these hidden dangers that catch owners off guard."
The Known Threats Still Matter
"Many pet owners know about the obvious dangers like chocolate and grapes," says Nadia Crighton, spokesperson for Pet Insurance Australia. "But it’s the hidden risks - the cinnamon in your pantry, the xylitol in your sugar-free gum, the handful of salty chips — that often catch people by surprise and lead to emergency vet visits."
Food-related pet insurance claims remain a consistent concern across Australia. Inappropriate feeding and accidental ingestion continue to contribute to a range of preventable illnesses.
“The PetSure Health Monitor 2024 data shows other common but more unusual items ingested by dogs last year were human medication, shoes and corn cobs,” Crighton says. “When a toxin or foreign body is consumed, it could mean a costly trip to the vet for examination, intensive medical therapy or surgery.”
Hidden Dangers in Common Foods
Pet Insurance Australia highlights a range of unexpected foods that can pose serious threats to pet health:
❌ Xylitol: A common sweetener in sugar-free gum, sweets, baked goods, and even some peanut butters. In dogs, xylitol causes a rapid insulin release, leading to hypoglycaemia and potentially fatal liver failure.
❌ Nutmeg: Found in many desserts and baked goods, this spice in large doses can cause vomiting, low blood sugar, liver toxicity, and even neurological symptoms like seizures.
❌ Mouldy Foods: Leftovers, spoiled fruits, or improperly stored food can contain dangerous mycotoxins that cause tremors, seizures, and liver damage.
❌ Salty Snacks: Chips, pretzels, and salted popcorn can lead to sodium ion poisoning, resulting in vomiting, diarrhoea, tremors, and other health concerns.
❌ Cherries and Blue Cheese: Cherries contain cyanide in their pits, stems, and leaves; blue cheeses contain roquefortine C, a toxin that can cause vomiting and neurological signs in pets.
❌ Common Human Medications: Pain relievers like ibuprofen and paracetamol, when accidentally ingested, are highly toxic and can cause severe internal damage.
❌ Butter – while butter isn’t toxic to dogs, it’s generally not recommended for pets. Its high fat content can easily lead to digestive upset, increase the risk of pancreatitis, and contribute to unhealthy weight gain if consumed in large amounts.
"Everyday items we wouldn’t think twice about — a piece of bread dough, a slice of cake, a salt-covered snack — can quickly become life-threatening for our pets," Crighton explains. "We want to raise awareness not just about chocolate, but about these hidden dangers that catch owners off guard."
The Known Threats Still Matter
Of course, the classic toxic foods remain just as dangerous:
❌ Chocolate: Contains theobromine and caffeine; can cause heart issues, tremors, and seizures.
❌ Grapes & Raisins: Can trigger sudden kidney failure in dogs.
❌ Onions, Garlic, and Chives: Damage red blood cells and can cause anaemia.
❌ Macadamia Nuts, Alcohol, and Caffeine: Remain highly toxic even in very small amounts.
"Even tiny quantities of these foods can cause catastrophic health outcomes," Crighton stresses. "The best policy is to avoid giving pets any human food unless you are absolutely certain it's safe."
Healthier Alternatives for Safe Treating
Pet Insurance Australia recommends sticking to simple, vet-approved treats when rewarding pets.
- Carrots (raw or cooked)
- Apples (without seeds)
- Blueberries
- Plain cooked chicken or turkey
- Green beans
- Broccoli
- Unsweetened pumpkin puree
"Your pet’s digestive system is very different from your own — and what seems harmless to you could be life-threatening for them."
"When in doubt, keep it simple and natural," Crighton advises.
Vigilance Saves Lives
Pet Insurance Australia urges owners to double-check ingredient lists, store dangerous foods out of reach, and seek immediate veterinary care if a pet ingests something questionable.
"It only takes a second for an accident to happen," says Crighton. "Being aware of hidden dangers and thinking twice before treating can make all the difference in keeping our furry family members safe and healthy."
MEDIA RELEASE, 28th April 2025
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