5 Common Human Foods That Can Be Fatal for Your Dog

What Every Pet Parent Should Know — A Myco Pet Guide to Safe Snacking

We get it — those puppy eyes are hard to resist. When your dog stares at your plate, tail wagging, it’s tempting to share a bite. But while we often see our pets as family, what’s safe for us isn’t always safe for them.

At Myco Pet, we believe in root-cause wellness — and that starts with knowing what truly nourishes your dog’s body (and what could harm it). Many common household foods can actually be toxic or even fatal for dogs, even in small amounts.

Here are five everyday foods every pet parent should keep far away from their pup’s bowl — plus healthier, Myco-approved alternatives.

 1. Xylitol — The Silent Sweetener

What it is:
Xylitol is an artificial sweetener found in many “sugar-free” or “low-calorie” foods, like peanut butter, chewing gum, candies, and baked goods.

Why it’s dangerous:
In dogs, xylitol triggers a rapid release of insulin, causing a dangerous drop in blood sugar (hypoglycemia) within minutes. It can also lead to severe liver damage or failure, and even small amounts can be fatal — especially for smaller breeds.

Symptoms:

• Vomiting or weakness
• Trembling or loss of coordination
• Seizures or collapse

What to do:
Call your vet immediately if you suspect your dog has eaten xylitol. Symptoms can appear within 30 minutes — and early intervention saves lives.

💡 Myco Tip: Always check your peanut butter label! Opt for natural peanut butter with no sweeteners, or mix Gut & Immunity+ powder into unsweetened pumpkin for a safe lick-mat treat instead.

2. Cooked Bones & Fat Trimmings — Hidden Dangers

What it is:
Leftover bones or fatty trimmings might feel like a “classic dog treat,” but they can be deadly.

Why it’s dangerous:
Cooked bones splinter easily, causing choking, internal cuts, or gut blockages. Fat trimmings can also trigger pancreatitis — a painful inflammation of the pancreas that leads to vomiting and digestive distress.

Symptoms:

• Vomiting or bloody stool
• Lethargy or abdominal swelling
• Loss of appetite

What to do:
Keep table scraps away and call your vet if your dog chews or swallows any cooked bone. Never induce vomiting unless instructed by a professional.

💡 Myco Tip: Swap bones for natural chew alternatives like dehydrated sweet potato slices or vet-approved dental chews.

3. Avocado — Trendy but Toxic

What it is:
Avocado contains a toxin called persin, found in the fruit, pit, skin, and leaves.

Why it’s dangerous:
Persin can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and pancreatitis in dogs — and the large pit poses a choking hazard.

Symptoms:

• Upset stomach
• Lack of appetite
• Lethargy

What to do:
Contact your vet if your dog eats any avocado flesh or plant material. While mild cases can resolve with treatment, high doses of persin may cause serious complications.

💡 Myco Tip: If you love sharing healthy fats with your pup, try coconut oil or salmon oil — both are safe and support a glossy coat and brain health.

4. Onions & Garlic — Small Dose, Big Problem

What it is:
Both belong to the Allium family and can be toxic whether raw, cooked, powdered, or dried.

Why it’s dangerous:
These ingredients contain thiosulfate, a compound that damages red blood cells and leads to hemolytic anemia. Even small amounts consumed over time can be harmful.

Symptoms:

• Weakness or pale gums
• Vomiting or diarrhea
• Rapid breathing or fatigue

What to do:
If your dog eats any food seasoned with onion, garlic, or onion powder (like soups or gravies), contact your vet immediately.

💡 Myco Tip: For natural flavor and detox benefits, try adding a pinch of curly parsley instead — it freshens breath and supports liver health.

5. Salty Snacks — More Dangerous Than You Think

What it is:
Chips, fries, pretzels, and even table salt can cause problems if eaten in large amounts.

Why it’s dangerous:
Too much sodium causes dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, and even salt poisoning. Dogs are far more sensitive to sodium than humans.

Symptoms:

• Excessive thirst and urination
• Vomiting, tremors, or seizures
• Elevated body temperature

What to do:
Offer fresh water right away and call your vet if your dog eats salty food. Severe cases may require IV fluids and monitoring.

💡 Myco Tip: Replace salty snacks with freeze-dried fruits or veggies like blueberries, carrots, or pumpkin bites — nutrient-rich and naturally hydrating.

✅ Safe Foods for Dogs

While the “no” list may sound long, there are plenty of nourishing foods your dog can enjoy safely:

• 🫐 Blueberries – Immune support
• 🎃 Pumpkin – Gut balance
• 🍎 Apples (no seeds) – Fiber + freshness
• 🍠 Sweet potato – Energy & antioxidants
• 🥕 Carrots – Dental & vision health

These are the kinds of real-food ingredients that inspire every Myco Pet formula — crafted to heal from the inside out through natural, mushroom-powered nutrition.

Final Thoughts: Prevention Is the Best Medicine

As pet parents, it’s our job to protect our dogs — even from foods that seem harmless. If your pup ever eats something questionable, don’t wait — call your vet or an emergency pet line right away.

At Myco Pet, our philosophy is simple:

Root-cause wellness starts with awareness.
Because when your dog’s body is nourished naturally, their health thrives — tail, tummy, and heart included.