Ingredients to Avoid
Before you bake or dehydrate treats for your dog or cat, check that none of your ingredients are on this list. Many common human foods are toxic or harmful to pets. This guide is a quick reference—not a substitute for veterinary advice. When in doubt, skip an ingredient or ask your vet. Our recipes, like Peanut Butter & Pumpkin Biscuits, Tuna & Catnip Bites, and Sweet Potato Chews, are designed to use only safe ingredients; always double-check labels and avoid substitutions that introduce harmful items.
How to Use This Guide
Skim this list before you start any treat recipe—whether you’re following our Peanut Butter & Pumpkin Biscuits, Tuna & Catnip Bites, Sweet Potato Chews, or your own. When you swap ingredients (e.g. almond butter for peanut butter, or add mix-ins), verify each addition against this list. Keep it bookmarked alongside our Guides & Recipes so you can double-check before every bake.
Xylitol
Toxic to dogs. Often found in sugar-free peanut butter, gum, candy, baked goods, and some nut butters. Even small amounts can cause rapid hypoglycemia, liver failure, or death. Always use xylitol-free peanut butter in dog treats—check the ingredient list every time you buy. Our Peanut Butter & Pumpkin Biscuits rely on peanut butter; we explicitly call for xylitol-free. There is no safe dose for dogs.
Chocolate and Caffeine
Toxic to dogs and cats. Chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine, which pets metabolize slowly. Dark chocolate and baking chocolate are especially dangerous. Symptoms include vomiting, tremors, seizures, and heart issues. Never add chocolate, cocoa powder, or caffeine to pet treats.
Onions, Garlic, Leeks, and Chives
Toxic to dogs and cats. Allium-family plants can cause damage to red blood cells and lead to anemia. This includes raw, cooked, powdered, and dried forms. Avoid them entirely in pet treats, including “just a little” in recipes. Our Tuna & Catnip Bites use plain, unseasoned tuna—never tuna with onion or garlic.
Grapes, Raisins, and Currants
Toxic to dogs. The exact compound is unknown, but even small amounts can cause acute kidney failure in some dogs. Avoid fresh grapes, raisins, dried currants, and foods that contain them (e.g. fruitcake, trail mix).
Macadamia Nuts
Toxic to dogs. Can cause weakness, vomiting, tremors, and hyperthermia. Avoid macadamia nuts and products that contain them in any dog treat.
Raw Yeast Dough
Harmful to dogs and cats. Raw dough can expand in the stomach and produce ethanol as it ferments, leading to bloat or alcohol poisoning. Always bake treats fully before offering them. Never give raw dough.
Other Ingredients to Skip
Alcohol: No beer, wine, or spirits in treats.
Artificial sweeteners: Besides xylitol, other sugar substitutes (e.g. some sugar-free products) can be risky. Stick to recipes that use no sweeteners or only pet-safe options.
High salt or sugar: Excessive salt can cause electrolyte problems; too much sugar adds empty calories and can contribute to obesity or dental issues. Our recipes avoid added salt and sugar.
Bones, especially cooked: Cooked bones can splinter and cause injury. If you want to offer bones, do so only under vet guidance and with appropriate products.
Reading Labels and Hidden Ingredients
Many commercial products contain hidden toxic ingredients. When shopping for ingredients for our Peanut Butter & Pumpkin Biscuits or Tuna & Catnip Bites, read labels carefully. “Natural flavoring” or “spices” can include onion or garlic powder. Sugar-free products often contain xylitol. Canned pumpkin labeled “pie filling” may have added sugar, spices, or xylitol—always choose plain pumpkin puree. For our Sweet Potato Chews, fresh sweet potatoes are safest; avoid pre-seasoned or pre-cooked versions that might contain harmful additives.
What to Do If Your Pet Ingests a Toxic Ingredient
If you suspect your pet has eaten something toxic, contact your veterinarian or an animal poison control center immediately. Do not wait for symptoms. Bring the ingredient label or packaging if possible. Time matters—early intervention can prevent serious harm. Keep this guide and our Guides & Recipes handy so you can prevent accidents before they happen.
Safe Alternatives and Our Recipes
When you stick to simple, whole ingredients and avoid the items above, homemade treats can be a safe and healthy occasional addition to your pet’s diet. Our Peanut Butter & Pumpkin Biscuits use oat flour, pumpkin, xylitol-free peanut butter, and egg. Tuna & Catnip Bites use water-packed tuna, flour, egg, and catnip. Sweet Potato Chews use only sweet potato. Each guide includes storage and serving tips, and all recipes are designed with safety as the top priority.
Species-Specific Considerations
For dogs: Many items on this list are dog-specific toxins (xylitol, grapes, macadamia nuts). When making treats like our Peanut Butter & Pumpkin Biscuits or Sweet Potato Chews, double-check that all ingredients are dog-safe.
For cats: Cats are obligate carnivores and have different nutritional needs. Our Tuna & Catnip Bites are formulated specifically for cats. Never give dogs treats to cats or vice versa without checking safety first.
FAQ
Is a tiny amount okay? No. Even small amounts of toxic ingredients can be dangerous. There is no safe threshold for xylitol, chocolate, grapes, or onions in pet treats.
What about organic or natural ingredients? Organic doesn’t mean safe. Organic chocolate, onions, or grapes are still toxic. Always verify safety first.
Can I substitute ingredients in your recipes? Yes, but check each substitution against this list. For example, if you want to swap peanut butter in our Peanut Butter & Pumpkin Biscuits, ensure the alternative is xylitol-free and doesn’t contain macadamia nuts.
Are there ingredients safe for dogs but not cats? Some ingredients are safer for one species than the other. When in doubt, consult this guide and your veterinarian. Our recipes are clearly labeled for dogs or cats.
This list is not exhaustive. If you’re unsure about an ingredient, look it up or consult your veterinarian. Dietary needs vary by pet, especially with allergies or health conditions. Bookmark this page alongside our Guides & Recipes for quick reference before every baking session.