Fall brings cozy walks, pumpkin-spiced treats, and plenty of seasonal foods to the table. But while you’re enjoying your favorite autumn flavors, it’s important to remember that some fall foods that are bad for dogs can be dangerous or even toxic to your pup. From holiday desserts to common ingredients hiding in your kitchen, knowing what to keep away from your dog can help you enjoy the season safely together.
1. Pumpkin Pie
Plain, cooked pumpkin can actually be a dog-friendly treat in moderation. The problem is pumpkin pie. Traditional pumpkin pie contains sugar, dairy, spices, and other ingredients that can upset your dog’s stomach.
Even more concerning, some pumpkin pie recipes contain nutmeg, which can be toxic to dogs in large amounts. Pumpkin pie also tends to be high in fat and sugar, neither of which belongs in your dog’s regular diet.
If you want to give your dog a taste of fall, stick with plain, cooked pumpkin without added sugar, spices, or sweeteners.
2. Apple Desserts
Apples themselves can be a tasty snack for dogs when served properly. However, apple pies, crisps, and other fall desserts can contain ingredients that aren’t safe for your pup.
Apple desserts are often loaded with sugar, butter, and spices. They may also contain raisins or other dried fruits, which can be extremely toxic to dogs.
If you share fresh apple with your dog, remove the seeds, stem, and core, and offer only a small amount.
3. Grapes and Raisins
Fall fruit baskets and holiday dishes may include grapes or raisins, but these should always be kept away from dogs. Grapes and raisins can cause serious kidney problems in dogs, and there is no reliably safe amount.
Because individual dogs can react differently, even a small amount may be dangerous. If your dog eats grapes or raisins, contact your veterinarian or an emergency veterinary professional promptly.
4. Chocolate
Halloween candy, Thanksgiving desserts, and other fall treats can put chocolate within easy reach of curious dogs.
Chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine, substances that dogs cannot process as efficiently as people can. Dark chocolate, baking chocolate, and cocoa powder generally pose a greater risk than milk chocolate because they contain higher concentrations of these compounds.
Keep candy bowls, baking ingredients, and chocolate desserts securely out of your dog’s reach.
5. Candy and Sugar-Free Treats
Halloween is a particularly important time to watch what your dog gets into. Many candies are high in sugar and fat, but sugar-free products can be especially dangerous if they contain xylitol.
Xylitol is a sweetener that can cause a rapid drop in blood sugar and potentially serious health problems in dogs. It may be found in certain candies, gum, baked goods, and other products.
Never give your dog candy, and check ingredient labels carefully if you suspect your pup has eaten something they shouldn’t.
6. Onions and Garlic
Fall soups, stews, gravies, stuffing, and savory side dishes frequently contain onions or garlic. These ingredients can be harmful to dogs and may cause gastrointestinal irritation and damage to red blood cells.
That means table scraps aren’t always harmless, even when the individual ingredients seem familiar. Keep dishes containing onions, garlic, leeks, or chives away from your dog.
7. Fatty Holiday Foods
The holidays often mean richer meals, including gravy, buttery sides, fatty meats, and other indulgent dishes. Unfortunately, these foods can be hard on a dog’s digestive system.
Eating a large amount of fatty food may cause vomiting, diarrhea, or potentially more serious problems such as pancreatitis. Resist those puppy-dog eyes and avoid sharing greasy leftovers.
8. Alcohol
Fall gatherings often include wine, beer, cocktails, and other alcoholic beverages. Alcohol is toxic to dogs, even in relatively small amounts.
Keep drinks, bottles, glasses, and alcohol-containing foods well away from your dog. Be particularly careful during parties, when unattended drinks can easily end up within your pup’s reach.
9. Macadamia Nuts
Nuts are common in fall baking and holiday dishes, but macadamia nuts are toxic to dogs. Eating them can cause symptoms such as weakness, vomiting, tremors, and difficulty walking.
Other nuts may also be high in fat and can pose choking or digestive risks, so it’s best to avoid sharing mixed nuts or nut-filled desserts with your dog.
10. Yeast Dough
Homemade breads and seasonal baked goods can be tempting for dogs, but uncooked yeast dough can be dangerous if eaten.
Yeast dough can continue to rise inside a dog’s stomach, potentially causing painful bloating. Fermentation can also produce alcohol, creating another potential danger.
Keep rising dough safely away from your dog while baking.
How to Keep Your Dog Safe This Fall
You don’t have to keep your dog away from all the fun of fall. Instead, make a few simple changes to keep seasonal celebrations dog-friendly:
- Keep food and drinks off low tables and counters.
- Store Halloween candy in closed cabinets or containers.
- Tell guests not to feed your dog without permission.
- Keep trash cans securely closed.
- Avoid giving your dog table scraps unless you know the ingredients are safe.
- Offer dog-friendly treats instead of sharing rich holiday foods.
- Keep potentially toxic foods and ingredients stored well out of reach.
If your dog does eat something potentially toxic, don’t wait for symptoms to appear. Contact your veterinarian or a veterinary poison control resource for guidance and be prepared to provide information about what your dog ate, how much they consumed, and when it happened.
Enjoy a Dog-Friendly Fall
Fall is a wonderful time to spend extra quality time with your dog, whether you’re exploring NYC, taking a crisp autumn walk, or relaxing at home together. Knowing the fall foods that are bad for dogs can help you prevent accidental food poisoning and keep your pup healthy throughout the season.
