What Foods Cause Diarrhea in Dogs?



See files for Dogs
As dog owners, we often want to share our food with our furry friends, but certain common foods can severely upset their digestive system and cause diarrhea. Dogs have significantly different digestive systems from humans, making them more sensitive to many foods we eat regularly. Understanding which foods can trigger digestive problems in dogs is crucial for maintaining their health and preventing uncomfortable and potentially dangerous episodes of diarrhea.
In the following AnimalWised article, we will explore 10 common foods that can cause diarrhea in dogs, from everyday table scraps to seemingly harmless fruits and vegetables.
Foods high in fat
Unlike humans, dogs' digestive systems struggle to handle foods high in fat. Even though they might eagerly eat fatty foods, their bodies aren't designed to process them properly, which can lead to both immediate and long-term health problems.
When dogs eat fatty foods, several things happen in their digestive system:
- The fat irritates the delicate lining of their intestines
- Their gallbladder releases extra bile to try to break down the fat, which can strain their liver
- The normal balance of good bacteria in their gut gets disrupted, leading to stomach upset and diarrhea
One of the most dangerous consequences of eating too much fat is pancreatitis, which is a painful swelling of the pancreas that can make your dog very sick. This condition can become serious quickly and often requires immediate veterinary care.
To protect your dog's health, avoid giving them fatty foods like:
- Bacon, sausages, and other greasy meats
- Rich cheeses, especially blue cheese
- Butter and margarine
- Used cooking oils
- Fried foods, especially those with skin or breading
Instead, when choosing treats or adding anything to your dog's regular food, stick to lean options like:
- Plain, lean chicken or turkey (no skin)
- Lean beef
- White fish
- Low-fat plain yogurt in small amounts
If your dog shows signs of stomach problems after eating fatty foods, call your veterinarian right away. Quick treatment can help prevent more serious complications.
While an occasional tiny bite of something fatty might not cause immediate problems, regularly feeding fatty foods can lead to serious health issues over time. When in doubt, stick to food and treats specifically made for dogs.

Sweet foods
Dogs also have a tough time digesting sugar and the ingredients often found in sweet treats. This can lead to upset stomachs, dental issues, and even metabolic problems. Worse yet, many sweet foods contain xylitol, a sugar substitute that's incredibly toxic to dogs. Xylitol can cause serious harm, even life-threatening situations.
So, if your dog gets into sweets, especially in large amounts, you might notice symptoms like diarrhea and vomiting.
Here are some examples of sweet treats that can cause problems for dogs:
- Chocolate
- Candy
- Sweets
- Cookies
- Ice cream
- Sweet bread and cakes
Want to learn about natural ways to soothe your dog's upset tummy? Discover some helpful homemade remedies for diarrhea in our next article.

Dairy foods
Many dogs experience difficulty digesting lactose, the sugar found in milk. This is due to a deficiency in lactase, an enzyme essential for breaking down lactose. When lactose isn't properly digested, it travels undigested to the large intestine. Here, it can ferment, leading to the production of gas, causing bloating, discomfort, and ultimately, diarrhea.
While some dogs can tolerate small amounts of dairy without issue, it's generally advisable to avoid feeding them products containing lactose, such as whole milk, cheese or other dairy products.

Fruits and vegetables
Some fruits and vegetables can be healthy treats for dogs, while others can be dangerous or even deadly.
Dangerous fruits for dogs:
- Grapes and raisins: can cause serious kidney damage, even in small amounts.
- Cherries: are also dangerous because their pits contain poison.
- Citrus fruits:like oranges and lemons can upset your dog's stomach because they're too acidic.
- Avocados: contain a substance called persin that can harm dogs.
Even fruits that are generally safe, like pineapple and mango, can cause stomach problems if dogs eat too much because of their high sugar content.
Dangerous vegetables for dogs:
- Onions and garlic: are particularly dangerous because they damage dogs' blood cells.
- Raw carrots: can be hard for some dogs to digest, leading to stomach upset.
- Cabbage, cauliflower, and broccoli: dogs might get gassy or bloated
When giving your dog any new food, start with a tiny amount to see how they react. Watch for signs of problems like throwing up, diarrhea, or unusual tiredness. Every dog is different, so what works for one might not work for another.
Safe fruits like watermelon (without seeds) and apple slices (without seeds or core) can make good occasional treats, but they should never be a major part of your dog's diet.
Want to ensure your dog's safety? Explore the list of forbidden fruits and vegetables that can cause digestive upset.
Spicy foods
Dogs have very delicate digestive systems compared to humans, making spicy foods especially dangerous for them. Unlike us, they haven't developed the ability to handle spices of any kind.
When dogs eat spicy food, they experience immediate pain and discomfort throughout their digestive tract. Watch for warning signs like:
- Excessive drooling
- Pawing or rubbing at their mouth
- Whining or showing signs of distress
- Drinking water excessively
The situation can quickly become serious. Most dogs will start vomiting or having diarrhea as their body tries to get rid of the spicy food. This can lead to dangerous dehydration in just a few hours. Even after the initial reaction, their stomach may remain sensitive for several days.
Prevention is key. It is crucial to keep all spicy foods, including those with mild spices like black pepper, stored securely where your dog can't reach them. If your dog does manage to eat something spicy, monitor them closely for signs of illness. Don't wait to call your veterinarian if they show signs of distress or start getting sick.
In case of exposure, never try to "flush out" the spices with water, as this could make your dog vomit more. Instead, let your vet guide you on the best way to help your pet recover.

Raw meat
When considering adding raw meat to your dog's diet, it's important to understand both the risks and proper ways to introduce it safely.
The first priority is food safety. Only use fresh, high-quality meat that's fit for human consumption. Raw meat can carry harmful bacteria and parasites, so proper handling is crucial. Deep-freezing the meat for at least 48 hours helps kill many parasites, though it won't eliminate all bacteria.
If your dog has been eating commercial dog food, their digestive system needs time to adjust to raw meat. Making a sudden switch can upset their stomach and cause diarrhea. Instead, introduce raw meat gradually over several weeks, mixing small amounts with their regular food and slowly increasing the portion.
Raw meat alone doesn't provide complete nutrition for dogs. It should be part of a balanced diet that includes other appropriate foods to meet all their nutritional needs. Working with a veterinarian can help you plan a well-rounded diet that's safe and healthy for your dog.
Remember to always wash your hands, surfaces, and feeding bowls thoroughly when handling raw meat to prevent contamination.

Bones
Bones can be very dangerous for dogs, despite what many people believe. When dogs chew on bones, especially cooked ones, they can break into sharp pieces. These splinters are like tiny needles that can cause serious harm as they move through your dog's body.
The biggest risks come from these sharp fragments. They can:
- Tear the inside of your dog's mouth or throat
- Get stuck in their throat, causing choking
- Puncture their stomach or intestines
- Create blockages in their digestive system
Dogs' stomachs can't properly break down bones either. While they might be able to crunch and swallow them, the bone pieces don't digest well. This can lead to:
- Severe constipation
- Stomach pain and bloating
- Internal injuries
- Expensive emergency vet visits
If you want to give your dog something to chew on, there are much safer options like specially designed dog chew toys or dental treats approved by veterinarians. These provide the same satisfaction of chewing without the dangerous risks that come with real bones.

Nuts
Nuts might seem like a healthy snack, but they can be quite dangerous for dogs. Their bodies handle fats and oils very differently from ours, and nuts are packed with both. Most nuts are also high in fiber, which can be too much for a dog's digestive system to handle properly.
Dogs struggle to digest nuts because of their dense, hard texture. This can lead to:
- Stomach pain and discomfort
- Blockages in their intestines
- Severe constipation or diarrhea
- Vomiting
Some nuts can actually make dogs sick, causing serious symptoms like:
- Body weakness and tiredness
- Shaking or trembling
- High fever
- Repeated vomiting
Diarrhea in older dogs can have unique causes. Learn more about the specific challenges and treatment options in our next article.
Table leftovers
Feeding your dog table scraps and leftover human food can be risky for their health, even if it seems harmless. Most human foods contain ingredients that dogs' bodies aren't designed to handle well, especially spices and salt. While your dog might eagerly beg for food from your plate, these items can upset their delicate digestive system.
When a dog regularly eats human food leftovers, it can cause two main problems:
- It disrupts the healthy balance of bacteria in their gut
- It irritates the lining of their stomach and intestines
Even if your dog seems fine after eating leftovers once or twice, regular feeding of human food can lead to ongoing digestive problems and frequent diarrhea. Their digestive system is different from ours and needs consistent, appropriate dog food to stay healthy.
If your dog has diarrhea and you want to give them a gentle meal, plain boiled chicken and white rice is a safe option. Make sure to avoid seasoning or salt, cook the chicken thoroughly and use plain white rice.
The best approach is to stick to food specially made for dogs, which provides all the nutrition they need without risking digestive problems.
Did you know there are different types of diarrhea in dogs depending on their age? Learn more about the unique challenges faced by puppies, adults, and seniors in our next article.

This article is purely informative. AnimalWised does not have the authority to prescribe any veterinary treatment or create a diagnosis. We invite you to take your pet to the veterinarian if they are suffering from any condition or pain.
If you want to read similar articles to What Foods Cause Diarrhea in Dogs?, we recommend you visit our Intestinal problems category.