My dog ate one grape. Should I wait and see?

We recommend calling a vet now and telling them it was a grape. Kidney problems are not obvious in the first hour, and the clinic would much rather hear from you early than two days later.

Is a little garlic in home-cooked food healthy for dogs?

No. Garlic and onion can damage red blood cells. If you would like to cook for your dog, ask your vet to help plan a balanced recipe without them.

Are these foods as dangerous for cats?

Many are. Onion and garlic affect cats even more than dogs, and chocolate and alcohol are dangerous to both. Cats are small, so a taste is a bigger dose. If in doubt, call your vet with what was eaten.

What dogs and cats can’t eat: foods that are toxic to pets

By PetBuddy.sg TeamPublished 3 October 2026

Happy pet owner celebrating her dog’s birthday with a cake at home

If your pet has eaten something on this list, call a vet with the packet in hand. It is fine to call before symptoms appear.

Emergency vet guide

A friendly note first: this is general information, not a diagnosis. If you think your pet is in danger, please call a vet straight away. Vets would always rather hear from you early.

Wondering what dogs and cats can’t eat? Festive dinners are when it matters most. A dog will happily snap up what falls from the reunion table, and a cat may lick a rich sauce. The foods below are well-known risks for pets. How much is too much depends on your pet’s weight and the food, which is why your vet will ask to see the packet.

Foods to keep away from pets

Chocolate, cocoa, coffee and caffeine. Dark and baking chocolate are the strongest, but please call even for milk chocolate.
Grapes, raisins and sultanas, including fruit cake and trail mix. There is no known safe amount for dogs.
Onion, garlic, leeks and chives, raw or cooked, including in gravy and soups. They can damage red blood cells, and cats are even more sensitive than dogs.
Xylitol, a sweetener in some sugar-free gum, peanut butter, toothpaste and baked goods. It can lower a dog’s blood sugar quickly, so check labels.
Alcohol, and raw yeast dough, which can expand in the stomach and produce alcohol.
Macadamia nuts.
Cooked bones that can splinter, and fatty scraps that can upset the stomach or trigger pancreatitis.

What to do if your pet eats something

Call a vet or a 24-hour hospital before you try to make your pet vomit. Some substances do more harm on the way back up, and home remedies such as salt or hydrogen peroxide can be dangerous. Let the vet know your pet’s weight if you know it, what was eaten, roughly how much, and when. Bring the wrapper along.

Pet cakes and “human-grade” treats are lovely for celebrations. It is still worth reading the ingredient list in the same way. Our pet birthday cake article has ideas for treats made with pets in mind.