People usually land on this topic after a near-miss: a dog that’s nabbed a snack from the bench, a new toy that’s already coming apart, a flea treatment aisle full of bold promises, or a “natural” supplement recommended by a stranger online. The risks aren’t always obvious, and some mistakes only show up days later as vomiting, weakness, breathing changes, or a sudden trip to the vet.
Below is a practical guide to what not to buy (or feed) for pets, with quick checks that help you choose safer options without turning shopping into a research project.
Harmful foods and treats
Many everyday human foods are fine for people and quietly dangerous for pets. Dogs are the most common casualties here, but cats and other companion animals can be affected too—sometimes in different ways.
Chocolate and caffeinated foods
Chocolate contains theobromine (and often caffeine). Dogs metabolise these slowly, so even “small” amounts can cause gastrointestinal upset, agitation, abnormal heart rhythms, tremors, seizures, and in severe cases death.1
Onion and garlic (including powders)
Onion, garlic, and related plants (the allium family) can damage red blood cells and lead to anaemia. Powdered forms are especially easy to overdo because they’re concentrated and hidden in sausages, sauces, gravies, and savoury treats.2
Grapes, raisins, sultanas and currants
Grapes and dried vine fruits can trigger acute kidney injury in some dogs, and there’s no reliable “safe” dose. Treat any ingestion as urgent.2
Xylitol (a sweetener found in some “sugar-free” products)
Xylitol can cause a dangerous drop in blood sugar in dogs and may also lead to liver failure. It turns up in some chewing gum, toothpastes, baked goods, and certain peanut butters—worth checking the label before using peanut butter as a treat.3
Raw pet mince and some raw-meat products marketed for pets
Raw feeding is a bigger topic than a shopping list, but one point is steady: raw pet food can carry bacteria such as Salmonella and Listeria, which may sicken pets and can spread through the household via hands, bowls, benches, floors, and faeces. If you do choose raw options, handle them like high-risk raw meat and ask your vet what’s appropriate for your pet and your home (especially if you have children, older adults, pregnancy, or anyone immunocompromised).4
Unsafe toys and accessories
Pet toys aren’t regulated the same way as children’s toys, so quality varies wildly. The hazards are familiar: choking, gut blockages, mouth injuries, and strings that saw into tissue or wrap around limbs.
Small parts, weak seams, and anything that shreds easily
A toy that cracks, splinters, or quickly breaks into smaller pieces is a swallowing risk. Think in terms of what your pet can tear off in a quiet ten minutes, not what the packaging promises.
- Avoid glued-on eyes, tiny squeakers, bells, and brittle plastic parts that can detach.
- Skip ropes and tassels if your pet is a committed chewer or swallower; strands can be swallowed and cause serious intestinal injury.
- Choose sturdy construction, tight stitching, and materials that don’t splinter.
Button batteries and strong magnets
Some pet toys and gadgets contain button batteries or magnets. If swallowed, these can cause catastrophic internal injury. Australian consumer safety warnings about button batteries and small magnets are written for children’s products, but the hazard is the same if a pet can access the component.5
Cheap and poor-quality pet food
Price doesn’t always map neatly to quality, but the cheapest foods can cut corners in ways that matter over months: poor digestibility, unbalanced nutrients, and vague labelling that makes it hard to know what you’re actually feeding.
What to look for instead
A good baseline is a complete and balanced diet suited to your pet’s life stage (puppy/kitten, adult, senior) and health needs. If you’re comparing brands, look for clear ingredient lists, feeding guides that match your pet’s size and age, and a company that provides nutritional adequacy information and quality control details.
Products with harmful chemicals (and misused pest treatments)
“Chemical” isn’t automatically bad—many safe, effective veterinary products are chemical treatments. The problems tend to come from misuse, unregistered products, mixing treatments, or applying a dog product to a cat.
Flea and tick products used incorrectly
Always buy products intended for your pet’s species and weight range, and follow the label exactly. Cats are particularly vulnerable to certain dog-only spot-on products (including some containing permethrin). If you’re unsure, ask your vet before you buy rather than after you’ve applied it.6
Shampoos, sprays and “natural” concentrates
Essential oils and concentrated plant extracts can irritate skin and airways, and some are toxic if licked during grooming. “Natural” on the label doesn’t guarantee pet-safe. If the ingredient list is vague or the directions don’t mention species, age, or weight, leave it on the shelf.
Medications and supplements without veterinary guidance
Pets are small-bodied, fast-metabolising, and sometimes dangerously sensitive to common human medicines. A well-meaning supplement can also interact with prescription medications or worsen an underlying condition.
Only use medicines and supplements that:
- are clearly intended for your pet’s species, size, and age, and
- fit your vet’s plan for your pet (especially for pain relief, anxiety products, and “joint” or “calming” supplements).
Overpriced and unnecessary grooming supplies
Most pets do well with a small, dependable grooming kit. The rest is often scent, packaging, and a promise to solve a problem your pet doesn’t have.
A sensible basic kit for most dogs and cats
- A brush or comb suited to coat type
- Nail clippers (or a grinder, if your pet tolerates it)
- A mild pet shampoo used only when needed
- Ear and dental products only if your vet recommends them for your pet
Clothing and costumes that restrict movement
Some animals tolerate clothing well; others freeze, overheat, or panic. Poorly fitted outfits can rub the skin, restrict gait, and interfere with normal body language.
- Avoid tight armholes, stiff seams, heavy fabric, and anything that presses on the throat or chest.
- Choose breathable materials and a fit that allows a full stride and easy toileting.
- Supervise the first few wears and remove immediately if your pet can’t move naturally or starts chewing at it.
Pet gadgets that add risk without real benefit
Automatic feeders, remote toys, and “health trackers” can be useful in the right home, but they’re not neutral. A faulty dispenser can overfeed, an anxious pet may fixate on an unpredictable moving toy, and some devices are simply another chewable object with a battery inside.
If you’re considering a gadget, prioritise safety features (secure battery compartments, chew-resistant housings) and a clear purpose. If it doesn’t solve a real problem in your household, it’s often clutter with a power cord.
Quick safety checks before you buy
- Read the whole label, especially small print on treats, “natural” products, and pest treatments.
- Assume your pet will chew it: avoid anything that can splinter, shred, or break into swallowable pieces.
- Match products to species and weight (particularly flea and tick treatments).
- When in doubt, ring your vet. If a toxin exposure is suspected, seek urgent advice rather than waiting for symptoms.1, 2, 3
References
- RSPCA Australia Knowledgebase: Why is chocolate toxic to dogs and other animals?
- RSPCA Australia Knowledgebase: What should I feed my dog? (includes toxic foods list)
- RSPCA Australia: Spring cleaning? 6 pet dangers to throw out and avoid (xylitol warning)
- U.S. FDA: Get the Facts! Raw Pet Food Diets can be Dangerous to You and Your Pet
- ACCC Product Safety: Babies’ toys guide (small parts, cords, button battery cautions)
- Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA): Regulator for veterinary chemical products (label compliance and correct use)
Veterinary Advisor, Veterinarian London Area, United Kingdom