5 Easter Foods That Are Surprisingly Dangerous for Dogs

Ah, Easter! The season of fluffy bunnies, egg hunts, and feasting until you’re fit to burst like an overstuffed Kong. While the humans are chomping down on their delicious spreads, our furry friends are left wondering why all the good stuff is out of paws’ reach. But here’s the thing—some of those tasty treats are more trick than treat for our precious pups. Let's dig into the 5 surprising foods dangerous for dogs you should keep away from your pooch's bowl this Easter (even if those puppy eyes are at full throttle).

5 foods surprisingly dangerous for dogs

Eggs-cellent or Not?

Boiled eggs can be a nutritious snack for dogs, but deviled eggs? That’s a whole different ball game. They’re usually packed with mayonnaise, mustard, and spices like onion or garlic powder—ingredients that can upset your dog’s tummy or, worse, cause serious harm. Even paprika, which is often sprinkled on top, can cause digestive issues. Keep those devilish delights out of your dog’s reach and stick to plain, boiled eggs if you want to share.

Risky Rotisserie Chicken

Rotisserie chicken might seem like a tasty treat for your dog, but it’s often seasoned with garlic, onions, and various spices—ingredients that can be harmful. Garlic, in particular, is toxic to dogs and can cause damage to their red blood cells, leading to anemia. Even if the chicken itself is plain, the skin is usually packed with oils, fats, and seasonings that can cause digestive issues or pancreatitis. Stick to plain, unseasoned chicken if you want to share a bite with your furry friend.

Hot Cross Buns—More Like Hot Mess Buns

What’s Easter without hot cross buns, right? Well, for dogs, it’s a whole lot safer. These sweet treats are often studded with raisins, currants, and even chocolate chips—all of which are toxic to dogs. Not to mention nutmeg, which can cause tremors, seizures, and other nasty symptoms if ingested in large amounts. Bottom line: Your dog doesn’t need a hot cross bun to have a good time. Throw them a treat they can actually eat instead!

Ham It Up...Or Maybe Don’t

Salty, fatty, glazed ham is a classic on many Easter tables. But for dogs, it’s a no-go. The high fat content can cause pancreatitis, while the salt can lead to dehydration or salt poisoning. Glazes often contain honey, mustard, garlic, or spices that are harmful to dogs. Better to keep the ham for the humans and toss your pup something safer to enjoy.

Not So Sweet: Chocolate

Chocolate is one of the most well-known dangers for dogs, but it’s worth repeating—especially during a chocolate-heavy holiday like Easter. It contains theobromine and caffeine, both of which are toxic to dogs. Dark chocolate and baking chocolate are particularly dangerous, but even milk chocolate can cause serious issues like vomiting, diarrhea, rapid breathing, increased heart rate, and even seizures. So, keep those chocolate eggs and bunnies out of paws’ reach.

Wag-Worthy Alternatives

Instead of tempting your dog with risky (downright dangerous) Easter foods, skip the table scraps and treat them to something safe and drool-worthy:

• Plain boiled or baked sweet potato (no seasoning or butter)

• Carrot sticks (raw or boiled)

• Unseasoned roast lamb (boneless and free of garlic, onion, or sauces)

• Plain boiled egg

• Apple slices (just don’t forget to remove the seeds and core)

A Happy, Hoppy Easter

Easter doesn’t have to be a minefield of danger for our four-legged friends. With a little planning and a lot of willpower (we know—it’s hard to say no to those puppy eyes!), you can keep your dog safe and sound while still enjoying the festivities. Keep those 5 forbidden foods out of reach, and let your pup celebrate with a tail-waggingly surprisingly good treat of their own.

Got any dog-safe Easter treats you love giving your fur-baby? Let us know in the comments below! And if you’re looking for sustainable, stylish petwear that’s paws-itively perfect for the season, check out our latest creations at Apawrel.

Stay safe, stay stylish, and keep those tails wagging!