Foods to Avoid
Greyhounds are curious, opportunistic eaters who are often tempted by food they shouldn't have. Some everyday human foods are toxic to all dogs, and greyhounds can face additional risks due to their unique physiology.
Greyhounds are curious, opportunistic eaters who are often tempted by food they shouldn’t have. Some everyday human foods are toxic to all dogs and greyhounds can face additional risks due to their lean build and unique metabolism. This guide covers the key foods to keep well out of reach.
If you suspect your greyhound has eaten anything on this list, contact your vet immediately, even if they seem fine. Some toxins take hours or even days before symptoms appear.
Grapes and raisins
Grapes and raisins are extremely dangerous to dogs and must never be given to your greyhound. Even small amounts can trigger sudden kidney failure. The toxic substance responsible has not been fully identified, which means there is no safe amount. Raisins are found in many common foods, cakes, biscuits, cereals, and trail mixes so always check ingredient labels before sharing any snack with your dog.
Onions, garlic, and the allium family
The entire allium family of onions, garlic, leeks, chives, and shallots is toxic to dogs and is considered particularly dangerous for greyhounds. These foods damage red blood cells and can cause haemolytic anemia, where the body destroys its own blood cells faster than it can replace them. All forms are dangerous: raw, cooked, dried, and powdered. Symptoms may not appear for several days after ingestion. Be especially careful with soups, stocks, curries, and processed meats that may contain onion or garlic powder.
Chocolate
Chocolate contains a compound called theobromine that dogs cannot metabolise as efficiently as humans. This can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, tremors, an irregular heartbeat, seizures, and in severe cases, death. Dark chocolate and baking chocolate carry the highest concentrations of theobromine, but milk chocolate and white chocolate are also harmful. If your greyhound has a sweet tooth, carob is a safe and dog-friendly alternative.
Cooked bones
While it may seem natural to give a dog a bone, cooked bones are dangerous. The cooking process makes bones brittle, causing them to splinter easily. These splinters can cause internal injuries to the mouth, throat, oesophagus, stomach, and intestines sometimes requiring emergency surgery. If you wish to give your greyhound a bone, opt for large raw bones and always supervise them closely. Never leave a dog alone with any bone.
Raw meat and raw fish
Raw meat and raw fish can harbour dangerous bacteria including Salmonella and E. coli, as well as parasites. Some raw fish particularly salmon, trout, and sturgeon can carry a parasite that, if left untreated, can be fatal within a few weeks. Many ex-racing greyhounds were fed raw meat diets during their racing careers, but this is not recommended for pet greyhounds at home without specific veterinary guidance. Always freeze meat before feeding, or cook meat and fish thoroughly before offering any to your greyhound.
Xylitol
Xylitol is an artificial sweetener that is highly toxic to dogs. It is found in a surprising number of everyday products including sugar-free chewing gum, some peanut butters, lollies, cereals, toothpaste, and mouthwash. Even a very small amount can cause a dangerous drop in blood sugar (hypoglycaemia) and lead to liver failure. Always read ingredient labels carefully if a product is labelled ‘sugar-free’, check whether it contains xylitol before allowing your dog anywhere near it.
Human junk food, fatty foods, and sweets
Fatty, salty, and sugary human foods are not suitable for greyhounds. High-fat foods can cause pancreatitis, a painful and potentially life-threatening inflammation of the pancreas. Excess salt can lead to sodium poisoning, causing excessive thirst, vomiting, and in severe cases, seizures. Too much sugar promotes fast weight gain, which is particularly problematic for greyhounds whose lean frames and slender joints are not designed to carry extra weight.
Other foods to be aware of
The following foods also pose risks and should be avoided: macadamia nuts (can cause muscle weakness, tremors, and hyperthermia); avocado (all parts of the plant contain persin, which is toxic to dogs); caffeine in any form including coffee, tea, and energy drinks; alcohol (toxic even in very small amounts); and raw potato (contains solanine, which can cause heart and breathing problems). Fruit seeds and pits such as those from peaches, plums, and apples can also contain cyanide and should never be given to dogs.
A note on greyhound physiology
Greyhounds have very low body fat and a unique liver enzyme profile compared to other dog breeds. This means they can process certain substances differently and may be more sensitive to some toxins and medications. It is always worth informing your vet that you own a greyhound before any procedure or treatment, as this can affect drug choices and dosages.
What to do in an emergency
If you believe your greyhound has consumed something toxic, act immediately, do not wait for symptoms to develop. Contact your vet or the nearest emergency animal hospital straight away. Where possible, make note of what was eaten, how much, and when. Take the packaging with you if you can. Do not attempt to induce vomiting at home unless specifically directed to do so by a veterinarian.
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Meet our dogs ready for adoption
All greyhounds adopted from GAP are de-sexed, vaccinated, microchipped, wormed and health checked.
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Cliffy
Lizzie
Micky ARP
Micky is a handsome and affectionate greyhound with a calm and gentle nature. This sweet boy loves spending time with his people, seeking eye contact and wanting to please. While he can be relaxed and quiet, Micky does have a puppyish side and likes to stretch his legs with zoomies. He also loves treats and has shown interest in bird watching and believes that backyard zoomies are more fun with a bird nearby. He is looking for a home with a secure backyard. He would suit being an only dog or he may be suitable to live with medium or large canine companions. Micky may also be suitable to live with children aged 5 and over.
This dog is part of our Assisted Rehoming Program (ARP). ARP dogs are kept with their racing owners until they find an adoptive home, at which point they are brought back into GAP. This means that should you be interested in adopting this dog, we are bringing the dog into GAP on the understanding that you will be adopting them. As such, you will not be able to meet any other dogs, as you otherwise would be able to.
Michigan ARP
Michigan is a stunning girl that can be a little shy and puppyish to start but soon comes out of her shell and loves to lean on you for pats. She has beautiful eyes and will look up at you with so much love, you just won’t be able to resist her! We think she may suit a home with children that are savvy around large breeds and over 10 years, she may also suit living with another male companion of any size.
This dog is part of our Assisted Rehoming Program (ARP). ARP dogs are kept with their racing owners until they find an adoptive home, at which point they are brought back into GAP. This means that should you be interested in adopting this dog, we are bringing the dog into GAP on the understanding that you will be adopting them. As such, you will not be able to meet any other dogs, as you otherwise would be able to.
Uganda ARP
Are you looking for a quiet and sweet girl? Uganda might be the one for you! She can be a little shy when she first meets you but doesn’t take long to warm up. She is quiet and really wants to please her owners. She may suit living with children in their teens but would prefer to find a home with a canine companion of any size.
This dog is part of our Assisted Rehoming Program (ARP). ARP dogs are kept with their racing owners until they find an adoptive home, at which point they are brought back into GAP. This means that should you be interested in adopting this dog, we are bringing the dog into GAP on the understanding that you will be adopting them. As such, you will not be able to meet any other dogs, as you otherwise would be able to.
Bones
Pedro ARP
Pedro is a friendly, outgoing and confident greyhound with a big personality and an even bigger heart. Affectionate and personable, he loves spending time with his people and is always happy to make new friends. One of Pedro’s favourite things in the world is a good butt scratch, and he'll happily lean in for more when he finds the perfect spot! With his easy-going nature, Pedro may suit a home either as an only dog or with a medium to large canine companion. He could also thrive in a family with respectful children aged 10 years and over who are keen to share plenty of love, attention and cuddles with this charming boy.
This dog is part of our Assisted Rehoming Program (ARP). ARP dogs are kept with their racing owners until they find an adoptive home, at which point they are brought back into GAP. This means that should you be interested in adopting this dog, we are bringing the dog into GAP on the understanding that you will be adopting them. As such, you will not be able to meet any other dogs, as you otherwise would be able to.
King ARP
Kingis a handsome, friendly and incredibly personable greyhound whose goofy, larger-than-life personality is guaranteed to keep his family smiling. This tall, affectionate boy loves being part of the action and has a playful, puppyish side that shines through in his hilarious zoomies and quirky antics. While King can be a little anxious at times, he always tries his best and gains confidence with patient support from the people he loves. Full of character, charm and plenty of goofy moments, King may suit a home with or without a medium or large canine companion and could do well with respectful children aged 10 years and over who will appreciate his fun-loving spirit and kind heart.
This dog is part of our Assisted Rehoming Program (ARP). ARP dogs are kept with their racing owners until they find an adoptive home, at which point they are brought back into GAP. This means that should you be interested in adopting this dog, we are bringing the dog into GAP on the understanding that you will be adopting them. As such, you will not be able to meet any other dogs, as you otherwise would be able to.
Bruno ARP
Bruno is a handsome greyhound with a gentle soul and a heart full of affection. Quiet, polite, and incredibly sweet, he enjoys spending time with his people and wins friends wherever he goes with his calm, personable nature. Bruno is confident in many situations, but like many greyhounds, he can occasionally be a little unsure and looks to his trusted humans for reassurance and support.
Friendly and easy-going, Bruno may happily settle into a home as an only dog where he can soak up all the attention, or he may enjoy living alongside another dog of any size. His kind and gentle temperament also makes him a lovely companion for families with children aged 5 years and older. If you're looking for a loyal, affectionate friend with plenty of charm, Bruno could be the perfect match.
This dog is part of our Assisted Rehoming Program (ARP). ARP dogs are kept with their racing owners until they find an adoptive home, at which point they are brought back into GAP. This means that should you be interested in adopting this dog, we are bringing the dog into GAP on the understanding that you will be adopting them. As such, you will not be able to meet any other dogs, as you otherwise would be able to.
Flashy