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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Rubharb Ruby ARP
Like he rname, Rhubarb Ruby is equal parts sweet and full of character. This little girl is friendly, affectionate and always happy to make new friends. With her puppyish personality and enthusiastic approach to life, Ruby brings plenty of fun wherever she goes. Ruby loves treats, enjoys being around people and has a wonderfully sweet and personable nature. Her happy, excitable energy is guaranteed to keep you smiling. Ruby may be suited to live as an only pet or may suit living with medium or large dogs. Ruby may be suitable to live with children 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.
Colt ARP
Don’t let the name fool you – Colt is much more of a gentle gentleman than a wild stallion. Quiet, calm and polite, this sweet boy loves spending time with people and has a friendly and affectionate nature. His adorable eye contact is guaranteed to win you over.
Colt would suit living as an only dog or may be suitable to live with a canine friend of any size. He may also be suitable to live with children aged 5 and over.Because of his lovely nature he may be suitable to live in an apartment.
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.
Opal ARP
Opal is a quiet, gentle little greyhound with a sweet and affectionate personality.Calm, polite and sensible, she loves spending time with her people and is always happy to soak up a few extra pats – especially if she can sneak in between your legs for some attention. She also loves to lean against her handler, making her an extra cuddly companion. This pretty girl may be suited to living as an only dog or with small, medium or large dogs. Opal may be suitable to live with children aged 5 and over . She is so gentle and sweet we think she may even be suitable to be with elderly owners and may suit apartment living.
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.
Zari ARP
Zariis a sweet and affectionate girl with a gorgeous grey face and plenty of charm. Friendly and outgoing, she loves meeting new people, although her gentle and submissive side shines through at times., Zari is sure to win hearts whereve rshe goes. Zari may be suited to living as an only dog or with medium or large dogs, and could live with children aged 5 years 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.
Micah ARP
-Micah is a handsome boy with a zest for life and plenty of love to give. Sweet, friendly and outgoing, this boy adores people. Toys are one of his favourite things, and his playful and puppyish personality means there is never a dull moment when Micah is around.Whether he is zooming around the backyard or bouncing over for some affection,this enthusiastic boy is bound to make you smile. Micah is looking for a home with a secure backyard where he can stretch his legs and burn off his playful energy. He may be suited to be an only dog but may also suit living with robust small, medium or large dogs. We think he may be suitable to live with kids aged10 and over. Because of his active and excitable nature, Micah will not be suitable to live with old or frail people or dogs.
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.
Jayde
Gilly
Thyme ARP
Thyme is a lovely female greyhound with a calm, gentle presence that makes her an absolute pleasure to be around. Sweet, outgoing, and deeply affectionate, she enjoys human company and rewards her people with plenty of love and quiet companionship. Whether she’s relaxing by your side or greeting you with a soft, happy demeanor, Thyme’s easy-going nature makes her a wonderful addition to a peaceful home.
She may suit a range of living situations, including apartments, and may even be a great match for an elderly owner looking for a devoted companion. Thyme may be suitable for a home with children aged 5 and over, and she may like either to be the only dog or with a suitable canine companion. With her gentle temperament and affectionate personality, Thyme is ready to bring warmth and calm companionship to her forever home.
Thyme is part of our Assisted Rehoming Program (ARP). We have behavioural and health assessed this lovely dog, and they will remain 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 this particular dog, and no other dogs currently in our care.
Alli
Sadie