How many times were you eating dinner or a snack whilst being monitored by big puppy eyes? All dog parents know the feeling.. unless you're one hardcore individual who never allowed your dog to taste human food, so they don't know what they're missing. Well, the thing is, human food is not the best thing for our dogs, and we need to watch what to give them. For example, chicken is generally good for them (unless they have allergies), but we usually season our chicken quite heavily. Now, that seasoning is tasty, but not good for your pup, so you should at least rinse it before. On the other hand, avocados and grapes are really healthy for us, but they are toxic to dogs. I frequently find myself typing "Can my dog eat <food item> ?", so after a little research, I put together a list of all the food items to be avoided. This list is compiled from reputable sources, including the American Kennel Club (AKC), PetMD, and other veterinary resources.
1. Chocolate
Chocolate is perhaps the most well-known toxic food for dogs. It contains theobromine and caffeine, which can cause vomiting, diarrhea, rapid heart rate, seizures, and even death.
2. Xylitol
Found in many sugar-free products, xylitol can cause insulin release in dogs, leading to hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), seizures, liver failure, or worse.
3. Grapes and Raisins
Grapes and raisins can cause acute kidney failure in dogs, with even a small amount leading to vomiting, lethargy, and depression.
4. Onions, Garlic, and Chives
These allium family members can cause gastrointestinal irritation and could lead to red blood cell damage and anemia in dogs.
5. Avocado
Avocados contain persin, which can cause vomiting and diarrhea in dogs. The pit also poses a significant choking hazard.
6. Alcohol
Even small amounts of alcohol, both in beverages and food, can be toxic to dogs, causing vomiting, diarrhea, coordination problems, breathing issues, coma, and even death.
7. Caffeine
Caffeinated beverages and foods can cause restlessness, rapid breathing, heart palpitations, and muscle tremors in dogs.
8. Macadamia Nuts
These nuts can cause weakness, depression, vomiting, tremors, and hyperthermia in dogs. Symptoms usually appear within 12 hours of ingestion.
9. Cooked Bones
While dogs love chewing on bones, cooked bones can splinter and cause choking or serious damage to the dog’s mouth, throat, or intestines.
10. Corn on the Cob
This is a common choking hazard and can cause intestinal blockage, a serious and potentially fatal condition.
11. Dairy Products
Many dogs are lactose intolerant. Dairy can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and other digestive problems.
12. Raw Meat and Eggs
Raw meat and eggs can contain bacteria such as Salmonella and E. coli, which can cause food poisoning. Raw eggs also contain an enzyme that can interfere with the absorption of biotin (a B vitamin), which can lead to skin and coat problems.
13. Salt
Excessive salt intake can cause excessive thirst and urination, leading to sodium ion poisoning. Symptoms might include vomiting, diarrhea, depression, tremors, elevated body temperature, seizures, and even death.
14. Yeast Dough
Yeast dough can rise and cause gas to accumulate in your pet's digestive system. This can be painful and can cause the stomach or intestines to rupture.
15. Human Medications
NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) like ibuprofen or naproxen, antidepressants, and vitamins can all cause serious health issues in pets.
To conclude, it's not worth it to give into those puppy eyes, atleast not before doing your research! Trust me, it's not worth the worry, or the trip to the vet. Also, don't forget how well our dog's nose works, and their height. In combination, this can lead to trouble! So make sure that you do not leave any chocolate or cakes on the kitchen counter, I've heard of many instances where a dog would steal and eat an entire block of chocolate, which of course required an urgent trip to the vet. Remember, by feeding our dogs the right foods and avoiding food that can be harmful, we can ensure that they can live a long, healthy, and happy life beside us.
Do you have any stories to share with our community or any other foods that you know are toxic that are missing from this list? Leave us a comment in the comment section below! You can also check out our other blog posts for more interesting dog content!
Commonly Asked Questions
Q: What should I do if my dog eats chocolate?
A: If your dog ingests chocolate, it's important to determine the type and amount consumed. Contact your veterinarian or a pet poison hotline immediately for advice on whether you need to seek emergency care. If your dog is evidently experiencing food poisoning or is vomiting, go to your veterinarian immediately.
Q: Can dogs eat grapes or raisins?
A: As mentioned above, no, grapes and raisins can cause kidney failure in dogs. If your dog has eaten grapes or raisins, contact your veterinarian immediately.
Q: Is it safe for dogs to eat onions or garlic?
A: As mentioned above, onions, garlic, and other allium family members are toxic to dogs and can cause anemia. If ingested, seek veterinary assistance right away.
Q: What are the symptoms of food poisoning in dogs?
A: Symptoms can include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, in-coordination, excessive thirst or urination, seizures, and more. If you suspect your dog has food poisoning, contact your vet immediately.
Q: Which human foods are safe for dogs?
A: This can be its own separate blog post, but yes, there definitely are human foods that are safe for your doggo, in moderation. Some of these foods are carrots, apples (Without seeds!!), cooked lean meats, and pumpkin. However, always consult with your veterinarian before introducing new foods to your dog's diet, some dogs are allergic to particular foods/meats whilst other dogs aren't. It's always good to observe any changes in your dog's behavior after feeding him any new type of food.
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