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Dogs should not eat chocolate, avocado, grapes or raisins, onions and garlic, caffeine, alcohol, nuts, cooked bones, and xylitol. These foods can cause various health problems that range from vomiting and diarrhea to seizures and even death. It’s important to keep these foods out of reach of your pets and to consult with a veterinarian if you suspect your dog has ingested any of these toxic substances. A healthy diet and proper nutrition are essential for your dog’s well-being, so make sure to provide them with appropriate dog food and treats.
Pets
Who could resist those adorable puppy-dog eyes? While it may be tempting to give your furry friend some human food, it’s important to make sure they’re safe for your dog to eat. “There are foods that are safe for people, but are not safe for dogs,” warns Cailin Heinze, a board-certified veterinary nutritionist and assistant professor at Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University. Some foods, like chocolate, macadamia nuts, and avocado, may be tasty for humans, but they can be toxic to dogs. Here are 10 foods that you should avoid giving to your dogs, in no particular order. Be sure to print this list and keep it handy!
1. Avocado
Sorry, Fido, no guacamole for you. Avocados contain persin, which can cause vomiting and diarrhea in dogs. The seeds can also cause obstructions in their stomach or intestines.
2. Grapes and Raisins
It’s unclear why grapes and raisins are poisonous to dogs, but they can cause kidney failure. Even one or two raisins can be toxic, so be sure to induce vomiting if your dog eats them.
3. Onions, Garlic and Chives
These vegetables, whether powdered, raw, cooked, or dehydrated, can kill off your dog’s red blood cells and cause anemia. Eating too much can cause poisoning. Keep your dogs away from your garden and avoid feeding them foods that contain these ingredients.
4. Macadamia Nuts
Macadamia nuts can cause vomiting, weakness, and depression in dogs, and researchers don’t know why. Even a small amount can cause poisoning, with symptoms like diarrhea, vomiting, tremors, and fevers.
5. Chocolate
Chocolate contains methylxanthines, which are toxic to dogs. Eating too much chocolate can cause seizures, irregular heart function, and even death. The level of toxicity depends on the type of chocolate, with dry cocoa powder being the most dangerous. Keep all chocolate away from your dog.
6. Raw Eggs
Raw eggs may not be poisonous, but they can lead to food poisoning. Veterinarians generally advise against feeding dogs raw eggs. Cooked eggs, like scrambled and hard boiled eggs, are a delicious and nutritious treat for them. The same goes for raw fish and meat. Fully cooked fish, particularly salmon, is a great source of protein, good fats, and amino acids.
7. Alcohol
If you ever think about giving your dog an alcoholic drink, then having a pet might not be for you. Just don’t do it. Not even a sip of beer. No wine. Not a drop of whiskey. Not even a small Jell-O shot. Alcohol affects dogs just like humans, but a small amount can cause serious problems. It can lead to vomiting and diarrhea, as well as breathing difficulties, coma, and death. The smaller the dog, the more severe its effects.
8. Walnuts
Black walnuts are unusual foods. They do not contain a toxin, but a toxic fungus can develop on the husk, nut, and bark of walnut trees. The fungus is a potent neurotoxin that can cause tremors and seizures. Do not feed black walnuts to horses either, as it can cause colic and laminitis, an inflammation of the hoof.
9. Xylitol
Xylitol is an artificial sweetener commonly used in foods. Baked goods, some peanut butter, candy, and gum may contain xylitol, a sugar alcohol. In dogs, xylitol is rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream, causing the pancreas to release a large amount of insulin. This can result in a quick drop in blood sugar levels (hyperglycemia) and potential liver failure.
10. Caffeine
Caffeine, regardless of its source (such as coffee, soda, energy drinks, tea, and coffee grounds and beans), can be fatal to your dog. Never give your dog coffee-flavored drinks or ice creams. They all contain caffeine. Ensure that you dispose of used coffee grounds and keep K-cups and coffee bags out of your dog’s reach. A few licks of spilled coffee on the floor won’t hurt your dog, but drinking a cup of coffee can cause hyperactivity, restlessness, and even death.
Now That’s Interesting
If your dog consumes something it shouldn’t, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435.
Originally Published: Jul 19, 2018
Frequently Asked Questions About Foods That Dogs Should Avoid
Which foods can be lethal to dogs?
Chocolate, coffee, grapes, avocados, and Xylitol, an artificial sweetener, are the most dangerous foods for dogs. Due to their unique metabolism, some foods can cause severe health issues or even death.
Is homemade food beneficial for dogs?
You can opt for homemade food for your dog, but it’s crucial to add the right ingredients and supplements. Some of the best ingredients for dogs include leafy vegetables, yogurt, red meat, fish, and entire eggs. Before switching to homemade food, consult with your veterinarian and conduct research to ensure that your dog receives a balanced diet.
Can I feed my dog human food rather than dog food?
Human food may not provide the right combination of nutrients that a dog needs, and certain food groups can be fatal to them. However, adding healthy foods like eggs, vegetables, fruits, unsweetened yogurt, and raw or cooked meat can be advantageous for your dog’s diet.
Is it safe to feed my dog only dry food?
Although it is safe to feed your dog only dry food, it is preferable to offer a combination of wet and dry food or dry food with healthy “human” supplements like green vegetables, low-sugar fruits, raw eggs, pumpkin, and plain kefir or yogurt (containing probiotics!). This will provide your pet with a well-rounded diet.
Is Dog Food Advisor a reliable source?
Dog Food Advisor employs controversial methods of rating food, and the online community is divided over the website’s advice. While Dog Food Advisor can provide a rough idea of dog food brands to look for, it should not be the sole source of information.
FAQ
What foods should dogs avoid?
There are many foods that dogs should avoid, including chocolate, avocado, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, and caffeine. These foods can cause a variety of health issues in dogs, ranging from upset stomachs to seizures. It’s important to keep these foods away from your furry friend to ensure their health and well-being.
Why is chocolate dangerous for dogs?
Chocolate contains a chemical called theobromine, which is toxic to dogs. This chemical can cause vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, and even death in severe cases. The amount of theobromine in chocolate varies depending on the type of chocolate, with dark chocolate containing the most and white chocolate containing the least.
Can dogs eat avocado?
No, dogs should not eat avocado. Avocado contains a substance called persin, which is toxic to dogs in large quantities. While small amounts of avocado are unlikely to harm your dog, it’s best to avoid giving it to them altogether.
Why are grapes and raisins bad for dogs?
The exact reason why grapes and raisins are toxic to dogs is unknown, but they can cause kidney failure in some cases. Even small amounts of grapes or raisins can be dangerous, so it’s best to keep these foods away from your furry friend.
What are the symptoms of onion and garlic poisoning in dogs?
Onion and garlic contain compounds that can damage a dog’s red blood cells, leading to anemia. Symptoms of onion and garlic poisoning in dogs include weakness, lethargy, pale gums, and discolored urine. It’s important to seek veterinary care immediately if you suspect your dog has ingested onion or garlic.
Is caffeine bad for dogs?
Yes, caffeine is bad for dogs. Caffeine can cause restlessness, rapid breathing, heart palpitations, muscle tremors, and even death in severe cases. It’s best to keep all caffeinated beverages and foods away from your furry friend.
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