It’s crucial for every dog owner to understand a list of what dogs can’t eat, to ensure the health and well-being of their furry companions. Dogs’ digestive systems are quite different from ours, and some common human foods can be incredibly harmful, even fatal, for them. Let’s dive into the specifics of foods that should be kept far away from your canine friend.
Foods That Are Toxic to Dogs
Several common foods can cause severe health issues in dogs. It’s essential to be aware of these to avoid accidental ingestion. Knowing what food shouldn t dogs have can save your dog from serious illness or even death.
Chocolate
Chocolate is one of the most well-known toxins for dogs. It contains theobromine, which dogs cannot metabolize effectively. The darker the chocolate, the higher the theobromine content, making it more dangerous. Even small amounts can cause vomiting, diarrhea, hyperactivity, tremors, seizures, and heart problems. “I’ve seen dogs become critically ill after just nibbling on dark chocolate,” says Dr. Emily Carter, a veterinarian specializing in pet nutrition. “Keep all chocolate out of reach.”
Grapes and Raisins
These seemingly harmless fruits can cause kidney failure in dogs. Even a small amount can be toxic, and the severity of the reaction can vary between dogs. It’s best to avoid offering these completely, and ensure any baking goods containing raisins are stored safely out of reach.
Onions and Garlic
Whether they are raw, cooked, powdered, or dehydrated, onions and garlic are toxic to dogs. These foods contain compounds that damage red blood cells, leading to anemia. The effects can be gradual, so even small amounts can cause health problems over time.
Macadamia Nuts
While not as deadly as chocolate, macadamia nuts can cause a range of symptoms including vomiting, muscle tremors, weakness, and elevated body temperature. It’s unclear exactly what makes them toxic to dogs, but it’s best to keep your dog away from them. These seemingly innocent nuts can lead to a bad experience for your dog.
Xylitol
Xylitol is an artificial sweetener commonly found in sugar-free gums, candies, and baked goods. In dogs, it can cause a rapid release of insulin, leading to a dangerous drop in blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and potentially liver failure. Even a tiny amount can be fatal, so it’s crucial to be vigilant about checking product labels and ensuring your pup doesn’t get any.
Avocados
Avocados contain persin, which can be toxic to dogs, although the effects are usually milder than with other toxins. Symptoms can include vomiting and diarrhea. Different parts of the avocado have different levels of persin, with the highest concentration being in the leaves, skin, and pit. “Persin affects different animals differently,” explains Dr. James Harrison, a veterinary toxicologist. “While the risk is lower in dogs than in other animals, it’s best to avoid avocados altogether.”
Alcohol
Alcohol can have severe effects on dogs. Their small size means they can quickly become intoxicated, leading to symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, decreased coordination, difficulty breathing, tremors, and even coma. Even a small amount is enough to make them very sick. This includes foods containing alcohol, such as sauces and pastries.
Coffee and Caffeine
Similar to chocolate, coffee and caffeine-containing products are also toxic due to methylxanthines. These substances can cause similar symptoms as chocolate toxicity, such as restlessness, hyperactivity, panting, vomiting, diarrhea, and in severe cases, seizures and heart failure. You should avoid any food or drink that has caffeine, including tea, soda, and energy drinks.
Foods Dogs Should Avoid (Though Not Necessarily Toxic)
While not as dangerous as the foods listed above, there are other foods that can still cause digestive upset or other health issues in dogs. Being informed about what fresh meat is good for dogs, can help you make better choices about their diets.
Dairy Products
Many dogs are lactose intolerant, which means that they have trouble digesting dairy products. Consuming dairy can cause upset stomachs, gas, bloating, and diarrhea. It’s best to avoid giving them milk, cheese, or ice cream. Though small amounts of plain yogurt can sometimes be tolerated well if your dog is not severely lactose intolerant.
Fatty Foods
Fatty foods like bacon, ham, or fried foods can lead to pancreatitis in dogs. This painful inflammation of the pancreas can be life-threatening and requires prompt veterinary attention. While your dog might beg for table scraps, it is important to stick to dog-appropriate food to avoid any potential issues.
Sugary Foods
Similar to humans, sugary foods are not healthy for dogs. They can cause weight gain, dental issues, and could even lead to diabetes. Avoid giving your dog sweets, cakes, cookies, or anything with added sugar. This includes highly processed foods which can have hidden sugars.
Bones
Cooked bones are especially dangerous as they can splinter and cause choking, internal injuries, or gastrointestinal blockages. While raw bones can be beneficial under supervision, they still pose a risk of breaking teeth and potential bacterial contamination, so it is best to err on the side of caution and avoid bones completely if you are not experienced with handling them.
Raw Dough
Raw dough containing yeast is dangerous. When ingested, the dough can expand in the stomach, leading to severe discomfort and potentially causing gastric torsion (bloating), a life-threatening condition. Additionally, the yeast produces alcohol in the stomach, which can lead to alcohol poisoning. This makes what are dogs not allowed to have a critical part of dog ownership.
Corn on the Cob
While corn kernels themselves are generally safe, the cob is not. If dogs ingest corn cobs, they are at high risk of gastrointestinal obstruction and could require surgery to remove them. This is because it is indigestible. “It’s important to be aware of seemingly harmless things like corn cobs that can be a silent danger,” says Dr. Sophia Lee, a veterinary nutritionist.
Vegetables and Fruits That Should Be Avoided
While some fruits and vegetables are beneficial for dogs, others can be harmful. Let’s look at what you should avoid. To further understand what veggies should dogs not eat and what fruits are dogs not allowed to have is critical.
Cherries
The seeds, stems, and leaves of cherries contain cyanide and are toxic to dogs. While a small amount of cherry flesh might not be harmful, it’s best to avoid cherries altogether due to the risk of cyanide poisoning.
Apricots, Peaches, Plums
Similar to cherries, the pits of these fruits also contain cyanide and are toxic to dogs. Additionally, the pits can be a choking hazard or cause intestinal blockages.
Tomatoes
While ripe tomatoes are generally safe for dogs in small amounts, green tomatoes, stems, and leaves contain solanine, a toxic compound. These parts should be avoided as they can cause stomach upset.
Mushrooms
Wild mushrooms are often toxic to dogs. It is best to err on the side of caution and avoid any wild mushrooms to prevent potential poisoning, as it can be hard to identify which species are safe and which aren’t.
What To Do If Your Dog Eats Something They Shouldn’t
If you suspect your dog has ingested something toxic, it’s crucial to act fast.
- Stay Calm: Try to remain calm to assess the situation clearly.
- Identify the Toxin: Try to figure out what your dog has eaten and how much.
- Contact Your Vet: Call your veterinarian or an emergency pet clinic immediately, providing all the details of what has been consumed.
- Follow Vet’s Advice: Follow their instructions, which may include inducing vomiting or bringing your dog to the clinic for treatment.
- Prevention: After any incident, take extra measures to ensure toxic substances are kept out of your dog’s reach.
Conclusion
Being a responsible dog owner means understanding the potential dangers lurking in your kitchen. Knowing a list of what dogs can’t eat is crucial for their safety. By avoiding these foods, you can ensure that your furry friend lives a long, healthy, and happy life. Always remember to keep potentially toxic foods out of reach, and when in doubt, consult with your veterinarian.
FAQ
Q: Can dogs eat small amounts of chocolate?
A: No, even small amounts of chocolate can be harmful, especially dark chocolate which has a higher theobromine content. It is best to avoid giving your dog chocolate altogether.
Q: Are all nuts bad for dogs?
A: Macadamia nuts are particularly toxic, while other nuts can cause digestive upset. It is best to consult with your vet if you plan to give your dog any nuts.
Q: My dog ate some grapes, what should I do?
A: You should contact your veterinarian immediately, as grapes and raisins can cause kidney failure in dogs.
Q: What if my dog eats something with xylitol?
A: Contact your vet or an emergency animal hospital immediately, as xylitol is extremely dangerous for dogs and can cause rapid hypoglycemia.
Q: Can dogs have a little bit of milk?
A: Many dogs are lactose intolerant and should avoid dairy products, including milk. Even small amounts may cause digestive upset such as diarrhea and bloating.
Q: Is it safe to give my dog cooked bones?
A: No, cooked bones are dangerous as they can splinter and cause choking, internal injuries, or gastrointestinal blockages.
Q: Can I give my dog raw tomatoes?
A: Ripe tomatoes are generally safe in small quantities, but avoid giving them green tomatoes, stems, and leaves as they contain a toxic compound called solanine.