It’s a common dilemma for pet owners: can my dog eat this human food? While some table scraps can be a delightful and healthy treat for your canine companion, others can be detrimental, even toxic. With over 401,500 pet poisonings occurring annually in the United States, understanding which human foods are safe and which to avoid is crucial for your dog’s well-being. This guide serves as your essential resource to navigate the complexities of human foods and your dog’s diet.
Why Certain Foods Are Toxic to Dogs
The fundamental reason why many human foods are unsafe for dogs lies in the significant differences between canine and human digestive and metabolic systems. Dogs process certain substances, like theobromine and caffeine found in chocolate, much slower than humans. This can lead to a rapid and potentially fatal buildup of these compounds in their system. Similarly, while humans can easily digest cherries, the cyanide present in their pits, stems, and leaves poses a risk if consumed in large quantities by dogs. Additionally, the hard pits themselves can lead to digestive upset. It’s also important to remember that food toxicity can be influenced by a dog’s size, breed, and overall health condition, making consultation with a veterinarian paramount when in doubt.
Common Foods Dogs Cannot Eat
Numerous common household foods pose a danger, and often a toxicity risk, to dogs. While alcohol, avocados, macadamia nuts, grapes, raisins, xylitol, and chocolate are frequently cited, this list encompasses many more foods that your dog should strictly avoid. It’s important to note that this is not an exhaustive catalog of all potentially harmful foods.
1. Alcohol
Even small amounts of alcohol can have a severe and potentially fatal impact on dogs due to their smaller size compared to humans. Symptoms of alcohol poisoning can mirror those in humans, including vomiting, difficulty breathing, seizures, coma, and even death.
2. Apple, Apricot, Cherry, and Plum Seeds/Pits
While the flesh of apples is safe, their cores and seeds contain cyanide. Although small amounts might be harmless, it’s best to avoid them altogether. Similarly, the pits and seeds of apricots, cherries, peaches, and plums contain cyanide, which can lead to vomiting, irregular heartbeat, seizures, coma, and death by hindering oxygen transport to cells.
3. Avocado
Avocados contain a substance called persin, which can cause vomiting and diarrhea in dogs. Additionally, an intact avocado pit can lead to a gastrointestinal obstruction, posing a serious risk.
4. Broccoli
Broccoli contains isothiocyanates, which can be harmful in large doses. While small amounts might be acceptable occasionally, broccoli stalks can also be a choking hazard.
5. Caffeine and Coffee Grounds
Caffeine, found in coffee, tea, and some sodas, contains methylxanthines that can cause vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, and an irregular heartbeat. Ingesting coffee grounds or consuming caffeinated beverages can lead to rapid heart rate, tremors, and breathing difficulties.
6. Fatty Meats and Poultry Skin
Fatty cuts of meat, such as ham, and the skin from chicken or turkey, are high in fat and can trigger acute pancreatitis, a dangerous inflammation of the pancreas. Cooked bones from poultry, in particular, can splinter and cause internal injuries or obstructions.
7. Chocolate
Chocolate is highly toxic to dogs due to theobromine and caffeine. The darker the chocolate, the higher the concentration of these toxic compounds. Ingesting chocolate can lead to hyperactivity, vomiting, diarrhea, pancreatitis, abnormal heart rhythms, and seizures.
8. Grapes and Raisins
Grapes and raisins are extremely dangerous and can cause acute kidney failure in dogs. Even a small amount can lead to severe gastrointestinal upset, loss of appetite, and changes in urination.
9. Macadamia Nuts, Almonds, and Pistachios
Macadamia nuts are particularly toxic to dogs, causing weakness, vomiting, and tremors. While other nuts like almonds and pistachios may not be directly toxic, they can pose choking hazards or be problematic if salted or flavored.
10. Milk and Dairy Products
Many dogs are lactose intolerant and can experience digestive issues like gas and diarrhea after consuming milk or dairy products. While small amounts of low-fat cheese might be acceptable, it’s best to err on the side of caution.
11. Mushrooms
Wild mushrooms are particularly dangerous, but even commercially grown varieties can cause gastrointestinal upset, liver damage, or kidney failure.
12. Nutmeg and Cinnamon
Nutmeg contains myristicin, which can cause hallucinations and severe vomiting in dogs, especially when consumed in large quantities. Cinnamon, while not toxic, can irritate a dog’s mouth and potentially lead to low blood sugar.
13. Onions, Garlic, Chives, and Leeks
These members of the allium family contain compounds that can damage a dog’s red blood cells, leading to anemia. This is particularly true for powdered forms found in many processed foods.
14. Salt
Excessive salt intake can disrupt a dog’s fluid balance, leading to symptoms such as tremors, seizures, diarrhea, and even coma.
15. Spicy Food
Spicy foods can cause significant gastrointestinal distress in dogs, including vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach ulcers.
16. Sugar-Free Gum and Candy (Xylitol)
Xylitol, an artificial sweetener found in many sugar-free products, is extremely toxic to dogs. It can cause a rapid drop in blood sugar, leading to seizures and liver failure. Even a small amount can be fatal for a small dog. Ensure your dog never ingests xylitol.
17. Tomatoes and Raw Potatoes
While ripe tomatoes are generally safe in moderation, the green parts of the tomato plant and unripe tomatoes contain solanine, which is toxic. Raw potatoes also contain solanine, while cooked potatoes without additives are generally safe.
18. Tobacco
Nicotine in tobacco products is highly poisonous to dogs, causing vomiting, diarrhea, rapid breathing, tremors, seizures, and potentially death.
19. Yeast and Raw Dough
Raw dough can expand in a dog’s stomach, causing severe pain and potential rupture. The fermentation process also produces alcohol, leading to alcohol toxicity.
20. Raw Meat
Raw or undercooked meat can harbor harmful bacteria like Salmonella and E. coli, posing a risk to both dogs and humans. Bones in raw meat can also be a choking hazard or cause internal injuries.
21. Rhubarb
The leaves of the rhubarb plant contain soluble calcium oxalate crystals, which can lead to a dangerous drop in calcium levels and potential kidney failure if ingested in sufficient quantities.
22. Star Fruit
Similar to rhubarb, star fruit also contains soluble calcium oxalate crystals and should be avoided.
23. Flavored Water and Seltzer Water
It’s best to stick to plain, fresh water. Flavored and carbonated waters can contain added sugars, salts, or other ingredients that may be harmful to dogs.
13 Foods Safe for Dogs
While the list of what dogs can’t eat is extensive, there are many human foods that are safe and even beneficial for dogs when given in moderation.
1. Apples, Oranges, and Bananas
The fleshy part of apples (without the core and seeds) is safe. Oranges and bananas (without the peel) can also be enjoyed in small quantities.
2. Blueberries and Blackberries
These berries are packed with antioxidants, fiber, and vitamins, making them a healthy treat.
3. Cantaloupe, Mango, Peaches, Pears, Pineapples, and Watermelons
These fruits are safe when seeds, pits, and rinds are removed. Watermelon, in particular, is a hydrating treat on warm days.
4. Carrots, Cucumber, and Celery
These low-calorie vegetables are excellent for overweight dogs, providing a satisfying crunch and essential nutrients.
5. Cheese
In small amounts, low-fat cheese can be an acceptable treat for dogs who are not lactose intolerant.
6. Eggs
Fully cooked eggs are a great source of protein and can help soothe an upset stomach.
7. Peanuts, Peanut Butter, and Cashews
Peanuts and cashews are safe in moderation, provided they are unsalted and unflavored. Unsalted peanut butter without xylitol is a popular and healthy treat. Discover more about what dogs can have.
8. Popcorn and Corn
Air-popped, unsalted, and unbuttered popcorn (without unpopped kernels) and corn kernels (off the cob) are safe snacks.
9. Coconut and Honey
Small amounts of coconut (milk, oil) and honey can be beneficial, but monitor for any digestive upset.
10. Shrimp and Fish
Plain, fully cooked shrimp and fish (like salmon and sardines), with bones removed, are good sources of protein. Tuna packed in water is also acceptable in moderation.
11. Turkey
Plain, cooked turkey meat without skin, fat, or bones is a healthy and lean protein source.
12. Grains, Wheat, and Quinoa
Small amounts of cooked grains, wheat, and quinoa can be part of a balanced diet, but monitor for any allergic reactions.
13. Green Beans
Raw, steamed, or plain canned green beans are a safe, low-calorie, and nutritious treat.
What Dogs Are Most at Risk if They Consume Toxic Foods?
While all dogs should be protected from toxic foods, certain groups are at higher risk:
- Small breeds vs. large breeds: Smaller dogs have a lower body weight, making them more susceptible to the effects of toxins like chocolate.
- Puppies: Their digestive and immune systems are still developing, making them more vulnerable.
- Elderly dogs: Older dogs may have pre-existing health conditions that increase their risk.
- Dogs with pre-existing conditions: Conditions like diabetes or kidney disease can exacerbate the effects of toxic foods.
How To Prevent Dogs from Eating Toxic Foods
Proactive measures can significantly reduce the risk of your dog ingesting harmful human foods:
- Store foods out of reach: Keep dangerous items on high shelves or in secure cabinets.
- Avoid feeding dogs from your plate: Only offer treats specifically designed for dogs.
- Educate family and guests: Ensure everyone understands which foods are off-limits for your pet.
- Be cautious during holidays: Increased activity and distracted cooking can lead to accidents. Keep extra vigilance during festive seasons.
If precautions fail, have emergency veterinary contact information readily available.
What To Do if Your Dog Eats Something Toxic
Immediate action is critical if your dog consumes a toxic substance:
- Contact your veterinarian or poison control immediately. Prompt treatment significantly improves outcomes.
- Provide details: Be ready to share the type of food ingested, the amount, and the time of consumption.
- Avoid home remedies: Do not attempt to induce vomiting or administer treatments without veterinary guidance, as some methods can be harmful.
Pets Best Can Help You Keep Your Dog Healthy
Navigating the world of pet safety, from household toxins to dangerous foods, can be challenging. Pets Best offers comprehensive pet insurance plans that can be customized to your dog’s needs, providing a financial safety net for unexpected health events. Additionally, policyholders gain access to a 24/7 Pet Helpline, where veterinary experts can offer guidance and peace of mind when you’re concerned about something your pet may have eaten.
