When sharing your meals with your canine companion, it’s crucial to know which human foods are safe and which can be harmful, or even fatal, to dogs. While your dog might beg for a bite at dinnertime, offering the wrong food can lead to serious health issues. This guide outlines common human foods that dogs should never eat and discusses other potentially dangerous items.
Foods That Are Toxic for Dogs
If your dog ingests any of the following items, it’s essential to contact your veterinarian immediately. Depending on the substance and the amount consumed, a vet visit may be necessary.
Chocolate, Coffee, and Caffeine
These products contain methylxanthines, derived from cacao seeds, which are toxic to dogs. Ingesting them can lead to a range of symptoms, including vomiting, diarrhea, hyperactivity, abnormal heart rhythms, tremors, seizures, and even death. The toxicity is dose-dependent, meaning smaller dogs or those who consume larger quantities are at higher risk. Darker chocolate poses a greater danger due to its higher concentration of methylxanthines. Baking chocolate is particularly risky, while white chocolate contains the least. If your dog eats chocolate, coffee, or any caffeinated product, seek veterinary advice promptly.
Xylitol
Xylitol is an artificial sweetener found in many products like sugar-free gum, candies, toothpaste, and some baked goods. It is extremely toxic to dogs and can cause a rapid release of insulin, leading to a dangerous drop in blood sugar and potentially liver failure. Symptoms include vomiting, seizures, lethargy, and loss of coordination.
Macadamia Nuts
While delicious to humans, macadamia nuts are toxic to dogs. Even a small amount can cause weakness, vomiting, tremors, depression, and an elevated body temperature. The exact toxic component is unknown, but these nuts should be strictly avoided.
Grapes and Raisins
Grapes and raisins are notorious for causing acute kidney failure in dogs. The specific toxic agent remains unidentified, and even dogs who have consumed them safely in the past can be affected later. Due to this unpredictability, it’s best to consider all grapes and raisins toxic and eliminate them from your dog’s diet.
Garlic, Onions, and Chives
Belonging to the Allium family, garlic, onions, chives, and leeks contain sulfur-containing compounds that can damage a dog’s red blood cells. This damage can lead to a type of anemia known as Heinz body anemia, manifesting as weakness, decreased exercise tolerance, depression, vomiting, diarrhea, abnormal heart and respiratory rates, red urine, collapse, and potentially death. Cats are generally more sensitive to these, but dogs can also be severely affected.
Alcohol
Even small amounts of alcohol can be dangerous for dogs. While many dogs dislike the taste, some may consume it if offered. Alcohol can cause vomiting, diarrhea, breathing difficulties, loss of coordination, tremors, coma, and death. It is imperative to keep all alcoholic beverages and products containing alcohol away from your pet.
Yeast Dough
While fully baked bread is generally safe for dogs, raw yeast dough is a significant hazard. The yeast ferments in the dog’s stomach, producing large amounts of gas that can lead to painful bloating and a life-threatening condition called gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV), or bloat. Furthermore, the fermentation process produces ethanol, which can cause alcohol poisoning.
Other Foods That Are Dangerous for Dogs
Some human foods are not strictly toxic but can still cause significant health problems for dogs. These should also be avoided or given only with extreme caution and veterinary consultation.
Milk and Dairy Products
Many dogs are lactose intolerant, meaning they lack the enzyme lactase needed to digest lactose, the sugar in dairy. Consuming milk and dairy products can lead to gastrointestinal upset, including vomiting and diarrhea. High-fat dairy products can also trigger pancreatitis, a painful and potentially fatal inflammation of the pancreas.
Salt and Salty Snacks
While a small amount of salt is not usually problematic, excessive salt intake can be toxic. Salty snacks like chips, pretzels, and processed meats can lead to increased thirst and urination, vomiting, diarrhea, and depression. In severe cases, salt poisoning can cause tremors, seizures, and death. Dogs with pre-existing conditions like high blood pressure, heart disease, or kidney disease are particularly sensitive to the effects of salt.
Raw Meat, Raw Eggs, and Bones
Feeding raw meat and eggs to dogs carries a risk of bacterial contamination, such as Salmonella and E. coli, which can make both the dog and humans sick. Raw eggs also contain avidin, an enzyme that can interfere with the absorption of biotin (a B vitamin), potentially leading to skin and coat issues. Bones, while seemingly natural, can pose choking hazards, cause intestinal blockages, or even perforate the intestinal tract.
Citrus
The essential oils and citric acid found in large amounts in citrus fruits, particularly in the peels, seeds, and leaves, can cause gastrointestinal irritation and central nervous system depression in dogs. While an occasional small piece of orange or lemon is unlikely to cause harm, regular consumption should be avoided.
Coconut and Coconut Oil
Small amounts of coconut products are generally not harmful, but they can cause diarrhea and stomach upset in some dogs. Coconut water is high in potassium, which could be problematic for dogs with heart or kidney issues.
Nuts
While some nuts are safer than others, most are high in fat and calories, which can lead to digestive upset, vomiting, diarrhea, and pancreatitis. Macadamia nuts and black walnuts are toxic. Almonds and pecans are not toxic but should still be avoided due to their fat content. Always research the safety of any nut before offering it to your dog, and if you do, give them in very limited quantities.
What Foods Can Dogs Eat?
Some human foods are generally considered safe for dogs when offered in moderation, typically as treats and making up no more than 10% of their daily caloric intake. Always consult your veterinarian before introducing new foods into your dog’s diet. Some generally safe options include cooked lean meats, certain cooked vegetables, and specific fruits. However, commercial dog food is formulated to provide a complete and balanced diet, so it should remain the staple of your dog’s nutrition.
Featured Image: iStock/Moyo Studio
WRITTEN BY
Sandra C. Mitchell, DVM, DABVP
Veterinarian
Sandra Mitchell is a 1995 graduate of the New York State College of Veterinary Medicine. Since graduation, she has worked in many fields…
