As you settle down for a meal, your canine companion may look up at you with pleading eyes, hoping for a share. While some human foods are perfectly safe for dogs, others can be toxic or should be given in strict moderation. Understanding which foods pose a risk is crucial for your dog’s health. This guide outlines common human foods that dogs should not eat, covering toxic items and those that can cause other health issues.
Foods That Are Toxic to Dogs
If your dog has ingested any of the following items, it’s essential to contact your veterinarian immediately, as a professional visit may be required.
Chocolate, Coffee, and Caffeine
These products contain methylxanthines, a substance derived from cacao seeds. When dogs consume methylxanthines, they can experience a range of symptoms, including vomiting, diarrhea, hyperactivity, abnormal heart rhythms, tremors, seizures, and in severe cases, death. The toxicity is dose-dependent, meaning smaller dogs or those who consume larger quantities are at greater risk. The darker the chocolate, the higher the concentration of methylxanthines, making baking chocolate the most dangerous and white chocolate the least. If your dog eats chocolate, coffee, or anything with caffeine, seek veterinary advice promptly. [If your dog eats chocolate, coffee, or anything containing caffeine, call the vet immediately to talk about next steps.]
Xylitol
Xylitol is a common artificial sweetener found in sugar-free gums, candies, toothpastes, and other products. It is extremely toxic to dogs. Xylitol triggers a rapid release of insulin in dogs, which can lead to a dangerous drop in blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and potentially liver failure. Symptoms of xylitol poisoning include vomiting, seizures, lethargy, and loss of coordination.
Macadamia Nuts
These nuts, popular for their crunchy texture and rich flavor, are toxic to dogs. While the exact toxic component is unknown, even a small number of macadamia nuts can cause weakness, vomiting, tremors, depression, and an elevated body temperature in dogs.
Grapes and Raisins
Grapes and raisins are capable of causing acute kidney failure in dogs. The specific toxin responsible has not yet been identified, and remarkably, some dogs who have safely consumed grapes in the past may later be poisoned by them. Due to this unpredictability, it is best to consider all grapes and raisins toxic and avoid feeding them to your dog entirely. Raisins are particularly dangerous.
Garlic, Onions, and Chives
Belonging to the Allium family, garlic, onions, chives, and leeks contain compounds that can damage a dog’s red blood cells, leading to a condition known as Heinz body anemia. Symptoms include weakness, intolerance to exercise, depression, vomiting, diarrhea, changes in heart and respiratory rates, red-colored urine, collapse, and potentially death. While cats are more sensitive, dogs can also be severely affected. Garlic and onions are common culprits.
Alcohol
Even small amounts of alcohol can be dangerous for dogs. While most dogs don’t enjoy the taste, some may still ingest it if offered. Alcohol can cause vomiting, diarrhea, breathing difficulties, loss of coordination, tremors, coma, and even death. It is crucial to keep all alcoholic beverages and products containing alcohol well out of your dog’s reach. Alcohol poisoning in dogs requires immediate veterinary attention.
Yeast Dough
While fully baked bread is generally safe for dogs in moderation, raw yeast dough can be highly problematic. 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 intoxication in dogs. Even small amounts of yeast dough can be dangerous.
Other Foods That Can Be Dangerous for Dogs
Some human foods, while not strictly toxic, can still cause significant health problems for dogs and should be avoided or given with extreme caution.
Milk and Dairy Products
Many dogs are lactose intolerant and lack the enzyme lactase, which is necessary to break down the sugars in dairy products. Consuming milk and other dairy items can lead to gastrointestinal upset, including vomiting and diarrhea. High-fat dairy products can also trigger pancreatitis, a serious and potentially fatal inflammation of the pancreas.
Salt and Salty Snacks
While large quantities of salt are considered toxic, most dogs are unlikely to consume enough salty snacks to cause poisoning. However, dogs with pre-existing conditions like high blood pressure, heart disease, or kidney disease are more sensitive to salt’s effects. Ingesting too much salt can lead to excessive thirst and urination, vomiting, diarrhea, depression, and in severe cases, tremors, seizures, and death. Excessive thirst is a key indicator.
Raw Meat, Raw Eggs, and Bones
Although some owners opt for raw diets, feeding raw meat and eggs carries a risk of bacterial contamination, such as Salmonella and E. coli, which can sicken both dogs and humans. 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 natural, can pose choking hazards, cause intestinal blockages, or even perforate the intestinal tract. Bones can lead to choking.
Citrus
The essential oils and citric acid found in citrus fruits like lemons, limes, and oranges can cause gastrointestinal irritation and central nervous system depression in dogs if consumed in large quantities. While occasional small pieces are unlikely to cause harm, the peels, seeds, and leaves contain higher concentrations and should be avoided.
Coconut and Coconut Oil
Small amounts of coconut-containing products are generally not harmful, but they may cause diarrhea and gastrointestinal upset due to their fat content. 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 vomiting, diarrhea, and potentially life-threatening pancreatitis. Macadamia nuts and black walnuts are toxic. Almonds and pecans, while not toxic, should also be avoided due to their fat content. Other nuts should be offered only in very limited quantities and with extreme caution after thorough research into their safety. What meat should you not feed dogs is a critical question for owners.
What Foods Can Dogs Eat?
Several human foods are generally considered safe for dogs when offered in moderation, 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 safe options include lean meats, certain fruits (like apples without seeds), and vegetables (like carrots and green beans). However, it’s important to remember that balanced commercial dog food is formulated to meet your dog’s nutritional needs, and overfeeding human foods can disrupt this balance. Always prioritize safe, species-appropriate foods and keep portions small to maintain your dog’s health.
