As a dog owner, you may find yourself wanting to share your meals with your furry companion. While some human foods are safe for dogs in moderation, many are toxic and can cause serious health issues, even death. It’s crucial to know which foods to avoid to keep your dog safe and healthy. This guide outlines common foods that are toxic or dangerous for dogs, along with alternatives and precautions.
Foods That Are Toxic for Dogs
If your dog has ingested any of the following items, immediate veterinary attention is necessary.
Chocolate, Coffee, and Caffeine
These products contain methylxanthines, which are toxic to dogs. Symptoms of methylxanthine ingestion include vomiting, diarrhea, hyperactivity, abnormal heart rhythms, tremors, seizures, and even death. The darker the chocolate, the higher the concentration of methylxanthines, making dark chocolate and baking chocolate particularly dangerous. If your dog eats chocolate, coffee, or anything containing caffeine, call your veterinarian immediately.
Xylitol
Xylitol is a common artificial sweetener found in sugar-free gum, candies, baked goods, and some toothpastes. It is extremely toxic to dogs, causing a rapid release of insulin, which can lead to a sharp drop in blood sugar and potentially liver failure. Signs of xylitol poisoning 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 in dogs. The exact toxic component is unknown, but it’s best to keep these nuts away from your pet.
Grapes and Raisins
Grapes and raisins are known to cause fatal kidney failure in dogs. The exact toxic substance has not been identified, and sensitivity varies among dogs. Some dogs may be able to eat them safely, while others can become severely ill. To be safe, consider all grapes and raisins toxic and avoid feeding them to your dog.
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 type of anemia called Heinz body anemia. Symptoms include weakness, exercise intolerance, depression, vomiting, diarrhea, abnormal heart and respiratory rates, red urine, collapse, and death. Cats are more sensitive to these plants, but dogs can also be affected.
Alcohol
Alcoholic beverages and foods containing alcohol are dangerous for dogs. Even small amounts can cause vomiting, diarrhea, breathing difficulties, loss of coordination, tremors, coma, and death. Keep all alcohol and alcohol-containing products out of your dog’s reach.
Yeast Dough
While baked bread is generally safe for dogs, raw yeast dough can be problematic. The yeast ferments in the dog’s stomach, producing gas that can cause painful bloating and lead to a life-threatening condition called gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV) or bloat. Additionally, the fermentation process produces ethanol, which can intoxicate your dog.
Other Foods That Are Dangerous for Dogs
Some foods, while not strictly toxic, can still cause health problems for dogs and should be avoided.
Milk and Dairy Products
Many dogs are lactose intolerant and lack the enzyme lactase needed to digest 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 inflammation of the pancreas.
Salt and Salty Snacks
While a large amount of salt is considered a toxin, most dogs won’t consume enough salty snacks to be poisoned. However, dogs with high blood pressure, heart disease, or kidney disease are more sensitive. Excessive salt intake can lead to increased thirst and urination, vomiting, diarrhea, depression, tremors, seizures, and, in severe cases, death.
Raw Meat, Raw Eggs, and Bones
Feeding raw meat and eggs to dogs can expose them to harmful bacteria like Salmonella and E. coli, which can make both dogs and humans sick. Raw eggs also contain avidin, an enzyme that can interfere with biotin absorption, leading to skin and coat issues. Bones, whether raw or cooked, can pose choking hazards, cause intestinal blockages, or lead to perforations in the digestive tract.
Citrus
Large quantities of citrus fruits, particularly the peels, seeds, and leaves, can cause gastrointestinal irritation and central nervous system depression in dogs due to their essential oils. While an occasional small piece of orange, lemon, or lime is unlikely to cause harm, these fruits should not be a regular part of your dog’s diet.
Coconut and Coconut Oil
Small amounts of coconut products are generally not harmful but may cause digestive upset and diarrhea. Coconut water is high in potassium, which could be problematic for dogs with heart or kidney conditions, potentially leading to electrolyte imbalances.
Nuts
Many nuts are high in fat and calories, which can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, and pancreatitis. Macadamia nuts and black walnuts are toxic and should be avoided entirely. Almonds and pecans are not toxic but should also be avoided due to their fat content. Other nuts should be fed in very limited quantities and with caution, after consulting your veterinarian.
What Foods Can Dogs Eat?
Some human foods are generally safe for dogs when offered in small amounts and as occasional treats, making up less than 10% of their daily caloric intake. Always consult your veterinarian before introducing new human foods into your dog’s diet. Safe options may include certain fruits (like apples without seeds and cores, and blueberries), vegetables (like carrots and green beans), and cooked lean meats. However, commercial dog food is formulated to provide complete and balanced nutrition, so it should remain the primary component of your dog’s diet.
Featured Image: iStock/Moyo Studio
