As you settle down for a meal, your loyal canine companion might be right by your side, hoping for a share. While some human foods are safe for dogs, others can be toxic or should be given only in moderation. Understanding which foods pose a risk is crucial for your dog’s health. This guide outlines common human foods that dogs should definitely avoid, categorized by their potential dangers. What are things that dogs can t eat.
Foods That Are Toxic for Dogs
If your dog ingests any of the following items, it’s essential to contact your veterinarian immediately, as a visit to the clinic may be necessary.
Chocolate, Coffee, and Caffeine
These products contain methylxanthines, derived from cacao seeds, which are harmful to dogs. Ingesting them can lead to 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 consuming larger quantities are at greater risk. The darker the chocolate, the higher the concentration of methylxanthines; baking chocolate is particularly dangerous, while white chocolate contains the least. If your dog consumes chocolate, coffee, or any caffeinated product, seek veterinary advice promptly. What not to feed your dog.
Xylitol
This artificial sweetener, found in sugar-free gums, candies, toothpastes, and baked goods, is extremely toxic to dogs. Xylitol triggers a rapid release of insulin, leading to a sharp drop in blood sugar and potentially liver failure. Symptoms include vomiting, seizures, lethargy, and loss of coordination.
Macadamia Nuts
While a delicacy for humans, macadamia nuts are toxic to dogs. Even a small amount can cause weakness, vomiting, tremors, depression, and an elevated body temperature. The specific toxic component remains unknown, but these nuts should be strictly avoided.
Grapes and Raisins
Grapes and their dried form, raisins, are capable of causing acute kidney failure in dogs. The exact toxic agent is unidentified, and remarkably, dogs who have eaten grapes safely in the past may later suffer severe poisoning from the same fruit. It is safest to consider all grapes and raisins toxic and eliminate them from your dog’s diet entirely. What food dog can not eat.
Garlic, Onions, and Chives
Belonging to the Allium family, garlic, onions, chives, and related plants contain sulfur-containing compounds that can damage a dog’s red blood cells, leading to 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.
Alcohol
Even small amounts of alcohol can be dangerous for dogs. It can cause vomiting, diarrhea, breathing difficulties, loss of coordination, tremors, coma, and even death. Always ensure that all alcoholic beverages and products containing alcohol are kept safely out of your dog’s reach.
Yeast Dough
While fully baked bread is generally safe, raw yeast dough can cause significant problems. 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 lead to alcohol intoxication.
Other Foods That Can Be Dangerous for Dogs
Even if not strictly toxic, certain human foods can cause health issues for dogs and are best avoided. If your dog consumes any of the following and shows signs of illness, consult your veterinarian immediately.
Milk and Dairy Products
Many dogs are lactose intolerant, lacking the enzyme lactase needed to break down lactose, the sugar in dairy products. Consuming milk and other dairy items can lead to gastrointestinal upset, including vomiting and diarrhea. High-fat dairy products can also contribute to pancreatitis, a painful and potentially fatal inflammation of the pancreas.
Salt and Salty Snacks
While large quantities of salt are toxic, most dogs won’t consume enough salty snacks to become poisoned. However, dogs with pre-existing conditions like 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, and seizures in severe cases. Occasional consumption of a dropped potato chip is unlikely to cause harm, but salty snacks should not be a regular part of your dog’s diet. What meat should all dogs avoid.
Raw Meat, Raw Eggs, and Bones
Despite the notion of these being “natural” foods, raw meat and eggs can harbor harmful bacteria like Salmonella and E. coli, which can cause illness in both dogs and humans. Raw eggs also contain avidin, an enzyme that interferes with the absorption of biotin, a B vitamin, potentially leading to skin and coat problems. Bones pose risks of choking, intestinal blockage, or perforation.
Citrus
The essential oils and sugars found in large quantities of citrus fruits (lemons, limes, oranges) can cause gastrointestinal irritation and central nervous system depression in dogs. While an occasional small piece of fruit might not be harmful, the peels, seeds, and leaves contain higher concentrations and should be avoided.
Coconut and Coconut Oil
Small amounts of coconut products are generally not dangerous, but they can cause diarrhea and stomach 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 calories, fats, and oils, which can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, and pancreatitis. Macadamia nuts and black walnuts are particularly toxic. Almonds and pecans, while not toxic, should also be offered with extreme caution or avoided. Always research the safety of any nut before considering feeding it to your dog, and if you do, offer only in very small quantities.
What Foods Can Dogs Eat?
Several human foods are generally considered safe for dogs when given in moderation (less than 10% of their daily caloric intake) and after consulting with your veterinarian. These include lean meats, certain vegetables, and some fruits. However, it’s important to remember that commercially produced dog food is specifically formulated to provide a balanced diet. Overfeeding human foods can disrupt this balance, potentially leading to malnutrition. Always prioritize safe, dog-appropriate treats and foods in appropriate portions.
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…
