Foods That Are Toxic to Dogs: What Not to Feed

We all love our pups more than anything in the world. Sometimes, this feeling can cause us to make some not-so-wise decisions. For example, just tossing them human food simply because of their adorable puppy eyes. While this does give you and your pup momentary pleasure, it can result in ugly situations, sometimes fatal too. Some human foods that are toxic to dogs can even send your pup to the emergency vet. Let’s learn more about such foods to help you stay informed. 

What foods should dogs not eat?

If you’re wondering what foods are harmful to dogs, here’s a list of some common foods not good for dogs, even if they try to bribe you with some cuddles and kisses: 

• Xylitol:

  Xylitol is used to sweeten foods such as candy, toothpaste, baked items, gum, and some diet foods that are not good for dogs. If a dog consumes this, it may suffer from a sudden drop in blood sugar which can even lead to liver failure in some cases. Early symptoms of ingesting xylitol include lethargy, vomiting, and coordination problems. 

• Avocado:

  Eating a plate of guacamole and chips and just want to share some with your fluffy friend? Think twice before you do so. Foods containing avocados are foods not to feed dogs. This is because avocados contain persin, which causes vomiting and diarrhoea in dogs. If you grow avocados at home, make sure to keep your dog away from the plant as its leaves and stems too contain this toxin. 

• Alcohol:

  Alcohol works in the same way for dogs as it works for humans. It affects a dog’s liver and brain, but the only difference is that it takes a lot less to hurt a dog. While we may enjoy it, just a little beer, liquor, wine, and more can cause diarrhoea, vomiting, breathing problems, and more in a dog. Sometimes, it may also lead to coma or death. So any food even containing alcohol is part of the foods not good for dogs.

• Onion and garlic:

  Any food items containing onions and garlic are foods not to feed dogs. These two ingredients can kill a dog’s red blood cells, resulting in anemia. Signs of ingesting onions and garlic include diarrhoea, vomiting, weakness, and breathlessness, to name a few. 

• Caffeine in any form:

  Yes, tea or coffee can help you relax, or an energy drink can help you find that hidden strength to get through the day but it isn’t the same for dogs. Caffeine can be extremely lethal for dogs. Coffee, cola, chocolates, tea, or anything with even a hint of caffeine can be harmful for dogs. 

• Grapes and raisins:

  If you think that fruits must be okay to feed a dog, then you’re wrong. Grapes and raisins can also cause sudden kidney failure in canines. So, if you think your dog has eaten either of the two, rush them to the vet. 

• Milk and other dairy products:

  If you want to give your dog something cold to help cool off, give it some cold water. Dairy products are a part of the foods that are harmful for dogs and can cause indigestion, severe diarrhoea, and allergic skin reactions. 

• Macadamia nuts:

  Macadamia nuts should not be kept anywhere near your dog or within its reach. Just six of these nuts are enough to make your dog sick. Symptoms include muscle shakes, high temperature, weakness, vomiting, etc. 

• Chocolates:

  Chocolates contain theobromine which is one of the most dangerous foods for a dog. While all types of chocolates are harmful to dogs, dark chocolate and unsweetened chocolates are the worst for them. Eating chocolates can cause heart problems, breathing problems, seizures, tremors, and even death in dogs.

• Plums, peaches, and persimmons:

  The biggest problem of these fruits is their seeds. Seeds from these plants can cause harm to a dog’s small intestines and they can also choke on it. These seeds also contain cyanide, which is highly poisonous for dogs and humans. While we know not to eat them, dogs don’t. 

• Raw eggs:

  Feeding your dogs raw eggs or meat is not recommended even though some people think it is safe to do so. Raw meat and poultry may contain bacteria such as salmonella, E.Coli, and much more that can harm your dog’s system. 

• Raw meat and fish:

  Similar to raw eggs, raw meat and fish also contain bacteria that can cause food poisoning in dogs. Fishes like trout, salmon, sturgeon, and more have parasites that can cause ‘fish disease’ or ‘salmon poisoning disease’. The first few symptoms of dogs eating these foods include vomiting, gagging, fever, and swelling of lymph nodes. 

• Salt:

  It is not good for your dog to consume a lot of salty foods. This can cause it to feel extremely dehydrated which means it will consume a lot of water. This can lead to severe sodium ion poisoning. Symptoms include weakness, diarrhoea, vomiting, tremors, high fever, and even death. 

• Sugary foods and drinks:

  Humans and dogs have a similar relationship with sugar. Too much sugar can cause your dog to become overweight, and it can even turn diabetic. Sugar can also cause a lot of dental problems for dogs. 

Make a note of these foods and never forget to cross-check before you give anything to your dog. In fact, make sure you give it only food formulated for dogs. In today’s day and age, it is so easy to find different delicacies like ice cream and other exciting foods formulated for dogs. Giving your pup things other than special dog food is really not worth it and should be avoided at all costs.