Dogs are often considered family members, and it’s natural to want to share our favorite foods with them. However, what’s healthy for humans can be dangerous, even fatal, for our four-legged friends. In this article, we’ll explore 22 common foods that can be toxic to dogs. As responsible owners, it’s important to be aware of these dangers to ensure the safety and well-being of our four-legged companions
Avocados Avocados
contain a fungicidal toxin called persin, which is harmless to humans but dangerous to dogs. It can cause fluid to build up in the dog’s lungs and chest, making breathing difficult.
Garlic Garlic is toxic to dogs due to a compound called thiosulfate. Dogs cannot digest this compound, which causes their red blood cells to rupture.
Macadamia Nuts
Macadamia nuts are extremely fatty and can irritate dogs’ stomachs, causing nausea, diarrhea, severe weakness, and even temporary paralysis.
Chocolate
Chocolate contains alkaloids, including theobromine, which dogs cannot digest. Eating chocolate can cause diarrhea, vomiting, dehydration, internal bleeding, seizures, or even death.
Xylitol Xylitol, found in some baked goods, candy, gum, and toothpaste, can cause a sudden drop in blood sugar levels and liver damage in dogs.
Yeast
Unbaked bread dough can cause alcohol poisoning in dogs. The yeast ferments in their intestines and produces ethanol.
Cooked
Bones Cooked bones can splinter and injure the dog’s mouth, cause inflammation of the stomach, or even puncture the intestinal tract.
Grapes and raisins
Even in small amounts, grapes and raisins can cause kidney failure in dogs.
Caffeine
Caffeine, found in coffee, tea, cocoa and some soft drinks, can increase dogs’ heart rate, leading to irregular heart rhythms and lung failure.
Rhubarb
Rhubarb contains oxalic acid, which can cause kidney failure in dogs.
Leeks and onions
Like garlic, onions and leeks can affect dogs’ red blood cells and cause severe anemia.
Alcohol
Alcohol can be fatal to dogs, even in small amounts. It can cause vomiting, poor breathing and poor muscle coordination.
Salt
Excessive salt consumption can be fatal for dogs, causing depression, tremors, diarrhea, fever, and even seizures.
Citrus oil
Cold-pressed citrus oil can cause liver failure in dogs.
Dairy dogs
are often lactose intolerant, and dairy products can cause major gastrointestinal problems.
Cat food
Cat food is too high in protein and fat for dogs and can cause gastrointestinal upset.
Bacon
Bacon is high in fat and salt, which can cause pancreatitis in dogs.
Tobacco
Tobacco and nicotine can be extremely toxic to dogs, causing symptoms ranging from restlessness to paralysis.
Nutmeg
Nutmeg contains myristicin, which can cause hallucinations and seizures in dogs.
Peach pits
contain amygdalin, which releases cyanide into the bloodstream.
Mustard
Mustard can cause severe stomach upset in dogs.
Meat scraps
Meat scraps, especially fat, can cause diarrhea, vomiting, and even pancreatitis in dogs.
In summary, it is important to remember that dogs have their own nutritional needs. Some foods that are healthy for humans can be deadly to them.
The best way to avoid food poisoning is to stick to dog food, or better yet, BARF dog food. It is the food that is closest to their original natural diet and does not contain all the toxic chemical additives found in most commercial products. (1) (2)
