A Full List of Foods That Dogs Cannot Eat
If you own a dog, it’s essential to know what your pup can—and cannot—eat safely. Although many people believe that dogs can eat whatever humans consume, in reality, this couldn’t be further from the truth. Our four-legged friends have different needs than we do when it comes to diet and nutrition, and certain foods can even be harmful to them! To prevent any unfortunate accidents or mishaps, here is a comprehensive list of some common food items that your canine companion should stay away from.
Potentially Toxic Foods for Dogs
Xylitol
Xylitol is a sugar substitute often found in sugar-free products like gum, toothpaste, and some baked goods. It is extremely toxic to your dog, as it can rapidly release insulin, leading to hypoglycemia. Symptoms of xylitol poisoning include vomiting, loss of coordination, and seizures. If you suspect your dog has ingested xylitol, seek veterinary help immediately.
Onions and Garlic
Both onions and garlic are harmful to dogs. They contain compounds that can damage your dog’s red blood cells, leading to hemolytic anaemia. Symptoms include weakness, vomiting, and trouble breathing. Even small amounts can be harmful, so it is best to avoid feeding your dog any foods containing these ingredients.
Chocolate
Chocolate contains theobromine, an alkaloid that can cause severe health issues in dogs, including seizures, heart failure, and even death. The darker the chocolate, the higher the concentration of theobromine, making cocoa powder and dark chocolate the most dangerous forms. If your dog accidentally eats chocolate, contact your veterinarian right away.
Macadamia Nuts
Macadamia nuts should never be given to dogs, as even small amounts can be toxic. Ingesting macadamia nuts can lead to vomiting, tremors, and difficulty walking. It is crucial to keep these nuts out of reach and away from your dog’s reach to prevent any accidental ingestion.
Grapes and Raisins
Grapes and raisins can cause acute kidney failure in dogs. Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhoea, and lethargy. It’s essential to keep any food containing grapes or raisins, including fruit salads and trail mixes, away from your dog’s reach. If you believe your dog has eaten either of these fruits, seek veterinary assistance as soon as possible.
Tea and Coffee
Tea and coffee contain caffeine, which can be dangerous for dogs if ingested. Caffeine can cause an elevated heart rate, hyperactivity, tremors, and even seizures. Avoid giving your dog any caffeine-containing products, including coffee grounds and tea bags. If your dog does consume tea or coffee, consult your veterinarian promptly.
Alcohol and Caffeine
Alcohol Poisoning
It’s crucial for you to be aware that alcohol is highly toxic to dogs, even in small amounts. When your dog consumes alcohol, it can quickly lead to alcohol poisoning, which is a serious condition. Symptoms of alcohol poisoning in dogs include vomiting, diarrhoea, difficulty walking, lethargy, and even seizures or coma. If you suspect your dog has ingested alcohol, seek immediate veterinary assistance.
To prevent accidental consumption, make sure to keep alcoholic beverages out of your dog’s reach and be cautious when disposing of unfinished drinks. Additionally, avoid giving your dog food products that contain alcohol, such as some fruitcakes or sauces.
Caffeine Toxicity
Similarly, caffeine is also harmful to dogs and can lead to caffeine toxicity if ingested. Caffeine is present in various products, including coffee, tea, chocolate, energy drinks, and certain medications. Symptoms of caffeine toxicity in dogs include hyperactivity, increased heart rate, panting, trembling, vomiting, and seizures. In severe cases, it can even be fatal.
To protect your dog from caffeine toxicity, ensure you store caffeinated products securely and avoid leaving cups of tea or coffee within their reach. If you believe your dog has consumed caffeine, contact your vet immediately for further advice.
By being vigilant and mindful of the items your dog has access to, you can help prevent the risks associated with alcohol and caffeine consumption.
Concerning Fruits and Vegetables
Avocados
Beware of feeding your dog avocados. Although it might be a healthy snack for you, it’s not safe for dogs. The pit, skin, and leaves of avocados contain persin, a toxin that is harmful to dogs (source). Consuming avocados can cause gastrointestinal issues, vomiting, and even more severe health problems in your canine companions.
Apple Seeds
While apples themselves are a safe and nutritious treat for dogs, be cautious about the seeds. Apple seeds contain a small amount of cyanide, which can be poisonous if ingested in large quantities (source). Always remove the core and seeds before giving apple slices to your dog to prevent the risk of cyanide poisoning.
Cherry and Plum Pits
Cherries and plums can be dangerous for dogs if they consume the pits. Cherry and plum pits contain cyanide, which poses a risk of cyanide poisoning if ingested (source). Additionally, the pits can cause choking hazards or blockages in their digestive system. Make sure to remove cherries and plums’ pits before giving the fruit to your dog, or opt for safer alternatives.
Tomato Leaves
Ripe tomatoes are generally safe for dogs to eat but do not let your dogs consume tomato leaves or green, unripe tomatoes. These parts of the plant contain solanine, which can cause gastrointestinal distress and other symptoms of poisoning (source). To avoid any risks, ensure that your dog only eats ripe tomatoes and stays away from the plant and leaves.
Harmful Foods and Ingredients
Salt and Sugary Foods
It’s essential to monitor your dog’s intake of salt and sugar, as excessive consumption of these ingredients can harm their health. High levels of salt in your dog’s diet can lead to sodium ion poisoning, causing symptoms like vomiting, diarrhoea, tremors, and even death. As a dog owner, be cautious when offering your pet salty foods such as corned beef, crisps and pretzels.
Similarly, sugary foods are harmful to dogs, leading to obesity, dental problems, and potentially diabetes. Avoid feeding your dog sweets, chocolates, and baked goods containing sugar. Instead, opt for safe food alternatives.
Yeast Dough
Uncooked yeast dough can be dangerous for dogs, as it can expand and produce gas in their digestive system. This may cause severe discomfort, bloating, and even rupture their stomach or intestines. Additionally, yeast fermentation produces ethanol, which may lead to alcohol poisoning in your dog. So, keep your pet away from raw dough.
Dairy Products
While some dogs can tolerate small amounts of dairy, others may experience digestive issues such as diarrhoea or gas. Dogs have limited ability to break down lactose, making it difficult for them to digest milk, cheese, and other dairy products. Offering your dog alternatives like cottage cheese in moderation is a safer bet. Be mindful of individual tolerance levels and discontinue any dairy product if you notice adverse reactions.
Nutmeg
Nutmeg contains a compound called myristicin, which can be toxic to dogs when consumed in large quantities. Ingesting nutmeg can result in symptoms such as vomiting, hallucinations, increased heart rate, and seizures. Although cinnamon is relatively safe for dogs, it’s essential to avoid excessive consumption, as it can irritate their mouths and digestive system. Refrain from offering your dog foods containing nutmeg or large amounts of cinnamon.
Unsafe Bones and Raw Foods
Cooked Bones
It’s important to be cautious when giving your dog bones, especially cooked ones. Cooked bones can easily splinter and cause blockages or tears in your dog’s digestive system. In particular, avoid giving your dog cooked chicken bones, as they are more likely to splinter than other types of bones. To keep your dog safe, it’s best to stick with specially designed dog chews and avoid cooked bones altogether.
Raw Meat and Fish
While some people advocate for feeding dogs a raw food diet, there are risks associated with feeding your dog raw meat and fish. Raw meat can contain harmful bacteria such as Salmonella and E. coli, which can lead to illness in both your dog and you if proper hygiene practices are not followed. Furthermore, some raw fish can contain parasites that may adversely affect your dog’s health. If you choose to feed your dog raw meat or fish, it’s crucial to handle it carefully and take appropriate precautions to minimise the risks.
Raw Eggs
Feeding your dog raw eggs can also pose potential health risks. Raw eggs may carry Salmonella, which can cause illness in your dog and may also be transmitted to you. Additionally, raw eggs contain an enzyme called avidin that decreases the absorption of biotin, a B vitamin. This can lead to skin and coat problems in your dog. If you want to provide eggs as a treat for your dog, it’s much safer to cook them first, ensuring they are fully cooked through to kill off any bacteria and neutralise the avidin.
In conclusion, it’s essential to be aware of the potential dangers associated with feeding your dog certain types of bones and raw foods. By taking precautions and sticking to safer alternatives, you can help ensure the health and wellbeing of your beloved pet.
Additional Risky Foods
Fatty and Spicy Foods
It’s important to avoid giving your dog fatty and spicy foods, such as pork, beef, and turkey, as well as dishes containing peppers. These types of foods can lead to various health problems, including pancreatitis. Pancreatitis is a severe and painful condition in dogs, which can result in vomiting, diarrhoea, and even organ failure.
Moreover, spicy foods can irritate your dog’s stomach and cause digestive issues, so it’s best to keep them away from such meals.
Mushrooms
While some mushrooms are safe for human consumption, not all varieties are safe for your dog. Ingesting toxic mushrooms can lead to severe poisoning and can be fatal for dogs. It’s wise to avoid giving your dog any mushrooms, as it’s challenging to distinguish between toxic and non-toxic types. Should your dog consume mushrooms, closely monitor them for adverse symptoms and consult your veterinarian immediately if you suspect poisoning.
Nuts
Nuts, including peanuts, almonds, and cashews, should not be given to your dog. Some nuts, like macadamia nuts, are toxic to dogs and can cause severe symptoms such as vomiting, tremors, and weakness. Even if a specific nut is not inherently toxic, the high-fat content in nuts can still lead to pancreatitis and other health issues.
Furthermore, nuts can also pose a choking hazard, especially for smaller dogs, so it’s best to keep them out of your pet’s reach.
Certain Human Medications
As a dog owner, you should be particularly cautious when it comes to human medications. Some over-the-counter and prescription medications, including vitamins and supplements, can be incredibly harmful to dogs. Even small doses can lead to severe toxicity and health complications.
Always store your medications out of your dog’s reach and consult with your veterinarian if your pet accidentally ingests any human medication. If in doubt, it’s better to err on the side of caution and keep potentially harmful items away from your dog.
Safe Alternatives for Dogs
Dog-Friendly Fruits and Vegetables
While some foods are hazardous to dogs, there are plenty of safe and healthy options to treat your furry friend. For instance, fruits like blueberries and mango make excellent snacks for your dog. Blueberries are rich in antioxidants and mango provides vitamins A, B6, C, and E. Both fruits should be given in moderation.
Your dog may also enjoy strawberries, pineapple, and watermelon as tasty treats. However, ensure that watermelon seeds are removed before feeding, as they can cause intestinal blockage. Always serve fruit in small quantities to prevent gastrointestinal upset.
In addition to fruits, certain vegetables are beneficial for your dog’s health. Carrots are a fantastic choice, as they’re low in calories and high in fibre and vitamins. Other dog-friendly vegetables include sweet potatoes, which are a great source of fibre and other essential nutrients.
Dog-Safe Dairy and Treats
When it comes to dairy products, you should be cautious as some dogs are lactose intolerant. However, small amounts of plain yoghurt or cottage cheese can be suitable treats for some dogs. Always monitor for any signs of gastrointestinal distress after introducing dairy.
A popular and dog-safe treat is peanut butter. Make sure to choose a brand without added sugar or the artificial sweetener xylitol, as it is toxic to dogs. Peanut butter can be an excellent source of protein, healthy fats, and vitamins, but should be given in moderation due to its high-calorie content.
Lastly, salmon is an excellent protein source for your dog. It’s rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which help maintain a healthy coat and skin. Ensure the salmon is cooked thoroughly and free of bones before serving.
By offering your dog these dog-friendly fruits, vegetables, and treats, you can provide them with a varied and balanced diet that supports their overall health and well-being.