Treat or Toxic: Foods to Avoid Feeding to Your Dog

As a pet owner, you’ve probably heard that you shouldn’t be feeding your dog chocolate and bones. But what other ‘people foods’ should you be avoiding feeding your pet? We’ve put together an A - Z list to help you remember what is safe (and what isn’t) to feed your fur baby! 

Dangerous foods for dogs

Alcohol: alcohol does the same to dogs that it does to people. The difference here, is that they are more severely affected and can cause problems leading up to death.

Avocado: while this may seem harmless, this fruit contains persin, which is toxic to dogs and may cause vomiting, diarrhea, and obstruction in the intestines or stomach.

Caffeine: this is absolutely fatal to dogs. Foods containing caffeine include cocoa, chocolate, cola, energy drinks, cold medicine, coffee, tea, and painkillers.

Chocolate: chocolate contains theobromine, which causes vomiting and diarrhea, heart problems, tremors, seizures, and death. Avoid all types of chocolate, even white!

Fat and bones: cooked and uncooked meat can cause pancreatitis in dogs. They can also choke or suffer internal cuts from splintered bones.

Grapes and raisins: these can cause kidney failure in dogs and will cause your pet to be sluggish and vomit.

Medicine meant for humans: keep all medication out of reach! The majority of ingredients are absolutely deadly. Rather consult a vet if your pup is sick.

Milk and other dairy: never give your dog a lick of your ice cream, or any other dairy for that matter! These cause terrible digestive problems and possible allergies. Rather give them cold water on a hot day.

Nuts: especially macadamia nuts. These are very toxic and can cause muscle shakes, vomiting, fever, weakness, and death.

Onions and garlic: these ingredients act as straight poison for your pooch. Their red blood cells are killed, and symptoms of ingestion include weakness, vomiting, and breathing problems.

Persimmons, peached, and plums: seeds and pits can block or cut your dog’s intestines and contain cyanide, which is fatal to human and dogs alike.

Raw eggs: you risk giving your dog food poisoning from bacteria like salmonella and E. coli when you feed them raw eggs.

Salt: too much salt leads to sodium ion poisoning, causing symptoms as serious as death.

Sugar: sugar will cause obesity and tooth decay in dogs and can even cause diabetes.

Xylitol: this sweetener is found in candy, gum, toothpaste, some baked goods, and some diet foods. Your pup can experience liver failure, seizures, and vomiting if ingested.

Yeasted dough: raw dough will rise in your dog’s stomach and cause them to swell and experience a lot of pain. Yeast will also ferment in their stomach, creating alcohol, and leading to alcohol poisoning.

It isn’t hard to stick to this list. Your pup will benefit from a healthy diet of dog-safe vegetables, carbohydrates, wet or dry dog food, and fresh water every day. Consult your veterinarian for more advice on your dog’s ideal diet!