10 Human Foods That Are Bad for Your Dog
We love treating our dogs. After all, they are part of the family.
But while it might be tempting to share some of your food with your beloved fur baby, it’s important to remember that some ingredients that are edible and safe for humans, can be harmful for dogs. That’s why you should always do some research before feeding your pooch something new and try your best to resist those puppy-dog eyes.
Here are 10 foods you should avoid feeding your dog:
1. Chocolate
While chocolate can be a tasty treat for humans, it is toxic for dogs. This is because chocolate contains a substance called theobromine (a compound that is found in particularly high levels in dark chocolate), which interrupts a dog’s metabolic process if it is ingested.
When a pup eats chocolate, mild side effects can include vomiting and diarrhea. However, in extreme cases, the consumption of chocolate can lead to seizures, irregular heart function, or even death. If you are worried that your dog has eaten chocolate, be sure to contact your veterinarian immediately.
2. Grapes and Raisins
Grapes and raisins should never be part of your dog’s diet. These fruits contain an unknown substance that can cause rapid kidney failure in dogs, even if they are consumed in small quantities.
3. Raw Dough
Making bread at home can be a great pastime, but always make sure to keep raw yeast dough away from your pooch. If your pup eats unbaked yeast dough, it can expand in your dog’s stomach and lead to internal swelling and pain. In more severe cases, it can also cause a dog’s stomach to twist or result in intestinal blockages.
4. Alcohol
Alcohol can severely impact your dog’s health. After it has been ingested, alcohol can damage your dog’s liver and can induce symptoms including vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, and central nervous system depression. In extreme instances, alcohol consumption can also be fatal to dogs. As such, you should not let your dog consume alcohol.
5. Fatty Foods
Keep your dog away from indulgent, high-fat treats like bacon and sausage. These unhealthy foods can trigger health concerns, ranging from diarrhea and vomiting to pancreatitis.
6. Garlic and Onions
Watch out for vegetables and herbs from the allium family, such as onions, garlic, chives, and leeks. These foods present a risk in all forms (raw, cooked, in a sauce, etc.) and can cause your pup to develop red blood cell damage and anemia. Symptoms can sometimes be delayed, and include weakness, pale gums, disinterest in eating, an elevated heart rate, and breathlessness. Monitor your dog closely for a few days if they have eaten any of these nasties and seek assistance from a vet if you are concerned.
8. Macadamia Nuts
Never let your dog eat macadamia nuts. Although the toxic substance in macadamia nuts has not been identified, these unassuming treats can be extremely dangerous for dogs. Signs of exposure can encompass weakness, nausea, diarrhea, and temporary paralysis, which can last for up to 48 hours.
9. Caffeine
Keep your early morning coffee away from your pup. Caffeine products, such as tea, coffee, and energy drinks, contain stimulants that can negatively impact your pup’s health. Dogs that consume caffeine can exhibit heart palpitations, rapid breathing, seizures, or in a worst-case scenario, death.
10. High-Salt Foods
Salty snacks might be delicious, but they aren’t the healthiest dietary choice for your pup. When dogs feast on too much salt, they are at risk of developing a condition called sodium ion poisoning. Signs of poisoning include vomiting, diarrhea, high body temperature, and seizures. This condition can be fatal, so it’s best to avoid feeding your dog salty treats and discourage your dog from drinking ocean water if you go to the beach.
11. Xylitol
The artificial sweetener, xylitol, is a definite no, no for dogs. Used as a common food additive in the United States, xylitol is found in a variety of products, from some types of candy, gum and peanut butter to diet supplements like protein bars or sugar-free sauces. And while there is no known toxicity to humans, if a dog eats xylitol, it can cause your pup’s insulin levels to spike. This change can lead to a significant drop in a dog’s blood sugar levels, which may trigger liver failure.
If in doubt, talk to your vet
While this list encompasses some of the most dangerous foods for dogs, it is not exhaustive. That is why you should always do research or speak to your vet before adding foods to your dog’s diet.
Remember, if you are at all concerned that your pup has eaten a dangerous food, be sure to contact a veterinarian as soon as possible.
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