Many types of human food are toxic to dogs and will upset their sensitive tummies. The digestive system of dogs is vastly different from ours, and their metabolism and constitution make them susceptible to food toxicity.
While some of the obvious toxic foods like chocolates are well-known to dog owners all over the world, others are not as evident. Here are some of the common human foods that are toxic to dogs.
1. Chocolate
Who doesn’t like chocolate? Our canine buddies will go through a bar of chocolate in a heartbeat, and then it’s off to the vet you go.
The offending ingredient is theobromine, which doesn’t hurt humans but can cause dehydration, diarrhea, and vomiting in dogs.
Some dogs can have severe reactions that result in tremors, seizures, coma, and even death. So, keep those bars far out of reach and stashed securely away in sealed cupboards.
2. Onions, Garlic, Leeks, and Chives
Garlic, onions, leeks, and chives from a family of plants called alliums. They are such frequent additions to our daily meals that we don’t even think about their inclusion.
The allium plant family contains N-propyl disulfide, a compound known to damage hemoglobin in red blood cells. As little as 15g per kilogram of body weight can make a dog severely sick. So, whether you feed your dog kibble or make them DIY meals, don’t let these substances get into their food!
3. Grapes, Raisins, and Sultanas
The exact reason why some grapes are poisonous is unknown, but it is thought to be due to a combination of factors, including a certain kind of mycotoxin present in some types of grapes.
Another reason that grapes can be toxic is that they often contain cyanide, which is toxic to everyone. Cyanide prevents the cells from using oxygen, which can lead to organ failure and even death.
When ingested, grapes can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and kidney failure in dogs. If you suspect that your dog has eaten one of these fruits, go to the vet and ask questions about preventing adverse reactions.
4. Alcohol
We love our alcoholic beverages and our dogs, so it is natural to want to share some of our favorite brews with our canine besties. Not a good idea.
Dogs have vastly different digestive systems and metabolisms, in addition to the fact that they are typically significantly smaller than us.
Symptoms of alcohol poisoning in dogs are very similar to an excessively inebriated human. Even small amounts of alcohol can lead to staggering, dizziness, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain, while larger amounts can cause neurological problems, coma, and even death.
The reason alcohol is so dangerous to dogs is that their bodies are not able to process it as efficiently as humans.
5. Yeast
Yeast expands when it reaches our digestive systems. While in humans, our intestines can comfortably accommodate the expansion, a dog’s small intestines cannot, which can lead to indigestion, stomach pain, and blockages.
The trouble starts when a dog eats yeast-containing bread or other baked goods. The warm, moist environment of the dog’s stomach is the perfect breeding ground for yeast cells.
As the yeast cells multiply, they release gas and ethanol into the dog’s system. In severe cases, this can lead to bloat, diarrhea, loss of coordination, and even death.
6. Xylitol
Xylitol is a sugar alcohol that is commonly used as a sweetener in many products, including gum, mouthwash candy, and baked goods. It is also safe for human consumption. However, xylitol is poisonous to dogs and can be fatal if ingested in large amounts.
When dogs eat xylitol-containing products, their blood sugar levels drop rapidly, which can lead to hypoglycemia, also known as low blood sugar. In severe cases, xylitol poisoning can cause liver failure and death. You can keep your dog from ingesting Xylitol by reading the ingredients on everything they consume––especially if you give them peanut butter as a snack.
7. Cooked Bones
This is another known no-no for dog parents. While raw bones can be fed safely in moderate amounts, cooked bones cannot.
When cooked, bones become brittle and can easily shatter, causing damage to the dog’s mouth, throat, or digestive tract. In addition, bones can splinter and become stuck in the throat or intestines, leading to bowel obstructions.
8. Avocados
Another surprising food, avocados can also be poisonous to dogs. The danger comes from a substance called persin, which is found in the fruit, pit, and leaves of the avocado plant.
When ingested by dogs, persin can cause vomiting and diarrhea. In severe cases, it can lead to difficulty breathing and fluid accumulation in the chest cavity. While most dogs will recover from a small amount of avocado ingestion without any lasting effects, it’s best to err on the side of caution and keep avocados away from our beloved furballs.
While this list isn’t exhaustive, we hope that this sheds light on some of the absolute no-no’s for dogs. So, ignore those puppy dog eyes and stick with high-quality dog food brands. Here, you can rest assured that your dog isn’t eating anything harmful.
