Some human foods can be dangerous to dogs.
Since a dog has a different metabolism than us humans, giving human food to your dog can be harmful to their health and might even be fatal.
Here are some human food items that are toxic to dogs. As a dog owner, you should keep these food items out of your dog's reach.
1. Avocados
While avocados are safe for human consumption, they contain a toxin known as persin, which can be toxic to dogs. Persin is present in avocado fruit, bark, pits, and leaves, so dogs should not eat any part of this plant.
If your dogs eat avocados, fluid can accumulate in the chest and lungs, leading to breathing difficulties and even death.
If a dog swallows the pit, it may cause choking.
2. Cherries
The pits, stems, and leaves of cherries contain a dangerous chemical called cyanide. Cyanide can kill tissues by inhibiting their ability to use oxygen.
3. Grapes and Raisins
Both grapes and their dehydrated form, raisin, are harmful to dogs. Ingestion of just a few grapes and raises can lead to kidney failure.
4. Mushrooms
Although just a few mushroom species are toxic to dogs, some species are deadly. Identifying them can also be challenging, so to be on the safe side, avoid feeding your dog the fungi
5. Onions and Garlic
Dogs should not eat onions because onions and garlic contain a chemical that damages a dog’s red blood cells, leading to anemia.
So read all food ingredient lists and avoid feeding your pooch anything containing onion, onion flakes or onion powder. The same applies to other members of the allium family including chives, garlic and leeks.
6. Tomatoes
Dogs should never eat unripe tomatoes. Green tomatoes contain a commercial called solanine, which is harmful to dogs. Although dogs can safely eat ripe tomatoes, it's a good idea to avoid tomatoes altogether to be safe.
7. Chocolate
Chocolate is toxic to dogs since it contains caffeine and theobromine, which can cause heart problems in canines. Some types of chocolate may also contain xylitol, which is also poisonous to dogs.
Call your vet immediately if you suspect your pup ingested chocolate.
8. Coffee/Caffeine
Even a small amount of coffee or caffeine can be dangerous to dogs. Dispose of any coffee grounds where your curious dog can't reach them.
Also, check ingredients on various energy-boosting foods to ensure your dog doesn't consume caffeine.
9. Milk and Other Dairy Products
Milk and other dairy products can cause stomach upsets, diarrhea, and food allergies in dogs.
10. Xylitol
Xylitol is a sweetener used in candy, toothpaste, chewing gum, and various baked goods. Although xylitol is safe for human consumption, it is poisonous to dogs. It can cause a significant drop in the dog’s blood sugar levels.
Symptoms include weakness, vomiting, depression and seizures. This can eventually cause liver damage and even death.
11. Ice Cream
Ice cream is not a good treat for dogs. This is because they can’t digest the lactose in ice cream. It can also cause digestion issues such as vomiting, diarrhea, stomach upset, gas, and pancreatitis.
Ice cream can also contain the artificial sweetener xylitol, which is toxic to dogs.
12. Macadamia Nuts
If you love macadamia nuts, make sure to store them away from your dog. Macadamia nut poisoning in dogs can cause symptoms such as weakness, vomiting, tremors, depression, and hyperthermia.
13. Raw Eggs
Most veterinarians warn against feeding dogs a raw diet containing uncooked eggs. Chances are your pup may suffer from food poisoning from E-coli or salmonella bacteria.
14. Raw Fish and Raw Meat
Like uncooked eggs, fish and raw meat can cause food poisoning from salmonella. Some types of fish like trout, shad, salmon and sturgeon may also cause fish disease due to the presence of parasites. Fully cook your fish or meat before feeding your dog to kill parasites.
15. Salt
Consuming excess salt can cause water deprivation or salt poisoning in dogs. Symptoms include cerebral edema, neurological disorders, depression, vomiting, fever, diarrhea, tremors, and seizures. In serious cases, it can even lead to death.
Therefore, it's not advisable to give your pooch salted foods like chips, popcorn or pretzels. Also, make sure your canine friend has access to fresh water at all times.
16. Alcohol
Dogs should never consume alcoholic beverages. Alcohol can cause vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, depression, decreased coordination, breathing difficulties, weakness, tremors, coma, and eventually death.
Other Harmful Human Foods for Dogs
Here are a few more unsafe foods for dogs.
- Potatoes
- Sugar
- Yeast Dough
- Apricot pits
- Peach
- Walnuts
- Turkey skin
- Sugarless candy
Vegetables That Are Toxic to Dogs
Some veggies are dangerous for dogs. These include:
- Avocados:
- Unripe Tomatoes
- Leeks
- Chives:
- Onions
Human Foods That Are Beneficial to Dogs
In this post, we've discussed the various foods that dogs should never eat, but what foods are good for your dog to eat?
Here's list of beneficial foods and snacks for dogs:
- Apples: Contain vitamins A and C.
- Bananas: A low-calorie dog treat that contains biotin, copper, potassium, fiber, and vitamins.
- Blueberries: Rich in vitamins C and K, fiber and antioxidants.
- Carrots: Has vitamin A and fiber
- Cucumber: Contains potassium, Vitamins C and vitamin K. It also helps to keep dogs hydrated.
- Chicken: Contain protein and omega 3 fatty acids, which support a healthy coat.
- Peanut butter: A good source of healthy fats, protein, Vitamin B and vitamin E.
- Spinach: Contains Vitamins A, B, C, and K and is a good source of iron and antioxidants.
- White rice: Relieves stomach upsets
- Cauliflower
- Celery
- Cheese
- Cooked pumpkin
- Strawberries
But keep in mind that dog treats and snacks should not make more than 10 percent of a dog’s caloric intake. Always feed them in moderation.
Food Poisoning in Dogs: Signs to Watch Out For
Signs of food poisoning in canines vary depending on the toxin ingested.
These include:
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Appetite loss
- Bloody poop
- Tremors
- Seizures
- Lethargy
- Hyperactivity
- Loss of coordination
- Bleeding or bruising
If you notice these signs and symptoms, call your vet right away.
Conclusion
Before sharing your food with your canine friend, make sure you know which foods are toxic to dogs.
Dome fruits, veggies, and other food items that are safe for human consumption can be poisonous to dogs. Call your veterinarian if you suspect your dog has ingested something poisonous. Be the best bog owner you can be!
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