Foods That are Toxic to Dogs

Who doesn’t love to share with their bestie?! Food and treats are a common way to bond with your pup and show them how much we love them, however, there are many human foods that just don’t sit right with our fur-babies. Steer clear of the foods below to help ensure a happy and healthy pup!

1. Avocados – Avocados are all around poisonous to your pup. From the fruit itself, to the tree they grow on, they are not safe for your dog to try. Ingesting avocados can cause fluid buildup in your dog’s body, making it difficult for them to breathe and in severe cases can lead to death.

2. Chocolate – Chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine, which are both bad for your dog’s metabolism. Chocolate causes tummy aches, vomiting, diarrhea, and dehydration, which all can lead to bigger problems. The darker the chocolate, the higher concentrations of theobromine and caffeine, making it even worse for your pup. Depending on how much chocolate your dog consumes, severity of symptoms will differ.

3. Xylitol and Artificial Sweeteners – While artificial sweeteners have become a staple for some humans, they are extremely toxic to dogs, especially Xylitol. Xylitol is a sugar alcohol that can cause vomiting, weakness, depression, difficulty moving, com, liver damage, seizures and more. Consumption of Xylitol causes a dog’s blood sugar to plummet and normally has a very quick onset of roughly 30 minutes. Xylitol is commonly found in chewing gum, breath mints, sugar free candy, some peanut butters, toothpaste and more. Always thoroughly check ingredient labels before giving your dog foods you may be unsure of, especially if they are one of the foods previously listed.

4. Grapes and Raisins – Grapes and raisins are both highly toxic to dogs. They cause rapid kidney damage, up to possible kidney failure. Even the smallest number of grapes or raisins can ultimately lead to death. Scientists are unsure of the exact chemical compound in grapes that causes them to be so toxic, but they believe it could be one of the acids found in grapes that dogs cannot metabolize properly. The beginning symptoms to watch for are vomiting, diarrhea, and fatigue. The signs of kidney damage include increased thirst and decreased urination.

5. Alcohol and Yeast Dough – It may go without needing explanation, but alcohol is a no-no when it comes to our furry friends. Alcohol poisoning symptoms include tiredness, depression, lack of muscle coordination, low body temperature, poor breathing, vomiting, and diarrhea. Another method of alcohol poisoning would be if a dog ingests raw yeast dough or rotten fruits, as these ferment in the gut causing the same symptoms as ingesting regular alcohol.

6. Onions and Garlic – Onions and garlic are both a part of the Allium family. Some other foods that are included in the Allium family include shallots, leeks, and chives. The compound N-propyl sulfide in these foods is what attacks the healthy red blood cells causing anemia. It’s best to steer clear of these foods entirely and foods that may contain them as well.

7. Caffeine – Caffeine is a stimulant and while some of us humans may not be able to live without it, our pups cannot handle the increased heart rate and ramped up nervous system it causes. This can cause abnormal heart rhythms and high blood pressure which can be detrimental to our pup’s health.

8. Cooked Bones and Rawhides – Cooked bones are not directly toxic to dogs however, they come with a slew of concerns. Cooked bones can splinter in the throat and stomach which can cause internal bleeding, which can be fatal. Rawhides are very hard for your pup to digest and can sit and somewhat rot in the stomach. Bones and rawhides both can cause blockages and even rupture the gut wall, making your dog go septic so both should be avoided as treats when possible.

Human food is a fun and special reward for your pup and while these aren’t all the foods that could be harmful to your pup, this is a good basic list to abide by. Do not hesitate to do all the research before providing your pet with food you are unsure of and when in doubt, speak with your veterinarian. If you believe your pup may have eaten food that could be toxic to them, reach out to your veterinarian as soon as possible to see how they feel you should proceed. Often, vets can provide life saving techniques and advice to help your dog after ingesting a toxin so they should always be your first point of contact.