You might be surprised to know that the foods that are healthy for humans, these foods dogs shouldn’t eat. Because dogs’ metabolism and digestion are relatively sensitive than humans. Understanding the foods dogs shouldn’t eat will prevent food poisoning in dogs and emergency vet visits.
In this blog, we will let you know in detail about the 20 most toxic dog foods and will highlight the human food dangers for dogs.
Potential Human Food Dangers for Dogs
Food is essential for life, but one food doesn’t suit every man and animal. Humans and dogs have different anatomy and physiology. Remember, one food is highly healthy and nutritious for humans, but somewhat dangerous or even fatal for dogs.
Over and above the commonly known toxic dog foods discussed below, many of the human foods are dangerous for dogs. Therefore, quit the habit of giving your leftover food to your dogs for their safety and good health. Humans and dogs have different metabolic systems, which make some foods useful for humans but not for dogs.
20 Toxic Dog Foods You Must Avoid To Feed Your Pet
Our kitchen and the delicious recipes that make our food tasty and healthy for us but are mostly toxic for our furry friends. The 20 foods mentioned below are toxic to dogs’ health:
Chocolate
Chocolate is the most favorite food among children and adults. But it’s a food dogs shouldn’t eat. Chocolate contains caffeine and theobromine, used for asthma treatment. These compounds impact the dog’s nervous and cardiovascular systems. The potential abnormalities are:
- Thirst and urination than usual
- Vomiting and Diarrhea
- Heartburn
- Hyperactivity
- Elevated heartbeat
If used in large quantities or for long-term use, this can develop serious heart and neurological diseases.
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Onion nag Garlic
Onion, garlic, chives, and leeks are toxic dog foods. Allium family produce is harmful for dogs because they damages red blood cells. The potential problems are:
- Anemia
- Weakness and lethargy
- Pale complexion
- Loss of appetite
Even small amounts consumed daily cause the above problems.
Raisins and Grapes
Raisins and grapes are the foods dogs shouldn’t eat. Some dogs have shown toxicity not all. But pet owners should play it safe regarding their pet’s health. These cause problems like:
- Kidney toxicity
- Less urination
- Urinary Tract Infections (UTI)
These are seemingly innocent fruits, but they are toxic dog foods.
Nuts
Generally, nuts are healthy, but in dogs, they cause neurological issues. The toxic effects are:
- Weakness
- Temperature
- Tremors
- Depression
The symptoms disappear in 24 – 48 hours, but still avoid.
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Alcohol
Alcohol has a depressant effect on both dogs and humans. Even small amounts cause:
- Central nervous disorders
- Digestive issues
- Tipsy feeling
- Addiction
Keep all foods and beverages out of reach of your dogs.
Avocados
The Avocados contain a toxin called ‘persin’ that causes gastrointestinal toxicity in dogs. Persin has a high fat content. The issues with the dogs are:
- Indigestion
- Diarrhea
- Weight gain
Avoid giving your dogs avocados.
Yeast Dough
Yeast is even cooked, expands in the dog’s stomach, and causes bloating and abdominal distress. As yeast fermentation starts, it causes acidity, leading to poisoning.
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Xylitol
It’s a sugar alcohol, used as a sugar substitute and an artificial sweetener. It is highly toxic for dogs. It impacts the insulin sensitivity in dogs and causes:
- Low Blood Sugar
- Lethargy
- Liver toxicity
Caffeine
Beverages like tea, coffee, and other drinks contain caffeine that affects a dog’s central nervous and cardiac systems. Keep caffeine-containing tea bags, coffee grounds, and drinks away from your dogs.
Dairy Products
While not highly toxic, many adult dogs are lactose intolerant. Milk and dairy items cause vomiting, indigestion, and abdominal discomfort. Consult your vet for dog-specific dairy alternatives.
Fatty Foods
Fat-rich foods like bacon, fatty leftovers, fatty meat trimmers, and fried items cause inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis) in dogs. Don’t give fatty scraps from your food to dogs.
Salty Snacks
Excessive salt consumption leads to serious health issues like dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, hypertension, and sodium ion poisoning in dogs. The symptom can lead to:
- Excessive urination
- Diarrhea
- Hypertension
- Hyperacidity
Avoid giving all sorts of salty snacks to your dogs.
Citrus Products
Citrus products and citrus plants contain citric acid. Citrus causes stomach upset, stomach acidity, depression, and, in some cases, urine burning. Avoid giving citrus products daily in high quantities.
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Nuts
Like macadamia nuts, every other kind of nuts are toxic. They are rich in fats and can lead to pancreatitis. The nuts are difficult to chew, and if ingested unchewed or semi-chewed, can cause stomach indigestion and abdominal pain.
Raw Eggs
Eggs are an essential food ingredient for humans. But giving your dogs raw eggs causes salmonellosis, an intestinal infection. The dogs suffer from abdominal pain, fever, and digestive upset.
Raw Meat
Like raw eggs, raw or half-cooked meat contains bacteria like Salmonella, Clostridium, and E. coli. That causes infections resulting in diarrhea, fever, vomiting, and abdominal issues.
Cooked Bones
Raw bones are a safe and special dish for dogs under supervision. But cooked bones become brittle and can break down into sharp pieces when the dog bites them. This, when ingested, causes choking, wounds in the mouth, and deep down throughout the digestive tract.
Mushrooms
Mushrooms are human-friendly food, but not dog-friendly at all. Some mushrooms are not poisonous, but you don’t know which ones are. Avoiding mushrooms for your dogs is advisable.
Raw and Green Potatoes
Potatoes are safe in one way and not safe in another way. Raw and green potatoes are toxic to dogs because of solanine, a toxicogenic compound.
Sugar-Rich Food
Sugar-rich foods are foods dogs shouldn’t eat. Large quantities of sugar cause diabetes, nephrotoxicity, obesity, and dental issues.
Home Take Message
Dog owners must understand which foods dogs shouldn’t eat. Moreover, a general awareness of toxic dog foods and potential human food dangers for dogs, you keep your dog healthy. The list of the above-mentioned 20 toxic dog foods is not exhaustive. It’s not a simple subject, but your vet can make it simple for you and your pup.
