What Can’t Dogs Eat? – 12 Popular Human Foods to Avoid
We love to feed our beloved pets treats as rewards, but it’s important to ensure that those are safe for them to eat. Although this list isn’t complete, here are 12 common human foods that can be toxic to dogs or may be difficult for them to digest.
1) Chocolate
Chocolate is one of the most common food items that are dangerous for dogs to consume. Dogs react to the stimulants in chocolate, such as caffeine and theobromine, differently than humans do. Human bodies process and eliminate these chemicals more slowly, allowing us to eat chocolate in moderation without any adverse side effects. Dogs, however, are more sensitive to these substances and, even in small amounts, chocolate can lead to a variety of medical conditions, such as gastrointestinal upset, organ failure, and death.
2) Onions, Garlic, and Other Alliums
Onion and garlic, as well as chives, shallots, and leeks, are all part of the allium family of vegetables. Although these aren’t toxic in the same way that chocolate is, these foods can damage your pup’s red blood cells, leading to anemia.
3) Grapes and Raisins
The exact substance that makes grapes and raisins toxic to dogs is unknown, but these small fruits can cause kidneys to shut down, resulting in life-threatening issues. Though some dogs consume large amounts of grapes or raisins without any ill effects, it’s not recommended to feed your pup any amount of these fruits.
4) Avocado
The flesh and pit of the avocado contain persin, a fungicidal toxin that can cause gastrointestinal upset, heart congestion, and respiratory distress for dogs. So, it’s best to avoid feeding avocados to your pup.
5) Xylitol
This common sugar substitute can be found in sugar-free gum, candy, baked goods, and even in some brands of peanut butter. Though xylitol is safe for humans, it can lead to a rapid drop in blood sugar levels, liver failure, and death in dogs.
6) Alcohol
It’s not just beer you have to watch out for; alcohol can be found in a variety of unexpected places, such as fermented fruits and bread dough. Just a small amount of alcohol can cause vomiting, diarrhea, coordination issues, difficulty breathing, coma, and death in dogs.
7) Coffee, Tea, and Other Caffeine
Caffeine, as mentioned earlier, is extremely toxic to dogs. Caffeine can be found not just in coffee and tea, but in energy drinks, soda, and even cocoa. The same stimulant properties that cause cocoa to be toxic for dogs make caffeine incredibly dangerous for them.
8) Nuts
Nuts are undoubtedly a tasty snack, but some of them can be dangerous for your pup. Macadamia nuts, in particular, can be extremely toxic and cause panting, trembling, muscle weakness, and additional issues. Walnuts, pecans, and other nuts are usually higher in fat than other snacks, which can create digestive problems if eaten in large amounts.
9) Raw Eggs
Raw eggs contain a bacterial protein called avidin, which can reduce biotin levels in your pup. Biotin is essential for healthy skin and fur, and a deficiency can result in dermatitis and other issues. Raw eggs may also contain a parasite called Salmonella, which can cause extreme gastrointestinal upset. Though cooked eggs are okay for your pup, it’s still important to only feed them eggs in moderation.
10) Milk and Dairy Products
Pups are typically lactose intolerant, so feeding them dairy can lead to indigestion, dehydration, and diarrhea. If you’re looking for a dairy treat for your pup, look for lactose-free options and feed them in moderation.
11) Fat Trimmings and Bones
Fat and bones from pork, poultry, and beef can cause pancreatitis in pups, which can be quite serious. Fat trimmings can also lead to intestinal obstruction, which can require emergency surgery.
12) Salt
Just like us, too much salt can lead to excessive thirst and urination, severe vomiting, diarrhea, and sodium ion poisoning in dogs. So, it’s best to avoid giving your pup salty foods, such as chips and pretzels.
Conclusion
While some of these foods might be staples in your pantry, you should always avoid giving them to your pup – even in moderation. If you think your pup has consumed any of these foods in large amounts, contact your veterinarian right away. Even if your pup only had a few bites, it’s important to call your vet to be sure that there are no threats to your pup’s health.