People Foods To Avoid Feeding Your Dog
As dog parents, we love sharing our lives with our furry family members. For many, that may also mean sharing our food with them. As long as the food is healthy or consumable for humans, it should be good for our dogs too, right? Unfortunately, that is not always the case. Although there are plenty of human foods that dogs can handle just fine, there are also many that can lead to severe health issues. Read on to learn more about which foods you should not be so generous with when it comes to sharing with your pup.
8 Foods Dogs Can't Eat
Chocolate
Probably the most documented and well-known food to avoid giving your dog is chocolate. Chocolate contains substances known as methylxanthines, specifically theobromine, which are stimulants that are toxic to dogs. If ingested, methylxanthines can most commonly cause vomiting and diarrhea, but they can also cause muscle tremors, abnormal heart function, seizures, and even death. It is important to note that the darker the chocolate, the more theobromine concentration and hence the more dangerous to your dog.
Grapes & Raisins
Though there is still ongoing research as to why grapes and raisins are toxic to dogs, it is known that no amount of either is safe for dogs to consume. Grape & raisin consumption is linked with kidney damage, and can result in kidney failure and even death. If your dog eats even just one or two raisins or grapes, it is recommended to induce vomiting & contact your vet as soon as you can.
Avocado
Avocados contain a substance called persin, which is an oil-soluble fungicide that can cause health problems in dogs. Persin is found in the leaves, bark, seeds, skin and pits of avocados, making no parts of this delicious fruit safe for your dog. In large amounts, avocados can cause vomiting & diarrhea in dogs. The large seed found in avocados presents additional danger, as it can quickly become a choking hazard or cause obstruction in your dog's stomach or intestines if swallowed.
Ice Cream
Although it has become quite popular for ice cream & coffee shops to give "pup cups" to your dog, it is probably best to avoid this sweet treat. Many dogs are unable to break down the lactose in milk as easily as humans do, which can lead to digestive problems such as diarrhea. Ice cream also contains large amounts of sugar, which should also be avoided by dogs.
Onions, Garlic & Chives
Regardless of form, whether it be raw, cooked, powdered, or dried, these foods are toxic to dogs. In addition to gastrointestinal irritation, consuming these vegetables and herbs can lead to red blood cell damage and anemia in dogs. If your dog happens to consumer any of these foods, it is recommended to monitor them for a few days as symptoms of poisoning may be delayed.
Macadamia Nuts
Macadamia nuts should never be fed to your dog. Macadamia nuts can often be found in foods such as trail mix, cookies and baked goods. Extra caution should be taken if any of these foods are often left around the house. Even a small amount can cause poisoning in your dog. Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, fever, and lethargy. They can also affect your dog's nervous system with symptoms like weakness and tremors.
Raw Eggs
Raw eggs, as with most other raw or undercooked foods, can cause food poisoning in dogs. Bacteria such as salmonella or E. coli can be harmful to dogs, just as they are to humans. Consuming raw eggs can also lead to a biotin deficiency. Cooked eggs, however, can be a great source of protein and a tasty treat for dogs, just be sure they are thoroughly scrambled or hard boiled prior to feeding.
Xylitol (Artificial Sweetener)
Often found in baked goods, candy, diet foods & some peanut butters, this sugar alcohol can cause the release of insulin in dogs. This can lead to lower blood sugar levels and potentially liver failure. Early warning signs are vomiting, lethargy, and reduced coordination. Make sure to thoroughly check the label the next time you give your dog peanut butter!
Sources:
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/nutrition/human-foods-dogs-can-and-cant-eat/
https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/people-foods-avoid-feeding-your-pets
https://www.battersea.org.uk/pet-advice/dog-care-advice/toxic-food-dogs
https://animals.howstuffworks.com/pets/no-chocolate-no-avocado-10-foods-dogs-cant-eat.htm
https://pets.webmd.com/dogs/ss/slideshow-foods-your-dog-should-never-eat