Ever seen your dog’s pleading eyes and thought, ‘Just one bite won’t hurt’? Think again!
When it comes to our dogs, we’d do anything to keep them safe. But did you know that foods we eat daily could actually be life-threatening to them? From chocolate to grapes, some of the most common foods that seem harmless to us can actually are pose severe risks to dogs. So, before you let them have a taste, it’s essential to understand which food you should never feed your dog and why.
Why is it important to know what foods are harmful to dogs?
Understanding which foods are harmful to dogs is critical to safeguarding their health and well-being. Dogs have different digestive systems and metabolisms than humans, thus many foods are toxic or deadly to them.
Being aware of dangerous people foods for dogs helps prevent accidental intake and potential health risks like poisoning, organ damage, digestive disorders, and even life-threatening illnesses. Many foods that are safe for humans can be poisonous to dogs and cause vomiting, diarrhea, or worse if ingested. By understanding which foods your dog should never eat, pet owners may protect their dogs’ health, limit the chance of emergencies, and provide food that is safe for dogs.
Now as you read further, in this guide, you’ll explore toxic human foods that should be strictly off-limits to your pup, breaking down the health threats they pose and how to recognize signs of trouble. And if your dog ever sneaks a bite when you’re not looking, don’t worry—we’ll also cover what to do next to keep them safe.
Common Human Foods That Dog Should Never Eat
1. Chocolate
Chocolate, especially baking and dark chocolate, contains two compounds, theobromine and caffeine, that are toxic to dogs. Unlike humans, dogs can’t metabolize theobromine effectively, leading to overstimulation of their nervous and cardiovascular systems. Signs of chocolate toxicity include restlessness, rapid breathing, muscle tremors, vomiting, and seizures. In severe cases, ingestion of chocolate can result in heart failure or death. It’s crucial to never allow your dog to eat chocolate, even small amounts can pose a significant risk.
2. Grapes and Raisins
Grapes and raisins, even in small amounts, can cause acute kidney failure in dogs. The exact substance causing the toxicity is unknown, but the effects can be life-threatening. Symptoms may take hours to develop but usually cause barfing, loose stools, loss of appetite, and lethargy. As the condition progresses, kidney function deteriorates, leading to increased thirst, urination, or complete shutdown of kidney function, which can be fatal.
3. Onions and Garlic
Onions, garlic, leeks, and chives belong to the allium family, which contains compounds that damage red blood cells in dogs. This leads to hemolytic anemia, a condition where the body can’t carry enough oxygen to vital organs. Symptoms may appear a few days after consumption and include vomiting, abdominal pain, weakness, pale gums, and an elevated heart rate. Raw, cooked, or powdered forms are all dangerous, so be cautious with any seasoning that may contain these ingredients.
4. Avocado
Avocado contains a toxin called persin, which is dangerous for dogs. Persin is present in the fruit, pit, skin, and leaves of the avocado plant. While a small amount of avocado flesh might not be highly toxic, the pit poses a significant risk. If swallowed, the pit can cause blockages in a dog’s digestive tract, and symptoms include barfing, diarrhea, and abdominal discomfort. In severe cases, persin poisoning can lead to fluid accumulation around the heart.
5. Alcohol
Alcohol, particularly even in little amounts, is highly dangerous to dogs. Dogs absorb alcohol more quickly than humans, which can lead to symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, coordination problems, depression, and difficulty breathing. Severe alcohol poisoning can cause coma or even be fatal. Alcohol is also present in fermented foods, so it’s essential to keep these items out of your dog’s reach.
6. Caffeine
Caffeine, found in coffee, tea, energy drinks, and certain medications, is a stimulant that can have severe effects on dogs. Symptoms of caffeine poisoning include restlessness, rapid breathing, heart palpitations, muscle tremors, and, in severe cases, death. Unlike humans, dogs are much more sensitive to caffeine, and even small amounts can cause toxicity, making it crucial to keep caffeinated items out of reach.
7. Macadamia Nuts
Macadamia nuts contain an unknown toxin that can cause weakness, barfing, tremors, and hyperthermia in dogs. Symptoms often appear within 12 hours of ingestion and may include difficulty walking, lethargy, and joint stiffness. Although symptoms usually resolve within 48 hours, they can be very distressing for the dog and may require medical attention if severe.
Read More: What are the 10 Healthiest Human Foods That Dog Can Eat?
8. Bones (Especially Cooked Bones)
Cooked bones, such as chicken or beef bones, can splinter into sharp pieces when chewed, posing a risk of puncturing or blocking a dog’s digestive tract. These splinters can also get stuck in the throat or mouth, causing choking or painful injuries. While raw bones are generally safer, it’s still advisable to supervise your dog while chewing any type of bone to avoid accidents.
9. Yeast Dough
Uncooked yeast dough poses two risks for dogs. First, the dough can expand in the warm, moist environment of the dog’s stomach, causing painful bloating and potential rupture. Second, as the dough ferments, it produces alcohol, which can lead to alcohol poisoning. Symptoms of ingestion include barfing, bloating, and disorientation, which can escalate to more severe complications.
10. Xylitol (Artificial Sweetener)
Xylitol, a common artificial sweetener found in sugar-free gum, candies, and some baked goods, is extremely toxic to dogs. It triggers a rapid insulin release, which causes a severe drop in blood sugar (hypoglycemia), leading to symptoms like weakness, puking, seizures, and, if untreated, death. Xylitol can also cause liver failure in dogs, making it one of the most dangerous food ingredients for pets.
11. Milk and Dairy Products
While dairy products aren’t strictly toxic, many dogs are lactose intolerant, which means they lack the enzyme necessary to properly digest lactose. Consuming milk, cheese, or ice cream can lead to digestive issues, such as stomach cramps, diarrhea, and bloating. Over time, regular consumption can also contribute to skin allergies and gastrointestinal problems.
12. Raw Eggs
Raw eggs can include bacteria such as Salmonella and E. coli, which are harmful to dogs as well as humans. Additionally, raw eggs contain avidin, an enzyme that interferes with the absorption of biotin, a B vitamin essential for skin and coat health. Feeding raw eggs can cause deficiencies over time and increase the risk of bacterial infections.
13. Raw Meat and Fish
Raw meat and fish can carry harmful bacteria and parasites that may cause foodborne illnesses in dogs. Salmon and other freshwater fish, for example, may contain a parasite that leads to “salmon poisoning disease,” which can be fatal if untreated. Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, fever, and lethargy. Always cook fish and meat thoroughly to reduce these risks.
Also Read: What are the 10 Best Raw Foods Diet for Dogs?
14. Salt and Salty Foods
Salt can lead to sodium ion poisoning in dogs, especially if they consume a large amount at once. Signs of salt poisoning include puking, diarrhea, extreme thirst, and urination. In severe cases, high sodium levels can lead to tremors, seizures, coma, and even death. Processed foods like chips, pretzels, and salty snacks are best avoided.
15. Candy and Sweets
Sugary treats aren’t toxic in small amounts but can contribute to obesity, diabetes, and dental problems if fed regularly. Additionally, some candies contain xylitol, a toxic artificial sweetener, so it’s best to keep all candies and sweets away from your dog.
16. Citrus Fruits
The peels, seeds, and leaves of citrus fruits contain essential oils and citric acid that can irritate a dog’s stomach and potentially make your dog sick. While small amounts may only cause mild symptoms, larger quantities can lead to central nervous system depression, resulting in tremors or loss of coordination. Always keep citrus fruits out of reach.
17. Spicy Foods
Dogs can’t tolerate spices the way humans can. Spicy foods can cause severe gastrointestinal irritation, leading to stomach pain, diarrhea, and puking. Some spices may even damage the digestive tract lining, making them particularly harmful for your dog.
18. Cherries
Cherries contain cyanide in their pits, stems, and leaves. Cyanide blocks cells from absorbing oxygen, leading to symptoms such as difficulty breathing, bright red gums, and, in severe cases, death. The fruit itself can be harmful if the pit is ingested, making it best to avoid cherries entirely.
19. Tomatoes (Unripe)
Unripe tomatoes and green parts of the tomato plant contain solanine, a toxic compound that can lead to gastrointestinal distress, lethargy, and muscle weakness in dogs. Ripe tomatoes are generally safer but should still be given sparingly to avoid potential digestive issues.
20. Apple Seeds
Apple seeds contain cyanide, which, if ingested frequently, can accumulate in a dog’s body and lead to cyanide poisoning. Symptoms include difficulty breathing, dilated pupils, and gastrointestinal issues. Remove the seeds and core if you want to share an apple with your dog.
What to Do if Your Dog Eats Something They Shouldn’t
Even with careful monitoring, accidents can happen. Here’s what to do if you think your dog has eaten something toxic:
1. Identify the Food and Quantity Consumed
First, determine what your dog ate and how much. Some foods are only dangerous in larger quantities, so knowing the amount can help your veterinarian assess the severity.
2. Contact Your Veterinarian
If you suspect your dog has ingested any of these toxic foods, contact your vet immediately. Describe the symptoms, the type of food consumed, and the estimated quantity. Your vet may provide instructions over the phone or advise you to bring your dog in for immediate treatment.
3. Induce Vomiting (If Advised)
In some cases, your vet may advise inducing vomiting to remove the toxic substance from your dog’s stomach. However, this should only be done under veterinary guidance, as inducing vomiting can sometimes do more harm than good, depending on the food ingested.
4. Monitor for Symptoms
Even if your dog appears normal, monitor them closely for any signs of illness, such as vomiting, runny stools, lethargy, excessive drooling, or changes in behavior. Some toxins may take time to affect your dog’s system, so watch for delayed symptoms.
5. Consider a Pet Poison Helpline
If you cannot reach your veterinarian, consider contacting a pet poison control hotline. These services offer 24/7 assistance and can guide you on the next steps based on the specific food and symptoms involved.
Avoid Toxic Food: Feed Your Dog Safe!
While it can be tempting to share your favorite foods with your dog, it’s crucial to remember that some human foods can be harmful or even life-threatening to our canine companions. By being aware of the potential dangers of certain foods and sticking to a balanced and appropriate diet for your dog, you can help keep them safe, healthy, and happy. Always give your dog the healthiest human food, and when in doubt about which people food to avoid feeding, always consult with your veterinarian before introducing new items into your dog’s diet.
