Dogs are like members of the family, and we love to spoil them with tasty treats. However, not all foods are safe for our furry friends. In fact, some foods can be downright dangerous!
In this article, we will discuss 13 of the most dangerous foods your dog should never eat. Be sure to keep these foods out of reach of your dog – and consult your veterinarian if you have any questions about what is safe for your pet!
Dangerous Foods That Your Dog Shouldn’t Eat
Dogs are animals that don’t need much more than meat in their diet. They can glean some beneficial nutrients from fruits and vegetables, though. You need to be selective about what you feed them and take special care to ensure that the food isn’t dangerous.
#1 – Alcohol
Just like in people, alcohol consumption can be very dangerous for dogs. In fact, it can even be deadly. Dogs who consume alcohol can experience vomiting, diarrhea, central nervous system depression, tremors, difficulty breathing, and even coma. If you suspect your dog has consumed alcohol, contact your veterinarian immediately.
#2 – Avocado
Avocados contain a substance called persin, which is toxic to dogs. Persin can cause vomiting and diarrhea in dogs, and in severe cases, it can even be fatal. The avocado pits also pose a choking hazard to dogs.
#3 – Chocolate
Chocolate contains a substance called theobromine, which is poisonous to dogs. Theobromine can cause vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, seizures, and even heart failure in dogs. Dark chocolate is the most dangerous because it contains the highest percentage of cacao, along with baking chocolate. Even white chocolate, which has the lowest level of methylxanthines, shouldn’t be fed to your dog.
#4 – Caffeine
Caffeine is found in coffee, tea, soda, and energy drinks. It’s also present in some foods and supplements. Caffeine can be harmful to dogs because it speeds up their heart rate and can cause restlessness, panting, and shaking. In severe cases, caffeine intoxication can lead to death.
#5 – Candy and Gum
Candy and gum often contain xylitol, a sugar alcohol that’s safe for humans but toxic to dogs. Xylitol can cause a drop in blood sugar and subsequent loss of coordination. It can also lead to liver failure.
#6 – Grapes and Raisins
Grapes and raisins can cause kidney failure in dogs. The exact compound that’s responsible for this is unknown, and even a small amount can be toxic.
#7 – Onions and Garlic
Onions and garlic contain thiosulfate, which can damage a dog’s red blood cells and lead to anemia. Both onions and garlic are particularly dangerous in powdered forms, such as in some seasonings.
#8 – Citrus Fruit
You might have seen the videos of someone trying to feed their dog a lemon. While funny and entertaining, it is not the best choice for the continued health of your pup. The citric acid in citrus fruit can cause stomach upset in dogs. The oils in the peel can also irritate your dog’s skin.
#9 – Raw Eggs
Raw eggs may contain bacteria that can cause food poisoning, such as salmonella. They also contain an enzyme that inhibits biotin absorption, which is a vitamin essential for your dog’s health.
#10 – Macadamia Nuts
Macadamia nuts are commonly used in cookies and other desserts. They are also found in some pet foods. However, they can be toxic to dogs. Signs of macadamia nut toxicity include weakness, vomiting, tremors, and fever. If your dog has eaten any food containing macadamia nuts, call your veterinarian immediately.
#11 – Dairy Products
Dairy products can cause diarrhea and other digestive problems in dogs. They may also contain lactose, which is a sugar that some dogs cannot digest. If your dog has trouble digesting lactose, he may experience gas, bloating, and vomiting.
#12 – High-Sodium Foods
Many of our snacks nowadays are loaded with salt. However, a large amount of salt is not a healthy thing for your dog to ingest. It leads to excessive thirst and urination, much like in humans. Too much salt can lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances in dogs. Signs of salt poisoning include vomiting, diarrhea, increased thirst, lethargy, and seizures.
#13 – Xylitol
Xylitol is a sugar alcohol that is commonly used as a sweetener in many foods. It can be found in gum, candy, baked goods, and some peanut butter brands. Xylitol is also becoming increasingly popular as a sugar substitute in general. While it may be safe for humans, xylitol is extremely poisonous to dogs.
Conclusion
So, what should you do if your dog has eaten some dangerous foods? If you are seeing any of the following symptoms, please call your veterinarian or an animal poison control center immediately: vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, drooling excessively, seizures, and difficulty breathing. Remember that even a small amount of some foods can be deadly for dogs, so it’s always better to be safe than sorry.
Be sure to keep these 13 most dangerous foods away from your pup and enjoy a happy and healthy relationship together! Have you ever accidentally given your dog harmful food? What happened? Let us know in the comments below.
