What foods can’t dogs eat? – 4.6 million dog owners and 2.5 million cat owners believe their pet fell ill after consuming something poisonous last year
On average vets treat 323 dogs and 56 cats for poisoning every day !
We’ll show you a list of common foods and treats found in your kitchen that are good for your dog, plus a list of what foods they can’t (Some of these will shock you!)
We will also look at the warning signals and symptoms to be on the look out for if they consume any of these items, as well as the best course of action to take!
When it comes to grabbing tasty treats, dogs can be opportunists, but not every food and drink is safe for them. Find out which 18 items that are found in your kitchen are particularly dangerous for your dog!
Table of Contents
Let's start with the safe ones first!
Apples
Apple slices are a good source of nutrition for your dog, and they can aid in the maintenance of clean teeth and fresh breath.
The core of the apple and apple seeds, on the other hand, can be harmful to dogs.
Apple seeds contain a trace amount of cyanide that is released when they are crushed or chewed.
It’s unlikely that your dog will eat enough apple seeds to cause permanent damage, but they can be harmful if consumed in large amounts.
VIDEO: Common foods that are fatal for your dog
Bread
Plain bread (with no spices and definitely no raisins) won’t harm your dog, but it won’t offer any health advantages either. It has no nutritional value and is incredibly high in carbohydrates and calories.
Bananas
In moderation, cut bananas into little pieces because they provide little nutritional value. Bananas that have been peeled are best for dogs, but if he devours one whole, don’t be concerned; banana peels aren’t poisonous to dogs.
That isn’t to say that eating a whole banana will make your dog sick or produce diarrhea, rather it just won’t provide him with many nutrients.
Bananas contain some B-complex vitamins, but they aren’t very nutritionally valuable to dogs because the outer peel typically isn’t eaten.
Magnesium is the only mineral bananas contain in any substantial quantity, otherwise, they are devoid of significant nutritional value for dogs.
Carrots
Carrots, whether raw or cooked, are fine and nutritious for your dog. However, to prevent choking, cut the carrots into bite-sized pieces. Carrots are a good low-calorie snack that is high in fiber and beta-carotene, which gives vitamin A.
Furthermore, crunching on this orange vegetable is beneficial to your dog’s teeth.
Cheese
Too much cheese can cause stomach pains and diarrhea.Blue cheeses and any which contain garlic, onion, or herbs should be avoided.
According to the ASPCA, “because pets do not possess significant amounts of lactase (the enzyme that breaks down lactose in milk), milk and other dairy-based products cause them diarrhea or other digestive upset.”
The takeaway: Don’t give your dog cheese as part of their regular meal plan or as a frequent treat
Eggs
They are perfectly safe for dogs as long as they are fully cooked. Eggs that have been cooked may be a great source of protein and help with upset stomach.
Raw egg white consumption, on the other hand, can lead to biotin deficiency, so make sure to cook the eggs completely before offering them to your pet.
Cashews
Cashews are fine for dogs, although only a few at a time should be fed. They include calcium, magnesium, antioxidants, and proteins, but too many of them might promote weight gain and other fat-related diseases.
Fish
Provides your dog with a healthy boost, thanks to its high amount of good fats and amino acids. Salmon and sardines are excellent for this — salmon because it’s high in vitamins and protein, and sardines because they have soft, breakable bones for extra calcium.
Except for sardines, make sure to remove all the tiny bones, and never feed your dog uncooked or undercooked fish
Ham
Ham is fine for dogs to eat, but it isn’t the healthiest thing for them. Ham is made from the hind leg of a pig, it has as much protein as other meat, such as beef and chicken, but ham also has high levels of fat and sodium (a type of salt).
When dogs eat too much salt and fat, they can get sick. Eating lots of fatty or salty food might make a dog feel thirsty, so he drinks more water.
Honey
Honey is high in calcium, magnesium, potassium, copper, antioxidants, and vitamins A, B complex (riboflavin), C (thiamine), D (calcium), E (glucosamine sulfate), and K.
Honey can help with allergies by providing tiny amounts of pollen to their systems over time so that their immunities increase. At the very least it can improve digestion, which in turn helps their skin flush out impurities and toxins better.
Check out our article on Dog Allergies and Symptoms for more information.
Milk
Take precautions. Some dogs are lactose-intolerant, which means they don’t digest milk well. While it is acceptable for dogs to have a small amount of milk, owners should be aware of the symptoms of lactose intolerance and might want to stick to giving their dogs water.
Oranges
Of course, small amounts are acceptable; however, the peel and seeds should be removed. Dogs should not consume the orange peel, white film on the fruit flesh, or other plant part.
It’s critical to eliminate all signs of skin, pith, and seeds since they might contain poisonous compounds.
Peanut butter
Dogs can consume peanut butter. Peanut butter is high in protein and may be beneficial to dogs. It includes heart-healthy fats, vitamin B and E, and niacin.
Raw, unsalted peanut butter is the healthiest option. Check the label to verify that the peanut butter does not contain xylitol, a sugar substitute that can be highly toxic to dogs. Make sure your dog does not consume large amounts of peanut butter at one time.
Give him two tablespoons (30 ml) of peanut butter per day. Too much of this natural product will upset his stomach.
Pineapple
A little amount of pineapple is safe for dogs to consume, but don’t give them too much.
A dog’s digestive system is similar to that of a human’s. The delicate inner fruit is the only part that is safe for your pet to eat. As a result, before offering the fruit, you must remove the sharp skin and hard internal structures to avoid choking.
Pork
Pork can be consumed by dogs. Pork is a readily digested source of protein that is high in amino acids and calories, and it contains more calories per pound than other meats. However, other proteins are preferable for dogs with liver issues.
Strawberries
Strawberries are nutritious for dogs. However, like with any other food, serve strawberries to your dog in moderation. Keep the amount small.
“Treats you feed your dog should make up no more than 10% of his daily calories.” Strawberries have high water content, fiber, vitamin C, and tooth-whitening enzymes as well as antioxidants.
As with any new food introduce them slowly so your dog doesn’t get an upset stomach, diarrhea, or vomiting.
Turkey
Turkey is good for dogs, but be careful to remove all of the fat and skin from the meat.
Check for any bones; splintering poultry bones can obstruct or even rupture the intestines. Meat with too much salt, spices, onions, or garlic should not be given.
Yoghurt
Yogurt is a wonderful treat for dogs. However, some dogs may have difficulty digesting dairy products.
If your dog can tolerate it, the live bacteria in yogurt might help strengthen his or her digestive tract with probiotics.
Plain yogurt is the greatest option. Avoid yogurts that contain added sugar and those that are sweetened with artificial ingredients.
Foods that are highly toxic to dogs include
People often make the mistake of thinking that people food is okay for pets. Sometimes it is, and sometimes it is not. Here are some foods to avoid giving to your pets at all costs!
Alcohol
As with people, alcohol consumption has the potential to affect dogs’ livers and brains.
Alcoholic beverages are frequently liked by dogs, but they have the potential to cause fatal intoxication, so pay attention to the following symptoms: ataxia, excitability, depression, and eventually slow breathing rate, which can lead to cardiac arrest and even death.
Avocado
Avocado leaves, fruit seeds, and bark are high in a poisonous chemical called persin (Guatemalan strains are the most harmful).
Although dogs are unlikely to become poisoned by Persin, it’s still wise to avoid the danger. And because avocado can also induce stomach upsets, it’s a good idea to avoid feeding pets any part of the fruit.
Signs to look for include, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Chocolate
Chocolate is harmful to dogs, since it includes THEOBROMINE, a cardiac stimulant and diuretic ingredient.
Dark chocolate is the most poisonous form; clinical symptoms include restlessness, increased drinking, urination, vomiting, diarrhea, accelerated heart rate, arrhythmia, seizures, and in severe cases death can occur.
Corn on the cob
If your dog eats corn on the cob, it may be deadly. Although dogs can break down corn, the cob might obstruct their intestines. If this happens, your dog can get severe constipation. The cob may also cause stomach pain, vomiting, dehydration and shock that can lead to death.
Donuts
There are several reasons why donuts should not be fed to a dog.
The most significant reason is that eating donuts is detrimental to their health. A dog’s body isn’t capable of processing the sweet, sugary components in a donut the way humans can, too much sugar can lead to pancreatitis.
Donuts contain substances that are harmful for dogs when consumed in large amounts. Chocolate is one of the biggest triggers for dog poisoning.
The same goes for other sweet, sugary foods. Donuts also contain ingredients that are dangerous to dogs, such as salt and frying oil.
For these reasons, it is important to keep donuts out of your dog’s reach, even if they beg you with their big puppy eyes!
Donuts have no nutritional value for dogs. Since dogs need fewer calories than humans to be healthy, feeding them donuts can cause weight problems too.
Cooked bones
Giving your dog a raw, unprocessed bone to chew on is fantastic, but avoid cooked bones at all costs. These might easily splinter and cause perforation of the gut, which can be deadly.
Dairy foods
Although dairy products, such as milk, cheese, and plain yogurt, are acceptable in tiny amounts for dogs, eating too much dairy might cause stomach issues.
This is due to the fact that dogs have minimal lactase activity, a digestive enzyme that breaks down the sugars in milk. Dairy products can induce diarrhea and other digestive issues as well as allergic responses in some dogs.
If a dog consumes a large amount of lactose-rich dairy products, he might experience vomiting and diarrhea as well as an overall feeling of discomfort. In some cases, it can even lead to more serious conditions such as pancreatitis or canine diabetes.
Fatty foods
The most common cause of severe stomach upset and sometimes pancreatitis is a fatty meal, such as bacon or even gravy, which can be fatal in some pets and is generally caused by a high-fat dinner!
Pancreatitis is more common in certain breeds, particularly the Miniature Schnauzer.
Macadamia nuts
Macadamia nuts have an unknown toxin that can affect dogs’ digestive and neurological systems, as well as their muscles. A small amount of nuts and macadamia nut butter can also induce this.
“The mechanism of toxicity is unknown, but high doses can induce significant clinical signs in sensitive dogs within 12 hours and mortality in 24 hours,” said veterinarian Dr. Carol Foil.
Macadamia nuts are typically prohibited in dog diets because of the danger of vomiting, ataxia, weakness, hyperthermia, and severe muscle pain.”
Moldy or spoilt food
Moldy food including, bread, peanuts, and dairy products can all contain tremorgenic mycotoxins, which might make your dog sick. Vomiting and diarrhea are two of the most common symptoms.
These signs can persist for days but generally go away after 24 to 48 hours with invasive veterinary care.
Onion / garlic / chives
Onions are harmful to dogs because they contain a poisonous component known as thiosulphate, which can cause anemia, and even one small onion can do it!
Once the dogs have stopped eating the onions, they recover.
Illness does not always manifest itself immediately and can take up to a few days to appear.
Raisins & grapes
Even as few as six grapes and raisins can induce acute kidney failure in some dogs, the hazardous chemical is unknown and there is no known therapy.
They’re extremely harmful to dogs and can result in major problems, including sudden kidney failure. Even a single grape can elicit a severe allergic response in your dog, so keep those grape arbours off his plate!
People should not panic, as it is highly unlikely that your dog will eat grapes or raisins. However, dogs are curious creatures and they can get into things you’d never expect them to be in.
With the onset of autumn, more dogs may encounter grapes and raisins than in other seasons. Without getting into a nationwide search, the only way to ensure that none of these dangerous fruits are available to your dog is to store grapes along with other toxic foods in places where you know Fido never goes.
Contact Animal Poison Control immediately if you think your pet has ingested any grape or raisin material. If possible, take a sample of the grapes to the veterinarian. Do not wait to see if symptoms develop, as this can be deadly.
The signs associated with grape and raisin toxicity include severe vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, hyperventilation (the dog breathes fast but does not get enough oxygen), weakness, anemia (low red blood cell count), and kidney failure.
Sweets
Sweets are harmful to dogs because of the sugar. However, you may not be aware that xylitol, a common sweetener, is very poisonous to dogs.
Xylitol can cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), seizures, liver damage or even death in dogs when consumed in tiny quantities.
If you suspect your dog ingested xylitol, contact your veterinarian and/or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center immediately.
Xylitol poisoning is a potentially life-threatening condition. Even if you aren’t sure whether or not your pet ate it, call for advice; veterinarians will discuss possible treatments and perform blood sugar level tests on the animal.
Yeast / uncooked bread
A quantity of yeast or uncooked bread will cause your dog’s stomach to expand, resulting in severe gastrointestinal discomfort, including vomiting and diarrhea, bloating, and indications of alcohol poisoning.
Xylitol
Xylitol is an artificial sweetener that can be found in sugar-free beverages such as sodas, chewing gum, and dietetic products. (Some peanut butter might also contain this, so double-check the label before offering as a treat.)
If your dog consumes one of these sweetened meals, he or she may develop hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar.
When your dog eats xylitol, the body releases insulin to metabolize it. But this causes a drop in blood sugar levels, which can be serious if not treated immediately. At first your dog may show no signs of being affected by the sweetener, indicating that he has developed some tolerance to it.
But if xylitol is eaten frequently, your dog’s body will become less capable of metabolizing it without dropping blood sugar levels.
Signs that your dog may be affected by xylitol poisoning include shaky or wobbly movement, vomiting, lethargy, loss of coordination and becoming unresponsive.
If you note these symptoms after your dog has eaten an artificial sweetener, bring him to the vet immediately.
Apricots, peaches & plums
The stems and leaves of the plant are poisonous, containing a cyanide-like compound. Toxicity is signaled by fear, widened pupils, difficulty breathing, hyperventilation, and shock. It’s the seeds and stem that contain the poison, not the fruit.
Potato peelings & green potatoes
The chemicals in the plants, including solanine and other noxious alkaloids, can cause: drooling, severe gastrointestinal distress, such as vomiting and diarrhea, drowsiness, mental clouding, depression, confusion, behavioral changes, dilated pupils, and slowed heart rate if eaten in significant amounts.
Tomato leaves & stems
Because of the presence of solanine in the green leaves of the tomato plant, they are poisonous. It has the potential to cause significant gastrointestinal and central nervous system problems.
WHAT SHOULD I DO IF MY DOG HAS EATEN ANY OF THESE?
Fast action may be able to save your dog’s life. If your dog has eaten anything dangerous, contact your veterinarian immediately for an emergency appointment.
Do not wait to see whether a problem develops; if left untreated, your dog could become seriously ill or even die, or Contact Animal Poison Control on (888) 426-4435 immediately.
What is the most important supplement to give your dog?
Did you know that a dog’s gut health has a significant influence on its overall health?
A recent scientific study reports that 70% to 80% of all illness begins in the gastrointestinal tract, and the majority of dogs are enzyme deficient as a result of being fed almost entirely on processed food!
Discover why this supplement is essential for your dog’s immune system and overall health-Full Bucket’s Probiotic supplements.
References:
- ncbi.nim.nih.gov
- vcahospitals.com
- vetspecialist.com
- pdsa.org
- todaysveterinarypractice.com
