Johann H
Your dog is hungry. You reach for the dog food bag and find it empty. You start to wonder: What do you feed your pet until that next bag arrives? The urge to share your dinner comes. But is it a good idea? Many human foods are dangerous for pets, and to help you protect your dog, we will share 15 things you should never feed it.
Chocolate
While tempting to share a sweet treat, chocolate is forbidden for dogs. It contains theobromine and caffeine, stimulants that their bodies can’t process effectively. These can induce vomiting, diarrhea, excessive thirst, urination, tremors, hyperactivity, abnormal heart rhythm, seizures, and even death.
Grapes and Raisins
These seemingly innocuous fruits can wreak havoc on a dog’s kidneys. The exact toxin responsible is still unknown, but even small amounts can result in kidney failure. Symptoms include lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, lack of appetite, and excessive thirst.
Macadamia Nuts
Though they are tasty for humans, they remain a nightmare for dogs. Macadamia nuts contain something that can cause weakness, tremors, vomiting, increased body temperature, and ataxia (incoordination). The effects usually appear within 12 hours of ingestion and can be frightening for the dog and the owner.
Avocados
Avocados are a healthy option for humans, but they harbor a hidden danger for dogs: persin. This fungicidal toxin is present in the flesh, pit, and skin of avocados. In dogs, persin can give rise to vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and breathing trouble.
Onions & Garlic
These common kitchen ingredients contain allyl sulfide, a compound that damages dog’s red blood cells, giving rise to anemia. Symptoms may be delayed but include lethargy, weakness, pale gums, rapid heartbeat, and difficulty breathing.
Cooked Bones
For dogs, cooked bones are a choking hazard and can lead to internal injuries. The cooking process makes bones brittle, and they can splinter and pierce the digestive tract. It can catalyze vomiting, diarrhea, and potentially life-threatening blockages.
Fatty Foods
Fatty cuts of meat, fried foods, and processed foods high in fat are a recipe for digestive disaster for dogs. Consuming them can overload the pancreas, leading to pancreatitis, a painful inflammation. Symptoms comprise vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal agony, lethargy, and loss of appetite.
Xylitol
This sugar substitute, found in sugar-free gum, candies, baked goods, and some medications, is hazardous for dogs. Xylitol results in a rapid drop in blood sugar, leading to weakness, disorientation, seizures, and even liver failure. It can be disguised in ingredient lists with terms like “sugar alcohol” or “polyols.”
Dairy Products
Some dogs can tolerate dairy products, but many are lactose intolerant. Lactose, the sugar in milk, can bring about digestive upsets such as gas, diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal cramps. Therefore, it’s best to avoid cow’s milk, cheese, and yogurt altogether or offer lactose-free alternatives.
Alcohol
Even a tiny amount can be highly toxic to dogs. Their bodies can’t metabolize it efficiently, leading to intoxication, respiratory depression, coma, and even death. It manifests as vomiting, diarrhea, incoordination, tremors, seizures, and difficulty breathing.
Coffee & Tea
Coffee, tea, and even some sodas contain caffeine and theophylline, stimulants that can bring about hyperactivity, tremors, abnormal heart rhythm, and death. Coffee grounds can be hazardous due to their concentrated form.
Raw Yeast Dough
The yeast in raw dough rises in the dog’s warm stomach, causing painful bloating and discomfort. It can also lead to a fermentation process that produces alcohol, further worsening the situation. In severe cases, the dough can expand and twist the stomach, requiring emergency surgery.
Salt
While a tiny pinch of salt won’t hurt your dog, large amounts can be detrimental. Too much salt can bring about excessive thirst, urination, and, in severe cases, sodium ion poisoning. This condition can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, seizures, coma, and even death.
Spicy Foods
The capsaicin in chili peppers and other spicy foods is like setting your dog’s digestive system on fire. Capsaicin activates pain receptors throughout the mouth and gastrointestinal tract, causing burning, stomach ache, vomiting, and diarrhea. While typically not life-threatening, they can be distressing.
Moldy or Spoiled Food
This is a gamble you want to avoid taking with your dog’s health. Mold can produce harmful toxins and bacteria that can make your dog sick. Depending on the contaminant, indications of mold or bacteria ingestion may comprise vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, loss of appetite, and abdominal pain.
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