As a veterinarian, I have seen many cases of dogs being brought to the clinic with symptoms of poisoning from consuming human foods. While it may be tempting to share table scraps with our furry friends, it is important to know which foods are toxic to them. In this article, we will discuss 50 common human foods that are toxic to dogs and the symptoms that they may cause.
Chocolate
Chocolate is one of the most well-known foods that are toxic to dogs. It contains caffeine and theobromine, which can cause vomiting, diarrhea, hyperactivity, tremors, seizures, and even death in severe cases.
Grapes and Raisins
Grapes and raisins can cause kidney failure in dogs. Even small amounts can be toxic and can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.
Onions and Garlic
Onions and garlic contain compounds that can damage red blood cells in dogs, leading to anemia. Symptoms of onion and garlic toxicity include weakness, lethargy, pale gums, and collapse.
Avocado
Avocado contains persin, which can cause vomiting and diarrhea in dogs. It can also lead to accumulation of fluid in the chest and abdomen, which can be life-threatening.
Alcohol
Alcohol can cause vomiting, diarrhea, difficulty breathing, tremors, seizures, and even death in dogs. It is important to keep alcoholic beverages out of reach of pets.
Coffee and Tea
Coffee and tea contain caffeine, which can cause restlessness, rapid breathing, heart palpitations, muscle tremors, and seizures in dogs.
Macadamia Nuts
Macadamia nuts can cause lethargy, vomiting, hyperthermia, tremors, and high heart rate in dogs. The exact mechanism of toxicity is unknown.
Xylitol
Xylitol is an artificial sweetener found in many sugar-free gums and candies. It can cause insulin release, leading to hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), vomiting, loss of coordination, seizures, and even liver failure in dogs.
Yeast Dough
Yeast dough can expand in the stomach and cause bloating, abdominal pain, and vomiting in dogs. It can also lead to alcohol poisoning as the dough ferments in the stomach.
Raw or Undercooked Meat and Eggs
Raw or undercooked meat and eggs can contain bacteria like Salmonella and E. coli that can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and even death in dogs.
Milk and Dairy Products
Milk and dairy products can cause diarrhea and other digestive problems in dogs due to their lactose intolerance.
Salt and Salty Snacks
Excess salt can cause excessive thirst and urination, vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, seizures, and even death in dogs. Salty snacks like potato chips and pretzels should be avoided.
Nuts
Nuts like walnuts, pecans, and pistachios can cause vomiting and diarrhea in dogs. In severe cases, they can also cause tremors, seizures, and pancreatitis.
Cooked Bones
Cooked bones can splinter and cause gastrointestinal perforation or obstruction in dogs. Raw bones are a safer alternative for dental health.
Fatty Foods
Fatty foods like bacon, sausage, and fried foods can cause pancreatitis in dogs. Symptoms of pancreatitis include vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and lethargy.
Citrus fruits
Citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, and limes contain citric acid, which can cause digestive upset and even depression of the central nervous system in dogs.
Marijuana
Marijuana can cause vomiting, depression, lethargy, incoordination, and even seizures in dogs. It is important to keep marijuana and marijuana-infused products out of reach of pets.
Cooked Fat Trimmings
Cooked fat trimmings from meats can cause pancreatitis in dogs.
Tobacco
Tobacco products can cause vomiting, diarrhea, rapid heartbeat, collapsed lungs, and even death in dogs.
Cooked Vegetables
Cooked vegetables can cause digestive upset in dogs due to their fiber content. However, some vegetables like onions and garlic (as previously mentioned) are toxic.
Moldy Foods
Moldy foods can contain toxins that can cause vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, seizures, and even death in dogs.
Salt and Pepper
While small amounts of salt and pepper may not be harmful, excessive amounts can cause gastrointestinal upset in dogs.
Baby Food
Baby food can contain onion powder and other ingredients that can be harmful to dogs. It is important to read the labels and avoid baby food containing onion and garlic.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon can cause vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and low blood sugar in dogs.
Nutmeg
Nutmeg can cause tremors, seizures, and even death in dogs.
Cooked Eggs
Cooked eggs are safe for dogs in moderation, but it is important to avoid giving them raw eggs as they can contain Salmonella.
Fruit Seeds and Pits
Fruit seeds and pits can cause intestinal obstruction or choking hazards in dogs. They should be removed before feeding fruits like apples, cherries, and peaches.
Chives
Chives contain compounds that can damage red blood cells in dogs, leading to anemia. Symptoms of chive toxicity include weakness, lethargy, pale gums, and collapse.
Persimmons
Persimmons can cause digestive blockages in dogs due to their high fiber content.
Wild Mushrooms
Wild mushrooms can cause organ failure and even death in dogs. It is important to avoid feeding dogs mushrooms found in the wild.
Rhubarb
Rhubarb can cause kidney failure in dogs, especially the leaves.
Tomato Leaves and Stems
Tomato leaves and stems contain solanine, which can cause digestive upset, weakness, and even seizures in dogs.
Ice Cream
Ice cream can cause digestive upset in dogs due to their lactose intolerance. It can also lead to obesity and other health problems in the long run.
Sugar
Excessive sugar can cause dental problems, obesity, and diabetes in dogs. It is important to limit their intake of sugary treats.
Cooked Fish
Cooked fish is safe for dogs in moderation, but it is important to avoid giving them fish bones as they can cause choking or gastrointestinal perforation.
Coconut and Coconut Oil
Coconut and coconut oil are safe for dogs in moderation, but excessive amounts can cause digestive upset and weight gain.
Soy
Soy can cause digestive upset and allergic reactions in some dogs.
Hops
Hops can cause panting, elevated heart rate, seizures, and even death in dogs.
Milkshakes and Soft Drinks
Milkshakes and soft drinks contain high amounts of sugar and caffeine, which can cause digestive upset, hyperactivity, and even death in dogs.
Fruit Juice
Fruit juice can contain high amounts of sugar and preservatives, which can cause digestive upset in dogs.
Fried Foods
Fried foods can cause digestive upset and pancreatitis in dogs.
Spices
Spices like nutmeg, cinnamon, and cloves can cause digestive upset and even toxicity in dogs.
Liver
Liver is safe for dogs in moderation, but excessive amounts can cause digestive upset and vitamin A toxicity.
Bacon and Sausage
Bacon and sausage are high in fat and sodium, which can cause digestive upset and pancreatitis in dogs.
Fruit with Seeds
Fruit with seeds like apples, cherries, and peaches can cause intestinal obstruction or choking hazards in dogs. They should be removed before feeding fruits to dogs.
Corn on the Cob
Corn on the cob can cause intestinal obstruction or choking hazards in dogs. It is important to remove the kernels from the cob before feeding them to dogs.
Baked Goods
Baked goods like cakes and cookies can contain high amounts of sugar and fat, which can cause digestive upset and obesity in dogs.
Processed Foods
Processed foods like chips, candy, and fast food can contain high amounts of salt, sugar, and fat, which can cause digestive upset and health problems in dogs.
Alcohol-Based Foods
Alcohol-based foods like rum cake and fruitcake can cause digestive upset, hyperactivity, and even alcohol poisoning in dogs.
Yeast
Yeast can cause bloating, abdominal pain, and vomiting in dogs.
Green Tomatoes
Green tomatoes contain solanine, which can cause digestive upset, weakness, and even seizures in dogs.
Artificial Sweeteners
Artificial sweeteners like xylitol can cause insulin release, leading to hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), vomiting, loss of coordination, seizures, and even liver failure in dogs.
Conclusion
As responsible pet owners, it is important to be aware of the foods that are toxic to our furry friends. If you suspect that your dog has ingested something toxic, contact your veterinarian immediately. Prompt treatment can save their life.
FAQs
Q: Can dogs eat garlic and onions?
A: No, garlic and onions can cause damage to a dog’s red blood cells, leading to anemia. It’s best to avoid all forms of onions and garlic, including powder and cooked.
Q: Can dogs eat chocolate?
A: No, chocolate contains a substance called theobromine, which is toxic to dogs. The darker the chocolate, the higher the level of theobromine. Even small amounts of chocolate can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and in severe cases, seizures and death.
Q: Can dogs eat grapes and raisins?
A: No, grapes and raisins can cause kidney failure in dogs. Even small amounts of grapes or raisins can cause vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and loss of appetite. It’s best to keep all forms of grapes and raisins away from your dog.
