Toxic Food for Dogs PDF: Essential Guide to Dog-Friendly and Toxic Foods

Author

Reads 1.1K

Hands Holding Chocolate Cookies
Credit: pexels.com, Hands Holding Chocolate Cookies

As a dog owner, it's natural to wonder what human foods are safe for your furry friend to enjoy. The truth is, many common foods can be toxic to dogs, and it's essential to know what to avoid.

Chocolate contains a compound called theobromine, which can be fatal to dogs in large quantities.

Some foods that are toxic to dogs include grapes and raisins, which can cause kidney failure, and onions and garlic, which can lead to anemia.

Dogs can be particularly sensitive to certain foods due to their unique digestive system and metabolism.

Foods to Avoid

Dogs can be poisoned by eating alcohol, which can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and even coma.

Many household foods are toxic to dogs, and some of the most common ones include macadamia nuts, grapes and raisins, and chocolate.

Xylitol, a sugar substitute found in some foods, can be deadly to dogs.

Hands Holding Chocolate Cookies
Credit: pexels.com, Hands Holding Chocolate Cookies

Eating too much sugar can lead to weight gain and dental problems in dogs.

Raw foods, especially those containing grapes and raisins, can cause severe liver damage and kidney failure.

Some foods, like cakes and biscuits, contain raisins, so it's essential to keep them out of reach of your furry friend.

The active ingredient in grapes and raisins that causes the toxin is unknown, but it's crucial to avoid them altogether.

Dogs should never eat foods containing xylitol, as it can cause severe problems.

For more insights, see: Dogs Eating Raisins

Toxic Substances

Caffeine and coffee grounds can be toxic to dogs, causing symptoms like seizures, tremors, and difficulty breathing. This is because their heart rate can increase rapidly, leading to serious health issues.

Dogs should also avoid turkey bones, which can cause severe indigestion, vomiting, and even life-threatening abdominal infections if they splinter or puncture the stomach.

Xylitol, a sweetener found in sugar-free gum, candy, and baked goods, is highly toxic to dogs. Even small amounts, like five pieces of gum, can be fatal to a 65-pound dog, causing a rapid drop in blood sugar and potentially leading to seizures and liver failure.

Salt

Veterinarian Checking Up  the Dog Using an Ultrasound Machine
Credit: pexels.com, Veterinarian Checking Up the Dog Using an Ultrasound Machine

Sharing salty foods like chips or pretzels with your dog is a bad idea. Eating too much salt can make your dog seriously thirsty.

Excessive salt consumption can lead to sodium ion poisoning. Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, depression, tremors, high temperature, and seizures.

It may even cause death.

Caffeine & Coffee Grounds

Caffeine & Coffee Grounds can be toxic to dogs, so it's essential to keep them out of reach. Consuming coffee grounds or high-caffeine drinks can lead to seizures, tremors, arrhythmias, difficulty breathing, and other symptoms.

Dogs may accidentally ingest coffee grounds or drinks, so be cautious about where you place your coffee cups and grounds. If you're hosting a gathering, make sure to keep the coffee area secure.

Coffee grounds are a particular hazard, as they can be easily ingested by curious dogs. Always clean up spills and dispose of coffee grounds properly to avoid accidents.

If you suspect your dog has ingested coffee or coffee grounds, seek veterinary attention immediately.

Additional reading: Why Are Dogs so Food Motivated

Alcohol

Woman Giving Food to a Dog
Credit: pexels.com, Woman Giving Food to a Dog

Alcohol can be devastatingly bad for your dog, causing vomiting, diarrhea, coordination problems, breathing problems, coma, and even death with just a little exposure.

It takes a lot less alcohol to harm your dog than it would a person. This is because dogs metabolize alcohol quickly, but it can still have a profound impact on their system.

A small amount of beer, liquor, wine, or food with alcohol can be enough to cause serious harm. The smaller your dog, the worse the effects will be.

Sugar-Free Gum & Candy

Sugar-Free Gum & Candy is a hidden danger for dogs. Xylitol, a sweetener commonly found in these products, can cause a rapid drop in blood sugar in dogs, leading to weakness and seizures.

Just five pieces of gum can be toxic to a 65-pound dog. This artificial sweetener is also found in sugar-free baked goods.

Dog poisoning cases involving Xylitol are on the rise.

High-Risk Foods

Chocolate Cookies and Cup of Milk
Credit: pexels.com, Chocolate Cookies and Cup of Milk

Some foods are more toxic to dogs than others, and it's essential to know what to avoid. Xylitol, a common sugar substitute, is highly toxic to dogs and can cause severe problems.

Foods high in fat, such as chicken and turkey skin, ham, and other fatty cuts of meat, can cause acute pancreatitis, a life-threatening illness.

Here are some of the most common high-risk foods to avoid:

  • Chicken & Turkey Skin: Can cause acute pancreatitis
  • Ham: Can cause acute pancreatitis
  • Fatty Cuts of Meat: Can cause acute pancreatitis
  • Raw Meat: Can contain Salmonella or E. coli and cause harm
  • Grapes and Raisins: Can cause kidney failure
  • Macadamia Nuts: Can cause weakness, depression, and tremors
  • Avocado: Can cause vomiting and diarrhea
  • Chocolate: Can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and heart problems
  • Xylitol: Can cause seizures, tremors, and even death

Cocked Bones

Cooked bones are a no-go for your furry friend. Avoid giving them a cooked bone to chew on at all cost.

These bones can easily splinter, which can lead to some serious health issues. In large quantities, they can cause constipation or even a perforation of the gut, which can be fatal.

It's always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to your dog's diet. Giving them a raw, uncooked bone is a much safer option, but make sure to do so in moderation.

Xylitol Sweetener

A Person Holding Dog Food
Credit: pexels.com, A Person Holding Dog Food

Xylitol is a common artificial sweetener found in many foods and products, including candy, gum, toothpaste, baked goods, and some diet foods. It can cause your dog's blood sugar to drop.

If your dog digests xylitol, it can go into hypoglycemia, which is linked to liver failure and blood clotting disorders. This can happen within just a few days.

Early symptoms of xylitol poisoning include vomiting, lethargy, and coordination problems. Eventually, your dog may have seizures.

Some foods to check the label for xylitol include peanut butters and low-fat, diet, and sugar-free products. Always read the label carefully to avoid any potential harm to your dog.

Readers also liked: Food Diet for Dogs

Fatty Cuts of Meat

Throwing out fatty cuts of meat, like ham and chicken or turkey skin, is a good idea. These foods can cause acute pancreatitis, a life-threatening illness with severe complications.

Vomiting and diarrhea are common symptoms of acute pancreatitis in pets. Rapid or labored breathing can also occur, making it essential to seek veterinary care immediately.

Agitation and abnormal heart rate are other warning signs of acute pancreatitis. Wobbliness and weak muscles can also be symptoms, making it difficult for pets to move around.

Here are some common symptoms of acute pancreatitis:

  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Rapid or labored breathing
  • Agitation
  • Abnormal heart rate
  • Wobbliness
  • Weak muscles
  • High or low blood pressure
  • Seizures
  • Tremors

Specific Toxins

Credit: youtube.com, 150 Toxins Contaminating Pet Food

Xylitol is a sugar substitute commonly found in candy, gum, and toothpaste. It can cause a dog's blood sugar to drop, leading to vomiting, lethargy, and coordination problems.

Xylitol can also cause liver failure in dogs, which can happen within just a few days. This is a serious condition that requires immediate veterinary attention.

Early symptoms of xylitol poisoning in dogs include vomiting, lethargy, and coordination problems, which can eventually progress to seizures.

Allium Spp

The Allium spp, which includes onions, garlic, leeks, and chives, is a genus of bulbous plants that are commonly used in cooking. These plants are strongly aromatic and contain a toxic compound called organosulfoxide.

Chewing on these plants can convert organosulfoxides to a complex mixture of sulfur compounds, leading to oxidative hemolysis in the blood. This can cause methemoglobinemia and Heinz body formation in red blood cells.

Cooking, drying, or processing these plants does not eliminate their toxic effect. In fact, the toxic compounds can still cause clinically important hematologic changes in dogs and cats.

Fresh garlic placed among ripe red cherry tomatoes and peppers on white table near white ceramic cup and yellow lemon
Credit: pexels.com, Fresh garlic placed among ripe red cherry tomatoes and peppers on white table near white ceramic cup and yellow lemon

Dogs and cats are highly susceptible to Allium toxicosis, and even small amounts can cause problems. For example, ingesting just 5 g/kg of onions by cats or 15-30 g/kg by dogs can lead to clinically important hematologic changes.

The symptoms of Allium toxicosis can appear anywhere from 1 day to several days after consumption, and may include vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, and depression.

As the condition progresses, pale mucous membranes, weakness, rapid respiratory and heart rates, jaundice, and dark urine may become apparent. In severe cases, anemia, hematuria, and convulsions can occur.

Unfortunately, there is no specific antidote for Allium toxicosis, so treatment is largely supportive. In some cases, inducing vomiting may be considered, but only if it can be done safely and within 2 hours of ingestion.

Activated charcoal may be administered after vomiting has stopped to help absorb any remaining toxins. In severe cases, a blood transfusion may be necessary to treat anemia.

You might enjoy: Dogs Vomiting Food

Xylitol

Poisonous Red and White Mushroom on Green Grass
Credit: pexels.com, Poisonous Red and White Mushroom on Green Grass

Xylitol is a sneaky ingredient that can be found in many everyday products, including candy, gum, toothpaste, baked goods, and some diet foods. It's a common artificial sweetener that can cause big problems for our furry friends.

If your dog ingests something containing xylitol, their blood sugar can drop, leading to hypoglycemia, which is a serious condition. This can happen quickly, even within a few days.

Xylitol can also cause liver failure in dogs, which is a potentially life-threatening condition. It's essential to be aware of the risks and take precautions to keep your dog safe.

Early symptoms of xylitol poisoning in dogs include vomiting, lethargy, and coordination problems. If you suspect your dog has ingested xylitol, it's crucial to seek veterinary attention right away.

Some peanut butters may also contain xylitol, so always check the label before giving it to your dog as a treat.

Raw and Processed

As a dog owner, it's essential to understand the difference between raw and processed foods for your furry friend. Raw foods, such as meat, bones, and eggs, can be a nutritious option for dogs if fed properly.

Credit: youtube.com, Top 7 dangerous/toxic foods Your Dog Should NOT Eat! Many of them are Lethal for dogs!

However, it's crucial to note that raw foods can also contain bacteria like E. coli and Salmonella, which can be toxic to dogs. According to the article, a study found that 25% of raw pet food samples contained E. coli.

Processed foods, on the other hand, can be convenient but often contain unhealthy ingredients like fillers, by-products, and artificial preservatives. A list in the article reveals that many popular dog food brands contain up to 30% fillers in their ingredients.

Fruit Seeds/Pits

Fruit seeds/pits can be a serious hazard for our furry friends. Apple seeds contain cyanide, and while small amounts might be fine, it's best to just avoid the core and seeds altogether.

Apricot, cherry, and plum seeds and pits also contain cyanide, which can cause vomiting, irregular and fast heartbeat, seizures, coma, and even death.

These fruit pits can be a sneaky threat, especially if your dog likes to chew on them. Cyanide can cause red blood cells to malfunction, making it hard for your dog to get the oxygen they need.

Caffeine, found in some human foods, is also a danger to dogs. It contains methylxanthines that can cause potentially fatal diarrhea, vomiting, seizures, and irregular heartbeats.

Consider reading: Poppy Seeds Dogs Eating

Raw Eggs

Credit: youtube.com, Are raw eggs safe to eat?

Raw Eggs can be a problem for dogs. The major veterinary medical associations don't recommend a raw diet that includes uncooked eggs.

There's a risk of food poisoning from bacteria like salmonella or E. coli.

Sugary Foods

Too much sugar can do the same thing to dogs that it does to people, making them overweight and causing problems with their teeth.

It can even lead to diabetes in dogs, just like in humans.

Some foods are downright dangerous for dogs, and sugary foods are right at the top of the list.

Dogs should never eat foods that contain the sweetener xylitol, as it can cause real problems.

A little reward from the table might seem harmless, but it can be a recipe for disaster if it's sugary.

20. Raw Meat

Raw meat can be a serious health risk for your dog, as it may contain Salmonella or E. coli, which can be just as harmful to dogs as they are to humans.

Feeding your dog raw meat can also lead to choking hazards, as the bones in raw meat can get stuck in their throat.

Your dog's safety is paramount, so it's best to stick with cooked or processed meat instead.

Maxine Hermann

Senior Writer

Maxine Hermann is a seasoned writer with a passion for sharing knowledge and expertise with readers worldwide. With a keen interest in canine breeds, Maxine has established herself as a go-to authority on Hungarian dog breeds and their characteristics. Her articles offer a unique blend of informative content and engaging storytelling, making complex topics accessible to readers of all levels.

Love What You Read? Stay Updated!

Join our community for insights, tips, and more.