What Is the Worst Food for Dogs to Eat and Why

Chocolate is the worst food for dogs to eat, as it contains a toxic substance called theobromine that can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and even heart problems in dogs.

The darker the chocolate, the more toxic it is, with cocoa powder being the most poisonous. This is because it has a higher concentration of theobromine.

If your dog ingests chocolate, it's essential to act quickly and call your vet or a pet poison hotline for advice. The sooner you seek help, the better the chances of a successful treatment.

The toxic effects of chocolate on dogs can be unpredictable and vary depending on the amount consumed, the size of the dog, and the type of chocolate.

Dogs should avoid all the foods listed below, but some of the most common food poisonings in dogs are connected to alcohol, avocado, macadamia nuts, grapes and raisins, Xylitol, and chocolate.

Some of the most toxic foods for dogs include grapes and raisins, which can cause kidney failure in dogs even in small amounts.

These foods are often found in households and can be easily mistaken for safe snacks for dogs.

Macadamia nuts can cause weakness, depression, and vomiting in dogs, and chocolate contains theobromine, which can be toxic to dogs in large amounts.

Curious to learn more? Check out: What Food Gives Dogs Diarrhea

Grapes & Raisins are a big no-no for dogs. Experts aren't sure exactly why, but these fruits can cause kidney failure in canines.

A few bites are enough to cause a big problem in some dogs.

Symptoms of raisin or grape poisoning include vomiting and diarrhea.

A different take: What Is the Best Large Breed Dog Food

Spicy food can be a major no-go for your furry friend. Hot, spicy food can cause vomiting, stomach ulcers, or diarrhea, which can be painful for both your dog and your wallet.

Some foods are just too hot for dogs to handle, and spicy food is one of them. Keep your pup away from it at all costs.

If you're a fan of spicy food, be sure to keep it out of reach of your dog. It's not worth the risk of a painful stomachache or a trip to the vet.

A ripened red tomato is generally okay, but be aware that green parts of the tomato plant have solanine, which is toxic to dogs.

Raw potatoes contain solanine, a toxic compound that's especially hazardous to dogs.

If you're cooking for your furry friend, baking or boiling potatoes with no additives is generally safe in small amounts.

But remember, green, unripe tomatoes also have solanine, so it's best to stick with ripe ones.

Yeast & Dough is a potentially toxic combination for dogs. Raw dough can expand in your dog's stomach, causing severe pain and even life-threatening torsion or rupture of the stomach.

The yeast and sugar in raw dough can ferment, leading to alcohol toxicity. This can quickly become fatal and requires immediate medical intervention.

Dogs should not be given raw dough as a treat, no matter how harmless it may seem.

Broaden your view: Yeast for Dogs Food

Raw Meat is a no-go for your furry friend. Feeding your dog raw or undercooked meat can be a recipe for disaster, as it may contain Salmonella or E. coli.

Raw meat can be a breeding ground for bacteria. Your dog can get very sick from consuming these bacteria, just like humans can.

Choking hazards are another issue with raw meat. The bones in raw meat can get stuck in your dog's throat, which is a serious problem.

Never feed your dog raw meat, it's just not worth the risk.

White flour is a simple carbohydrate substance with most of its nutrition stripped, making it an unwanted filler in your pup's diet.

Overconsumption of white flour can lead to weight gain and obesity in dogs.

It causes a spike and then a drop in blood sugar, making your pup hungry again soon after consuming it.

Check the food label to determine if white flour is an additive, as it can be used in dog foods for convenience.

This can be detrimental to your pet's health, especially when used excessively.

Fatty cuts of meat are a no-go for pets.

Throwing out fatty cuts of meat, like ham, is a good idea.

Chicken and turkey skin should be avoided altogether.

Turkey bones can cause severe indigestion or vomiting in dogs.

If turkey bones splinter, they can obstruct the bowels or damage the stomach or intestines.

Check this out: Turkey Meat for Dogs

Avoid semi-moist foods, which often lack necessary nutrients and can lead to health problems in dogs.

Artificial additives, low-quality fillers, and certain by-products are common bad ingredients found in dog food. These can include artificial preservatives like BHA, BHT, and ethoxyquin, artificial colors, and excessive amounts of salt or sugar.

Meat and bone meal, a common ingredient in dog food, can be unhealthy if it's not properly identified. It's often sourced from rendering plants and can contain diseased or expired meat, which can be toxic to dogs.

Ground whole grain corn, corn gluten meal, and brewer's rice are also ingredients to avoid in dog food. Corn gluten meal is a cheap protein source that's not as digestible as whole corn, while brewer's rice is often used as a cheap carbohydrate source that's not as nutritious as whole grains.

Here are some common bad ingredients to watch out for:

By being aware of these ingredients, you can make informed decisions about what to feed your dog and help keep them healthy and happy.

BHA/BHT is a type of chemical preservative commonly found in dog food. BHA, or butylated hydroxyanisole, is a popular preservative that extends the shelf life of dog food by slowing down the oxidation of fats and oils.

BHA has been linked to health problems in dogs, including cancer, liver and kidney damage, and developmental problems in puppies. Despite these concerns, BHA remains widely used in dog food due to its effectiveness and low cost.

BHA and BHT preservatives are also found in many human foods, such as dry cereals, butter, beer, margarine, and chewing gum. If you want to avoid these preservatives completely, go with canned dog food, as the canning process eliminates the need for chemical preservation.

The toxicity of BHA and BHT should be factored in when considering preservatives in dog food recipes. Look for medical studies that show how these artificial preservatives impacted mice and rats to get an idea of their toxicity.

Ideally, you should pick dog foods that do not contain BHA/BHT, as they have been linked to health problems in dogs. Always check the food label to determine if it contains BHA or BHT, and if so, then you should avoid feeding it to your pup.

Animal by-products in dog food can be a concern for pet owners.

Some by-products, like organ meats, can provide valuable nutrients for dogs. However, it's essential to know the specific source and quality of the by-products used in dog food.

Meat by-products, on the other hand, can be unhealthy for dogs. They may contain diseased or dead animals, expired meat, or other low-quality ingredients. These by-products are often produced through a process that removes pathogens but also strips away nutrients.

You'll often find unnamed "meat" or "meat meal" on dog food labels, which can indicate the use of low-quality by-products. These ingredients can be difficult to digest and may lead to health problems in dogs.

Some red flags to watch out for include:

If you're unsure about the quality of a dog food's by-products, it's best to choose a brand that uses high-quality, named protein sources and avoids fillers and by-products altogether.

Named Meats and Meat Meals are a healthier alternative to other dog food ingredients.

Look for whole deboned chicken, turkey, lamb, beef, or salmon in your dog's food.

Meat meals can include organs, bones, and other parts of the animal like cow, lamb, pig, or more.

Some examples of meat by-products that provide important nutrients are liver, kidneys, lungs, spleen, and intestines.

These parts of the animal can be a rich source of nutrition, protein, vitamins, and minerals for your pup.

However, not all meat by-products are created equal, and some lower-quality dog foods may include by-products that are not fit for consumption.

Hooves and hair are examples of by-products that offer little nutritional value and should be avoided.

Dogs are more receptive to gluten-containing grains than cats, but many still develop allergies and suffer from digestive distress due to high grain quantities in processed kibble.

Gluten is found in grains like wheat, barley, and rye, and can be listed as a separate ingredient on dog food labels.

Wheat gluten is often used as a binder to form kibble shape and texture.

Look for gluten-free dog food options if your pet exhibits symptoms like stinky ears, chronic ear infections, itching, or hot spots.

Many dog foods contain gluten, so it's essential to check the food label to ensure your pet is not consuming it.

Some dog food brands provide helpful feeding tips on their packaging, making it easier to choose the right food for your pet.

Sugar alcohols like xylitol, sorbitol, and maltitol can be toxic to dogs, causing a surge in blood sugar followed by a drop, which can lead to hyperglycemia, seizures, cancer, liver failure, and even death.

Xylitol is the most toxic sugar alcohol to dogs, but other sugar substitutes in dog food do nothing for their nutritional needs, only feeding their sweet tooth.

The glycemic index is a useful tool to gauge food ingredients and monitor sugar consumption in pets, helping to improve their lives by reducing sugar intake.

Pet owners should consider the glycemic index when choosing dog food to ensure low sugar consumption.

Sugar substitutes do nothing more than add flavor to groceries, and their inclusion in dog food is unnecessary and potentially harmful.

Nitrites or nitrates, commonly found in prepared meats, are a preservative used to extend the shelf life of meat products.

High-fat, high-salt prepared meats can be toxic to dogs in high doses, causing a blood disorder called methemoglobin, which is very dangerous for young or senior dogs.

Sodium nitrite is an approved preservative in animal foods, but its accumulation over time in the system has been linked to cancer, especially when combined with added ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) and alpha-tocopherol (Vitamin E).

Prepared meats like sausages, bacon, ham, hot dogs, and deli meats contain sodium nitrite and are best avoided in your dog's diet.

Feeding these foods to your dog can be occasional treats, but it's better to limit them to once a week or less.

Take a look at this: Dog Food for High Energy Dogs

Vegetable oil is a common ingredient in many dog foods, but it's not a good thing. It's primarily composed of cheap corn and soybean oils.

Most commercial dog foods contain high levels of omega-6 fatty acids, which can exacerbate arthritis, hip and joint problems, and other medical conditions. Vegetable oil is a significant contributor to this imbalance.

Vegetable oil can be found in cheap dog foods, making it a common ingredient in low-quality pet foods. It's often used as a protein percentage booster.

A diet high in omega-6 fatty acids can lead to inflammation, which is already a concern for many dogs. Excessive amounts of vegetable oil can make this problem worse.

Reading the ingredient label is key to identifying bad ingredients in dog food, and vegetable oil is one to watch out for.

Rendered fat, also known as animal fat from beef or other sources, is a low-quality ingredient in dog foods. This type of fat is often rancid and can contain toxins.

The problem with rendered fat is that it's difficult to determine its source. Sometimes it's even made from roadkill. This means that the fat can be contaminated with unknown substances.

As a pet owner, it's best to avoid rendered fat altogether. Instead, opt for healthy fats from named sources, such as chicken fat. These fats are a better choice for your dog's diet.

Brewers Rice is a common carbohydrate source in low-quality dog foods. It's not even whole white rice, but rather fragments of rice left over after processing.

Brewer's rice is often used as a cheap protein source in dry dog food. This is a problem because it's an incomplete protein that doesn't provide the same nutrition as protein from named and healthy animal sources.

While brewer's rice isn't toxic and provides some minerals and digestible carbs, it's not a good indicator of the overall quality of the dog food. If you see brewer's rice high up on the ingredients list, it may mean your dog is not getting enough animal protein.

For more insights, see: Is High Protein Dog Food Good for Dogs

Corn is a dog food ingredient that gets a bad reputation, especially when it comes to corn syrup. It's a whole grain, but not exactly what you want in your dog's food.

Corn is dirt cheap, which is a red flag. It's also notoriously hard to digest in dry dog food, leading to digestive sensitivities in many pets.

For more insights, see: Is Corn in Dog Food Bad for Dogs

Corn is high in protein, but it's not the good kind. It lacks essential amino acids and is not as bioavailable as animal sources like chicken or eggs.

The cheap price of corn is a sign that your pet food is cutting corners on nutrition for profit. It's a marker of lower quality ingredients.

Look for nutrient-rich vegetables like sweet potato instead, which provide necessary carbohydrates.

Purina Dog Chow is a brand that uses poorly labeled proteins, artificial dyes, and other controversial ingredients, making it a food to avoid.

Gravy Train, another brand, has had a recall for food possibly containing pentobarbital, a drug used in euthanasia, and uses artificial dyes and flavors.

Cesar, a brand by Mars Petcare, uses many of the usual suspects found in dog food brands to avoid, including unlabeled proteins and artificial dyes.

Kibbles 'n Bits, a dry dog food line, relies on soy as a form of plant-based protein ahead of a properly labeled meat like chicken or beef, and contains artificial dyes and preservatives.

The following dog food brands have been identified as having red-flag ingredients and questionable origins:

These brands often feature poorly labeled proteins, artificial dyes, and other controversial ingredients, making them a food to avoid for your furry friend.

In 2007, a significant pet industry scandal occurred when melamine was found to be present in pet food, particularly in dog food. The substance was added to the wheat gluten in dog kibbles.

Some Chinese dog food producers added melamine to their products to make it appear that their protein content was higher than it actually was. This was done to deceive consumers and increase profits.

Melamine can artificially increase the level of protein in food when tested using traditional methods, even though it has no nutritional value and can cause health problems when ingested. This is a serious concern for pet owners.

Thousands of pets were affected by the contaminated food, and many pet food products were recalled in the aftermath of the scandal. This highlights the importance of choosing high-quality, trusted dog food producers.

It's essential to choose high-quality, trusted dog food producers when purchasing pet food to ensure that your pet is getting the nutrients they need without any harmful additives and contents.

A fresh viewpoint: Alternative Food for Dogs Instead of Dog Food

Ol' Roy is a Walmart-exclusive brand that's often a budget-friendly option for dog owners, but it's not the best choice for your furry friend.

The brand is manufactured by Doane Pet Food, a Mars Company based in Tennessee, and is named after Walmart founder Sam Walton's dog Roy.

Most Ol' Roy recipes feature a carbohydrate as the primary ingredient, which isn't ideal for dogs who need high-quality protein to stay healthy.

The brand also uses unidentified animal products like "meat" and "animal fat" in its recipes, which can be a concern for pet owners who want to know exactly what their dogs are eating.

Ol' Roy doesn't shy away from using artificial dyes and other controversial ingredients, which can be a problem for dogs who are sensitive to these additives.

In 2018, some of the brand's products were recalled due to the potential presence of a euthanasia drug, which is a serious safety issue for pets.

Take a look at this: Homemade Dog Food Recipes Vet Approved for Large Dogs

Lily's Kitchen is a premium dog food brand that has unfortunately taken a turn for the worse. It was purchased by Nestle Purina some years ago, and the quality has sadly dropped significantly.

The brand's premium status is compromised by its high carbohydrate content, with ingredients like organic rice, barley, and oats taking up a large portion of the ingredient list. This is unacceptable in a premium food, where you'd expect whole proteins and fresh foods to take center stage.

The brand's reliance on cheap fillers is a major red flag, especially considering the high price point of £70-£100 per bag. You'd expect to be paying for high-quality ingredients, not just a fancy label.

Here are some specific ingredients to watch out for in Lily's Kitchen:

Overall, Lily's Kitchen is a brand that's lost its way, and its high price point is no longer justified by its quality ingredients.

Gravy Train is a brand under the J.M. Smucker Company that produces dry dog food, wet dog food, and treats. Their low product price point is a sweet spot for pinching pennies, but it comes with some serious drawbacks.

One major concern is the use of subpar ingredients in their recipes, including unlabeled proteins, artificial dyes, and artificial flavors. This can be a red flag for dog owners who want the best for their pets.

Some standout problem ingredients in Gravy Train's Beefy Classic recipe include corn, soybean meal, meat and bone meal, and animal fat. These ingredients can be problematic for dogs, especially those with sensitivities or allergies.

Here are some specific issues with these ingredients:

Overall, Gravy Train's use of subpar ingredients and lack of transparency about their sourcing practices make it a brand to avoid for dog owners who want the best for their pets.

Kibbles 'n Bits is a dry dog food line that's a staple in many grocery and department stores. It's wallet-friendly, but its ingredient quality leaves room for improvement.

One of the main issues with Kibbles 'n Bits is its lack of labeled proteins. Instead, it relies on plant-based proteins like corn and soybean meal. For example, the Original Savory Beef & Chicken Flavors food has corn and soybean meal as its top ingredients.

The presence of BHA, a potential carcinogen, is another red flag. It's used as a preservative in Kibbles 'n Bits, but there are natural alternatives like mixed tocopherols that are a safer choice.

The 2018 recall regarding potential pentobarbital contamination is also a concern. This highlights the importance of choosing a reputable dog food brand that prioritizes quality and safety.

Here are some problematic ingredients found in Kibbles 'n Bits:

Pedigree is a dog food brand that falls under the Mars Petcare label. It's widely available in many big-box stores like Walmart.

The sunny yellow packaging of Pedigree is easy to spot on store shelves. Unfortunately, Pedigree uses several problematic ingredients.

One of the main concerns with Pedigree is its high content of cereals, with 47% of its ingredients being cereals that have no place in dog food. This is a major red flag.

Only 4% of Pedigree's ingredients are chicken, 4% are beef, and 4% are fish content, which is not enough for proper nourishment. This is a significant issue.

Recommended read: Is Pedigree Dry Dog Food Killing Dogs

Here are some of the problematic ingredients found in Pedigree's Dry Dog Food Adult Roasted Chicken, Rice & Vegetable:

Pedigree has also had a string of recalls in the past that have left many pet parents leery.

Harringtons is a dog food brand that raises some red flags.

Their mass-produced foods often contain a mix of ingredients like meat meals, maize, barley, and rice, but without specifying the protein source, you won't know what your dog is being fed.

You might think you're giving your dog a balanced diet, but the truth is, Harringtons uses the cheapest protein available at the time, leaving you in the dark about what's really going into your dog's bowl.

This lack of transparency is a major concern for many pet owners, and it's something to consider when choosing a dog food brand.

James Wellbeloved Grain Free is a brand that's particularly egregious and deceptive. They swap out brown and white rice for pea starch, white potato, and tapioca.

This swap allows them to charge a premium for a food that's still 56% carbohydrates. That's a lot of carbs for a grain-free food.

Their use of cheap fillers like pea starch and tapioca is not adequate, making this brand a dog food to avoid.