13 Food Products Not Safe For Dogs
We have researched and compiled a handy list of toxic foods not safe for dogs just for you.
If you suspect your puppy or dog that may have eaten any of the food listed below, please contact your local veterinarian or the ASPCA.
Alcohol
Food products containing alcohol or alcoholic beverages are known to cause abnormal blood acidity, coma, decreased coordination, diarrhoea, central nervous system depression, diarrhoea , difficulty breathing, and even death in some circumstances. There is no exception that allows your puppy or dog be drinking/ingesting alcohol.
Avocado
While Avocado is more of a danger for birds, rabbits, horses and ruminants. They still pose a level of danger for dogs.
Avocado contains Persin, a fungicidal toxin that has been known to cause health problems in many animals, dogs included. Some worse cases includes death. While dogs generally has more resistant to Persin, it is still advised to stay away to prevent the worse case scenario.
Caffeine
Caffeine, this is one of the most consumed substance in humans. It can be found everywhere, from coffee to chocolate to tea.
While its a lovely addition to our lives, caffeine contains a substance called Methylxanthines that can cause diarrhoea, excessive thirst and urination, panting & hyperactivity and vomiting, abnormal heart rhythm, tremors, seizures and worse case; death.
If we are breaking it down, Dark Chocolate is more deadly than Milk Chocolate for dogs, while White chocolate contains the lowest levels of Methylxanthines.
Regardless, this adds to the list of foods dogs should not have under any circumstances.
Citrus Fruits
While, its not a major issue, consuming citrus products which contains citric acid and essential oils has been proven to cause irritation. Worse case central nervous system depression if ingested in significant amounts. While eating a fruit in small doses are not likely to cause any issues beyond upset stomach.
Chives, Garlic, Leeks & Onions
These four vegetables and herbs are under the high-risk section that are known to cause gastrointestinal irritation which is potentially to lead to red blood cell damage. With Garlic being the most toxic. Although dogs are more resistant than other pets, they are not out of other danger zones. If large enough are consumed, the toxicity is enough to cause Irritation of the mouth, excessive salivation, diarrhoea & vomiting, weakness and worse case death.
Coconuts
Coconut and coconut oil is similar to Citrus acid, in small amounts, it will only cause an upset stomach or diarrhea. We discourage any flavor drink such as coconut water.
Grapes
Dogs are unable to digest grapes. They are super toxic to majority of the dog breeds and they are known to cause Abdominal pain, Breathing difficulty, Depression, Vomiting and/or diarrhoea, Tremors and worse case kidney failure. Grapes are part of the fruits not to feed dogs under any circumstances.
Dairy Products
Dogs are lactose-intolerance. This means, they don’t process the amounts of lactase that breaks down lactose in dairy products. Similar in humans, they will have the full range of symptoms lactose-intolerance victims receive, which is not limited to or digestive upset and diarrhea. This means Diary products such as milk is part of the list of food dogs cant eat.
Nut Products
Nuts, including almonds, macadamia, and walnuts, contain high amounts of oils and fats. Symptom signs tends to appear within 12 hours of ingestion which includes, weakness, tremors, hyperthermia, vomiting and diarrhoea with worse case pancreatitis. Nuts are part of the food dogs cant eat under any circumstances.
Raw or Uncooked Meat
While dogs are most certainly eat raw & undercooked meat, but they also carry their own potential issues. Raw meat can contain a bacteria known as Salmonella and E. coli. This two bacteria are harmful to both humans and pets alike. Symptoms includes fever, shock, diarrhoea, miscarriage in pregnant dogs. While bones may seem natural but they are a choking hazard caused by bone splinters or becomes lodged in/or punctured in your dog.
Salt & Salty Foods
Similar to humans, high amounts of salts is never good. However, in dogs its even more fatal. While minimum amounts are known to cause vomiting, diarrhea, seizures; high amounts can cause excessive thirst and urination, sodium ion poisoning and even death.
This puts salty food part of the list of foods dogs should not eat.
Xylitol
Xylitol is an alternative to sugar in many products. The reason why Xylitol is so toxic to dogs is due being unable to be completely digested.
Small amounts is enough to cause hypoglycaemia, seizures, liver failure with worse case death within a few days of ingesting.
This means, food not to feed dogs which contains Xylitol includes candy & gummies, baked foods, protein bars and even cosmetics products such as makeup (despite not being a food product, dogs tends to love licking faces) are toxic to dogs and should be avoided at all risk.
Yeast Dough
One of the key ingredients to everyone’s all time favorites’ pizzas – Yeast dough. This deadly substance stays in dog’s digestive system causing more harm than good. Symptoms such as stomach bloating, and potentially twist due to the dough expansion, becoming a life or death situation.
Summary
Shop Smart, Save yourself from a trip to the Vet $$
Nobody likes getting sick, your dog included. As the owner, you are in control of what your dog will be eating. Avoid unnecessary trips to the Vet caused by food poisonings will save you thousands you are able to spend on more worthwhile stuff.
If you believe your dog/puppy is under any symptoms or is in any pain, please take it to your nearest vet right away.
Under any circumstances, if you believe your dog or pet may have ingested a potentially poisonous substance or reacting to such symptoms, contact ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center Phone Number: (888) 426-4435
