It’s a natural instinct for pet owners to want to share their favorite foods with their beloved dogs. However, many common human foods can pose significant health risks to our canine companions. The experts at the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) (888) 426-4435 have compiled a crucial list of Foods Bad For Dogs that every owner should be aware of. If you suspect your dog has ingested any of these dangerous items, it’s vital to note the quantity consumed and immediately contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center for guidance.
Alcohol and Yeast Dough: A Risky Combination
Alcoholic beverages and foods containing alcohol are severely detrimental to dogs. The consumption of alcohol can lead to a range of dangerous symptoms including vomiting, diarrhea, lack of coordination, depression, breathing difficulties, tremors, dangerous shifts in blood pH, and in severe cases, coma and even death. Alcohol is rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream, making swift veterinary intervention essential if your dog ingests it.
Similarly, yeast dough presents a double threat. As the dough rises in the warm, moist environment of a dog’s stomach, it can cause a painful and dangerous buildup of gas in their digestive system. This can lead to gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV), commonly known as bloat, a life-threatening emergency where the stomach twists. Furthermore, the yeast fermentation process produces alcohol as a byproduct. Therefore, ingesting raw bread dough can also result in alcohol poisoning, compounding the risks (as detailed above).
Chocolate, Coffee, and Caffeine: Methylxanthine Dangers
Chocolate, coffee, and caffeine are grouped together due to their shared toxic agent: methylxanthines. These compounds, naturally found in these products, are highly dangerous for dogs. When ingested, methylxanthines can cause a variety of distressing symptoms, including vomiting and diarrhea, rapid panting, excessive thirst and urination, hyperactivity, abnormal heart rhythms, tremors, seizures, and potentially death. The severity of the toxicity is directly related to the concentration of methylxanthines. Darker chocolates with a higher percentage of cacao and products with higher caffeine content pose a greater risk. White chocolate contains the lowest levels of methylxanthines, while baking chocolate and cocoa powder have the highest and are therefore the most dangerous foods bad for dogs in this category.
Fruits and Vegetables: Not Always a Healthy Choice
While fruits and vegetables are often considered healthy, certain types can be harmful, and are considered foods bad for dogs:
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Avocado: Avocado primarily poses a threat to birds, rabbits, donkeys, horses, and ruminants like sheep and goats. The primary concern is persin, a fungicidal toxin, which can cause cardiovascular damage and death, particularly in birds and rabbits. Horses, donkeys, and ruminants may experience swelling in the head and neck area, alongside cardiac issues. For dogs, avocado is considered less toxic, but the pit can be a choking hazard and the fruit’s high-fat content can still cause stomach upset or pancreatitis in sensitive dogs.
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Citrus Fruits (Stems, Leaves, Peels, Fruit, and Seeds): Citrus plants contain citric acid and essential oils that can cause irritation and potentially central nervous system depression if ingested in significant quantities. While small amounts of citrus fruit pulp are unlikely to cause more than minor stomach upset, larger quantities of peels, leaves and stems should be avoided.
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Grapes and Raisins: Grapes and raisins are particularly dangerous foods bad for dogs. Tartaric acid is suspected to be the toxic compound. Dogs are unable to effectively process tartaric acid, and ingestion of grapes or raisins can lead to acute kidney failure. Even small amounts can be toxic, and the exact toxic dose varies between individual dogs.
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Onions, Garlic, Chives, and Leeks: These vegetables are part of the Allium family and are toxic to dogs. Allium species contain compounds that can cause gastrointestinal irritation and damage to red blood cells, leading to hemolytic anemia (destruction of red blood cells). While cats are more susceptible, dogs are also at risk, depending on the amount and form (raw, cooked, powdered) ingested. Garlic and onions are more toxic than chives or leeks.
Milk and Dairy: Digestive Issues
Many dogs are lactose intolerant, meaning they lack sufficient lactase, the enzyme needed to break down lactose in milk. Therefore, milk and dairy products are often foods bad for dogs, leading to diarrhea and other digestive upsets. While a small amount of plain yogurt or cheese might be tolerated by some dogs, it’s generally best to avoid giving them milk, cream, ice cream, and large quantities of cheese.
Nuts and Fatty Foods: Pancreatitis Risk
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Macadamia Nuts: Macadamia nuts are specifically toxic to dogs. Even a small ingestion can cause weakness, incoordination, depression, vomiting, tremors, and hyperthermia (increased body temperature). Symptoms typically appear within 12 hours of ingestion, and recovery is usually expected within 24 to 72 hours. The exact toxic mechanism is still unknown.
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Other Nuts (Almonds, Pecans, Walnuts): While not as toxic as macadamia nuts, other nuts, including almonds, pecans, and walnuts, are high in oils and fats. These high-fat foods bad for dogs can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and potentially pancreatitis, a serious inflammation of the pancreas, especially in dogs prone to this condition.
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Coconut and Coconut Oil: In small amounts, coconut and coconut-based products are unlikely to cause serious harm. However, the flesh and milk of fresh coconuts contain oils that can cause stomach upset, loose stools, and diarrhea due to their high fat content.
Raw or Undercooked Meat, Eggs, and Bones: Bacterial and Physical Hazards
Raw meat and raw eggs can harbor bacteria like Salmonella and E. coli, which can be harmful to both pets and humans. Raw eggs also contain avidin, an enzyme that can interfere with the absorption of biotin, a B vitamin, potentially leading to skin and coat problems over time.
Feeding raw bones to dogs, while seemingly natural, is also risky. Bones can splinter and cause choking, lacerations, or obstructions in the gastrointestinal tract. These obstructions can be severe and often require surgery. Cooked bones are even more brittle and dangerous than raw bones.
Sweet and Salty Treats: From Low Blood Sugar to Salt Poisoning
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Xylitol: Xylitol is an artificial sweetener found in many products, including sugar-free gum, candies, baked goods, and toothpaste. Xylitol is extremely toxic to dogs. It can cause a rapid release of insulin, leading to a dangerous drop in blood sugar (hypoglycemia). Symptoms of xylitol poisoning include vomiting, lethargy, loss of coordination, and seizures. Liver damage can occur within 12 to 24 hours and can lead to bleeding disorders. Xylitol is one of the most dangerous foods bad for dogs.
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Salt and Excessively Salty Foods: Excessive salt intake can lead to dehydration, increased thirst and urination, and in severe cases, sodium ion poisoning. Symptoms of salt toxicity include vomiting, diarrhea, depression, tremors, seizures, and even death. Salty snacks like chips, pretzels, and salted popcorn are foods bad for dogs in large quantities.
Protecting your dog from these foods bad for dogs is crucial for their health and well-being. Always be vigilant about what your dog might ingest and keep these hazardous items out of their reach. In case of accidental ingestion, immediate veterinary care or contacting the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center is paramount.
