It’s a natural instinct to want to share our favorite foods with our beloved dogs. However, while some human foods are perfectly safe for dogs to eat, many others can pose serious health risks. If you’re wondering “What Foods Are Harmful To Dogs?”, it’s crucial to be informed to protect your furry friend from potential dangers. Accidentally feeding your dog something toxic could lead to an emergency vet visit, so prevention is key.
Many common household foods can be surprisingly dangerous for dogs. These aren’t just limited to obvious no-nos; some seemingly harmless items can cause significant health issues. Here’s a breakdown of some of the most common categories and specific examples of foods that are harmful to dogs:
Alcoholic Beverages, Apple Seeds, Apricot and Cherry Pits
Alcohol is highly toxic to dogs, even in small amounts, and can cause vomiting, diarrhea, coordination problems, central nervous system depression, tremors, coma, and even death. Similarly, apple seeds, apricot pits, and cherry pits contain cyanide, which is poisonous. While a few seeds might not be lethal, it’s best to avoid them entirely.
Avocados
Avocados contain persin, which is toxic to dogs in large quantities. While the fleshy part of the avocado might not be as harmful, the pit, skin, and leaves contain higher concentrations of persin and can cause vomiting and diarrhea in dogs.
Chocolate and Candy (Especially with Xylitol)
Chocolate is well-known to be toxic to dogs, particularly dark chocolate and baking chocolate, due to the theobromine it contains. This stimulant can cause vomiting, diarrhea, hyperactivity, tremors, seizures, and heart problems. Candy, especially sugar-free varieties, often contains xylitol, an artificial sweetener that is extremely poisonous to dogs. Xylitol can cause a rapid release of insulin, leading to hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), liver failure, and even death.
Coffee and Caffeine
Like chocolate, coffee and other caffeinated products contain stimulants that are harmful to dogs. This includes coffee grounds, beans, and tea. Caffeine can cause similar symptoms to theobromine poisoning, including hyperactivity, tremors, seizures, and heart issues.
Garlic, Onions, Chives, and Mustard Seeds
These members of the allium family, in all forms (raw, cooked, powdered, etc.), are toxic to dogs. They damage red blood cells and can cause anemia. Onions are particularly dangerous, but garlic, chives, and mustard seeds also pose a risk.
Grapes and Raisins
Grapes and raisins are highly toxic to dogs, and even small amounts can cause kidney failure. The exact toxic substance in grapes and raisins is not fully understood, but it’s crucial to keep these fruits away from dogs.
Macadamia Nuts and Walnuts
Macadamia nuts can cause weakness, tremors, hyperthermia, and vomiting in dogs. Walnuts, especially moldy walnuts, can also be toxic and cause neurological issues and seizures.
Moldy Foods
Moldy foods of any kind should never be given to dogs. Molds can produce mycotoxins, which can be severely harmful and cause vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, seizures, and other neurological problems.
Peach Pits and Rhubarb Leaves
Similar to apricot and cherry pits, peach pits also contain cyanide. Rhubarb leaves contain soluble oxalates, which can cause kidney failure, drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, and even coma.
Potato and Tomato Leaves and Stems (Green Parts)
The green parts of potato and tomato plants, including leaves and stems, contain solanine, which is toxic to dogs. Ingestion can cause gastrointestinal upset, weakness, tremors, and confusion.
Salt
Excessive salt intake can lead to sodium ion poisoning in dogs, causing vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, seizures, and even death. It’s important to avoid giving dogs salty snacks.
Yeast Dough
Raw yeast dough can rise in a dog’s stomach, causing bloating and pain. Additionally, the fermentation process produces alcohol, which, as mentioned earlier, is toxic to dogs.
Gum
Gum, especially sugar-free gum, is dangerous because it can cause intestinal blockages if swallowed. Furthermore, sugar-free gums often contain xylitol, which is highly toxic.
Important Note: This list is not exhaustive. It’s always best to err on the side of caution when considering feeding your dog human food. When in doubt about “what foods are harmful to dogs”, always consult with your veterinarian or a certified veterinary nutritionist before introducing new foods into your dog’s diet. They can provide tailored advice based on your dog’s specific health needs and breed. Keeping these harmful foods away from your dog is a key part of responsible pet ownership and ensuring their long-term health and well-being.
