The full list of the foods dogs should not eat
You have probably heard about avoiding chocolate, onions, and grapes. But did you know that cinnamon and macadamia nuts can be toxic for a dog? We look over all the food they should avoid.
Toxic substances for dogs hide in our everyday food items and danger can come from the most unexpected places. We have listed them in alphabetical order for convenience.
Alcohol
Alcohol should totally be avoided as it has a huge impact on dogs, even in small doses. Dogs can not process alcohol and it can lead not only to intoxication like it would for humans, but also vomiting, panting, increased heart rate, fever, diarrea, nervous system damage and even death.
Almonds
If they are not toxic to dogs per se, almonds are a choking hazard for dogs. They can block the esophagus or even tear the windpipe if not chewed fully.
Apple seeds
Apples are good for dogs in small quantities as long as the seeds and core are carefully removed. The casing of apple seeds is toxic to them because they contain a natural chemical, called amygdalin, that releases cyanide when digested.
Avocado, especially the pit
Avocados contain persin, an ingredient that can cause diarrhea, vomiting, and heart congestion. If a dog eats a small piece of it, it will probably be okay but it’s safer to keep it closely monitored. On the other hand, the pit of the avocado is the most dangerous part of the fruit, as it can be a choking hazard and is also full of persin, in quantities very toxic to a dog. A vet should be consulted immediately if a dog chews on one.
Bones, cooked
Raw bones are suitable for a dog, as long as you make sure that they are fresh and from a trustworthy source, so they won’t carry Salmonella or E. coli, which can be harmful to both pets and humans. Cooked bones, on the other hand, can easily splinter when chewed by a dog and create terrible damage, from constipation at best to perforation of the gut at worse, which could be fatal.
Caffeine
Caffeine contains substances called methylxanthines, which are very dangerous to a dog’s health. When ingested by dogs, methylxanthines can cause vomiting and diarrhea, panting, excessive thirst and urination, hyperactivity, abnormal heart rhythm, tremors, seizures and even death.
Candy
Sugar free candies are to be avoided at all cost as they can contain xylitol, a highly toxic substance for dogs See Xylitol in this list to learn more.
Cat Food
The protein and fat levels in cat food are too high for your dog. Feeding a dog cat food could lead to an upset stomach, obesity, and pancreatitis.Cherries
The flesh part of cherries is okay for dogs to eat but the seed and cherry plan contain cyanide, a substance highly toxic to dogs. Cyanide disrupts cellular oxygen transport, leading in your dog’s blood cells not getting enough oxygen. Cyanide poisoning will result in symptoms like dilated pupils, difficulty breathing, and red gums.
Chewing gums
Chewing gums often contain xylitol, a highly toxic substance for dogs. See Xylitol in this list to learn more.
Chives
All foods from the onion family are to be avoided. See onions to learn more.
Chocolate
This might be the most known “no-no” in the toxic-for-dog food list. Chocolate contains substances called methylxanthines, found in the cacao seeds, which are very dangerous to a dog’s health. When ingested by dogs, methylxanthines can cause vomiting and diarrhea, panting, excessive thirst and urination, hyperactivity, abnormal heart rhythm, tremors, seizures and even death. The darker the chocolate, the more methylxanthines it contains.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon is not toxic to dogs per se but it can irritate the inside of dogs’ mouths. It can also lower a dog’s blood sugar so much that it leads to diarrhea, vomiting, increased, or decreased heart rate, and even liver disease.
Citrus
Citric acid is present in the stems, leaves, peels, fruit and seeds of citrus plants. It can cause irritation and possibly even central nervous system depression if ingested in significant amounts. In small doses it is fine and should not present problems beyond minor stomach upset.
Coffee
Coffee contains substances called methylxanthines, which are very dangerous to a dog’s health. When ingested by dogs, methylxanthines can cause vomiting and diarrhea, panting, excessive thirst and urination, hyperactivity, abnormal heart rhythm, tremors, seizures and even death.
Garlic
Garlic can cause gastrointestinal irritation and could lead to red blood cell damage. It can create anemia in dogs, causing side effects such as pale gums, elevated heart rate, weakness, and collapse. The effects of garlic poisoning can have delayed symptoms so if a dog has eaten some it is necessary to monitor it for a few days.
Grapes
Recently, veterinarians have discovered that grapes can cause kidney failure in dogs without identifying which substance is responsible for this reaction. Raisins should also be avoided for this reason also.
Macadamia nuts
Those are the most poisonous nuts for dogs. Consuming them can cause vomiting, weakness, depression, increased body temperature (hyperthermia), inability to walk, lethargy and affect the nervous system.
Nuts
Nuts, including almonds, pecans and walnuts, contain high amounts of oils and fats, which can cause vomiting, diarrhea and even pancreatitis in dogs. Almonds are a choking hazard (see “Almonds” above) and Macadamia nuts are a huge no-no.
Persimmon, Peach & Plum Pits
Pits and seeds from peaches, plums and persimmon have cyanide, which is poisonous to dogs.
Onions
Onions, leeks, and chives are part of a family of plants called Allium that is poisonous to dog, and most pets, and should never been consumed in any formed (cooked, raw, powder…). They can lead to red blood cell damage, making them rupture. In less severe cases a dog can also experience vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, and nausea. Signs of illness can appear several days after consumption and dogs should be monitored if you suspect they ate any.
Raisins.
See Grapes.
Xylitol, an artificial sweetener
Xylitol is a type of artificial sweetener found in many sugar-free products, from candy to nut butters. It creates an insulin release in dogs, which can lead to liver failure, blood clotting, seizures and brain damage. Always check the label for anything claiming to be “sugar free” or “no sugar added”, as this is a clue for the possible use of Xylitol in a product.
Yeast
Yeast will expand in a dogs’ stomach the same way it rises in bread. It can lead to gas, lots of farting, and discomfort. In the worst cases it could rupture their stomach and intestines. Also, yeast can ferment in the dog’s stomach and create alcohol, leading to alcohol poisoning.
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