Toxic Food For Dogs

Posted on August 10, 2022 • 4 min read • 724 words

Dogs can be opportunistic when grabbing tempting delights. I know if given a chance, my dog Simba would snaffle a tasty-looking sausage off the plate. But not all common foods and drinks are suitable for them to consume.

A healthy, balanced diet should always come first; your dog typically has room for and begs for some snackable additions. But if you expand their diet, it’s essential to know what is good and bad for them.

Find out which are the top 10 toxic food for dogs that pose the most significant risk and are bad for dogs.

If you want to make some homemade treats check out this post

ONIONS, GARLIC AND CHIVES  

The basis of many culinary masterpieces, the onion family, is highly poisonous to dogs and can cause gastrointestinal discomfort and red blood cell destruction, whether it is dried, raw, or cooked.

Garlic is about five times as toxic as onions for dogs and cats. Certain breeds and species seem to be more sensitive.

Illness symptoms may not always be apparent immediately and may not show up for several days.

CHOCOLATE  

However enticing chocolate is for humans and dogs alike, chocolate is another poisonous food for dogs. Chocolate contains toxic compounds called methylxanthines, including theobromine and caffeine.

The purer (darker) the chocolate, the higher the toxins. Just a tiny piece of dark chocolate may be enough to harm a small dog.

MACADAMIA NUTS  

Macadamia nuts contain toxins that can affect your dog’s muscles and nervous system. Signs of poisoning develop 3-24 hours after ingestion and include weakness, reluctance to get up/stand, reluctance to walk, trembling, lethargy, vomiting and fever.

CORN ON THE COB  

Corn on the cob could potentially be fatal if eaten by your dog. Although dogs digest the corn, the cob can cause a blockage in your dog’s intestine. It would be best if you didn’t give your dog this to chew.

Signs of ingestion are dehydration, lethargy, reduced activity, repeated vomiting, loss of appetite, and diarrhea. If you notice any of these signs, seek veterinary assistance immediately.

AVOCADO  

Avocados are potentially poisonous food for dogs. However, it’s ok if your dog eats a small amount of avocado flesh, but best avoided.

Avocado plants contain a substance called Persin, which is in its leaves, fruit and seed and can cause vomiting and diarrhoea in dogs.

ARTIFICIAL SWEETENER (XYLITOL)  

Naturally occurring xylitol is frequently collected from birch or corncobs and utilised as a sweetener in industrial items, including toothpaste, gum, candy, and baked goods. The sugar substitute xylitol can poison dogs.

If ingested, your dog can become hypoglycaemia linked to liver failure and blood clotting disorders.

ALCOHOL  

Alcohol has a massive impact on dogs, even in small doses. Dogs cannot metabolize alcohol, so beverages, foods, or household products containing different forms of alcohol can be toxic.

Alcohol can cause lethargy, respiratory depression, dangerously low body temperature diarrhoea and even central nervous system damage in dogs.

COOKED BONES  

Raw uncooked bones to chew on is an excellent treat, but avoid cooked bones at all costs. Your dog’s eyes will light up; however, they are full of danger.

Cooked bones can easily splinter and, in large quantities, cause constipation or, at worst, perforation of the gut, which can be fatal.

GRAPES AND RAISINS  

Grapes, raisins, and currants can cause kidney failure and even death in dogs. Oatmeal raisin cookies, cinnamon raisin bagels, trail mix, and raisin bran are all potential toxins.

A typical early symptom of grape or raisin toxicity is vomiting, generally seen within 24 hours following ingestion. Lack of appetite, lethargy, and possibly diarrhea may occur within the next 12-24 hours.

HUMAN PAIN MEDICATION  

Anti-inflammatory medications like Aleve (naproxen), Advil (ibuprofen), Aspirin (ASA), and Tylenol (acetaminophen) can be deadly if given to your dog. 

Dogs should never ingest a human pain medication because their system processes it very differently, and the dosage is too strong for them, which causes toxicities very quickly.

WHAT SHOULD I DO IF MY DOG HAS EATEN ANY OF THESE?  

If consumed, even small amounts of these items can be fatal so always act immediately and take your dog to the vet.

What should I be feeding my dog?

Looking for safe healthy homemade treats for your four-legged friend, see our Best Low-fat Dog Treat Recipes.