Your dog is not human and can’t tell the difference between a piece of chocolate and a grape. But that doesn’t mean they should be eating them either! Some foods are bad for dogs to eat, even if they might look like treats at first glance. If you’re wondering what foods your pup shouldn’t eat or how to avoid them, keep reading for some important information about what to avoid giving your furry friend.
Chocolate
You should never give your dog chocolate. Chocoholics rejoice. Chocolate contains theobromine, which is toxic to dogs. Theobromine can cause nausea, diarrhea, and heart problems, as well as seizures. It’s important to note that cooking chocolate is more dangerous than dark or milk chocolate. Theobromine levels are higher in darker chocolates, so it’s best to keep them out of reach of your furry friend.
Grapes and raisins
Grapes and raisins are toxic to dogs. Grapes and raisins can cause kidney failure in dogs, even if they’re cooked or raw. This is because grapes contain a chemical called phytoestrogens that are similar to the sexual hormones found naturally in humans. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) recommends not giving grapes or raisins to your pet at all because they may cause serious illness or death via hypokalemia (a condition in which your dog’s blood potassium levels become too low).
Onions and garlic
Onions and garlic are a no-no for your dog’s diet. Onions can cause anemia, stomach upset, and even death in dogs. Garlic is toxic to cats too!
Onions contain sulfur compounds that are harmful to the liver if consumed in large quantities over time. A small amount of onion juice may be okay if you’re feeding them as a treat or as part of their regular meals, but it’s best not to give raw onions or garlic directly onto the floor where your dog plays with it because they can get into their paws when they walk around barefoot on grass or dirt (and then lick them off).
Avocado
Avocado is a toxic food for dogs. Avocados are high in fat and sugar, which can lead to obesity, digestive issues, and even heart problems.
It’s unlikely you’ll find an avocado in your local grocery store–but if you’re buying dog food online or through Amazon Prime delivery services like BarkBox or WagJag (to name two examples), there’s a good chance that avocado is included as one of their ingredients. If your dog has been eating foods with avocados in them lately, he may be suffering from vomiting and diarrhea caused by the person contained within this fruit!
Alcohol
Alcohol is toxic to dogs and can cause depression, vomiting, and seizures. It’s also a common ingredient in cough medicines that contain acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Advil), which are both highly toxic to dogs.
Some people think that a small amount of alcohol is okay for their dog–but they’re wrong! Even one teaspoon of alcohol will cause significant problems in your pup if it weren’t for the fact that we drink so much already–it’s just too dangerous for us as well as them
Macadamia nuts
Macadamia nuts are a great source of antioxidants and fiber. However, they can be dangerous for your dog.
Macadamia nuts contain a compound called “maclurin,” which is an allergen that causes vomiting, diarrhea, and tremors in dogs with food allergies. These symptoms can cause weakness. If you think your dog may have an allergy to macadamia nuts, make sure that he gets tested for it by his veterinarian. This will ensure that he gets no more of this nutty treat!
Cooked bones
Cooked bones can splinter and cause internal damage. Bones from poultry, fish, pork, and beef are safe for dogs to eat. But cooked bones can also cause choking if you give them to your dog raw.
Dogs have a much higher risk of choking on bones than humans do. And because they’re not used to chewing them, it can lead to broken teeth and internal damage. Raw bones are not safe for dogs—even if they’re organic and free-range. Raw chicken, pork, or beef bones can cause digestive blockages or puncture your pet’s intestines.
Raw dough
Raw dough is a common substance found in many baked products, including cookies and cakes. It’s also used as an ingredient in some dog treats. In some cases, the raw dough can be dangerous for your dog if they eat it too often or if they have a sensitive stomach.
The most serious side effect of eating raw dough is an infection called Clostridium perfringens, which causes vomiting and diarrhea (often bloody) along with severe stomach pain and dehydration. Your pet could end up needing to go to the vet immediately if you give them too much raw dough at once–or even just one piece of uncooked cookie!
Xylitol
Xylitol is a sweetener found in gum and candy. It’s also used in some drugs, toothpaste, and mouthwash. You may have noticed that xylitol contains no calories, but it can cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) in dogs if they eat too much of it at one time. This can lead to liver failure or death.
Xylitol has been linked to vomiting and diarrhea in dogs that have eaten it, as well as an increased risk of cancerous tumors called hemangioendothelioma (HELs).
Caffeine
Caffeine is a stimulant that can cause heart arrhythmias and other health problems. It’s found in coffee, tea, and some soft drinks. Caffeine is also added to many energy drinks that are marketed as a way to keep you awake or boost your immune system.
Dogs can be toxic to themselves if they ingest too much caffeine at once. Therefore, it’s important for owners to monitor their dogs’ consumption of caffeinated substances and limit their intake as necessary.
Conclusion
If you’re wondering about the best way to feed your dog, consider talking to a vet first. While there are some foods that are perfectly fine for dogs to eat, others can be harmful or even dangerous. You should also remember that a dog’s diet is important because it affects their overall health as well as their personality.
