Foods that are Dangerous to Dogs

Feeding Your Dog: What Not to Give

Experts always say not to feed your dog human food because it teaches them to beg and can turn them off their kibble. However, there’s more at stake than just developing bad manners. Some foods we love and eat regularly can cause digestive upsets, depress the nervous system, damage organs, or even lead to a coma. In extreme cases, some foods can be fatal to dogs.

Foods That Your Dog Should Not Eat and Why

• **Alcohol**: Like in humans, it can cause intoxication, and if enough is ingested, it can lead to coma and death.
• **Chocolate, coffee, tea, and foods containing caffeine**: Caffeine contains theobromine or theophylline, which are toxic to dogs, causing heart and nervous system damage, and potentially death.
• **Citrus oil extracts**: Can cause vomiting.
• **Fat and fat trimmings**: Too much fat in the diet can lead to pancreatitis.
• **Garlic**: All forms (cooked, raw, or powdered) contain sulfoxides and disulfides that damage red blood cells and cause anemia.
• **Grapes and raisins**: It is not currently known what compounds in these foods cause acute renal failure and death.
• **Hops**: An unknown toxin that can cause panting, tachycardia (increased heart rate), elevated body temperature, seizures, and death.
• **Human multi-vitamins**: Avoid unless specified by a veterinarian regarding brand and dosage.
• **Iron supplements**: These can damage the lining of the digestive tract and are toxic to the liver and kidneys.
• **Liver**: In large quantities, it can cause vitamin A toxicity, affecting muscles and bones.
• **Macadamia nuts**: Adversely affect the digestive and nervous systems.
• **Milk and dairy products**: Most dogs are lactose intolerant, meaning they do not have enough lactase (the enzyme that breaks down lactose) in their system.
• **Mushrooms**: Various toxins can affect multiple systems or organs and may result in death.
• **Onions**: All forms (cooked, raw, or powdered) contain sulfoxides and disulfides that damage red blood cells and cause anemia.
• **Seeds and pits from fruit**: Can cause diarrhea or obstruct the digestive tract.
• **Raw eggs**: Can contain salmonella and block biotin absorption, leading to skin and coat issues.
• **Raw fish**: Can lead to thiamine deficiency, resulting in loss of appetite, seizures, and even death in serious cases.
• **Salt**: Not good for humans either, as it leads to electrolyte imbalances.
• **Sugar**: Watch dog biscuits and treats, as sugar is often included to increase palatability. Sugar leads to weight gain, rotten teeth, and diabetes—just like in humans!
• **Yeast and dough containing yeast**: Expands in the stomach and intestines, causing indigestion and gas. If it expands enough, it could cut off blood supply to the stomach and even rupture the stomach or intestines.

Things Dogs Eat That Are Not Considered Food

• **Antifreeze**: Ethylene glycol is sweet-tasting, and pets have been known to chew through bottles to get to it. It causes crystals to form in the kidneys, leading to renal failure and death. Even a small amount can be lethal, so mop up any spills thoroughly and keep antifreeze containers away from areas accessible to your pet.
• **Bones**: Chicken, fish, and sharp bones can puncture the digestive tract if swallowed. Large quantities of beef bones can upset the stomach and cause colon impaction.
• **Baby food**: Watch for ingredients that may contain onion or garlic, as well as added vitamins.
• **Cat food**: Generally high in fat and protein, which can be problematic for dogs.
• **Marijuana, drugs, and medications**: Depending on the substance, contact your veterinarian immediately if your dog ingests anything, including acetaminophen.
• **String**: While cats are more prone to eating string, wool, or fishing line, dogs can ingest these items as well, leading to various problems that may require surgery.
• **Tobacco**: Nicotine causes digestive and nervous system upset, a racing heartbeat, collapse, coma, and even death.
• **Garbage or rotten food**: Can contain toxins and mold that cause vomiting, diarrhea, and other issues.

Teach your dog not to beg or counter surf. Read ingredient labels and use common sense when feeding your dog anything other than their kibble; you could save them from a stomach ache—or worse!