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What Foods Not To Feed Dogs
As a caregiver, you always want the best for your furry friend, which includes providing them with the most nourishing food. But while you may think you’re enhancing their diet with variety, some human foods can be seriously harmful to dogs. Here’s a list of foods you should never feed your dog.
1. Chocolate and Caffeine
You’ve probably heard this one before, but it bears repeating. Chocolate and caffeine contain substances called methylxanthines, which can cause vomiting and diarrhea, panting, excessive thirst and urination, hyperactivity, abnormal heart rhythm, tremors, seizures and even death in dogs.
| Food | Harmful Substance | Possible Effects |
|---|---|---|
| Chocolate | Methylxanthines | Vomiting, diarrhea, panting, hyperactivity |
| Caffeine | Methylxanthines | Excessive thirst, seizures, abnormal heart rhythm |
2. Grapes and Raisins
The toxic substance in grapes and raisins is unknown, but it’s believed to cause kidney failure in dogs. Even small amounts can make a dog ill.
3. Alcohol
Alcohol has the same effect on a dog’s liver and brain that it has on humans. But it takes a lot less to hurt your dog. Just a little can cause vomiting, diarrhea, central nervous system depression, problems with coordination, difficulty breathing, coma, even death.
4. Onions and Garlic
Onions, garlic, chives, and leeks are part of the Allium family and are poisonous to dogs in any form, whether raw, cooked, powdered, or dehydrated. They can cause your dog’s red blood cells to rupture, leading to anemia.
5. Xylitol
Xylitol is a sugar substitute often found in sugar-free products like gum, candy, baked goods, and toothpaste. It can lead to liver failure and can be fatal to dogs.
Remember, each dog is unique and may react differently to different foods. When in doubt, leave it out.
FAQ
Q: Can my dog eat chocolate?
A: No, chocolate contains methylxanthines, which can be harmful to dogs.
Q: Are grapes and raisins safe for dogs?
A: No, even small amounts of grapes or raisins can cause kidney failure in dogs.
Q: Can dogs have alcohol?
A: No, alcohol can cause a range of health problems in dogs, including vomiting, coordination problems, and even death.
Q: Are onions and garlic safe for dogs?
A: No, onions, garlic, chives, and leeks can cause anemia in dogs.
Q: Can dogs eat food with Xylitol?
A: No, Xylitol can lead to liver failure and can be fatal to dogs.
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