Feeding your dog the wrong things can have serious consequences, ranging from an upset stomach to serious health issues. To keep your pup happy and healthy, it’s important to know which foods should be avoided at all costs. Here are 10 of the most toxic foods you shouldn't feed your dog.
Chocolate
Chocolate contains chemicals including theobromine and caffeine, which can
cause vomiting, diarrhea, increased heart rate, seizures and respiratory failure if ingested. However, dark chocolate is the worst offender as it features higher levels of the toxic substances. The risk increases even more when caffeine containing sugarless or baking varieties are consumed by dogs. Always pay extra attention at times of celebration such as Easter and Christmas. These can be peak times that chocolate will be in plentiful supply in most Australian households! If you do want to share a special chocolate type dog treat, we recommend buying a pet friendly carob treat from your local pet store.
Grapes & Raisins
While the exact toxic substance in grapes and raisins remains unknown, consumption of either has been linked to kidney failure in dogs. Keep your pooch safe by avoiding them altogether. If your dog does happen to consume any grapes or raisins, seek immediate veterinary attention as small amounts can cause kidney damage.
Alcohol
Alcohol of any kind should be avoided when it comes to your dog's health. Even small doses of alcohol can cause vomiting, diarrhea, coordination problems, difficulty breathing, central nervous system depression, increased heart rate and tremors in dogs. In severe cases ingestion of large amounts of alcohol can lead to coma and death.
Onions & Garlic
Onions and garlic are both classified as members of the Allium family which can be toxic to dogs in any form, whether they’re cooked, raw, or dried. Eating onions or garlic can cause anemia in your pup since their bodies cannot properly break down and process these ingredients. Anemia caused by onion and garlic ingestion can lead to pale gums and eyes, depression, a decrease in energy levels and other more serious health issues.
Avocado
While Australians have an obsession with eating avocado, it should never be shared with our furry friends. Avocado is bad for dogs to eat because it contains a substance called persin, which can be toxic to dogs in large quantities. Persin is a fungicidal toxin that is found in the leaves, bark, and fruit of the avocado plant. While persin is generally harmless to humans, dogs are more sensitive to its effects and can experience symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, and difficulty breathing if they consume too much avocado. Additionally, the high fat content in avocado can cause stomach upset and even pancreatitis in dogs, especially if they consume large amounts. Therefore, it's best to avoid feeding avocado to dogs as a precautionary measure.
Dairy products
Dairy foods can be bad for dogs to eat because many dogs are lactose intolerant, which means they lack the enzyme lactase that is needed to break down lactose, the sugar found in milk and other dairy products. Without lactase, dogs cannot properly digest lactose, which can lead to gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea, bloating, and gas. While some dogs may be able to tolerate small amounts of dairy products, it's generally best to avoid feeding them to dogs altogether, especially if your dog has a known sensitivity or allergy to dairy. Additionally, some dairy products, such as cheese and butter, can be high in fat, which can lead to obesity and other health problems if consumed in excess. Therefore, it's important to always provide your dog with a well-balanced diet that is specifically formulated for their nutritional needs.
Cooked bones
feeding your dog cooked bones of any type can be fatal. The composition of bones changes during the cooking process, and cooked bones become brittle and can splinter. If your dog eats cooked bones there is a high risk of bone becoming caught in the digestive tract or splintering and causing damage.
Nuts
Not all nuts are safe for dogs to eat. Some nuts can be toxic to dogs, while others can cause gastrointestinal upset or even digestive blockages.
Macadamia nuts are one of the most dangerous types of nuts for dogs to eat, as they can cause symptoms such as lethargy, vomiting, hyperthermia, and tremors.
Other types of nuts, such as almonds, pecans, and walnuts, can also cause gastrointestinal upset, such as vomiting and diarrhea, especially if they are salted or coated in other flavors. Additionally, nuts are high in fat, which can cause pancreatitis in dogs if consumed in large quantities.
If you suspect that your dog has eaten nuts or any other potentially harmful food, it's best to contact your veterinarian right away. To avoid any potential problems, it's best to avoid feeding your dog nuts altogether and to provide them with dog-safe treats and foods instead.
The best way to avoid your dog from accidentally eating these foods is to feed them before you eat your meal. This will help prevent them from seeking inappropriate food that could be toxic to them. A dog that has a fully tummy is less likely to pester you or your guests at meal times, they are far more likely to curl up on the lounge for a nap! If you need more information about feeding your dog a healthy, nutritious grain free dog food, like Man's Best, learn more here about having it delivered to your door, Sydney wide. Plus, We deliver a reusable tub of delicious Man’s Best premium dog food to your doorstep with zero single-use plastic packaging.
It's important to note that every dog is different, and some may be more sensitive to certain foods than others. If you suspect your dog has ingested something toxic, contact your veterinarian immediately.
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