Dogs are natural carnivores and as such have a high acidity level in their stomach that can digest meat, but this means talking about foods toxic to dogs as well! In contrast, humans have a low acidity level that cannot fully break down meat.
However, there are many foods both people and dogs can eat together without issue. In this blog post, we will discuss the human foods you should never share with your pup!
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What Foods Are Toxic to Dogs?
As their owners, it’s our responsibility to make sure that the foods we eat are safe for dogs as well. Some foods are toxic to them and some foods should be avoided due to the risks they present.
1. Avocado
On the list of foods toxic to dogs, avocado is definitely near the top. There are two reasons why avocado is bad for dogs: (1) it usually has enough fat that can cause an upset stomach; and (2) the pit or stone inside the fruit contains persin which, according to one source, can cause “drooling, vomiting, panting, diarrhea.”
It should be noted that persin has also been used as a pesticide on some foods like mangoes. If your dog eats part of an avocado fruit and does not eat any of the stone/pit, he’ll probably be okay- though you should still monitor his health there are varying reports about how much avocado is poisonous to dogs.
2. Alcohol
The reason why alcohol is related to foods toxic to dogs is that it can cause problems like stomach upset, diarrhea, vomiting and could even lead to pancreatitis.
3. Chocolate
Chocolate is probably one of the foods most people know are bad for dogs. These types of foods toxic to dogs can cause them to have low blood pressure, hyperactivity, abnormal heart rhythm, and even death.
It’s not only the caffeine in chocolate that’s bad for dogs- but it’s also what’s called “theobromine.” The specific type of chocolate known as baker’s chocolate contains the highest amount of theobromine out of all chocolates.
But regardless of what kind you get, dark or milk, it has some degree of toxicity if eaten by your dog. Even small amounts can be poisonous to a dog.
4. Onions
Onions are foods toxic to dogs because they contain a chemical called thiosulphate which can damage red blood cells. Even small amounts of foods with onions (or foods that were made with onions) can cause problems in dogs.
Symptoms include diarrhea, vomiting, “weakness, pale gums and anemia.” This article is actually written by a vet who had to deal with the poisoning of two dogs who ate some cooked green onions!
5. Garlic
Foods toxic to dogs containing garlic are “similar to onion toxicity”.
6. Macadamia Nuts
One of the foods most toxic to dogs are macadamia nuts. They contain an unknown toxin (that’s still being studied) that causes vomiting, ataxia, abdominal pain, and tremors in dogs within 12 hours of ingestion.
The exact quantities needed to be poisonous are unknown though it’s probably safe to say that small amounts would probably be okay- but it’s best to stay on the safe side and steer clear of nuts altogether.
7. Tomatoes
Tomatoes are toxic to dogs due to the possibility of them having “tomato toxicity.” Tomato toxicity can cause diarrhea, colic, slowed breathing, tremors, and confusion.
8. Raisins
Raisins are toxic to dogs because foods containing grapes or sultanas can cause kidney failure in dogs. Grapes or raisins (not the same thing) can be poisonous enough “to kill a fully-grown dog.”
Symptoms of grape poisoning in dogs include vomiting and diarrhea that lead to dehydration and trouble urinating. While foods containing raisins typically contain at least 10 times as many grapes compared to foods containing just raisins, it’s recommended that you keep any foods containing grapes away from your pet!
Conclusion
With the above list of toxic foods to dogs, you have been warned. You can’t be too careful when it comes to your dog’s health and wellbeing. If a food item is listed as being dangerous for dogs, don’t feed it to them!
