We’re Jason and Stephanie from Jay’s Dog Shack, and we’re excited to share with you our Definitive Guide to What Dogs CAN NOT Eat. We’ve put together a comprehensive list of 25 foods that our fur babies should avoid at all costs.
We’ve had a great response to our previous post on the benefits of bananas, and we wanted to take it to the next level with this comprehensive list.
We know how important it is to keep our dogs healthy and happy, which is why we’ve included everything from chocolate to avocados, grapes to onions. These foods can be potentially harmful, even in small amounts, and we want to make sure that you’re aware of the risks.
So, take a look at our list and make sure that you’re keeping your furry friends safe. Remember, they rely on us to make the right choices when it comes to their health.
Can dogs eat :
Chocolate
Many of us enjoy a good piece of chocolate, but it’s not a treat for our dogs. Chocolate contains a substance called theobromine that can lead to theobromine poisoning in dogs. The darker the chocolate, the more theobromine it contains. Small amounts may cause mild symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea, while large amounts can cause seizures and even death. Dogs are also unable to metabolize caffeine, another ingredient found in chocolate.
Our old-timer, Buddha, once managed to sneak a bite of a chocolate bar that was left within his reach. Thankfully, we noticed immediately, and our vet was able to treat him promptly. It was a close call and a lesson learned – chocolate is always stored out of reach now!
If you suspect your dog has ingested chocolate, contact your vet immediately.
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Grapes and Raisins
Grapes and their dried counterparts, raisins, can cause kidney failure in dogs. While the precise substance causing this effect remains unknown, even small amounts can prove to be harmful. Symptoms include lethargy, decreased appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and decreased urination.
Dr. Danielle Anderson, a veterinarian we’ve consulted with, says, “I cannot stress enough the importance of keeping grapes and raisins away from your dogs. The toxic effects are simply not worth the risk.”
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Onions and Garlic
Onions, garlic, and other members of the allium family (including leeks and chives) contain a compound called N-propyl disulfide. This compound can cause a condition called Heinz body anemia in dogs, leading to the destruction of red blood cells.
Garlic is considered to be five times as potent as onions. Cooking these foods does not reduce their toxicity. Symptoms may include weakness, reluctance to move, fatigue, and darkly colored urine.
Our friend Rachel, a fellow dog enthusiast, once told us about her Labrador who accidentally ate some garlic cloves and had to be rushed to the vet. It was a rough time for Rachel and her Lab, but they got through it with prompt medical attention.
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Avocados
Avocados contain a toxin called persin, which can cause upset stomachs in dogs. While the pit poses the highest risk (due to the high concentration of persin and risk of blockage if swallowed), it’s best to avoid avocados entirely when it comes to your dog’s diet.
Dr. Anderson warns, “Even though persin toxicity is more dangerous in other animals like birds and horses, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Keep avocados away from your dogs.”
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Alcohol
Alcohol and food products containing alcohol can cause serious complications in dogs. The smaller the dog, the greater the effect. Alcohol can cause significant drops in blood sugar, blood pressure, and body temperature. It can also lead to seizures and respiratory failure. Symptoms usually appear within an hour after ingestion and may include vomiting, loss of coordination, disorientation, and high body temperature.
At Jay’s Dog Shack, we are aware of a case where a small terrier consumed a half glass of wine left unattended during a family gathering. The dog experienced significant disorientation and drowsiness, requiring an emergency visit to the vet.
If you suspect your dog has ingested alcohol, seek veterinary help immediately.
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Macadamia Nuts
While nuts are often a healthy snack for humans, this is not the case for dogs, particularly with macadamia nuts. Dogs can develop macadamia nut toxicity, leading to symptoms like weakness, depression, vomiting, tremors, and hyperthermia. Symptoms usually appear within 12 hours of ingestion and can last approximately 12 to 48 hours.
Dr. Anderson strongly advises against offering any type of nuts to dogs, stating, “While not all nuts are toxic to dogs, it’s better to be on the safe side and avoid them entirely. Macadamia nuts are particularly harmful and can cause serious illness in dogs.”
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Coffee and Caffeine
Similar to chocolate, dogs are unable to efficiently metabolize caffeine. Ingesting coffee or caffeine can lead to caffeine poisoning, leading to symptoms like restlessness, rapid breathing, heart palpitations, muscle tremors, and fits. Unfortunately, there is no antidote for caffeine poisoning, so it’s crucial to prevent your dogs from ingesting coffee or caffeine-containing products.
Our friend and local barista, Mike, recalls a time when his Golden Retriever puppy managed to lap up a few sips of coffee left on a low table. The poor pup was agitated and restless for hours, serving as a potent reminder of the dangers of caffeine.
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Xylitol
Xylitol is a sugar substitute found in many sugar-free products like gum, candies, and some peanut butters. While safe for human consumption, it can be deadly for dogs, causing a rapid and severe drop in blood sugar (hypoglycemia), leading to symptoms like weakness, disorientation, seizures, and even liver failure.
Always double-check the ingredient list of any “sugar-free” products you bring home, and keep them well out of your dog’s reach.
Especially important for our homemade Banana Bread Dog Treat!
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Cooked Bones
While it’s a classic image – a dog with a bone – cooked bones can be hazardous for your dog. When cooked, bones can become brittle and easily splinter. This can lead to choking, obstructions, or punctures in your dog’s digestive system. Instead, opt for safer chew toys that support dental health.
We learned this lesson firsthand when our Retriever, Sandy, got hold of a cooked chicken bone from the trash. It resulted in an anxious rush to the emergency vet. Fortunately, Sandy made a full recovery, but we now make sure all leftovers are secured out of reach.
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Raw Eggs
While some dog owners believe raw foods are beneficial, feeding raw eggs to your dog has potential health risks. Raw eggs can be contaminated with bacteria like Salmonella or E. coli, which can cause foodborne illnesses. Additionally, raw egg whites contain avidin, a protein that can interfere with the absorption of biotin, a B-vitamin, leading to skin and coat problems.
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Salt
Just like in humans, excessive salt intake can be harmful to dogs. It can lead to a condition called sodium ion poisoning, which can cause symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, and can even be fatal. Always limit your dog’s salt intake and make sure they have access to plenty of fresh water.
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Citrus
The stems, leaves, peels, fruit, and seeds of citrus plants contain varying amounts of citric acid, essential oils that can cause irritation and possibly central nervous system depression in dogs if ingested in significant quantities. Small doses, like a piece or two of orange, usually don’t cause a problem, but larger amounts can lead to discomfort.
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Raw Dough
Uncooked bread dough can expand in a dog’s stomach, causing bloating and discomfort. It can become a life-threatening emergency that requires immediate veterinary intervention. Furthermore, yeast dough can ferment in a dog’s stomach, producing alcohol, leading to alcohol poisoning.
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Milk and Dairy Products
Many dogs are lactose intolerant, which means they don’t have enough of the enzyme lactase, which breaks down lactose in milk. This can result in diarrhea, stomach upset, and skin allergies. While small amounts of plain yogurt or cheese are typically safe, it’s best to avoid large amounts of dairy.
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Pitted Fruits
Certain fruits like peaches, plums, and cherries contain pits that can be hazardous to dogs. The pits are a choking hazard and, if swallowed, can cause an intestinal blockage. Additionally, these pits contain a type of cyanide compound that can be toxic if your dog chews or crushes them. Always remove pits and seeds before giving fruit to your dog.
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Corn on the Cob
While the corn itself isn’t harmful, the cob can be a serious danger. If your dog ingests the cob, it can cause an obstruction in their digestive system, requiring surgical removal. Never let your dog chew on corn cobs.
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Nutmeg
Nutmeg contains a toxin called myristicin. If your dog ingests a large enough amount, it can cause symptoms like hallucinations, disorientation, increased heart rate, high blood pressure, dry mouth, abdominal pain, and seizures.
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Chives and Leeks
Like onions and garlic, chives and leeks belong to the allium family and can cause red blood cell damage in dogs. Symptoms of toxicity include weakness, reluctance to move, pale gums, discolored urine, and vomiting.
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Raw Meat and Fish
Raw meat and fish can carry harmful bacteria such as Salmonella and Listeria, which can lead to foodborne illnesses in dogs. Some raw fish also contain an enzyme that destroys thiamine, an essential B-vitamin, leading to serious neurological issues if consumed regularly.
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In the final part of this comprehensive guide, we will cover the last five foods to keep out of your dog’s reach. Always remember, when in doubt about a food’s safety, it’s best to consult with your vet.
Hops
This plant, used in the brewing of beer, is extremely toxic to dogs. Consumption can lead to high body temperature, rapid heart rate, vomiting, and in severe cases, death. Therefore, if you brew beer at home, be sure to keep your dog away from the hops.
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Rhubarb Leaves
Rhubarb stems might be a human delicacy, but their leaves contain soluble calcium oxalate crystals which can cause drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, tremors, bloody urine, changes in thirst and urination, and in severe cases, acute kidney failure.
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Mushrooms
Certain types of wild mushrooms can be highly toxic to dogs, causing severe symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, tremors, seizures, liver and kidney damage, and even death. Unless you’re an expert in fungi, it’s safest to keep your pup away from all mushrooms.
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Tomato Plants
While ripe tomatoes themselves are typically safe for dogs, the green parts of the tomato plant – the leaves, stems, and unripe fruit – contain a toxic substance called solanine. Ingestion can lead to drooling, loss of appetite, diarrhea, drowsiness, confusion, and changes in behavior.
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Yeast Dough
Unbaked bread dough containing yeast can be dangerous for dogs. As it ferments in the stomach, it produces alcohol and gas. The expansion of the dough can cause painful bloating and potentially twist the stomach, a situation requiring emergency surgery. Additionally, the alcohol produced can lead to alcohol poisoning.
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I hope this comprehensive guide helps keep your furry friend safe and answers that burning question.. Can Dogs Eat ….. Remember, it’s always best to consult your vet if you’re unsure about feeding your dog a particular food. Just as people can have individual food allergies or reactions, so too can our four-legged friends. Stay informed and keep them healthy!
Swap out all those can’t haves for some must have bananas with our Easy Homemade Banana Bread Dog Treats and 3 Easy Sum