15 Things to Never Feed Your Dog

As dog owners, we often consider our pets part of the family and are tempted to share our meals with them. However, what might be a tasty treat for us could be harmful or even fatal for our four-legged friends. No matter how much they beg, do not give them a bite of any of these foods. Let’s make sure our furry companions stay safe and healthy! 

Chocolate

Probably one of the most well-known foods that is harmful to dogs, chocolate has a chemical called theobromine; it can cause vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, and death in high doses. The darker the chocolate, the more dangerous it is for your pup.

Xylitol

Xylitol is an artificial sweetener in many sugar-free products such as gum, candy, and even some peanut butter. While harmless to humans, it could cause failure of the liver and a sudden drop in blood sugar in dogs. Always check the ingredients before sharing any treats with your dog.

Grapes and Raisins

Raisins and grapes may seem like a healthy snack, but they are highly toxic to dogs. Even small amounts can cause kidney failure, leading to dehydration, vomiting, and loss of appetite. Keep these fruits away from your dog.

Garlic and Onions

Garlic and onions have compounds that can damage your dog’s red blood cells, leading to anemia. Symptoms may not appear immediately, but they can become frail, lazy, and lose their appetite over time. Avoid giving any meals seasoned with these ingredients to your dog.

Avocado

While avocado is a superfood for humans, it contains persin, which can cause vomiting and diarrhea in dogs. The seed and skin are especially dangerous as they can cause choking or intestinal blockage.

Coffee, Tea, and Other Caffeine

Caffeine is extremely harmful to dogs and can cause restlessness, rapid breathing, heart palpitations, muscle tremors, seizures, and bleeding. It’s also essential to keep coffee grounds and capsules out of reach.

Nuts

Certain nuts, particularly macadamia nuts, can be toxic to dogs, causing weakness, vomiting, tremors, and hyperthermia.

Raw Meat and Fish

Raw meat and fish contain bacteria that could cause food poisoning. Some fish, like salmon, can also have a parasite that causes ‘fish disease.’

Yeast Dough

Yeast dough can rise in a dog’s stomach, causing pain and potentially rupturing the stomach or intestines. This is because yeast produces gas as it ferments, which can cause the dough to expand and stretch the walls of the stomach or intestines. This can lead to discomfort, vomiting, diarrhea, and even life-threatening complications.

Bones

While giving a dog a bone may seem natural, this can be dangerous. Bones can splinter and cause an obstruction and cuts in your dog’s digestive system. This can lead to severe pain, internal bleeding, and, in some cases, even death. 

Salt

High salt intake leads to sodium ion poisoning in dogs, symptoms of which include vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, and can potentially be fatal.

Green Tomatoes

The green parts of tomatoes, including the stems and leaves, contain a toxic substance called solanine. While ripe tomatoes are safe for dogs, unripe ones are not. 

Milk and Dairy

Some dogs do not have enough lactase, the enzyme that breaks down lactose in milk. This results in diarrhea and digestive upset.

Sugar

Too much sugar leads to obesity, dental health issues, and even diabetes in dogs. Keep sweets and sugary foods out of your dog’s reach.   

Alcohol

Alcohol is as harmful to dogs as it is to humans. It can cause vomiting, diarrhea, decreased coordination, and breathing difficulties. In severe cases, it may even lead to coma or death. Avoid giving your dog any alcohol or leaving any alcoholic beverages within their reach.