The pleading eyes of a dog staring at you while you eat your food is a guilt trip like no other. It’s as if they’ve been deprived of food for several years even though they inhaled their dinner in less than two minutes. As a responsible dog owner, it may seem tempting to give in and give them a teeny tiny bite from your plate, after all, what harm can a teeny tiny bite of whatever I’m eating do to my dog? Actually, a lot.

Dogs have different digestive systems, and many foods that may be safe for us may be toxic or even potentially deadly for them. Let’s look at some of the common and even some surprising foods that owners should avoid feeding their dogs. 

Certain Fruits and Vegetables

1. Raisins and Grapes: Even though they may seem harmless, even a small amount of grapes and raisins can lead to kidney failure in dogs. Scientists are still not sure as to which compound can cause such toxicity but some common symptoms of grapes and raisins poisoning in dogs include vomiting, lethargy and loss of appetite.

2. Avocados: These contain a toxin called Persin which in large amounts can cause major digestive problems and even potential heart problems in your dog. Another problem with avocados is the large pit in between which can cause choking.

3. Cherries, Plums, Peaches: Similar to avocados, the large pit in the middle of these fruits can cause choking or blockages in dogs.

4. Lemons: Citrus fruits in general are not recommended for dogs, as the high acidity can cause digestive upset and also teeth erosion. Lemon rinds contain psoralen which can cause photosensitivity in dogs.  
   

5. Onions and Garlic: Both contain compounds which can lead to a reduction in blood cell count in dogs ultimately leading to anemia. Symptoms of onion and garlic poisoning include weakness, paleness of gums, and an increased heart rate. In serious cases, blood transfusion may be required. However, one should note that 1-2 cloves of garlic can provide a boost to immunity and heart-protective benefits, however, it is not recommended to cross that amount.

6. Mushrooms: Several different types of mushrooms can cause serious health problems ranging from gastrointestinal problems and liver damage to potential death. This mainly depends on the type of mushroom and the amount ingested.

Nuts

1. Macadamia Nuts: These may be a tasty treat for humans, but they are highly toxic for dogs so much so that even a small amount can cause tremors, muscle weakness, hypothermia, vomiting or in some cases, even death.

2. Other Nuts: Nuts such as Walnuts, Pistachios, Almonds, Pecans, Hazelnuts etc. should be fed in moderation or in small amounts as they have high levels of fat which can potentially lead to obesity and pancreatic issues in dogs.

Dairy and Meat Products

1. Milk: Adult dogs lack an enzyme called lactase which can lead to immense digestive discomfort. For an in-depth understanding of why one must not serve milk to their dogs, check out our previous article “Should you give milk to your dogs?”

2. Cooked Bones: Despite what cartoons have taught us, bones are not exactly the safest for your dogs, especially cooked bones as they can splinter and cause internal injuries such as intestinal blockages or even punctures to the digestive tract. 

3. Raw Meat and Eggs: Even though dogs can digest raw meats in small amounts depending on their quality, it generally is not recommended. Raw Meat and Eggs carry risks of bacterial infections such as salmonella which can cause bloody diarrhea, vomiting, fever and loss of appetite. Raw Eggs also contain avidin, which can interfere with biotin absorption and lead to skin and coat problems. 

4. Fatty Meats: Greasy, fatty foods such as bacon, sausages, and even fried dishes can lead to pancreatitis in dogs which is a painful and potentially life-threatening condition where the pancreas becomes inflamed. Symptoms can include vomiting, lethargy, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.

Sweeteners and Drinks

1. Chocolates: Chocolates contain caffeine and theobromine which can overstimulate the nervous system and the heart. Dark chocolate and baking chocolate have the highest levels of theobromine making them particularly dangerous. Symptoms can include seizures, an increase in heart rate, vomiting, diarrhea, or in some cases, even death.

2. Xylitol: This is an artificial sweetener found in candies, peanut butter, gum and some toothpaste which even in small amounts can prove to be deadly for your dogs. It causes a rapid release of insulin, which can cause a dangerous drop in blood sugar or hypoglycemia. Symptoms generally include seizures, loss of coordination, liver failure or vomiting.

3. Alcohol: Dogs are extremely sensitive to alcohol so much so that what may seem like a sip to us might be life-threatening to them. Beer, whiskey, vodka, wine, or even food cooked in alcohol should not be served to dogs. Even a small amount can cause vomiting, seizures, coordination problems, coma or even death.

4. Caffeine: Like chocolate, caffeine contains stimulants that affect a dog’s heart and nervous system. This means coffee, tea, energy drinks, and even caffeine pills are off-limits. Ingesting caffeine can cause restlessness, rapid breathing, heart palpitations, muscle tremors, and seizures.

Others

1. Yeast Dough (Raw Dough): If your dog gets into raw bread dough, it can expand in their stomach due to the warmth of their body, leading to bloating and discomfort. Worse still, fermenting yeast produces alcohol, which can lead to alcohol poisoning. This is a double whammy that could require emergency medical attention.

2. Salt: Too much salt can lead to sodium ion poisoning in dogs. Symptoms include excessive thirst, vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, and, in extreme cases, seizures or death. While the occasional plain popcorn kernel won’t harm your dog, salted snacks such as chips should be kept far out of reach.

3. Cinnamon: Excessive consumption can cause digestive upset, skin irritation, and if inhaled, can cause choking or difficulty breathing. Cinnamon sticks are also a choking hazard and should not be given to dogs.

It’s easy to assume that if food is safe for humans, it’s safe for dogs, but as this list shows, that’s far from true. If you ever suspect that your dog has eaten something toxic, contact your veterinarian immediately.

In the meantime, stick to dog-friendly treats and give your pup the best gift of all—good health and a happy, wagging tail!