What Foods Are Toxic To Dogs? [things you shouldn’t feed your dog]

I know it can be tempting to share your snack with your dog when they give you those adorable puppy dog eyes, but before you do, make sure it is safe for them. There are many things that the human digestive system can handle that dog’s can’t. If you think your dog has ingested a poisonous food or substance, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center’s 24/7 hotline at (888)-426-4434.

However, I am hoping you are here for preventative measures so you have the knowledge to keep your dog from eating potentially harmful foods. I have complied a list of some of the most toxic foods for dogs. Read the rest of this blog to find out what is bad for your dog and why.

Here are some foods that can be especially dangerous for your dog:

• Chocolate 

• Coffee & Tea or Caffeine in General 

• Grapes & Raisins 

• Xylitol

• Onions, Garlic Chives and Leaks 

• Macadamias, Almonds, Pistachios and Other Nuts 

• Excessive Salt 

• Raw Yeast Dough 

• Alcohol 

• Moldy food

• Avocado and Other Fruit Seeds & Pits

• Any Kind of Cooked Bones

• Fat Trimmings 

• Excessive Dairy Products

• Nutmeg 

• Spicy Food 

Chocolate 

I am pretty sure everyone knows about this one, as it is one of the most commonly talked about amongst pet owners. Chocolate is in fact bad for your dog. The darker the chocolate, the more dangerous it is to dogs. It contains a chemical called theobromine and some levels of caffeine which can cause vomiting, diarrhea, thirst, panting, restlessness, excessive urination, and an elevated heart rate. Most chocolate poisonings are not fatal, however, severe cases can cause muscle tremors, seizures, and even heart failure.

Coffee & Tea or Caffeine in General

Speaking of caffeine, it can be very dangerous to both dogs and cats because they do not process it in the same way humans can. Signs of caffeine poisoning include vomiting, increased hyperactivity, heart rate, body temperature and blood pressure, seizures or even complete collapse.

Grapes & Raisins

For many years veterinarians did not know why grapes were so toxic to dogs. There is still speculation, but many believe the tartaric acid, found in both grapes and raisins, is to blame. As little as one grape may cause sudden kidney failure and have potentially fatal consequences. Some signs of grape-raisin toxicosis (GRT) are vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, weakness and tremors. 

Xylitol

Xylitol is an artificial sweetener commonly found in oral care and “sugar free” products such as chewing gum, nut butters, candy, toothpaste and mouthwash. Unlike people, dogs cannot safely consume xylitol as it increases the pancreases release of insulin which can cause a sudden drop in your dogs blood sugar. Signs of xylitol poisoning may include vomiting, low blood sugar, lethargy, weakness, confusion, collapse and/ or seizures.

Onions garlic chives and leaks

Foods in the allium family such as onions, garlic, and leaks can be dangerous for dogs. Most cases are not deadly as it takes a relatively high consumption to have fatal consequences. However, if your dog does manage to get into large amounts of these foods or consume them consistently for multiple days it could result in significant discomfort. Symptoms might include rapid breathing, lethargy, jaundice, weakness, dark urine, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, depression or loss of appetite.

Macadamias, almonds, pistachios & other nuts

While some nuts such as cashews and peanuts are considered safe for dogs in very small quantities, most nuts can be dangerous for dogs. Many nuts, especially macadamia nuts, have a very high fat content that can cause your dog's pancreas to swell. Even small doses of nuts over extended periods of time can cause pancreatitis and obesity in dogs. Not to mention, the choking hazard that all nuts pose to dogs and that most store bought nuts come salted which can also cause problems for your pup.

Excessive salt

Speaking of salt, sodium is actually an essential electrolyte in your dog's diet. However, excessive amounts can be toxic to dogs. When there is too much salt in the bloodstream, it draws the water out of the cells to balance the excess sodium in the bloodstream which can damage cells and affect brain and nerve tissue. Salt toxicosis can be deadly, but is not common. A significant amount of salt would have to be consumed in a short period of time to reach toxic levels. Dogs most commonly reach these levels by eating play dough, paintballs, de-icing salt or drinking too much salt water without access to enough fresh water.

Raw Yeast Dough

Raw dough can cause many different problems for dogs. The raw dough expands in their stomachs which can cause severe bloating and even twisting of their stomach. Not only is this very painful, but it also can be life threatening if not treated quickly after consumption. The yeast and sugar contents in raw dough can also be deadly to dogs as they can ferment in their stomachs creating alcohol that is absorbed into the bloodstream. Consuming raw dough can cause a distended stomach, low blood sugar, difficulty breathing, drop in body temperature, seizures and even death if not treated in time. If your dog consumes raw bread dough, don’t wait for symptoms to appear before contacting a veterinarian.

Alcohol

Dogs cannot metabolize alcohol the way humans do. All types of alcohol are toxic to dogs so you should be extra careful to keep all alcoholic beverages and products away from your pup. Outside of drinks, alcohol is also found in many disinfectant solutions, detergents and even some shampoos. Some signs of alcohol poisoning in dogs include, sudden drop in body temperature, poor coordination, excess drooling, vomiting, lethargy, low heart rate, low blood pressure, low blood sugar and even heart attacks.

Moldy food

Mold and fungi found on spoiled food both contain a toxic substance called mycotoxins that can be dangerous to both humans and dogs. Most dog owners would never give their dogs moldy food but dogs who like to get in to the trash are at a high risk of ingesting spoiled food. Common signs of mycotoxin toxicosis are high fever, tremors, seizures, abdominal pain, restlessness and diarrhea. Severe cases can be fatal if not treated.

Avocado and other fruit seeds and pits

Similar to nuts, avocado has a very high fat content and can also cause pancreatitis. Avocado pits and other types of pits and seeds pose a serious choking hazard. Not only that, but many of them also contain small amounts of cyanide which can be deadly to dogs. A few major fruits to keep your dog away from include, apples, cherries, peaches and plums. Cyanide poisoning can cause excessive drooling, uncontrolled urination, muscle spasms, seizures, diarrhea and even comas.

Any kind of cooked bones

You should never give your dog cooked bones no matter what animal they are from. Unlike raw bones, cooked bones are brittle and splinter into sharp shards that can puncture your dog's esophagus, stomach or intestines causing internal bleeding and infection. Fragments can also cause blockages along their digestive tract resulting in discomfort and constipation. 

Fat trimmings 

Both raw and cooked fat trimmings from meat can be safe in very small quantities but can be dangerous if consumed often or in large quantities. Feeding your dog a high fat diet can lead to pancreatitis and/ or obesity. Signs of pancreatitis include abdominal pain, reduced appetite, fever, vomiting, lethargy, diarrhea and dehydration.

Excessive dairy products

Just like some people are lactose intolerant, so are most dogs. Some indications that your dog is lactose intolerant might be bloating, gas and diarrhea. While lactose is not deadly for dogs it can cause discomfort. It is best to avoid giving your dog products high in lactose such as milk and ice cream. Some cheeses have a relatively low lactose content and can be a safe treat if given in small quantities. 

Nutmeg

Nutmeg is a spice that contains a substance called myristica which is also used in many insecticides. Myristica can be very harmful to dogs and is found in many baked goods such as cookies and pumpkin pie. If your dog has a small amount of nutmeg they will likely be just fine. However, if they get into a significant amount, they can get myristica poisoning causing hallucinations, disorientation, vomiting, dry mouth and tremors.

Spicy food 

Peppers and spicy foods in general are not good for dogs. Dogs do not appreciate spicy flavors as some people might. Actually, they experience spice as a hot or burning sensation in both their mouths and digestive tract which can be uncomfortable or even painful. If dogs eat spicy foods often or in large quantities, they can develop anemia, pancreatitis or ulcers in their stomachs or gastrointestinal tract. Because of this, it is best to avoid giving your dogs spicy foods or any food that is heavily seasoned.