We all know those big dog eyes that we get from our dog as soon as we want to sit down to eat. Sometimes we just can't resist our beloved four-legged friend and give him a little taste of our "human food". But beware: Not all foods that we can eat are safe for our dogs and some of them can be highly toxic for our pets. In this article we will introduce you to 8 foods that can harm your dog.
1. Grapes
Grapes are a nice snack for us humans, but did you know that grapes are very toxic to dogs? According to the ASPCA Poison Control Center, grapes, like raisins, contain tartaric acid. If your dog eats grapes, they can exhibit a variety of symptoms, ranging from nausea and vomiting to liver failure and eventual death.
2. Avocado
Because of their healthy fats and creamy texture, avocados are very popular with us humans. However, they pose a risk for our four-legged friends. Avocados are toxic to dogs for a number of reasons. They contain a lot of fat, which can cause a number of problems depending on your dog's health. Also, avocados contain a toxin called persin, which can cause diarrhea, cramps, and vomiting if ingested.
3. Garlic
Garlic can certainly be found in your kitchen. It adds a pleasant flavor to almost any food, and even the stinky smell of garlic can't stop us from enjoying it. However, it can be really toxic to dogs. Garlic (along with other foods like onions and chives) contains compounds that can cause vomiting and diarrhea in dogs, even in small amounts. When garlic is ingested for a long period of time, it can lead to hemolytic anemia, which in turn causes various other health problems. Please note that garlic can be dangerous for your pet even if it is only used to flavor sauces, vegetables or meat.
4. Chocolate
You've probably heard that dogs can't eat chocolate, and here's why: Chocolate is made from cocoa, which contains theobromine. Theobromine is highly toxic to dogs and can cause a variety of symptoms including vomiting, diarrhea, an increased heart rate and even death. If your dog has eaten chocolate and you're wondering how bad the poisoning could be, remember the darker the chocolate, the more toxic it is to your dog.
5. Xylitol
Speaking of no-go foods, xylitol should be at the top of the list of foods not to give your dog. Xylitol is a "healthier" sugar alternative if you are diabetic or have dental problems. However, your dog should never eat any of it. According to veterinarians, ingesting even the smallest amounts of sugar can cause your dog's blood sugar levels to plummet and, depending on the amount, lead to liver failure and death. Please note that even the smallest amount of xylitol can cause severe symptoms. Since xylitol is used in many of our "human" foods as a sugar substitute, you should always check the composition of your "finished" foods for sweeteners.
6. Citrus fruits
Citrus fruits boost your immune system and are full of vitamin C. Dogs are usually not really interested in trying citrus fruits because of the strong smell and essential oils, but you should make sure that your dog does not chew on them. While oranges or tangerines can sometimes even be beneficial for your pet's health, lemons and limes contain psoralin, which can cause stomach irritation in your dog and - depending on its size and weight - even problems with its nervous system.
7. Salt (and Salty Snacks)
Salt is present in almost all dishes and is essential for us humans to control the water balance in our body. Our four-legged friends, on the other hand, should stay away from salty snacks and foods. Even small amounts of salt can cause severe thirst and urination, and larger amounts can cause serious sodium poisoning. Symptoms of sodium poisoning in your dog include diarrhea, vomiting, excessive urination, and in a few cases, coma and death.
8. Macadamia nuts
Macadamia nuts are a good snack for us humans, for example while we are watching TV or studying. But what if our dog wants to try it too? While unsalted peanuts are a safe snack for your dog, macadamia nuts are not. Like avocados, macadamia nuts are high in fat and can cause problems with your dog's digestive system. In addition, macadamia nuts contain toxins that can cause symptoms such as weak muscles in the back legs, lethargy, nausea, and vomiting in the dog.
If you've already given your dog some of these foods, you shouldn't feel too bad. Some dogs tolerate the toxins slightly better than others, and the amount ingested, your pet's weight, and size also play a role in the severity of symptoms. However, you should always make sure that the food you are giving your dog is safe or simply ask your veterinarian. If you want to know which human foods are safe for your dog, read our blog post on 8 "human" foods that are safe for dogs.
