5 Foods That Are Poisonous to Dogs

For most pet owners, the diet of their loved ones is a top priority. Since we strive to keep our furry friends happy and healthy, we have to make sure that they’re eating food that’s beneficial to their health and can help them live the best life possible.

For many people, making food for your dog from scratch is the best option. This allows you to customize your dog’s diet and make adjustments as needed. And while making meals for your dog can be fun, you have to make sure you put in the right ingredients.

There are many ingredients and foods out there that are healthy and beneficial for humans but can spell trouble for dogs. Accidentally giving your dog some of these foods can result in some health complications, and at times, it can even be fatal.

So, to help you maintain your dog’s health, we’ve compiled a list of 5 foods that are poisonous to dogs. These foods should never end up in your dog’s meal and stomach, so it’s best to keep them out of your pet’s reach.

Read on to learn more.

5 Foods That Are Poisonous to Dogs

1. The Allium Family

This isn’t a single food. Instead, it’s an entire family of foods you should never feed your dog. Onions, chives, and garlic are members of the allium family, and while they can be a great way to add flavor to a human’s dishes, they can be poisonous to dogs.

Both raw and cooked cloves of bulbs of garlic are toxic to dogs. Along with most members of the allium family, garlic bulbs contain thiosulphate, which is an oxidant known to damage the red blood cells of dogs. Some people out there recommend garlic supplements for pets, which only have small and safe doses of garlic. While some studies have shown that some garlic supplements can be beneficial, always consult your vet before adding something to your pet’s diet.

2. Chocolate

Chocolate is one of the most well-known foods that are poisonous to dogs. One of the main reasons they are poisonous is that they contain caffeine. Caffeine can have a very bad effect on a dog’s health, which is why they also shouldn’t be taking in coffee.

Another reason chocolate is poisonous to dogs is the compound theobromine, which is very toxic to dogs and can cause kidney failure. The darker the chocolate, the more theobromine, so dark chocolate should be kept away from your pet as much as possible.

3. Grapes

Grapes are a big no for dogs. While scientists are still unsure what compound causes adverse reactions, grapes can cause severe liver and kidney damage in dogs. Grapes in all forms can be dangerous to dogs, so raisins, which are basically dried grapes, should also be kept away from your dog’s diet.

4. Avocado

While it’s a favorite breakfast staple for humans, you should not feed your dog avocados. The main reason that avocados are poisonous to dogs is a compound called persin. You can find persin in the fruit, skin, and leaves of an avocado plant and can cause vomiting and diarrhea in dogs.

So, if you have an avocado tree at home, make sure to keep your dog away from it as much as possible.

5. Nuts

Many nuts are high in fat and oil, which is dangerous to dogs. The types of nuts to keep away from your dog are peanuts, walnuts, pecans, and essentially any nut with a high oil and fat content. When dogs ingest too much fat and oil, they can experience diarrhea and vomiting, which is never fun.

Another significant nut to keep away from your dog is Macadamia nuts. These nuts can cause lethargy, weakness, tremors, and hyperthermia in dogs which can sometimes be fatal. Signs of macadamia nut poisoning are typically seen within 12 hours and can last up to 24-48 hours.

What Do I Do If My Dog Ingests Poisonous Food?

If you catch your dog eating any of the foods we featured on this list, you have to keep a close eye on them and call your vet. When you call your vet, let them know about the situation, and they will give you advice as to what to do. Usually, all you have to do is observe the dog and check for any symptoms. If no symptoms arise, that usually means you’re in the clear. However, it will never hurt to visit a vet for a checkup after.

If you notice your dog exhibiting symptoms such as lethargy, depression, or vomiting, and diarrhea, contact your dog’s vet immediately. If possible, try and schedule a visit at your earliest convenience. It’s vital to treat food poisoning as early as possible to avoid any further complications.

Conclusion

A dog’s health is a pet owner’s number one priority. And a great way to keep your dog healthy is making sure they eat a healthy and balanced diet. So, whether you’re preparing the food yourself or buying it from the pet store, make sure that their meals don’t include any of the foods mentioned above.

And if ever your dog exhibits symptoms of food poisoning, make sure to contact your vet immediately.

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