- You are here: Homepage »
Foods Dogs Should Avoid
Many common foods are safe for dogs in small amounts, but some everyday human foods can actually be dangerous for dogs. A dog’s sensitivity to different ingredients depends on factors such as the dog’s size, age, health condition, and of course the amount consumed. The safest option is to completely avoid foods known to be harmful to dogs.
Sweeteners and Sugar-Free Products
Xylitol is one of the most dangerous substances toxic to dogs. It can be found in chewing gum, mints, protein bars, toothpaste, baked goods, and many sugar-free products.
Xylitol can cause a rapid drop in blood sugar as well as severe liver damage in dogs. Symptoms may include weakness, vomiting, tremors, seizures, and decreased consciousness.
Chocolate, Caffeine, and Energy Drinks
Chocolate contains theobromine, which is toxic to dogs. Chocolate also contains caffeine, as it naturally occurs in cocoa beans. The darker the chocolate, the more theobromine and caffeine it usually contains — and the more dangerous it is for dogs.
Products to avoid include dark chocolate, milk chocolate, and cocoa powder.
Symptoms of chocolate poisoning may include restlessness, vomiting, diarrhea, heart-related symptoms, tremors, and seizures.
Products Containing Caffeine
Caffeine belongs to a group of compounds called methylxanthines, just like theobromine found in chocolate. These compounds affect a dog’s central nervous system and heart, and a dog’s body cannot process them the same way humans can.
Caffeine strongly stimulates the nervous system and heart, and even small amounts can cause symptoms, especially in small dogs.
Dangerous products may include coffee, energy drinks, caffeine tablets, certain soft drinks, strong tea, and various caffeine-containing snacks.
Symptoms of caffeine poisoning may include restlessness, rapid breathing, tremors, irregular heartbeat, and seizures.
Fruits and Vegetables That May Be Dangerous
Grapes and Raisins
Grapes and raisins can cause sudden and severe kidney failure in dogs. Dogs react differently to them, and because no safe amount is known, they should never be given to dogs.
Onion Family Vegetables
Onions, garlic, leeks, and chives contain compounds that can damage a dog’s red blood cells and cause anemia. These harmful compounds are not fully destroyed by cooking, so cooked onion dishes should also be avoided.
Raw Potatoes and Green Tomatoes
Raw potatoes, green parts of potatoes, and green tomatoes contain solanine and other harmful compounds that may irritate a dog’s digestive system. In large amounts, they may also cause more serious symptoms.
Avocado
Avocado is not as highly toxic as xylitol or chocolate, but it may cause vomiting and diarrhea in dogs. In addition, its high fat content can upset digestion, and the large pit poses a choking or intestinal blockage risk.
Corn Cobs
Corn cobs should never be given to dogs to chew on. Their fibrous structure does not digest properly and may become lodged in the intestines, causing a potentially dangerous blockage.
Nuts and Seeds
Not all nuts are directly toxic to dogs, but some can still be dangerous.
Macadamia nuts are toxic to dogs and may cause tremors, weakness, and neurological symptoms.
Large amounts of other nuts, such as cashews, walnuts, or almonds, may also cause stomach problems due to their high fat content. Salted, seasoned, or moldy nuts can be especially harmful.
Nuts may also pose a choking hazard, particularly for small dogs.
Alcohol and Fermented Products
A dog’s body cannot process alcohol the same way humans can. Even a small amount may cause serious poisoning.
Raw yeast dough can also be dangerous. The dough may expand inside the dog’s stomach while producing alcohol through fermentation.
Products to avoid include beer, wine, liqueurs, raw yeast dough, sweet dough, and pizza dough.
Meat, Fish, and Bones
Raw pork may contain the virus that causes Aujeszky’s disease, which is fatal to dogs.
Spoiled meat or fish may contain bacteria that can cause severe food poisoning.
Cooked bones should never be given to dogs. Cooked bones become brittle and may splinter into sharp fragments that can damage the digestive tract or cause intestinal blockages. Fish bones may also cause injuries or become lodged in the dog’s throat.
Fatty and Highly Seasoned Foods
Very fatty foods may cause digestive upset and, in severe cases, pancreatitis in dogs. Highly seasoned and salty foods are also not suitable for dogs.
Dairy Products
Not all dogs tolerate lactose well. Large amounts of milk, ice cream, or creamy dairy products may cause diarrhea and digestive issues. Very sugary or fatty dairy products are not suitable as part of a dog’s regular diet.
What Should You Do If Your Dog Eats Something Dangerous?
If you suspect your dog has eaten something harmful or toxic, we recommend contacting a veterinarian for advice as soon as possible.
Try to explain what the dog ate, how much, and when it happened. Also mention the size of the dog. Quick action can be critical.
About us
News
Contact us
FINNERO Pet Products
Teollisuustie 10
60100 SEINÄJOKI
+358 40 6239672
info@finnero.com
www.finnero.com
FI27632665
