Foods That Are Toxic to Dogs

Many dog owners do not realize there are many foods that are toxic to dogs. These include many foods that humans eat on a daily basis. Just because we eat it, does not mean it is safe for your pet.

I will go through multiple foods and why they are toxic to dogs. Please also note that you may be able to feed a pet what is considered toxic one time and can kill or harm your pet, or you can feed it one time and nothing happen and the next time you feed it the same thing it can harm or kill your pet.

Another note: Your pet may not show signs of eating something harmful immediately, sometimes symptoms can take a few hours to show up.

Chocolate

Chocolate is toxic - despite the fact that you may see or hear about some people feeding their dogs chocolate. Do not intentionally feed your pet this sweet candy. Chocolate can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and can also cause major damage to the heart and nervous system of your pet. The most lethal form of chocolate is cocoa powder and baking chocolate - these types of chocolate are in their purest form. The next dangerous forms of chocolate are semi-sweet and dark chocolate. Other symptoms of chocolate toxicity include labored breathing, abdominal pain, fever, seizures, and coma to name a few.

Onions

Onions have a chemical in them that can damage the red blood cells of dogs and cause anemia. Anemia is where the red blood cells burst inside the bloodstream. Onion toxicity can take a few hours or even a few days to manifest. Symptoms include labored breathing, liver damage, vomiting, diarrhea, and possibly death.

Alcohol

Although some people think it is funny to give their dog beer or alcohol and watch the dog stumble around, alcohol is more serious in pets than humans. Dogs can fall into a coma and die from even the smallest amount of alcohol.

Bones

Although some people feed their animals leftover bones from meals such as chicken, ham or steak bones. This is not a good idea. Let me explain why. Fish bones can puncture the lining of the esophagus, stomach or intestines, leaking poison into the body. Other bones including fish bones can become lodged anywhere in the intestinal track of a dog causing obstructions and lacerations which can be costly and even lead to death.

Grapes/Raisins

Both grapes and raisins are toxic to dogs. The toxin they contain is unknown, however it can cause extreme damage to the kidneys. With grapes and raisins it may only take 1 to make your pet sick. Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and lethargy.

Nuts

Most nuts are toxic to dogs, specifically macadamia nuts. Nuts are high in phosphorus which leads to bladder stones. Symptoms of nut toxicity include muscle tremors, weakness, paralysis of hindquarters, excessive panting, swollen limbs and joint pain.


Pits and Seeds from Fruit

Pits and seeds from fruit contain a form of cyanide - and just like in humans cyanide is toxic.

Avocado

All parts of avocado including the tree are toxic to dogs.

Next Up: Picking the Right Collar & Leash