What food is toxic for dogs?

Certain foods can be toxic to dogs due to the presence of substances that are harmful or even potentially deadly to them. Dogs have different metabolic processes and sensitivities compared to humans, which means that foods that are safe for humans may pose a significant risk to dogs. Here is the list of common food that you should avoid according to the American Kennel Club.

Vegetables

• Onion, chives and garlic

  Onions and garlic, whether raw, cooked, or powdered, contain compounds called thiosulfates and disulfides, which can damage red blood cells in dogs and lead to anemia. Ingesting even small amounts of onions or garlic can be toxic to dogs and should be avoided.

• Avocado

  Avocado contains a substance called persin, which is toxic to dogs in large amounts. While the flesh of ripe avocados is generally considered safe for dogs to consume in small quantities, other parts of the avocado, such as the pit and skin, can pose a choking hazard and should be avoided.

• Tomatoes

  Dogs can eat ripe tomatoes in moderation, as they are generally considered safe for canine consumption. However, the leaves and stems of the tomato plant, as well as unripe green tomatoes, contain solanine and other toxic compounds that can be harmful to dogs if ingested in large amounts.

Fruits

• Grapes and Raisins

  Grapes and raisins are known to cause kidney failure in some dogs. Even small amounts of grapes or raisins can be harmful to dogs and should be kept out of their reach.

• Citrus Fruits: Citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, limes, and grapefruits contain citric acid, which can cause gastrointestinal upset in some dogs. While small amounts of citrus fruit are generally considered safe for dogs to consume, large quantities may cause digestive issues such as vomiting or diarrhea.

• Cherries

  Cherry pits contain cyanide compounds, specifically amygdalin, which can be toxic to dogs if chewed or ingested. Cyanide interferes with the body's ability to use oxygen, leading to cellular damage and potentially fatal consequences. Even a small amount of cherry pits or seeds can contain enough cyanide to cause toxicity in dogs.

  Even without the pits, the flesh of cherries can cause digestive upset in dogs. The high sugar content and fiber in cherries can lead to gastrointestinal issues such as diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal discomfort, particularly if consumed in large quantities.

Lemons are not safe for dogs, but papayas are perfectly safe for them, check out nutritious papaya muffins for dogs.

Dairy

• Milk

  It can cause digestive issues in dogs, particularly those who are lactose intolerant. Most dogs lack the enzyme lactase, which is needed to break down lactose, the sugar found in milk. Consuming milk can lead to gastrointestinal upset, including diarrhea, gas, and abdominal discomfort, in dogs that are lactose intolerant.

• Cheese

  Some dogs can tolerate cheese in small amounts, but it can be high in fat and calories, which can lead to weight gain and other health issues if fed in excess. Additionally, certain types of cheese, such as blue cheese, may contain mold or other additives that can be harmful to dogs. Read more here.

• Ice Cream

  It is high in sugar, fat, and often also artificial additives. Consuming ice cream can lead to weight gain, digestive upset, and other health problems in dogs. Additionally, some ice cream flavors may contain ingredients that are toxic to dogs, such as chocolate or xylitol.

• Yogurt

  While plain, unsweetened yogurt can be safe for some dogs to consume in small amounts, flavored yogurts or those sweetened with artificial sweeteners should be avoided. Yogurt contains beneficial probiotics that can support digestive health in dogs, but excessive consumption can lead to digestive upset due to its lactose content. Read more here.

• Butter

  Butter is high in fat and calories, which can contribute to obesity and other health issues in dogs if fed in large amounts. While small amounts of butter may be safe for some dogs, it's best to avoid feeding it to them regularly.

Meat

• Fatty cuts of meat

  Pork belly or beef ribeye, can be too rich for some dogs and may cause pancreatitis, a painful inflammation of the pancreas. Pancreatitis can lead to symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and in severe cases, pancreatitis can be life-threatening.

• Processed meats

  Sausage, bacon, hot dogs, and deli meats are often high in sodium, preservatives, and other additives that can be harmful to dogs. Excessive consumption of processed meats can lead to digestive upset, obesity, and other health issues in dogs.

• Meat with added seasonings or flavourings

  Meat that has been seasoned or flavoured with ingredients like garlic, onions, or spices can be toxic to dogs. Garlic and onions contain compounds that can damage red blood cells and lead to anemia, while certain spices may cause digestive upset or allergic reactions in dogs.

• Raw Fish

  Particularly certain types such as salmon, trout, or sturgeon, may contain parasites such as Neorickettsia helminthoeca or Salmon Poisoning Disease (SPD) which can be fatal to dogs if ingested. Cooking fish thoroughly can kill these parasites and make it safe for dogs to consume.

• Giblets

  While giblets can be nutritious, it's important to feed them to your dog in moderation, especially if they are not accustomed to eating organ meats. Too much organ meat, including giblets, can cause digestive upset or diarrhea in some dogs. As a general guideline, giblets should make up no more than 10% of your dog's total diet to avoid overloading them with certain nutrients.

  Excessive consumption of liver can lead to vitamin A toxicity, which can cause symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, and bone abnormalities. As a general guideline, liver should make up no more than 5-10% of a dog's total diet to avoid overloading them with vitamin A.

Has your dog tried our chicken and spinach muffins yet?

Spices

• Allspice

  Allspice contains eugenol, a compound that can cause digestive upset, vomiting, and diarrhea in dogs if consumed in large amounts. It's best to avoid feeding dogs foods seasoned with allspice or containing allspice powder.

• Nutmeg

  Nutmeg contains compounds called myristicin and elemicin, which can be toxic to dogs if consumed in large amounts. Ingesting nutmeg can cause symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, seizures, and hallucinations in dogs.

• Cinnamon

  While small amounts of cinnamon are generally safe for dogs and may even offer some health benefits, consuming large amounts of cinnamon can irritate the mouth and digestive tract and lead to vomiting, diarrhea, or liver damage in dogs.

• Paprika

  Paprika contains capsaicin, a compound that can cause stomach upset, vomiting, and diarrhea in dogs if consumed in large amounts. While small amounts of paprika are unlikely to cause harm, it's best to avoid feeding dogs foods heavily seasoned with paprika.

• Saffron

  Saffron is a potent spice and can irritate the gastrointestinal tract. Dogs may experience symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and loss of appetite.

Nuts

• Macadamia Nuts

  Macadamia nuts are highly toxic to dogs and can cause symptoms such as weakness, tremors, vomiting, and hyperthermia. Even small amounts of macadamia nuts can be dangerous and should be avoided entirely.

• Walnuts

  While plain, unsalted walnuts are not toxic to dogs, they can be difficult for dogs to digest and may cause gastrointestinal upset or blockages, especially if consumed in large quantities.

• Pecans

  Pecans are not inherently toxic to dogs, but they are high in fat and can cause gastrointestinal upset or pancreatitis if consumed in large amounts.

Others

• Chocolate

  Chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine, which are toxic to dogs and can lead to symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, restlessness, rapid breathing, elevated heart rate, seizures, and even death.

• Xylitol

  Xylitol is a sugar substitute commonly found in sugar-free gum, candies, baked goods, and other products. In dogs, xylitol ingestion can cause a rapid release of insulin, leading to hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), seizures, liver failure, and death.

• Alcohol

  Alcoholic beverages and foods containing alcohol can cause alcohol poisoning in dogs, leading to symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, difficulty breathing, tremors, disorientation, and coma.

• Caffeine

  Caffeine-containing products such as coffee, tea, energy drinks, and certain medications can be toxic to dogs and cause symptoms such as restlessness, rapid heart rate, tremors, seizures, and collapse.

• Mushrooms

  Several species of mushrooms are toxic to dogs and can cause symptoms ranging from gastrointestinal upset to organ failure and death. It's essential to keep dogs away from wild mushrooms and to avoid feeding them any mushrooms that you are not certain are safe