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25 Human Foods Toxic to Dogs
Recent alerts about unsafe commercial pet foods have sounded an alarm among pet owners. Unfortunately, this problem
isn’t really ‘news’. It seems that incidents similar to this occur from time to time. Perhaps this is one
reason more and more pet owners are opting to ‘home cook’ for their pets. However, in order to properly home-cook
for your pets, you should first have a basic knowledge of canine nutrition; and, even more importantly, a thorough knowledge
of human foods that are harmful to dogs. Some foods which are safe for human consumption can be poisonous for our canine companions.
Of course, when in doubt, always check with your vet. Here is a list to get you started:
- Onions - Both onions and garlic contain the toxic ingredient Thiosulphate.
But onions are more of a danger. Many dog biscuits contain *small* amounts of garlic, garlic contains less of this toxin so
huge amounts would need to be consumed to be toxic. And, by the way, this poison builds up the system; it can be toxic in
one large dose or with repeated consumption of small amounts.
- Chocolate - Chocolate contains Theobromine, a compound that is a cardiac stimulant and a diuretic, this can be fatal
to dogs.
- Grapes - Grapes are dangerous because of an
unknown substance which is toxic to dogs, affects canine’s kidneys.
- Raisins - See above.
- Most Fruit
Pits and Seeds - Contain Cyanogenic Glycosides resulting in cyanide poisoning – though the fruit itself is OK.
- Macadamia Nuts - contain an unknown substance that is toxic to dogs.
- Bones - especially chicken bones because they can splinter and cause laceration
of the digestive system and/or become lodged in your pet’s throat – so they also pose a choking hazard.
- Potato Peelings and Green Potatoes - Contain Oxalates, which can affect the digestive,
nervous, and urinary systems.
- Rhubarb leaves - See
above.
- Broccoli - toxic in large quantities.
- Green parts of Tomatoes - Contain oxalates, which can affect the digestive, nervous,
and urinary systems.
- Yeast Dough - can produce gas
and swell in your pet’s stomach – leading to rupture of the digestive system.
- Coffee, Coffee Grounds, Tea, Soft Drinks - are dangerous due to the caffeine.
- Beer/Wine/Alcohol of any kind - could lead to coma or even death.
- Human Vitamins - especially those containing iron, can cause damage to the lining
of the digestive system as well as cause kidney and liver damage.
- Moldy or Spoiled Food - goes without saying.
- Persimmons
- can cause intestinal blockage.
- Raw Eggs and Raw Fish
- can cause Salmonella poisoning.
- Salt, Baking Soda,
Baking Powder - In large amounts these can cause an electrolyte imbalance – and severe electrolyte imbalances can lead
to muscle spasm or even congestive heart failure.
- Mushrooms
- may contain toxins which could cause liver and kidney damage.
- Sugar-Free Foods - containing Xylitol have been found to cause liver failure in some dogs.
- Nutmeg - can cause tremors, seizures and central nervous system damage.
- Excessive Fatty Foods - can cause Pancreatitis.
- Avocado - All parts of the avocado and avocado tree are toxic to dogs.
- Diary Products - don’t usually pose a great danger; but many dairy product
have high fat content (see number 23) – and many pets are lactose intolerant – some pets more than others. Lactose
intolerance leads to gas and diarrhea; though small amounts of yogurt and cheese are usually fairly well tolerated.
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