Many people may give their dogs what they are eating. However, some human foods can be toxic to dogs. For example, fruits, vegetables, and other ingredients commonly used in human food can be harmful to dogs.
If you have unknowingly fed these foods to your dog, immediate action is essential. Contacting your local veterinarian or animal emergency hospital is the best way to keep your dog healthy. It is also important to observe your dog for symptoms like vomiting, lethargy, or unusual behavior, which could indicate food poisoning.
So, when you feed dogs, it is suggested that people think about whether that food will be harmful to your dog. Educating yourself about safe and unsafe foods can prevent accidental exposure to toxins. By making informed choices, you can ensure your dog enjoys a long and healthy life.
What types of food are harmful for dogs?
Dogs rely on their owners to provide a safe and healthy diet, but many common human foods can be extremely harmful to them. While some foods cause mild discomfort, others can lead to serious health problems or even be fatal. Understanding which foods are dangerous can help you protect your furry friend and ensure their long-term well-being.
According to Lee and Bey (2024), here are some of the many types of food that are harmful to dogs:
1. Avocados
Avocados contain persin, which causes diarrhea and vomiting in dogs, so eating large amounts of avocados can put your dog at risk for intestinal obstruction. Additionally, the pit poses a choking hazard and may cause gastrointestinal blockages if swallowed. Moreover, the high fat content in avocados can lead to obesity and other long-term health issues in dogs.
2. Cherries
Cherry pits contain cyanide, a chemical that can be fatal if consumed in large quantities. Cyanide makes it difficult for tissues to use oxygen. Even without the pits, cherries may cause gastrointestinal upset due to their high sugar content. Furthermore, the stems and leaves of cherries are also toxic to dogs, as they contain small amounts of cyanide.
3. Grapes and raisins
These are very dangerous foods for dogs. So, keep in mind that feeding just a few of these can cause sudden heart failure in your dog. Grapes and raisins are also linked to acute kidney failure in dogs, which can occur even in small amounts. Early symptoms include vomiting, lethargy, and loss of appetite, making it crucial to seek immediate veterinary care.
4. Tomatoes
Fully cooked tomatoes are safe, but the green parts contain solanine, which is toxic to dogs. Solanine poisoning can lead to symptoms such as gastrointestinal distress, lethargy, and muscle weakness. To be safe, it’s best to avoid giving dogs any unripe tomatoes or tomato plants.
5. Mushrooms
Only some types of mushrooms are known to be toxic to dogs. Mushroom consumption can be very fatal for them. However, identifying mushrooms can be tricky even for experts. Wild mushrooms, in particular, often contain toxins that can cause liver damage, seizures, or even death. Hence, if your dog ingests any wild mushrooms, it’s important to seek veterinary attention immediately.
6. Onions
Onions should never be fed. Onions can damage your dog’s red blood cells, causing anemia. This condition, called hemolytic anemia, can result in weakness, vomiting, and a reduced ability to exercise. Even small amounts of onion powder in cooked foods can be dangerous for dogs.
7. Garlic
It’s very dangerous. Consuming garlic can severely damage red blood cells and cause them to burst. Symptoms of garlic toxicity include pale gums, weakness, and an increased heart rate. Garlic in any form—raw, cooked, or powdered—should be avoided entirely.
8. Wild Berries
Not all berries are poisonous, but many are. Toxic berries, such as holly and juniper berries, can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. If you’re unsure about a specific type of berry, it’s safest to keep your dog away from them altogether.
9. Rhubarb
It contains soluble oxalic acid crystals and is toxic to pets. Consuming large amounts can cause kidney failure. Symptoms of rhubarb poisoning include drooling, tremors, and changes in urination patterns, which require immediate veterinary care.
10. Sugar-Free Candy and Gum
These often contain xylitol. This can cause serious illness and death in dogs. Xylitol consumption can lead to a rapid drop in blood sugar, causing weakness and seizures. Prolonged exposure may also result in liver failure, which can be fatal.
11. Peanut Butter and Other Nuts
Some varieties contain xylitol. Xylitol may cause hypoglycemia, seizures, liver failure, or death. Additionally, certain nuts like macadamia are inherently toxic to dogs, causing symptoms like vomiting, tremors, and fever.
12. Ice Cream
This can cause vomiting, diarrhea, gassiness, and pancreatitis. Many dogs are lactose intolerant, making dairy-based ice creams particularly troublesome for their digestive systems. Moreover, ice cream often contains artificial sweeteners or chocolate, which are highly toxic to dogs.
As mentioned, these are only some of the harmful foods. There are many more in addition to these, so be careful. Foods like chocolate, caffeine, and alcohol should also be kept far away from dogs due to their toxic effects. Being vigilant about your dog’s diet and consulting a veterinarian when in doubt are crucial steps to ensuring your pet’s safety and well-being.
What types of food are good for dogs?
Providing dogs with nutritious and dog-friendly foods is essential for their health and happiness. Many human foods can offer valuable vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients that support a dog’s overall well-being. By incorporating these safe and healthy options into their diet, you can treat your furry friend while keeping them healthy and energetic.
According to Mood (2024), here are some of the foods that are good for dogs:
1. Apples
Fresh apples are a great treat for dogs. It is a good source of vitamins A and C. Additionally, apples provide dietary fiber, which supports healthy digestion in dogs. Make sure to remove the seeds and core, as they contain small amounts of cyanide and can pose a choking hazard.
2. Bananas
Bananas are soft, so they are a good snack for dogs that are less worried about their teeth or for older dogs. It is full of magnesium, which is good for your bones. Moreover, bananas are an excellent source of potassium, which helps maintain healthy muscle and nerve function. However, because of their high sugar content, they should only be given as an occasional treat.
3. Blueberries
It is rich in fiber and antioxidants, which can reduce the risk of disease and disability. Blueberries are also known to support brain health and improve cognitive function in aging dogs. Furthermore, their small size makes them a convenient, low-calorie snack perfect for training rewards.
4. Carrots
Its hard texture helps remove plaque from teeth and is a source of vitamin A. Carrots also provide beta-carotene, which supports eye health and boosts the immune system. In addition, they are low in calories, making them an excellent snack for dogs on a weight management plan.
5. Unsalted Cashews
Unsalted cashews are better than other nuts. It is low in fat and contains calcium, magnesium, antioxidants, and protein. Cashews can also promote a shiny coat and healthy skin due to their healthy fat content. However, they should be served in small quantities, as overeating nuts can lead to gastrointestinal upset.
However, just because these are good for your health, you should not eat them in large quantities. This can lead to obesity and other diseases (Mood, 2024).
Conclusion
People in general may think that human food is harmless to dogs, but it is the wrong idea. Dogs typically have a hard time detoxing, so many common foods can be toxic or even fatal to dogs. Therefore, we should be aware foods are good and bad for them. Foods that should never be fed to dogs include avocados, cherries, grapes, foods containing xylitol, and many more. Therefore, if you are planning to feed these types of food to your dogs, you should think twice and look it up online or consult an expert if it is okay. The foods that are good for dogs, such as apples, bananas, and carrots, will be good snacks for your dog. However, remember that if consumed in large amounts, these can also be poisonous.
For your dog’s health, make sure the food is safe before giving it out, and if anything is wrong with your dog, be sure to take it to a veterinarian or animal emergency room. Additionally, practicing portion control is vital to avoid overfeeding, which can lead to obesity and other health issues. By staying informed and cautious, you can help your dog live a longer, healthier, and happier life. Finally, remember that a balanced, vet-recommended diet tailored to your dog’s needs is always the best choice.
Reference
Lee, L. and Bey, G., 2024. 26 Common Foods and Liquids That Are Poisonous to Dogs. [online] GoodRx. Available at: https://www.goodrx.com/pet-health/dog/what-foods-are-poisonous-to-dogs [Accessed 9 November. 2024].
Mood, A., 2024. 16 Healthy and Safe Foods You Can Feed Your Dog. [online] Carecredit.com. Available at: https://www.carecredit.com/well-u/pet-care/healthy-food-for-dogs/ [Accessed 9 November. 2024].
