There are plenty of human food options that are safe to eat or even healthy snacks for your dog. One of the most important rules is treating human foods as treats and not meals for your dog. Moderation is extremely important when you give any human foods to your furry baby. However, this is not the case for toxic foods, as you should rather avoid altogether and at all costs. Be mindful of the fact that dogs do not have the stomach to digest just anything that is made for humans.
What You Should Know
If you accidentally fed your dog any of the dangerous foods listed below, call your vet right away. If you suspect that your dog might have ingested something themselves, call your vet. Do not wait to see any symptoms if you know they have consumed something they shouldn’t have.
Cooper Pet Care has compiled a list of the most potentially toxic foods for dogs that you can find in your kitchen. Find below the list with brief information on each one.
Almonds
Almonds, just as many other nuts, are a huge choking hazard and are best avoided.
- Health risks: pancreatitis, intestinal blockages, water retention.
- Symptoms: choking, loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea.
Brazil Nuts
Brazil nuts are rich in fat content, and they are a much bigger threat to smaller breeds.
- Health risks: stomach upset, pancreatitis, blockages.
- Symptoms: choking, loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea.
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€14.05 | €17.77 | €3.000 — €6.000 | 20% | €30 — €50 per year |
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Chocolate
Chocolate is a toxic treat for dogs because it contains theobromine and caffeine. It can lead to chocolate poisoning.
- Health risks: chocolate poisoning.
- Symptoms: seizures, vomiting, diarrhea, heart attack.
Grapes & Raisins
Grapes and raisins are some of the most toxic foods in dogs. What specific part of the grape or raisin which is toxic is unknown.
- Health risks: kidney failure.
- Symptoms: vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, lack of appetite, increased thirst, abdominal pain, weakness, dehydration, tremors.
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Hazelnuts
Hazelnuts are overall big choking hazards and gastrointestinal blocks.
- Health risks: intestinal blockages, stomach upset.
- Symptoms: choking, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, stomach upset.
Lemons
Lemons are toxic for dogs because of the citric acid they contain.
- Health risks: digestive problems.
- Symptoms: stomach upset.
Macadamia Nuts
Macadamia nuts have an extremely high toxicity level which renders them dangerous to canines.
- Health risks: hyperthermia, ataxia, depression.
- Symptoms: tremors, weakness, paralysis, joint inflammation.
Onions
Onions are part of the allium family which is an overall toxic food to dogs. The allium family includes onions, shallots, leeks, chives, and garlic. Onion toxicity in dogs can be fatal.
- Health risks: hemolytic anemia.
- Symptoms: lethargy or loss of appetite, weakness, pale gums, fainting, blood in urine, vomiting, panting, increased heart rate.
Pecans
Pecans are rich in fat like many other nuts, and they contain a harmful toxin known as juglone.
- Health risks: neurological system damage.
- Symptoms: seizures, tremors.
Pizza
Pizza consists of plenty of dangerous ingredients that are harmful to dogs – onions and garlic for example.
- Health risks: vary based on ingredients.
- Symptoms: stomach discomfort, vomiting, diarrhea.
Raw Meat
Raw meat may contain harmful bacteria which can also affect the people living under the same roof as your dog. Risks include:
- long-lasting health complications from nutritional deficiency
- health risks in humans
- harmful bacteria i.e. salmonella spp
- environmental sustainability
Walnuts
Walnuts are high in moisture content and are prone to growing fungi.
- Health risks: pancreatitis.
- Symptoms: seizures, vomiting, diarrhea, tremors.
Final Words
If your furry baby consumed any of the above toxic foods for dogs, do not panic. Remember that each of these foods are rendered less harmful than others. Some of them may not be as dangerous if your canine friend has only stolen a bite or two from them. Call your vet and try to calmly resolve the problem as soon as possible.
For all your questions, schedule a video consultation with one of Cooper Pet Care’s qualified veterinarians. Get immediate answers to your issues – today. We also offer a range of great pet insurance products through our partners. Have peace of mind knowing your furry friend is covered.
Do you have a cat? Find out which human foods are toxic for cats!
