We’ve all seen the faces of desperation from our dogs as we eat our dinner. They want what we’re having and it’s often hard to resist giving them a scrap from our plates but our food can be toxic for dogs.
Our pets have very different nutritional needs to us and some of the foods we love can cause serious health issues or even be toxic foods for dogs. Instead of feeding your dog table scraps, use our Dog Food Finder Tool to discover the right diet for your pet that will deliver all their required daily nutrients.
Treating your dog is fine, as long as you’re choosing healthy treat options and aren’t treating them too often. ‘Treats’ from your dinner plate shouldn’t be shared with them, not only because over-feeding your dog can result in them gaining weight and put them at risk of obesity, but because some ingredients can lead to serious health issues. Below is an overview of what human foods dogs can’t eat.
Dangerous ingredients: what dogs can’t eat
Certain fruits
Fruits that can cause your dog issues include fresh grapes, sultanas and raisins. Further, the seeds of fruits such as mango, peaches and plums may become lodged in the intestines if ingested.
Chocolate
A slice of chocolate cake is undeniably delicious, but it can spell disaster for our dogs. Chocolate contains theobromine, which is toxic for dogs and can result in vomiting, diarrhoea and seizures. In some cases, ingesting it can be fatal. If your dog has consumed chocolate and you’re concerned for their health, contact your local Greencross Vets immediately.
Christmas meals
Many of the traditional foods we cook for Christmas like gravy, stuffing and turkey skin are unhealthy for dogs. Read our article on what your dog can’t eat over Christmas for more foods to avoid feeding your pet.
Cooked bones
Cooked bones should also be avoided. When they are no longer in a raw state, bones are likely to splinter and can cause constipation and even pierce your pet’s intestinal tract. However, dogs can eat raw bones and they may provide many benefits for your pet.
Fatty foods
Make sure you avoid fatty treats such as bacon and hot chips. Even in small amounts, they can cause gastrointestinal upsets and pancreatitis.
Macadamia nuts
The macadamia nut is a food that your dog can’t eat, even in small amounts. If you suspect that your dog has ingested something they shouldn’t have, get in touch with your local Greencross Vets.
Onion and garlic
Things that contain onion and garlic are another group of toxic foods for dogs. Onion and garlic both are poisonous to dogs and if ingested in excess can cause their body’s red blood cells to break down.
Xylitol
Xylitol is a sugar substitute found in some products such as chewing gum, lollies, mints, and toothpaste and is extremely toxic for dogs. It can cause hypoglycemia with symptoms including weakness, vomiting and seizures which can show within 15-30 minutes of consumption.
Food allergies and intolerances
Along with the toxic side effects of some foods for dogs, it is also important to understand that some dogs will have food intolerances and food allergies. If you notice any signs of gastrointestinal upsets, such as vomiting, diarrhoea or excessive flatulence or skin irritations, your dog may need a specific diet. Book an appointment with your Greencross Vets for a professional diagnosis of the issue.
