All pet owners can’t resist the look their dogs give when they’re sitting at the dining table. Sometimes, you can’t resist but give them a piece of what you’re eating to share some good food and show love. However, before you hand over that piece of human food, make sure it’s safe for your dog to eat!
There’s nothing wrong with sharing human food with our pets, but not all of them are safe to eat, such as selected fruits, vegetables, sweets, etc. It can lead to mild or severe health problems once consumed. This is why we’re sharing a list of food that are safe (and some even healthy!) and are not safe for your dog to eat.
Harmful Food That Can Be Toxic For Your Dog
As much as human food can taste good for us, the same cannot be said for dogs. Feeding them certain foods can cause stomach problems, diarrhea, and more. Here is a list of unsafe dog food that is not allowed to be eaten by your dogs:
- Grapes / Raisins
The smallest amount of this can lead to vomiting and stomach problems. The worst case would be kidney failure.
- Chocolate and Xylitol (Anything Sugary)
Candies and sweets that contain the artificial sweetener, Xylitol, can be poisonous to your dog. As for chocolates, some of which also contain caffeine, have methylxanthines can cause adverse effects on your dog such as vomiting, diarrhea, excessive panting, thirst, tremors, seizures, abnormal heart rate, and even death.
- Alcohol
It can cause lack of coordination, vomiting, diahrrea, breathing problems, blood acidty, coma, and even death.
- Caffeine and Tea
Any drinks or beverages that you can think of (besides water of course), stir them away from your dog to avoid complications.
- Dairy Products
Milk and other dairy products can cause stomach problems, diarrhea, and allergies.
- Fatty Meats, Bones, and Meat Skins
These are known to have a high-fat content that can cause pancreatitis to dogs. Bones should also not be given since they may cause choking and can be difficult to swallow and digest.
- Garlic and Onion
These are known to contain sulfoxides and disulfides, that can harm your dog’s red blood cells and lead to anemia.
- Almond, Pistachio, and Macadamia Nuts
Aside from difficulty in properly chewing these specific nuts, they can also be the cause of choking. Macadamia nuts can cause health problems such as weakening, vomiting, and overheating. They are poisonous for dogs.
- Seeds & Pits of Apples, Cherries, Apricots, and Plums
The seeds and pits of these specific fruits are poisonous since they contain cyanide which can badly affect your dog’s health once consumed.
- Avocado
Avocados when consumed can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and breathing problems due to liquid accumulation in the chest and lungs. It’s because of the persin it contains.
- Mushrooms
These contain toxins that can greatly affect your dog’s health such as kidney and liver failure, vomiting, diarrhea, and damaged blood cells.
- Cinnamon
It can be uncomfortable in the mouth once consumed and can be irritating as well. It can affect your dog’s health and cause breathing problems, choking, and coughing.
- Salty and Spicy Food
Too much salt and consumption of spicy food can cause severe health problems such as tremors, seizures, vomiting, stomach ulcers, and diarrhea.
- Tomatoes and Raw Potatoes
They contain solanine that is toxic for dogs.
- Raw / Undercooked Egg, Meat, and Fish
Consumption of raw food can lead to your dogs ingesting harmful bacteria that is poisonous to them such as Salmonella, E.Coli, vomiting, lymph nodes, and fever. Make sure to thoroughly cook your meat or fish before giving it to your dog.
- Yeast and Raw Dough
It causes swelling in the stomach if your dog consumes it, which can lead to abdominal pains. Yeast can also cause alcohol poisoning.
- Citrus Fruits
Consumption and exposure can lead to allergies, irritation, and central nervous system problems.
Safe and Healthy Food Your Dog Can Eat
On the other hand, the list of safe and even healthy food is present and can be thoroughly enjoyed by your pooch! See the list of food your dog is allowed to eat:
- Apples, Bananas, and Oranges (Avoid the Seeds, Core, and Pits)
- Blueberries
- Fully cooked meat, fish, and egg (minimal seasoning)
- Chicken, Beef, Salmon, Ham, Turkey, Tuna, Shrimp
- Cashews
- Plain Bread
- Honey
- Mangoes, Cantaloupes, and Pears
- Pineapples
- Watermelon
- Carrots, Cucumber, and Celery
- Peanut Butter
- Grains, Wheats, and Quinoa
- Green Beans
- Popcorn (Unsalted, unbuttered, and air-popped)
While the list of OK and safe food for dogs to eat is quite extensive, the rule of thumb is to give them to your dogs in small and limited quantities. Anything in excess can sometimes affect your dog’s health. Safe and healthy food can act as a treat for them. As for cooked meats and fish, they can be mixed in with your dog’s food for their source of protein.
When in doubt, make sure to consult with your vet on acceptable food to feed your dog and diet recommendations to keep them healthy and happy.
What To Do If My Dog Eats Unsafe or Toxic Food?
If you find your dog has accidentally ingested food that isn’t safe for them, make sure to call your veterinarian as soon as possible. Check your dog’s condition and monitor them. Look out for signs that may indicate your dog has eaten toxic food. The most common signs include vomiting, diarrhea, distress, pain, restlessness, bloody stools, and choking.
Check your dog’s condition and body – you will also notice stomach bloating that is hard when touched. Vomiting happens voluntarily and induced, depending on the severity of the case. The best way to get your dog treated is to bring them to your veterinarian to get them properly handled and cared for when this happens.