Your dog’s diet is a fundamental aspect and we must be very careful with what our furry ones eat. You may be surprised to learn that even common vegetables cannot be fed to dogs. A common vegetable, such as onion, can damage the digestive system or that many dogs are lactose intolerant. Yes, to milk!

Metabolism is the main reason why some human foods should not be used to feed dogs. Even if they are delicious and your pet begs you for a bite. That is because their process of breaking down food into energy is not the same as ours.

Upcoming is a list of foods that are toxic to dogs. These foods should not be eaten by a dog. These foods could affect them to a lesser extent, always depending on their medical history, weight, and general health.

15 Prohibited Dog Foods

Alcohol

Although more than once we have spilled beer or wine on the ground. Afterward, our dog has gone from curious to taste alcoholic beverages to sick. Food products containing alcohol can cause intoxication, vomiting, diarrhea, decreased coordination, central nervous system failures, shortness of breath, tremors and even death.

Chocolate, coffee, and caffeine

These products contain substances called methylxanthines, which are found in cocoa beans. When ingested by pets, methylxanthines can cause vomiting, diarrhea, excessive thirst and urination, hyperactivity, heart rhythm disturbances, and convulsions. In the worst-case scenarios, even death has occurred.

It is important to know that the darker the chocolate, the more dangerous it is for our pets; in addition, the amount of chocolate capable of producing intoxication varies depending on the size of the dog, age and health status.

Citrus

The stems, leaves, husks, fruits, and seeds of citrus plants contain varying amounts of limonene, linalool, oil extracts and chemicals called psoralenes that can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and damage to the central nervous system without being ingested in significant amounts.

In small doses it is not likely that there will be problems beyond a minor stomach upset, but why take the risk and give them foods not to feed to dogs?

Dairy – milk & milk-based products

Milk and other dairy products are not deadly food for our pets, but they can cause diarrhea, gas, vomiting and digestive discomfort.

This is because many dogs – like many humans – are lactose intolerant and are unable to digest and assimilate such products.

Nuts

Nuts, such as almonds, pistachios, and macadamia nuts, contain high amounts of oils and fats that can cause vomiting, diarrhea and, in the worst case, pancreatitis.

Onion

Whether dry, raw, cooked or powdered, onion is one of the most dangerous dog foods banned when consumed in large quantities. The explanation is not simple, but it is mainly due to thiosulfate, a toxic ingredient that attacks red blood cells and causes hemolytic anemia.

Fortunately, if onion intake is not very high, the number of red cells in the blood will return to normal within a short time. Still, it is preferable to avoid.

Garlic

Garlic is part of the same onion family, so it also contains thiosulfate and can cause hemolytic anemia. However, the concentration is much lower and this can only occur when the dog ingests excessive amounts. After all, too much is harmful.

In fact, Animal Wellness magazine insists that garlic in small amounts is ideal for combating intestinal parasites in dogs and other conditions.

Forms of certain raw meats and raw eggs.

Raw meat, just like raw eggs, may contain bacteria such as salmonella or E. Coli, which cause harm to both domestic animals and humans. These are among the top misconceptions in regards to foods not to feed to dogs.

Can you feed dogs raw hamburger meat?

The short answer is no, you should not feed your dogs raw hamburger meat. Feeding your dog raw hamburger meat puts your doggo at the risk of getting salmonella poisoning. Salmonella is a bacterial contamination that happens when an animal eats raw or uncooked meats or other dairy products.

In addition, avidine (an enzyme found in raw eggs) decreases the absorption of vitamin B and can lead to problems in the coat and skin.

Salt and salty snacks

Just as in humans, the consumption of large amounts of salt can lead to electrolyte imbalance, dehydration, and even poisoning.

The main signs that a dog has consumed too many salty foods are excessive thirst and urination; in worse cases, they may experience vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, elevated body temperature, or convulsions. If you’re concerned about these ailments plaguing your doggo, keep reading which foods not to feed to dogs.

Chewing gum, jelly beans and sweets

Many chewing gum, jelly beans, candy, and other sweets contain xylitol, a substance that is used as an artificial sweetener in many products and which, while not harmful to humans, is harmful to dogs even in small amounts. We know it’s fun to eat candy & sweets. It may be fun to even eat them with our animals, but it is among the most common foods not to feed to dogs.

Xylitol can cause insulin release and lead to liver failure and hypoglycemia (decreased sugar levels).

Depending on the breed, this artificial sweetener can also cause serious liver damage. Signs of xylitol poisoning include vomiting, diarrhea, lack of coordination, tremors, and seizures.

Yeast

The problem with yeast for dogs is that it can generate gases that accumulate in the digestive system. In mild cases, this can be very painful and cause the stomach to swell.

While in more severe cases, excess yeast can cause the stomach and intestines to rupture.

Grapes and raisins – also are food not to feed to dogs

According to PetMD, small amounts of grapes can cause acute renal failure in small or sensitive dogs. And although the toxic responsible for these effects are still unknown, it is believed to be due to a toxin that can cause severe liver damage.

The usual symptoms of grape poisoning are thirst, followed by polydipsia (meaning the dog drinks large amounts of water), excessive urination, diarrhea, apathy, vomiting, and loss of appetite.

There are certain breeds of dogs that are not affected at all by eating grapes. However, it is better to prevent than to regret preventing our pets from eating them.

Tobacco

Tobacco is one of the most toxic animal foods banned; in fact, the effects of nicotine on dogs are much worse than on humans.

Nicotine can cause digestive damage to pets, as well as damage to the nervous system, increase heart rate and, in the worst case, cause death.

Potatoes

Be very careful when peeling potatoes or if they are too accessible in the pantry, as their consumption can cause hypersalivation, vomiting, diarrhea, gastrointestinal disorders, behavioral changes, muscle weakness, and heart problems.

Avocado or avocado

Avocado is one of the most toxic foods for dogs. According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), avocado leaves, fruit, seeds, and bark contain a toxic called persin, which is harmless to humans, but toxic to animals if consumed in large quantities.

Some of the side effects that can be caused by eating avocados in puppies include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, shortness of breath, and increased heart rate.

In conclusion – Please be safe with foods you’re feeding your animals

As you can see, although many of these banned dog foods are delicious for humans, they can cause serious health problems, so if you notice that your pet has ingested a toxic substance, consult your veterinarian immediately.

If you enjoyed reading about what foods not to feed to dogs, consider reading up on the different types of dog breeds.

The post 15 foods not to feed to dogs appeared first on We Love Our Pets.