Dogs are opportunistic eaters. If you leave tasty smelling food where they can get at it, chances are, they will get at it. But what we, as humans, may find appetizing and delicious can be deadly to dogs. This is due to dogs having a different metabolism to humans, plus, some small foods can be a choking hazard to a dog.
There are various reasons why certain foods are dangerous to dogs.
It can be because of their ingredients, their size or simply because they cause bad reactions to our beloved animals. Some human foods are good for dogs in limited amounts, and can even be healthy, but too much can cause serious problems.
While this is an extensive list of what human foods dogs can and can’t eat, there could be something we have missed. So, if you are unsure about any food, you might want to give your pet that is not on this list, do some research online or contact your vet for more information.
Foods Dogs Cannot Eat
This list is in alphabetical order and covers a wide range of products that, while they are safe for humans, can be deadly for dogs.
Alcohol causes the usual effects it has on humans, intoxication, loss of coordination and abnormal acidity. But it can also potentially cause comas and death. Never give your dog alcohol on purpose.
Avocados contain persin and this can cause diarrhea, vomiting and heart congestion. While a small accidental piece of avocado is not likely to cause your dog any harm, you should monitor them and call your vet for future care. The pit is the most dangerous part. It contains high levels of persin as well as being a choking hazard.
Cat food is made for cats. The protein and fat levels in cat food are unsafe for dogs. They can lead to obesity, an upset stomach and pancreatitis.
Chocolate is one we are sure everyone has heard of before. The delicious human treat contains caffeine and theobromine, which can cause vomiting, diarrhea, restlessness, increased heart rate, seizures and even death.
Depending on the size and weight of your dog and how much chocolate they ate will factor into how sick your dog will get. Here is a short list, in order of most dangerous to least dangerous, chocolates to dogs:
– Cocoa powder
– Unsweetened baker’s chocolate
– Semisweet chocolate
– Dark chocolate
– Milk chocolate
– White chocolate
Coffee, tea & other forms of caffeine can also be lethal to dogs. It takes only 1-2 hours before your dog can start feeling some level of hyperactivity, restlessness, elevated heart rate, vomiting, high blood pressure and worst cases, seizures and death.
Cooked bones are a major hazard to dogs. Bones are fine for dogs to eat, but only when they are UNCOOKED. Cooked bones become brittle, which means they can splinter and cause internal damage to your beloved pet.
Corn on the cob is another choking hazard for dogs. While corn off the cob and cooked is fine in small quantities, dogs have determined eaters and will try to eat the cob too, if the corn is on the cob. The cob can then become a choking hazard or cause blocks in their digestive system.
Fat trimmings regardless of being cooked or uncooked, can cause pancreatitis in dogs.
Garlic must be controlled. While a small amount can be okay, and even healthy, helping with flea treatments, large amounts can be dangerous.
Garlic (like onions, which will be covered later on in this list) cause the death of red blood cells and thus cause anemia. Signs can be vomiting, weakness and breathing troubles.