Many common foods suitable for humans can pose serious dangers to dogs, including digestive upset and even death. This often depends on how much is eaten at one time and your dog’s size.
Cooked bones may splinter and block your intestines, while avocados contain persin, which is toxic and causes vomiting and diarrhea. Large pips from cherries pose a choking hazard as well.
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Raw Meat & Eggs
Although some pet parents opt for raw food diets for their canines, such as Salmonella, E coli or Listeria-contaminated raw meat carries health risks for both animal and owner. Cooking meat to an acceptable temperature kills these harmful germs.
Wild wolves and dogs are carnivores by nature, meaning that they consume raw animal protein; however, this form of feeding is unsuitable for modern domesticated dogs, posing a choking risk and increasing the chances of serious bacterial infections.
Bones
Dogs love bones, but some types may pose risks to their safety. Splinters and blockages could form, as well as behavioral issues in chewing behavior issues that need monitoring to avoid choke or gnaw too hard chewing sessions from occurring.
Select high-quality raw bones sourced from grass-fed animals with few ingredients and discard those which have been worn down to their brittle, sharp ends as these could present a potential choking hazard.
Macadamia Nuts
Macadamia nuts have a dangerously toxic effect on dogs’ nervous systems and contain high levels of fat content which may result in pancreatitis in these animals.
Small amounts of macadamia nuts may lead to vomiting, muscle tremors and weakness – regardless of breed or size of dog consumed them. If this has happened to your pup, contact your veterinarian immediately; they may want to run tests for lipase activity as well as take their temperature.
Cherries
While cherries in moderation can be consumed by dogs, it is best to only offer whole fruits without stems and pits as these contain cyanogenic glycoside which releases toxic levels of cyanide which could harm their health.
Cherry pits contain cyanide that can lead to difficulty breathing, dilation of pupils and even be fatal if consumed in large amounts. Cherries also pose a choking hazard and can even cause intestinal blockages; for optimal nutrition for your pup it would be wiser to choose other fruits over cherries.
Grapes & Raisins
Raisins may make for a healthy snack for humans and many other mammals, but should never be fed directly to dogs. Even small amounts can cause toxicities in animals if eaten unwisely; seeking professional veterinary advice in such instances would be wise.
Grape and raisin poisoning in dogs has yet to be established, but can result in kidney failure. Therefore, grapes and raisins (which are simply dehydrated grapes) should always be kept out of reach from your pet at all times.
Rhubarb
Rhubarb stems and leaves contain oxalic acid, which is toxic to dogs. Consuming too much can cause vomiting and diarrhea as well as organ problems in kidneys and the heart.
Though a small dose may not cause damage, rhubarb pies often contain excessive sugar that could lead to obesity, dental issues, and diabetes in their pet over time.
If your dog consumes rhubarb, immediately rinse their mouth out and contact your veterinarian, who may administer IV fluids to support kidneys and flush out toxins faster.
Xylitol
Xylitol, a sugar substitute found in many food and medications, can cause severe hypoglycemia in dogs. Signs of poisoning with xylitol include vomiting, weakness, collapse and seizures.
If your dog has consumed xylitol, contact either your vet or one of the animal-specific poison control hotlines immediately. Bring any packaging or remnants from products they consumed as this will aid your veterinarian in quickly diagnosing the issue. Xylitol stimulates pancreas release large amounts of insulin leading to sudden drops in blood sugar (hypoglycemia) which could prove life threatening if left untreated.
Peanut Butter
Peanut butter can be safely given to dogs in moderation as an excellent source of protein, fatty acids, fiber, niacin, vitamin B6 and other essential nutrients. To maximize health benefits for both dog and owner alike, however, try and find brands without harmful sweeteners like xylitol in them.
Keep in mind that peanut butter is high in calories and could contribute to obesity in some dogs, making it best served as an occasional treat and not part of his or her regular diet.
