Dining Dangers: Common Foods That Can Be Toxic to Your Dog

We know how cute your pet can be when you’re eating dinner and you look down to see those puppy dog eyes staring back. It’s so hard to resist them when they’re being so adorable. Have you ever wondered, “Can my dog eat this?” Well, we have a short list of the foods that can be toxic to your dog and some safe choices. Some of these may surprise you, so keep reading to learn more.

 

1.    Chocolate

   By now, most people realize that chocolate is toxic for dogs. When your pet ingests this, it can cause vomiting and diarrhea, excessive thirst, panting, and abnormal heart rhythm. In severe cases, it can lead to death, so avoid ever letting your pup near chocolate.

2.    Grapes and Raisins

   You may think these are healthy foods that you can share with your pet, but just because something is okay for you doesn’t make it nutritious for your dog. Feeding even small amounts of grapes or raisins to your pet can cause kidney failure due to an unknown toxic substance they contain.

3.    Onions

   Onions can cause severe gastrointestinal problems for canines. Eating them can lead to blood cell damage and anemia. Anything in the onion family should be avoided, like garlic and chives. Be careful when cooking with these, as pups can be quick to scoop up a couple of pieces dropped on the floor.

4.    Xylitol

   Many people don’t realize that although xylitol may be good for their teeth, it’s terrible for their pets. If your furry friend ingested xylitol, it can cause hypoglycemia, liver failure, or death. It’s so dangerous that we recommend storing it out of reach to avoid any accidents.

5.    Cooked Bones

   You might be surprised to know that many emergency vet visits are caused by dogs eating foods containing bones. These can splinter off and get stuck in the colon or intestines. It can be very painful for your pet. If you’re going to give your pup a natural treat, consider a healthy alternative, like natural sausage sticks that your dog is sure to love.

 

Some Good News

We’ve covered some of the worst foods your dog can eat, but the good news is ahead. There are delicious foods you can share with your pet in moderation that are healthy.

Peanut Butter

Most dogs love peanut butter so much that some trainers recommend using it as a reward for good behavior. It’s also a great source of protein. You can put a little in a KONG wobbler toy and your dog will know he’s been a good boy!

Plain Yogurt

Plain yogurt with no sweetener is a good snack for dogs. Be careful not to give it to your pup in large quantities because some dogs may have digestive issues with dairy.

Carrots

Carrots are healthy veggies for your canine companion. They can help remove plaque from teeth and are beneficial for your pet’s immune system.

 

Checking with Your Vet

This is by no means an exhaustive list of what you shouldn’t feed your dog. Always consult your vet to check for any dietary limitations your pet may have. When feeding your precious pup something new, watch for signs of digestive issues and use small quantities. Dogs are family, and we want to share as much with them as possible. This list will give you some ideas on what you can and can’t give your fur baby.