People think that dogs may eat any human food in moderation. They have been house pets for a very long time in which case, surely, they can chew on some leftovers?
However, foods that human beings consume and consider harmless or even beneficial become quite detrimental to our pet dogs. People tend to think it’s really nice to share their meals with their pets but this could also turn out to be harmful. For example, garlic is good in enhancing the human immune system quite well but it surely is not a good dog immune booster.
Here are 10 very common human foods that should NEVER be considered as dog food.
Which human food should not be fed as dog food?
● Chocolate
One well-known food that dogs shouldn’t consume is chocolate. While it doesn’t seem like a dangerous food to most people, theobromine, present in chocolate, is extremely toxic to dogs. Depending on the type and amount of chocolate eaten, low blood sugar, muscle weakness, vomiting, diarrhoea, rapid breathing or heart rate, seizures, and even death can occur. Dark chocolates have higher levels of theobromine than milk chocolates.
In order to make your pets feel special and also happy at the same time, you should give healthy dog treats for dogs and cat treats for cats rather than chocolate.
● Grapes and raisins
Even though grapes and raisins seem like healthy snacks, there is a real threat for dogs, and that is kidney failure. Even a small amount can make your dog sick.
Signs of early poisoning include vomiting and being lethargic, which can be followed by more severe symptoms like loss of appetite, dehydration, and increased urination. If your dog has ingested grapes or raisins, it is important to get veterinary help immediately.
Instead of grapes, you can consider giving kefir for dogs as a probiotic treat that can support digestive health and contribute to boosting immunity.
● Onions and garlic
Onion and garlic are common in cooking. But these foods damage your dog’s red blood cells, leading to hemolytic anaemia. Be it raw or cooked, powdered or dried, all the varieties are equally dangerous.
Some of the symptoms associated with onion or garlic poisoning in dogs are weakness, pale gums, and increased heart rates. As soon as you notice that your dog has had any of these foods, contact your veterinarian for further instructions.
Onion and garlic is not recommended, instead let your dog enjoy some plain yogurt for dogs as a healthy and yummy treat.
● Macadamia nuts
Though nuts are not advisable for dogs, some nut types such as macadamia nuts are very dangerous to the dogs. Even a small quantity will cause a dog to experience muscle tremors, vomiting, weakness, and fever. In some cases of macadamia nut poisoning may lead to paralysis.
If your dog has ingested macadamia nuts, it is very important to watch for further symptoms and seek veterinary care. A far better alternative for snack time is safe and healthy dog treats for dogs.
● Avocados
Avocados contain persin which can be dangerous to dogs. The flesh contains less of this compound, however, the pit, skin and leaves have more.
Gastrointestinal upset can result from consuming this fruit, as well as vomiting and diarrhoea. The pit also poses a risk of choking. Therefore, it is better to keep avocados out of reach so they are not accidentally ingested.
If you’re looking to contribute to your dog’s overall health, consider that a dog immune booster might be a better alternative to human foods like avocado.
● Alcohol and yeast dough
Alcohol is extremely dangerous for dogs. Even small amounts can cause serious problems such as vomiting, diarrhoea, respiratory distress, and eventually coma or death in more severe cases.
Yeast dough is also inappropriate because it may generate gases and expand in the stomach of the dog, leading to bloating episodes and life-threatening complications. The fermentation of yeast in the stomach could also produce alcohol, compounding the problem further.
● Xylitol (artificial sweetener)
Xylitol, present in sugar-free gum, candy, and some baked goods, is highly toxic to dogs. This is because even small amounts can result in a quick insulin dump in the dog leading to hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).
Watch out for symptoms such as vomiting, fatigue, and loss of coordination. Severe cases of xylitol poisoning can result in liver failure, seizures, and even death. Always ensure that you check the labels of any products before you give them to your dog.
Dogs may enjoy delicious treats like kefir for dogs instead of less healthful choices like candy.
● Cooked bones
Dogs can chew on raw bones but cooked bones are a different story. They are likely to splinter easily, adding to the risk of choking or harming digestive organs, including perforations.
If you are going to give your dog a bone, ensure that it is raw and of proper size so as not to be hazardous. However, it is both safer and more nutritious for dogs to chew on healthy dog treats.
● Caffeine
Caffeine, found in many beverages and refreshments such as coffee, tea, and energy drinks, can cause hyperactivity, restlessness, rapid breathing, and elevated heart rate in your dog. In more severe situations it may result in seizures or death. Keep caffeinated beverages out of reach to prevent dogs from accidentally ingesting them.
Including a dog immune booster in their routine will contribute to protecting your dog’s health without subjecting them to dangerous substances.
● Citrus fruits
Small amounts of lemon, lime, and oranges—citrus fruits in general—will give your dog a mild stomach upset due to the presence of citric acid.
Eating plenty of citrus fruit salad might cause depression in the central nervous system. Dogs should never come into contact with citrus plants since their leaves, stems, and seeds pose a serious risk to them.
What should you do if your dog eats these foods?
In case your dog has ingested any of the above-mentioned foods accidentally, then acting quickly is essential. Get in touch with your vet or the nearest emergency animal hospital for guidance.
Describing what food it was and how much the dog ate will help the veterinarian determine how to approach treatment and also give an accurate treatment.
Steps to Take:
- Stay Calm. Panicking may make it harder to think clearly so try to remain calm and focus on getting help.
- Call Your Vet: Your vet will guide you on the next steps which may include bringing your dog in for an examination.
- Monitor Symptoms: Keep an eye out for any changes in behaviour, such as vomiting, or increased lethargy and difficulty breathing.
Make smart dog food choices for a healthier pup!
Though it might be quite tempting to share your food with the dog, some human meals can contribute to harm. By not including the foods in this list and getting safe treats and when looking for appropriate foods for dogs, you can consider using yogurt for dogs as a safe snack from Wonderfur Bites, you will help your dog stay healthy and happy.
Always consult a veterinarian before giving new foods to a dog to ensure the safety of the formula for specific needs.
