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While we know that a dog’s digestive tract works very differently than a human’s, your dog doesn’t understand that. Our dogs love to share our meals and snacks, but there are a few toxic food for dogs that should be avoided.
I don’t often feed my dogs from my plate, but every once in a while it’s nice to share a snack with your dog. You don’t want to add too many unnecessary calories to your dog’s diet, but giving a treat every now and then will make you both happy. Some foods for humans are actually just as beneficial for dogs as they are for humans.
Many (but not all) fruits and vegetables can great health benefits for canines. Lean proteins and fresh herbs can also be beneficial for our furry family members. Just be sure to do your research before feeding your pet any form of human food.
Some human foods can cause mild irritation to your dog’s skin or short-term digestive tract side effects, including nausea or diarrhea. Some can have more serious effects and can even be fatal. Here is a list of five toxic foods for dogs that should be avoided.
5 Toxic Foods For Dogs You Should Avoid
1. Xylitol
Xylitol is an artificial sweetener found in many foods and beverages, often in baked goods, candies and diet products. While it is completely safe for human consumption, it can be fatal to your dog.
One of the most common human foods possible including xylitol is peanut butter. Many pet owners use peanut butter to fill dog toys, spread on lick mats, or as an ingredient in homemade dog treats. That is why it is so important to check the ingredient list of any food you are going to feed your pup.
Xylitol causes a spike in insulin, leading to low blood sugar. Signs of xylitol poisoning may include lack of energy, coordination problems, and vomiting. Even very small amounts of xylitol can cause symptoms such as: seizures and liver failure, so be extremely careful when choosing what human foods to feed your pet.
2. Alcohol
This may seem like a good idea, but every year many dogs receive veterinary care for alcohol poisoning. You’ve no doubt seen what alcohol can do to the human mind, now imagine what it can do to an animal a fraction of the size and weight of a human.
Unsurprisingly, the effects of alcohol in dogs mimic those in humans. Neurological function is impaired and significant liver damage has been observed. It has also been observed that the presence of alcohol lowers calcium levels circulate through a dog’s system. This has consequences for the dog bone and joint health, followed by some very serious complications.
There is some evidence that alcohol intoxication in dogs leads to a higher death rate because of respiratory complications when dogs are seriously injured. This is likely due to the fact that alcohol has a depressing effect on the dog’s central nervous system, making it difficult for the body to respond to trauma.
Furthermore, it has been observed that heart function in dogs, especially the lower ventricles of a dog’s heart, can be greatly affected by the consumption of alcohol. This leads to a serious risk of heart problems in drunk dogs.
cirrhosis is a known consequence of alcohol consumption in humans, and this claim also applies to dogs. Cirrhosis of the liver, among other ailments, has also been shown in dogs that have consumed alcohol. This also results in glomerular and tubular damage (damage to tubes of the dog’s kidneys).
3. Grapes and Raisins
Grapes contain a toxin that causes severe liver damage and kidney failure in dogs. This is another food that can be found in many things, such as cakes, bagels, cookies, and trail mixes.
Ingestion can cause symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, thirst and excessive urination, fatigue and dehydration. Also, be careful when growing grapes in your yard and make sure your dog doesn’t have access to the area.
Toxicity can occur even in very small amounts, so never let your dog eat anything that grapes, raisins or currants. If you think your dog may have eaten something with a grape product in it, call your vet immediately for treatment advice.
ALSO: What Human Foods Can Dogs Eat?
4. Macadamia Nuts
Consumption of macadamia nuts in a very large amount can be fatal, but it is unlikely. The most likely outcome of a dog eating macadamia nuts is serious illness. These nuts will poison your dog.
If your dog eats these nuts, he will show symptoms such as involuntary muscle contractions and jerks, fatigue and paralysis, vomiting, elevated temperatures and a spike in heart rate. A more subtle (but equally worrisome) symptom of macadamia nut toxicity in dogs is the development of joint pain and the inability for your dog to stand for more than a few seconds.
It appears that macadamia nuts target and affect the limbic system of canines. Any prolonged change in a dog’s attitude should be a clear sign that he needs to see the vet as soon as possible.
5. Yeast and dough
Yeast is a fungus that promotes the emergence of bread and other products such as cakes and donuts. We all know how delicious a delicious bread or cookie dough can smell while it’s rising, and your dog might think so too.
If your pup eats raw yeast dough, the dough will continue to rise in his stomach. This will cause the stomach to swell, and in severe cases can cause its intestines to rupture.
In addition, yeast can continue to ferment and turn into alcohol after it is eaten, causing symptoms of alcohol poisoning (see above) for your pup. If you’re a home baker, make sure to keep yeast dough covered and well out of your pet’s reach.
READ NEXT: 25 Dog Health Symptoms That Need To Be Addressed Right Away
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