While we consider dogs to be members of our family, feeding them the same food we eat can cause injury to them. Dogs are not used to eating the oily, fatty foods that we do, and they can get diarrhea and upset stomachs from them. It’s important to know what foods are toxic to dogs and avoid them.
Chocolate and Caffeine
It’s a pretty well-known fact that chocolate is harmful to dogs. Unlike their feline friends, most dogs don’t have an “off” button when it comes to finding food. The amount and type of chocolate your dog consumes determines the symptoms and toxicity level he will experience. Symptoms can include vomiting, diarrhea, increased thirst, abdominal discomfort, lethargy, muscle tremors, irregular heartbeat, high body temperature, seizures and death. The darker the chocolate is (for instance, baker’s chocolate or cocoa powder), the more dangerous it is to your puppy. They contain a higher concentration of caffeine and theobromine, both of which cause toxicosis in dogs. Keep your dog away from caffeinated beverages as well. Learn more about the dangers of your dog consuming chocolate here.
Grapes and Raisins
While grapes and raisins are not harmful to some dogs, they have been associated with kidney failure in others. Simply put, it’s not worth the risk to find out! Vomiting, lethargy and diarrhea can occur within 12 hours of ingestion. If the symptoms are not treated, they can lead to dehydration, decreased appetite and increased urination followed by decreased urination. If your dog has consumed grapes or raisins and these signs occur, take her to a vet immediately. Your dog can develop long-term kidney disease or even die from kidney failure within three to four days.
Alcohol and Raw Bread Dough
Small amounts of alcohol found in drinks, syrups and raw bread dough can be poisonous to dogs. These products contain ethanol, and beer also contains hops, both of which can cause alcohol intoxication. Signs of intoxication include vomiting, disorientation, high body temperature, restlessness, excessive panting, muscle tremors and seizures. Dogs who show signs of alcohol intoxication should be monitored by a vet until they recover, as it can cause failure of the organ systems and even death. The yeast in raw bread dough can also cause stomach expansion, which can result in tissue damage and difficulty breathing.
Tasty Tips
Xylitol
Xylitol is an artificial sweetener found in foods like sugarless gum, sugar-free candy and baked goods. It can also be found in toothpaste, mouthwash, chewable vitamins and cough drops. Ingestion can cause a life-threatening drop in your dog’s blood sugar, as well as liver damage. Symptoms include vomiting, seizures and loss of coordination, which can occur anywhere from a few minutes to several hours after ingestion. According to the Pet Poison Helpline, a 10-pound dog would only need to eat a single piece of sugar-free gum to reach a potentially toxic dose. Dogs that ingest large amounts of xylitol can also develop liver failure. If you suspect that your dog has consumed anything that might contain Xylitol it is important that you contact your vet immediately.
Onions and Garlic
Anything in the onion family–from garlic to shallots to scallions to chives–is toxic to dogs. They contain compounds that can cause gastroenteritis, anemia and serious damage to the red blood cells. Garlic is considered to be five times as potent as onions. Signs of onion or garlic poisoning often do not appear for several days after ingestion, but include lethargy, weakness and orange- to dark red-tinged urine. Japanese breeds of dogs such as Akitas and Shiba Inus tend to be more sensitive to garlic and onions.
Other Foods Harmful to Dogs
Dairy products can upset your dog’s digestive system and cause diarrhea as well as food allergies. Ingestion of just a few macadamia nuts can cause weakness, paralysis and lack of coordination. Avocados contain persin, which can cause mild stomach upset in dogs. The bones in meat, chicken and fish can also be very hazardous to your dog. They can splinter and stick in the throat, break teeth or cut the intestines.
If you are unsure if you can feed a food to your dog, always consult your veterinarian first. As a general rule of thumb it is best to avoid feeding your dog human food anyways. While it can be hard to ignore those puppy dog eyes looking at you at the dinner table, feeding your dog can often result in weight gain among other more serious issues. To keep your dog out of harm’s way, it is best to stick to a diet of food specifically formulated to meet your dog’s nutritional needs.
Related products
Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Weight & Joint Support Chicken Recipe Dry Dog Food
This weight management and mobility support dog food was created with Hill’s unique understanding of the biology of overweight dogs.
Hill's Science Diet Adult Small & Mini Savory Stew Can Variety Pack Dog Food
A delicious complement to the nutrition of Science Diet Small & Mini dog food
Hill's Science Diet Adult Healthy Mobility Small Bites Chicken Meal, Brown Rice & Barley Recipe Dog Food
Advanced nutrition to support hip & joint health from day 1
Hill's Science Diet Puppy Small & Mini Savory Stew with Chicken & Vegetables
A delicious complement to the nutrition of Science Diet Small & Mini dog food
Hill's Science Diet Puppy Chicken & Barley Entrée
Chicken & barley entree with great taste and precisely balanced nutrition to support 5 essential building blocks for lifelong health
Hill's Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Large Breed
Hill's Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin Large Breed dry dog food is gentle on stomachs while nourishing skin & promoting a lustrous coat. In a delicious large bite size for large breed dogs.
Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Weight Hearty Vegetable & Chicken Stew dog food
Over 70% of dogs lost weight within 10 weeks when fed this nutrition
Hill's Science Diet Adult Chicken & Barley Entrée Dog Food
Chicken & Barley recipe with precisely balanced nutrition to keep adult dogs active and healthy
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Entrée Can Variety Pack Dog Food
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Variety Pack
Hill's Science Diet Puppy Small Bites Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe
Vital nutrients to support 5 essential building blocks for lifelong health
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Turkey & Barley Entrée Dog Food
Turkey & Barley recipe with precisely balanced nutrition to keep dogs active and healthy
Hill's Science Diet Adult 6+ Large Breed No Corn, Wheat, Soy Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe dog food
Supports energy & beautiful coat. Helps keep immune system, joints, heart & kidneys healthy
Hill's Science Diet Adult Small & Mini Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Dog Food
For the faster metabolism of Small & Mini dogs
Hill's Science Diet Adult Light Large Breed Chicken Meal & Barley Recipe Dog Food
Fewer calories for less active large breed dogs
Hill's Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Grain Free Chicken & Potato Recipe dog food
Hill's Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin Grain Free dry dog food is gentle on stomachs. Nourishes skin & promotes a lustrous coat.
Hill's Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Pollock Meal & Insect Recipe Dog Food
Hill's Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin dry dog food is gentle on stomachs while nourishing skin & promoting a lustrous coat.
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Senior Vitality Small & Mini Chicken & Vegetable Stew Dog Food
Improves Everyday Ability to Get Up & Go
Hill's Science Diet Adult Beef & Barley Entrée Dog Food
Beef & Barley recipe with precisely balanced nutrition to keep adult dogs active and healthy
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Chicken Meal, Barley & Rice Recipe Dog Food
Supports energy level and beautiful coat in mature dogs
Hill's Science Diet Adult Chicken & Barley Recipe Dog Food
Supports lean muscle and beautiful coat for adult dogs
Related articles
Helping Your Puppy Behave While Eating
Learn how to help your puppy learn good behaviors by starting with proper table manners. Follow these helpful feeding tips.
Diabetes in Dogs: What You Need to Know
Learn from a Veterinarian: Discover underlying causes, symptoms & treatment options for diabetes in dogs, as well as which breeds are most susceptible.
Dogs & Holiday Sweets: Which Are Bad & What To Do if a Dog Eats Them
If you suspect that your dog has eaten holiday sweets or candy, find out which common treats might be dangerous for him and what you should do next.
What to Do if Your Dog Eats a Dead Bird
Learn about potential health issues that can occur if your dog eats a dead bird, such as bacterial & parasite issues, and signs that can indicate sickness.
Why Is My Dog Sitting on Me? Five Possible Reasons
Is Soda Bad for My Dog?
Learn why soda is a treat to avoid giving your dog, including issues with caffeine & artificial sweeteners, as well as the best alternative for your pup.
5 Signs You Have a Spoiled Dog
Discover whether you might have a spoiled dog on your hands and learn alternative ways to show your pup that you love them.
Is My Dog Too Skinny?
Learn how to tell if your dog might be too skinny, common reasons why they could be underweight, and tips for getting them to a healthy weight.
Fact or Fiction: Can Dogs Smell Cancer?
Learn about dogs' ability to smell cancer in humans before even traditional screenings, including amazing real life stories demonstrating this ability.
Do Dogs Feel Guilt or Shame?
Does shaming your dog have a positive effect, or are you just encouraging more bad behavior? Learn more about how he interprets feelings of guilt & shame.
Do's and Don'ts of Disciplining Dogs
Having trouble with your dog's bad behavior? Learn how to effectively discipline your dog with this helpful list of do's and don'ts.
Holiday Foods to Avoid Giving Your Dog
Discover what holiday foods to avoid feeding your dog, such as chocolate and nuts, and copy down these homemade holiday dog treat recipes to share with him
Dealing With Dog Mange
Learn about the skin condition called dog mange: what it is, how to spot the symptoms, and treatments for both Demodectic & Sarcoptic types of the disease.
Is it Safe to Feed My Dog a Banana?
Are bananas good or bad for dogs? Find out if it's safe too feed him a banana treat and what to do if he's eaten a whole one, peel and all.
How to Safely Remove Burrs on Dogs
Burrs on dogs are a common problem for pet parents, especially if your dog is outside a lot. Learn how to remove burrs from your dog's fur safely.
What is My Dog Thinking About?
Wonder what your dog is thinking about? Learn about the way your dog's brain processes information compared to a human & what your intonation means to him.
Changing Dog Food for Your New Pup
Changing dog food isn't something you should rush into. Learn how doing so slowly can help your dog avoid digestive problems and adjust to his new home.
Dogs That Shed: Why and What You Can Do
Discover why dogs shed, learn the breeds that shed most & least as well as reducing their excess hair, and how to keep your house clean of loose hair.
How to Choose the Right Size & Type of Dog Crate
Deciding the best crate size isn't always straightforward. Learn factors to consider when choosing the size & type to get, including your dog's age & size.
The Ins and Outs of Dog Whistles: What You Need to Know
Thinking of using a dog whistle with your furry friend? Learn the different types of whistles, if they are safe for your dog, and training considerations.
Put your dog on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your dog's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
Put your dog on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your dog's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.