8 Human Foods That Are Dangerous for Dogs

Several of us find ourselves being followed by our dogs when we walk over to our kitchens. Whether you step in to cook a nice meal or grab something from the fridge, it sure is difficult to resist sharing it with your furry friend. It is especially difficult to resist those, well, puppy dog eyes.

However, it is important to realise that there is some seemingly harmless human food that is downright dangerous for your dog. We thought we should compile a list of some very common foods which you should avoid giving to your dog.

Any dessert which may have cocoa in it has two stimulants: caffeine and theobromine. The digestive system of dogs is not equipped to digest these stimulants. Their hearts can race, blood pressure skyrockets and it can even cause seizures and death. The darker the chocolate, the more deadly it is for your dog. Smaller breeds can also be affected by very small amounts of chocolate.

This damage the red blood cells making it impossible for the cells to absorb oxygen. The damaged RBCs are commonly seen eliminated in the dog’s urine which, yes, will be red in colour. It also causes shortness in breath and lethargy. Always ask yourself whether the food you might share with your dog has any traces of these as these ingredients are usually not the focus of the food you are eating.

If your dog eats homemade food, it is important to remember that dogs don’t really eat to taste the food. Salt is not an ingredient that would help them in any way – in fact, if taken in even small quantities, it can cause sodium ion poisoning which ends in kidney damage. Common symptoms are excessive thirst, diarrhoea and vomiting. So think again before you plan to have a chip from your Classically Salts Chips packet.

Yes, think about what we said for chocolate and remember that caffeine is NOT an ingredient your dog should consume.

Dogs are allowed to eat most fruit but grapes are one of the most toxic substances your dog could ever consume. Even a single grape eaten can cause kidney failure. The same goes for raisins which is basically a smaller, shrivelled up grape. So keep in mind to keep those bowls of fruit and salad away from paws reach.

Though dogs can eat meat raw, the quality of meats have come down to a great extent. Meats spoil easily too because of the presence of worms and other harmful bacteria. To be on the safer side, it is always best to cook meat and eggs as well as you would for yourself before feeding your dog.

Just like human beings, dogs can get tipsy from lapping alcohol. However, the effect of the alcohol is amplified in dogs, especially the smaller breeds. It can also affect your dog’s nervous system and even lead to a coma or death. There’s simply no reason to ever offer your dog an alcoholic beverage. You should also keep an eye on your dog during parties when drinks may be left around.

Seeds and corn kernels cannot be digested by your dog. Though some fruit like watermelon and apple may be good for your dog, do pay close attention to removing the seeds before you offer it to your dog. Avoid popcorn with high salt content. Homemade popcorn is an acceptable snack, provided there is no salt, synthetic flavouring, or butter.

One great piece of advice that Yamika from Clever Canine has for dog parents is to keep in mind that when introducing your canines to new foods, to always try a small bit and observe your dog for the next couple of days. If there are no adverse reactions (upset tummy or skin rash) then the dog is okay with that food. Remember, always feed fresh dog food and treats in moderation.