If there’s one thing your dog loves more than you, it’s food. Some dogs eat anything and everything, especially what you consume. However, dogs are physiologically different from humans and some common human foods can be very toxic for them. Here’s our list of food dogs can’t eat:
Harmful human foods #1: Grapes & raisins
Grapes and raisins are high on the list of dangerous human foods for dogs. Even a very small amount of grapes or raisins can rapidly cause acute kidney failure in dogs. Symptoms include vomiting, appetite loss, lethargy, dehydration, seizures and coma.
Harmful human foods #2: Chocolate & caffeine
Chocolate contains theobromine, which are easily metabolised by humans but are toxic for dogs. The chemical can cause tremors, seizures and heart attacks.
Even a small amount of caffeine — found in chocolates, coffee, tea, energy drinks — can cause restlessness, hyperactivity, vomiting, elevated heart rate and seizures. Coffee beans and grounds as well as tea bags can be potentially lethal to your dog.
Harmful human foods #3: Onion & Garlic
Consuming onions and garlic can damage red blood cells and lead to life-threatening anemia in dogs. Since both are common ingredients in most Indian dishes, be very careful what you offer your dog.
Harmful human foods #4: Avocado
Avocado is also on the list of food dogs can’t eat. The fruit contains a toxin called persin and can cause vomiting and diarrhea in dogs. The large seeds can cause intestinal obstructions. In fact, every part of the plant is toxic to dogs, so keep them well away from your pet.
Harmful human foods #5: Alcohol & marijuana
Both these dangerous human foods have a similar effect on dogs as humans, except that even small quantities can be devastating for your dog. It can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy and even comas. Remember to party responsibly around your dog and keep this stuff well out of reach.
Harmful human foods #6: Human medicine
Never try human medication on your pet without consulting vet expert. While there are some human medicines that are also used for dogs, the dosage needs to be modified drastically to fit the dog’s size. Even common medication such as paracetamol can cause severe kidney and liver problems if not given in the right dosage.
Harmful human foods #7: Apple, plum & peaches
While the fruits themselves might not cause much damage, the seeds are dangerous for your dog as they contain cyanide. Some dogs may not know to instinctively avoid these, so always core, pit and remove seeds from these fruits before offering them to your pet.
Harmful human foods #8: Candy, gum & toothpaste
All of these contain a sugar alcohol called Xylitol which is harmless to humans but is highly dangerous for dogs and can cause vomiting, lethargy, hypoglycemia, seizures and liver failure. Look for dog-friendly toothpaste for your pet.
Harmful human foods #9: Excess salt & sugar foods
A lot of common human snacks like popcorn, chips, cakes etc. contain large amounts of salt and sugar. If your dog consumes this and suffers from salt poisoning, he will drink excessive amounts of water and display symptoms of confusion, convulsions, lethargy etc. which may lead to death. Also, excess sugar can lead to obesity, diabetes etc.
Apart from these, you should watch out for other dangerous foods present in your garden such as raw tomatoes, wild mushrooms. Some dogs may also have allergies to specific fruits like jack fruit. Always consult your vet before introducing a new food to your dog. If your dog ingests these dangerous human foods and displays signs of poisoning, get him to a vet as soon as possible.
