Last week our Trivia Question (located on the chalkboard in the pool room) was "Besides chocolate, grapes, raisins, and onions, can you name five foods that are harmful to dogs?" This generated a lot of excellent conversation, so we decided to post the answer here. If you would like a hard copy of this list, please ask when you come into FlowDog and we will be happy to provide it.
Foods That Are Dangerous to Dogs
Some foods which are edible to humans can pose hazards to dogs because of their different metabolism. Side effects range from mild digestive upsets to death. The safest course of action? Do not feed your dog table scraps.
Grapes/Raisins – can cause kidney failure in dogs. One serving of raisins can be fatal to a dog
Chocolate – contains Theobromine a compound that us a cardiac stimulant and diuretic. Can cause seizures, coma, or death. Baker's Chocolate is the most dangerous, but milk chocolate can still be dangerous.
Onions & Garlic – both contain thiosulphate which can be toxic and can destroy red blood cells and can cause anemia.
Coffee, Coffee Grounds, or Tea – Drinks/foods containing caffeine stimulate the central nervous system and can cause vomiting, heart palpitations, or death within hours.
Macadamia Nuts – can cause weakness, muscle tremors, or paralysis
Walnuts – are poisonous and potentially fatal to dogs.
Fried foods or Animal Fats – cause upset stomach and can lead to pancreatitis
Tomatoes – can cause tremors and heart arrythmias. Tomato plants are the most toxic, but tomatoes themselves are also unsafe.
Avocados – The fruit, pit, and plant are all toxic to dogs. They can cause difficulty breathing which leads to fluid accumulations in the chest, abdomen, and heart.
Nutmeg – can cause tremors, seizures, or death.
Raw Eggs/Raw Fish – Can cause salmonella just as in humans.
Salt – excessive salt intake can lead to kidney problems
Sugar-Free Candy – candy containing Xylitol can be poisonous. It causes a sudden drop in blood pressure, resulting in seizures.
Dairy Products – can cause pancreatitis, gas, and diarrhea. A small amount of non-fat plain yogurt or cheese are usually safe.
Mushrooms – can contain toxins that can cause shock and result in death.
Alcohol – can cause intoxication, coma, or death
Bones – can splinter and tear a dogs internal organs.
Fruit Seeds – contain cyanide which is poisonous. Apple seeds, cherry pits, peach pits, pear pits, plum pits, and apricot pits all contain cyanide.
