Some foods that are good for humans and other animals can be bad, and even deadly, for dogs. We’ve put together a list of foods your dog should avoid. Contact your veterinarian for guidance.
Alcohol
Never allow a dog to taste or consume an acoholic beverage of any kind. Not only are hops and grapes (also found on this list) potentially toxic to dogs, but dogs are far more suseptable to alcohol poisoning than humans.
Common signs of ingestion: Drooling, Retching, Vomiting or attempting to vomit, Distended stomach/bloat, Elevated heart rate, Weakness, Collapse, Hypotension (low blood pressure), Coma, Hypothermia, Death
Avocado
While avocado can be deadly for some species, such as birds and ruminants, it’s only mildly harmful for dogs. The larger concern is the risk of the large avocado seed getting stuck in the dog’s esophagus, stomach or intestinal tract.
Common signs of ingestion: Vomiting, Diarrhea, Lack of stool production
Caffeine, Coffee, Chocolate
The chemical toxicity in these products is due to methylxanthines. Dogs are more sensitive to the effects of methylxanthines than humans. Note that the darker the chocolate, the more dangerous it is to your dog.
Common signs of ingestion: Hyperactivity, Restlessness, Vomiting, Elevated heart rate, Hypertension (elevated blood pressure), Abnormal heart rhythms, Tremors, Hyperthermia (elevated body temperature), Seizures, Collapse, Death
Citrus Fruits
Citrus fruits, and their stems, leaves, peels and seeds contain citric acid, which can be potentially harmful to dogs, especially when consumed in significant quantities.
Common signs of ingestion: Vomiting, Diarrhea, Depression
Fatty Foods & Fat Trimmings
It’s never a good idea to give a dog fatty foods or fat trimmings. These foods can cause inflamation of the pancreas, also know as pancreatitis, and can also lead to diabetes.
Common signs of ingestion: Abdominal distention, Lack of appetite, Depression, Dehydration, Vomiting, Diarrhea
Fruit Pits & Seeds
Fruit pits and seeds contain cyanide, which is potentially poisionous to dogs. Additionally, pits and seeds can cause intestinal obstruction.
Common signs of ingestion: Dilated pupils, Apprehension, Hyperventilation, Shock, Vomiting, Panting, Apnea tachycardia, Cardiac arrhythmias, Coma, Skin irritation
Grapes, Raisins & Currants
We don’t know why grapes, raisins and currants are toxic to dogs, but they are! Even in small amounts, ingestion of these foods can result in severe, acute kidney failure.
Common signs of ingestion: Vomiting, Diarrhea, Abnormal drinking or urination, Lethargy, Decreased appetite, Halitosis, Dehydration
Green Potatoes & Green Tomatoes
Raw and green potatoes and tomatoes contain solanum alkaloids and oxalates, which can be harmful to dogs.
Common signs of ingestion: Diarrhea, Vomiting, Dizziness, Tremors, Seizures, Heart Arrhythmia
Hops
The exact toxicity in hops is unknown, but it may be related to essential oils or resins within the plant.
Common signs of ingestion: Elevated body temperature, Increased breathing, Racing heart rate, Anxiety, Vomiting, Abnormal clotting, Death
Macadamia Nuts
The toxin in the nut is unknown, but even in small amounts, macadamias can cause adverse effects.
Common signs of ingestion: Severe lethargy, Increased body temperature, Vomiting, Tremors, Joint stiffness, Inability to walk
Milk & Dairy
Dogs are basically lactose intolerant. Since they aren’t able to easily break down lactose, milk and other dairy products can cause adverse digestive reactions.
Common signs of ingestion: Diarrhea, Lethargy
Onions & Garlic
Onions, garlic, chives, and leeks are all in the Allium family. Ingestion of these foods can cause gastrointestinal irritation and also cause hemolytic anemia (damage to red blood cells).
Common signs of ingestion: Drooling, Nausea, Oral irritation, Vomiting, Diarrhea, Lethargy, Abdominal pain, Elevated heart rate and respiratory rate, Weakness, Intolerance to exercise, Collapse, Pale gums
Tea
See caffeine (above).