The Top Ten Foods That You Shouldn’t Be Feeding Your Dog
Even though it can be tempting to feed our pets everything that they ask for with their puppy dog eyes – I mean, who can resist those pleading faces of theirs – it is important to remember that there are certain foods that you should NEVER feed your dog, no matter how much they beg. These foods can have devastating effects on your furry friend’s health and can sometimes even lead to death. I have taken the liberty of compiling a list of the top ten foods that you should never feed your dog at any cost.
- Anything with Caffeine (Tea, Coffee, etc.)
Caffeine contains methylxanthines, which can be quite dangerous for your dog. It can increase heart rate, and in severe cases, cause lung failure. Within two to four hours of ingestion, your pup may become restless, excessively thirsty, and may even begin vomiting.
- Avocados
Please think twice before sharing some chips and guac with your furry friend. Avocados have a toxic substance in them called persin, which is fine for human consumption, but not for dogs. It can cause a collection of fluids in their lungs and chest which in turn causes difficulty breathing. It’s not just the avocado itself, though, that is dangerous. The pit of the avocado can cause choking or blockage in the digestive tract.
- Grapes and Raisins
Although it is unknown what it is exactly in grapes that makes them toxic to dogs, it is known that there are dire effects if you decide to share some with your pup. The main effect is kidney failure, which is noticeable through excessive thirst and a decrease in urination.
- Salt
Salt is a pretty broad category, but for the most part it includes things like chips and salted nuts. Feeding your dog any sort of salty snacks can cause diarrhea, tremors, seizures, and vomiting. If they ingest enough salt, then it can also cause death.
- Onion, Garlic and Chives
These foods are all a part of the amaryllis family, making their effects on dogs all quite similar. The main concern here is that they can cause red blood cell damage, which in turn leads to anemia. In severe cases, your dog may need a blood transfusion.
- Raw Meat
Similar to humans, raw meat can cause salmonella and E. Coli in your dog.
- Raw Eggs
Raw eggs contain a substance called avidin, which can cause mainly skin and coat problems due to a decrease in biotin.
- Dairy Products
Again, this is a very broad category but please do not feed your dog things like ice cream. Like humans, dogs can develop lactose intolerance and therefore have diarrhea and vomiting after consuming dairy.
- Macadamia Nuts
Macadamia nuts are exceptionally dangerous for dogs due to their high fat content. This can cause ailments like pancreatitis, as well as weakness, tremors, and vomiting.
- Chocolate
It is pretty well-known that dogs should not consume chocolate, but it may help to know why, especially considering how it doesn’t have much to do with the sugar content as you may think. Chocolate contains a toxic substance called theobromine. The darker the chocolate, the more theobromine that there is, and therefore the more fatal it can be. Theobromine can cause vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, seizures, and if enough is consumed: death.
There you have it: the top ten common foods that you should never feed your dog. Although all of these foods may not necessarily have fatal consequences, it is still important to remember that your furry friend’s health can still be at risk. So, the next time that your dog may ask for a piece of your chocolate cake, or a bite of your avocado toast, remember this list and the dangers associated with feeding your dog certain foods.
WRITTEN BY PAWWZ™ PET SUPPLEMENTS
