10 Human Foods You Should NOT Feed Your Dog
Even the most well behaved dogs may beg for a little treat from time to time. They often linger under the dinner table, or around children that are prone to dropping food in the hopes of getting a scrap or two (or three!). And, while there are some foods that we may be serving at the dinner table that are safe for our four-legged friends, there are many that are not ideal or downright dangerous to feed our dogs. It is important to feed your dog a nutritious diet and, while fresh food is ideal, it is best to avoid these “human foods” for the health and safety of your dog:
- Avocado
- Chips and guacamole may be a delicious snack you enjoy but your dog should not partake. Avocado contains a substance called “persin” which can be toxic for dogs in large amounts. So, eat all the guacamole you want but keep it on your plate and out of the mouth of your dog.
- Chocolate
- Chocolate contains methylxanthines which are highly toxic for dogs. These stimulants cause problems for a dog’s metabolic process which can cause a lot of problems and even lead to death. They are a big no-no so you will just have to eat that extra piece of dark chocolate yourself!
- Onions, Garlic, Leeks, Chives
- Onion, garlic, leeks and chives are all part of the “allium” family and are highly toxic for dogs – garlic being the worst offender of the bunch. These can lead to weakness, elevated heart rate, anemia and more.
- Ice Cream & Milk
- Dairy, on the whole, is not ideal for dogs. Dog’s stomachs are not able to properly break down the enzymes in dairy so eating dairy could lead to vomiting, diarrhea, and other stomach upset and problems.
- Macadamia Nuts
- Macadamia nuts are one of the biggest “no-no’s” of all. Eating macadamia nuts can lead to muscle weakness, vomiting, tremors, depression, hypothermia and more.
- Grapes & Raisins
- Grapes and raisins may be delicious treats but they should not be shared with your dog. They are highly toxic for dogs and can lead to lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, and even kidney failure.
- Alcohol
- This may seem like a no-brainer but you should never give your dog alcohol. Alcohol has the same effect on dogs that it does on humans, but in much smaller quantities. So, by giving your dog a few sips of alcohol it could lead to intoxication, vomiting, diarrhea, coma and death.
- Apple Core/Apple Seeds
- While you probably don’t want to eat an apple core or apple seeds, you shouldn’t allow your dog to eat it either. Apple seeds have a casing that naturally contains chemicals that release cyanide when digested.
- Yeast
- Yeast is commonly found in bread and while that crusty French bread may be delicious; don’t give a nibble to your dog. Yeast rises and expands and if your dog eats it, it will expand in his stomach, making him very uncomfortable and gassy.
- Coffee, Tea & Caffeine
- You may need that morning cup of coffee to get going but your dog certainly does not. The caffeine that is contained in coffee and tea is very dangerous for your dog and when consumed in large enough quantities can even be fatal.