50 foods that dogs should absolutely avoid.
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Writer AndyKim
Hit 213 Hits
Date 25-02-26 15:42
Content
Below is an extensive list of 50 foods that dogs should absolutely avoid. Each item is accompanied by a brief explanation of why it’s dangerous, along with notes on potential health risks. Keep in mind that even a small amount of some of these foods can cause serious issues. Always consult your veterinarian before introducing new foods to your dog’s diet.
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1. **Chocolate**
- Contains theobromine and caffeine, which can cause vomiting, diarrhea, rapid breathing, seizures, and even death.
2. **Grapes**
- Can trigger acute kidney failure even in small quantities.
3. **Raisins**
- Similar to grapes, they can cause kidney failure.
4. **Onions (and Onion Powder)**
- Contain compounds that can damage red blood cells and lead to hemolytic anemia.
5. **Garlic (and Garlic Powder)**
- Even in small amounts, garlic can cause oxidative damage to red blood cells, leading to anemia.
6. **Avocado (Whole, Including Pit, Skin, and Leaves)**
- Contains persin, which can be toxic to dogs and may cause vomiting and diarrhea.
7. **Alcohol**
- Even a small amount can depress the central nervous system, leading to intoxication, respiratory distress, and potentially coma.
8. **Caffeine (Coffee, Tea, Energy Drinks)**
- Can cause restlessness, rapid breathing, heart palpitations, and muscle tremors.
9. **Xylitol**
- A sugar substitute found in sugar-free gum and candies that can cause a rapid insulin release, leading to hypoglycemia and liver failure.
10. **Macadamia Nuts**
- Known to cause weakness, tremors, hyperthermia, and depression in dogs.
11. **Cooked Bones**
- They can splinter easily, causing choking, punctures in the digestive tract, or intestinal blockages.
12. **Raw Bones**
- Even raw bones can cause dental fractures and pose a choking hazard; always consult a vet about safe chew alternatives.
13. **Yeast Dough**
- Can expand in a dog’s stomach, causing bloat and potentially life‐threatening gastrointestinal distress; the fermentation produces alcohol, which is toxic.
14. **Raw Eggs**
- May contain harmful bacteria like Salmonella and contain avidin, which interferes with biotin absorption.
15. **Raw Fish (Especially Salmon)**
- Can carry parasites and bacteria; some raw fish may lead to “salmon poisoning disease,” which is fatal if untreated.
16. **Moldy Foods**
- Can contain mycotoxins that are harmful to dogs, potentially causing tremors, seizures, or organ failure.
17. **Excessively Fatty Foods**
- High-fat foods (e.g., fatty cuts of meat, greasy scraps) can cause pancreatitis.
18. **Excess Salt**
- Too much salt can lead to sodium ion poisoning, causing vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, and even death.
19. **Nutmeg**
- Contains myristicin, a compound that can cause tremors, seizures, and neurological problems.
20. **Fruit Pits and Seeds (e.g., Apple Seeds)**
- Many fruit seeds contain cyanogenic glycosides that release cyanide when metabolized, which is highly toxic.
21. **Cherry Pits**
- Like other stone fruit pits, they contain cyanide and can also cause intestinal obstruction.
22. **Stone Fruit Pits (Apricot, Peach, Plum)**
- The pits contain cyanide and present a choking hazard.
23. **Dairy Products (in Lactose-Intolerant Dogs)**
- Many dogs are lactose intolerant, and dairy can cause gastrointestinal upset, including diarrhea and vomiting.
24. **Raw Potatoes**
- Contain solanine, a toxic compound that can cause lethargy, weakness, and gastrointestinal distress.
25. **Green Tomatoes**
- Also contain solanine and can be toxic if ingested in significant amounts.
26. **Rhubarb Leaves**
- High in oxalates, which can cause kidney failure and other serious issues.
27. **Excessive Citrus Fruits**
- Large amounts of citrus (especially the acidic parts) can cause stomach upset and irritation.
28. **Raw Meat (Unbalanced and Risk of Bacteria)**
- May contain harmful bacteria and parasites if not properly handled or fresh; an unbalanced diet can also lead to nutritional deficiencies.
29. **Human Medications (e.g., Aspirin, Ibuprofen, Acetaminophen)**
- Many human drugs are toxic to dogs, potentially causing severe organ damage or death.
30. **Walnuts and Pecans**
- Certain nuts can contain toxins and are high in fat, risking pancreatitis and gastrointestinal upset.
31. **Excessive Liver**
- Too much liver can lead to vitamin A toxicity, which can damage bones and organs.
32. **Processed Meats (Bacon, Sausage)**
- High in fat, salt, and preservatives, these can cause pancreatitis and other health issues.
33. **Artificial Sweeteners (Other than Xylitol)**
- Some sweeteners can be harmful, though xylitol is the most dangerous.
34. **Spicy Foods (Chili Peppers, Hot Sauces)**
- Can irritate a dog’s digestive system and lead to gastrointestinal distress.
35. **Pickles**
- High in salt and vinegar, which can upset a dog’s stomach and cause salt poisoning.
36. **Grapefruit**
- Can cause gastrointestinal upset and, in large amounts, may be toxic due to its acidic nature.
37. **Corn on the Cob**
- The cob can splinter and cause an intestinal blockage if ingested.
38. **Raw Mushrooms**
- Some wild mushrooms are toxic and can cause severe illness or death in dogs.
39. **Fat Trimmings**
- Excess fat can trigger pancreatitis and other digestive issues.
40. **Excessively Sugary Foods (Candies, Cookies)**
- High sugar intake can lead to obesity, diabetes, and dental issues.
41. **Processed Junk Food (Chips, Pretzels)**
- Typically high in salt, additives, and unhealthy fats that can harm dogs.
42. **Canned Foods with High Sodium Levels**
- Excess sodium can lead to sodium ion poisoning.
43. **Certain Herbal Teas (Containing Toxic Herbs)**
- Some herbs can be toxic to dogs; always check ingredients.
44. **Alcoholic Foods (e.g., Rum Cake)**
- Even a small amount of alcohol can be dangerous, causing intoxication and central nervous system depression.
45. **Fermented Foods (Excess Salt and Alcohol Byproducts)**
- Can contain harmful levels of salt and other toxic fermentation byproducts.
46. **Unripe Fruits**
- Some unripe fruits can be hard to digest and may contain higher levels of naturally occurring toxins.
47. **Dried Fruits with Added Sugar**
- High in sugar and can lead to obesity and dental problems; also, some dried fruits (like raisins) are toxic.
48. **Citrus Peels (Orange, Lemon Rinds)**
- Difficult to digest and may contain essential oils that can be toxic to dogs.
49. **Excessive Coconut**
- While coconut flesh in small amounts is usually safe, too much can cause gastrointestinal upset due to its high fat content.
50. **Persimmon Seeds**
- Seeds from persimmons can cause intestinal blockage and may be mildly toxic.
---
## Final Reminders
- **Moderation is Key:** Even safe foods should be given only as occasional treats.
- **Preparation Matters:** Always remove pits, seeds, cores, and skins that may be harmful or pose a choking risk.
- **Introduce Gradually:** When introducing any new food, do so slowly and monitor your dog for any adverse reactions.
- **Consult Your Vet:** Always check with your veterinarian before making any changes to your dog’s diet, especially if your pet has existing health conditions.
This list offers a detailed guide to 50 foods that dogs should never eat, helping ensure your furry friend stays safe and healthy.
[This post was moved from 2025-02-26 15:43:14 CommonSense by AndyKim]
---
1. **Chocolate**
- Contains theobromine and caffeine, which can cause vomiting, diarrhea, rapid breathing, seizures, and even death.
2. **Grapes**
- Can trigger acute kidney failure even in small quantities.
3. **Raisins**
- Similar to grapes, they can cause kidney failure.
4. **Onions (and Onion Powder)**
- Contain compounds that can damage red blood cells and lead to hemolytic anemia.
5. **Garlic (and Garlic Powder)**
- Even in small amounts, garlic can cause oxidative damage to red blood cells, leading to anemia.
6. **Avocado (Whole, Including Pit, Skin, and Leaves)**
- Contains persin, which can be toxic to dogs and may cause vomiting and diarrhea.
7. **Alcohol**
- Even a small amount can depress the central nervous system, leading to intoxication, respiratory distress, and potentially coma.
8. **Caffeine (Coffee, Tea, Energy Drinks)**
- Can cause restlessness, rapid breathing, heart palpitations, and muscle tremors.
9. **Xylitol**
- A sugar substitute found in sugar-free gum and candies that can cause a rapid insulin release, leading to hypoglycemia and liver failure.
10. **Macadamia Nuts**
- Known to cause weakness, tremors, hyperthermia, and depression in dogs.
11. **Cooked Bones**
- They can splinter easily, causing choking, punctures in the digestive tract, or intestinal blockages.
12. **Raw Bones**
- Even raw bones can cause dental fractures and pose a choking hazard; always consult a vet about safe chew alternatives.
13. **Yeast Dough**
- Can expand in a dog’s stomach, causing bloat and potentially life‐threatening gastrointestinal distress; the fermentation produces alcohol, which is toxic.
14. **Raw Eggs**
- May contain harmful bacteria like Salmonella and contain avidin, which interferes with biotin absorption.
15. **Raw Fish (Especially Salmon)**
- Can carry parasites and bacteria; some raw fish may lead to “salmon poisoning disease,” which is fatal if untreated.
16. **Moldy Foods**
- Can contain mycotoxins that are harmful to dogs, potentially causing tremors, seizures, or organ failure.
17. **Excessively Fatty Foods**
- High-fat foods (e.g., fatty cuts of meat, greasy scraps) can cause pancreatitis.
18. **Excess Salt**
- Too much salt can lead to sodium ion poisoning, causing vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, and even death.
19. **Nutmeg**
- Contains myristicin, a compound that can cause tremors, seizures, and neurological problems.
20. **Fruit Pits and Seeds (e.g., Apple Seeds)**
- Many fruit seeds contain cyanogenic glycosides that release cyanide when metabolized, which is highly toxic.
21. **Cherry Pits**
- Like other stone fruit pits, they contain cyanide and can also cause intestinal obstruction.
22. **Stone Fruit Pits (Apricot, Peach, Plum)**
- The pits contain cyanide and present a choking hazard.
23. **Dairy Products (in Lactose-Intolerant Dogs)**
- Many dogs are lactose intolerant, and dairy can cause gastrointestinal upset, including diarrhea and vomiting.
24. **Raw Potatoes**
- Contain solanine, a toxic compound that can cause lethargy, weakness, and gastrointestinal distress.
25. **Green Tomatoes**
- Also contain solanine and can be toxic if ingested in significant amounts.
26. **Rhubarb Leaves**
- High in oxalates, which can cause kidney failure and other serious issues.
27. **Excessive Citrus Fruits**
- Large amounts of citrus (especially the acidic parts) can cause stomach upset and irritation.
28. **Raw Meat (Unbalanced and Risk of Bacteria)**
- May contain harmful bacteria and parasites if not properly handled or fresh; an unbalanced diet can also lead to nutritional deficiencies.
29. **Human Medications (e.g., Aspirin, Ibuprofen, Acetaminophen)**
- Many human drugs are toxic to dogs, potentially causing severe organ damage or death.
30. **Walnuts and Pecans**
- Certain nuts can contain toxins and are high in fat, risking pancreatitis and gastrointestinal upset.
31. **Excessive Liver**
- Too much liver can lead to vitamin A toxicity, which can damage bones and organs.
32. **Processed Meats (Bacon, Sausage)**
- High in fat, salt, and preservatives, these can cause pancreatitis and other health issues.
33. **Artificial Sweeteners (Other than Xylitol)**
- Some sweeteners can be harmful, though xylitol is the most dangerous.
34. **Spicy Foods (Chili Peppers, Hot Sauces)**
- Can irritate a dog’s digestive system and lead to gastrointestinal distress.
35. **Pickles**
- High in salt and vinegar, which can upset a dog’s stomach and cause salt poisoning.
36. **Grapefruit**
- Can cause gastrointestinal upset and, in large amounts, may be toxic due to its acidic nature.
37. **Corn on the Cob**
- The cob can splinter and cause an intestinal blockage if ingested.
38. **Raw Mushrooms**
- Some wild mushrooms are toxic and can cause severe illness or death in dogs.
39. **Fat Trimmings**
- Excess fat can trigger pancreatitis and other digestive issues.
40. **Excessively Sugary Foods (Candies, Cookies)**
- High sugar intake can lead to obesity, diabetes, and dental issues.
41. **Processed Junk Food (Chips, Pretzels)**
- Typically high in salt, additives, and unhealthy fats that can harm dogs.
42. **Canned Foods with High Sodium Levels**
- Excess sodium can lead to sodium ion poisoning.
43. **Certain Herbal Teas (Containing Toxic Herbs)**
- Some herbs can be toxic to dogs; always check ingredients.
44. **Alcoholic Foods (e.g., Rum Cake)**
- Even a small amount of alcohol can be dangerous, causing intoxication and central nervous system depression.
45. **Fermented Foods (Excess Salt and Alcohol Byproducts)**
- Can contain harmful levels of salt and other toxic fermentation byproducts.
46. **Unripe Fruits**
- Some unripe fruits can be hard to digest and may contain higher levels of naturally occurring toxins.
47. **Dried Fruits with Added Sugar**
- High in sugar and can lead to obesity and dental problems; also, some dried fruits (like raisins) are toxic.
48. **Citrus Peels (Orange, Lemon Rinds)**
- Difficult to digest and may contain essential oils that can be toxic to dogs.
49. **Excessive Coconut**
- While coconut flesh in small amounts is usually safe, too much can cause gastrointestinal upset due to its high fat content.
50. **Persimmon Seeds**
- Seeds from persimmons can cause intestinal blockage and may be mildly toxic.
---
## Final Reminders
- **Moderation is Key:** Even safe foods should be given only as occasional treats.
- **Preparation Matters:** Always remove pits, seeds, cores, and skins that may be harmful or pose a choking risk.
- **Introduce Gradually:** When introducing any new food, do so slowly and monitor your dog for any adverse reactions.
- **Consult Your Vet:** Always check with your veterinarian before making any changes to your dog’s diet, especially if your pet has existing health conditions.
This list offers a detailed guide to 50 foods that dogs should never eat, helping ensure your furry friend stays safe and healthy.
[This post was moved from 2025-02-26 15:43:14 CommonSense by AndyKim]