A dog is a man’s best friend. Dogs make wonderful companions. They exercise with us. Relax with us on the couch.
They even enjoy a bite of our food from the dinner table every now and then. While you may think that treating your dog to some human food is a treat for them, it can actually be quite harmful.
Dogs are not human, and it is not always best to feed them human food. It is important to know which human foods are not the best for your dog.
Here are some human foods that are toxic to dogs.
1. Chocolate
Chocolate, one of the most delectable human treats, is quite toxic for dogs.
Chocolate contains the substance methylxanthines that actually disrupt a dog’s metabolism.
Once ingested by dogs, the chocolate can cause severe vomiting, diarrhea, excessive thirst, seizures, heart malfunctioning, and in worse cases death.
There are some brands of chocolate that are worse than others.
Dark chocolate is the most toxic as it contains the largest amounts of methylxanthines while white chocolate is the least toxic.
Other foods that contain methylxanthines that should not be consumed by dogs include coffee and caffeinated cola sodas.
2. Onions, Chives, Leeks, and Garlic
Onions, chives, leeks, and garlic are part of the Allium plant family, and they all are toxic to dogs. Of all the plants, garlic is the most toxic to dogs.
When ingested, dogs can experience weakness, gastrointestinal issues, pale gums, and an increase in heart rate.
Eating foods from the Allium plant family can also cause damage to red blood cells in dogs.
It should be noted that the effects of toxicity from these foods may not be readily apparent in dogs, and dog owners are encouraged to monitor their dogs for possible symptoms of poisoning if any of these foods are consumed.
3. Nuts
It is best to keep all nuts away from dogs. All nuts produce oils and fats that can cause diarrhea and vomiting.
While all nuts are not toxic to dogs, there are some that are. Never feed your dog pecans, walnuts, or macadamia nuts.
Macadamia nuts specifically are the most toxic nuts that you can give your dog.
When eaten, these nuts can cause a host of health issues which include vomiting, weakness, rise in body temperature, and inability to walk.
Avoid macadamia nuts at all costs.
4.Grapes and Raisins
Grapes and raisins are poison for dogs.
There is an unknown substance in grapes and raisins that can cause kidney failure and liver damage in dogs.
This food is a definite no-no.
5. Dairy Products
Dogs are lactose intolerant which means that they do not produce the enzyme lactase which assists with the breakdown of dairy products.
Feeding your dog any dairy product is sure to cause tremendous digestive issues as well as foul flatulence.
So, letting your dog taste your ice cream cone is not a good idea.
6. Salty Foods
No matter how much they beg it is best not to share your salty snacks with your dog.
Too much salt can cause sodium ion poisoning in dogs.
Some signs that your dog has consumed too much salt include shaking, diarrhea, vomiting, excessive thirst and urination, and in severe cases death.
7. Alcohol
This may seem like a no-brainer, but it needs to be mentioned.
Alcohol is not for dogs. Even the smallest amount of alcohol can cause severe reactions that can lead to death.
Some symptoms that are associated with alcohol poisoning in dogs include shaking, vomiting, diarrhea, coma, central nervous system issues, and death.
If you love your dog, keep the open beer bottles out of reach.
Feeding your dog human food is not a treat or sign of love. In some cases, you could be feeding your dog severe health issues and even death.
Show your dog you love it by keeping the human food away.