7 Common Food Items that are Toxins for Dogs



As a gesture of dog care, it is very common for pet owners to feed their dogs the same food that they eat at home. This is because pets are an integral part of any household.

While they do so out of love, dogs are a completely different species from humans. Their health needs require different kinds of nutrition and food.

Reading through the ingredients list of commonly used food products, you might think that there's nothing wrong with them. Since they're so common, how could they harm a dog? Dogs, however, require completely different care. Therefore, we should do what is right for them. Therefore, they should receive adequate nutrition to live long and healthy lives.

Important Dog Feeding Habits to be Mindful of

Toxic food reactions in dogs vary depending on the type of food, your dog's size, and the amount consumed. Toxic substances have the potential to cause mild to severe adverse reactions, such as stomach upset. A single bite may cause illness in your dog, but ingesting a large amount can be fatal.

If you suspect your dog has eaten something dangerous, contact your veterinarian or a pet poison control hotline right away. Also, do not induce vomiting at home unless directed by a veterinarian.

Meanwhile, keep garbage out of reach of your pet, don't leave backpacks or handbags on the floor, avoid dropping food while cooking, and never leave plates or glasses unattended, even on the counter. Your dog is more intelligent than you realize!

If you must share human food with your dog, choose foods that are classified as healthy food for dogs and can be consumed safely, such as baby carrots, green beans, or watermelon. And don't overdo it: eating too much of anything can cause stomach upset or weight gain.

7 Common Food Items that are Toxic for Dogs:

1. Coffee, Chocolate, and Tea

Chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine, both of which are types of methylxanthines.

Methylxanthines can cause vomiting and diarrhea, panting, excessive thirst and urination.

Darker chocolate is more dangerous than milk chocolate, and baking chocolate contains the most methylxanthines. Coffee and tea contain these substances as well and should never be given to dogs. These turnout to be the most toxic food for dogs.

2. Garlic, Onions, and Chives

These foods can cause gut irritation as well as red blood cell damage and anemia due to the presence of N-propyl disulfide. While garlic is used in pet foods and treats on occasion, its toxicity is dose dependent. 

Garlic or onion powder, alone or in foods, might be an issue if your pet ingests them in large enough quantities. Therefore, make sure to avoid these at any cost from your dogs.

3. Grapes and Raisins

These foods can cause stomach ache, lethargy, and acute kidney injury if consumed in large amounts. The toxic component is unknown, but a new theory suggests that tartaric acid, a component of the grape, may be the component that causes toxicity in dogs.

Surprisingly, tartaric acid content varies depending on grape variety, growing method, and ripeness level.

4. Nuts

Nuts are one such food item that are thought to be the most beneficial to humans. They are a great source of nutrition for us, but that is not the case with dogs.

Ingesting any type of nut, which contains high amounts of oils and fats, can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and pancreatitis, a potentially fatal pancreatic inflammation.

In dogs, eating macadamia nuts can cause weakness, depression, vomiting, tremors, and hyperthermia. Foods containing a lot of nuts can also be problematic.

5. Citrus Fruits

Citric acid is found in varying amounts in the stems, leaves, peels, seeds, and fruit of citrus plants. If ingested in large quantities, this essential oil can cause irritation and even central nervous system depression in dogs. 

Therefore make sure to not feed your dog with any food item which is citrus like oranges or lime.

6. Artificial Sweetener

In spite of the fact that it isn't a specific food, this artificial sweetener can be deadly for dogs because it can be found in many different products. Many different sugar-free products contain it, including gum and candy, toothpaste, supplements, peanut butter spreads, baked goods, and protein bars and shakes. 

Consumption of xylitol can result in mild stomach upset, vomiting, and seizures, which can lead to liver failure and death within a few days.

7. Moldy Food

You might not be aware of this insidious food toxin, but most pet parents aren't either. Mold growing on some foods, especially nuts, dairy products and some grains, can contain tremorgenic mycotoxins, which cause stomach upset and severe tremors and seizures. If in case you are unaware mold is basically the fungus that grows on breads and grains.

Therefore there you have it, these are some of the most common toxic foods for dogs and you need to avoid them to keep your furry friend healthy.

Now let us look at some of the healthy food for dogs which you can give them without compromising their health.

Human Foods that are Safe for Dogs

1. Carrots

Carrots are very nutritious for dogs. Carrots can help remove plaque from their teeth and promote overall dental health. It is also high in vitamin A, which is good for a dog's immune system, skin, and coat.

One great way to provide your dog with the nutrition of carrot is by using Dogsee’s treat such Dogsee Gigabite Carrot Cookies.

These cookies are high in minerals and antioxidants, as well as Vitamin A. As a result, it is beneficial to eye health, bowel function, and immunity. Carrots are also low in calories and fat, making these cookies ideal for your diabetic dog.

2. Apples

Apples are high in vitamins A and C, which are essential for dogs. It is also high in fiber, which can aid in digestion in dogs. However, consuming rotten apples can cause alcohol poisoning in dogs.

Dogsee Crunch Apple is a great way to provide your dog with the health benefits of apples. It only has one ingredient: real apples. These treats contain vitamin A, which helps keep your dog's skin and coat healthy and shiny, and vitamin C, which boosts immunity.

3. Bananas

Bananas can be eaten by dogs in moderation. They are high in magnesium, which is essential for bone health.

Bananas should only be given to dogs on rare occasions due to their high sugar content.

If you don't want to feed your dog the whole banana, Dogsee Crunch Banana is a great alternative. These are extremely safe because they only contain one ingredient: fresh bananas. They serve as healthy dog training treats by helping to build strong muscles and bones with potassium and proteins and hormones with vitamin B6.

Conclusion

There you have it. These were the few food items that could be either toxic or healthy for your dog. At the end of the day as a pet parent you have to be mindful of what you feed your dog and their overall dog care. The healthier your dog will be the happier they will be and that will automatically lead to your happiness.

Be sure to check out our website if you are looking for some healthy treats for your dogs.

Additionally, be sure to look at the wide range of products we provide, including toys, hard bars, cookies, and crunch treats. 

It’s always good to be updated with dos and don'ts as pet parents as it makes you mindful of how to take good care of your dog in the best possible way, be it in terms of mental health or physical health. 

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