Dogs are omnivores, whether it's a fallen piece of cheese, a biscuit, or something they find outside on the street. But did you know that some foods and plants can be life-threatening for your dog? In this blog, we delve deep into what dogs should not eat, what is toxic to dogs, and which foods you should absolutely avoid. This way, you keep your furry friend healthy and safe!
What is toxic to dogs?
The answer to the question "what can dogs not eat?" is longer than most people think. Some foods are directly toxic, while others are harmful in the long run. Below are the main culprits:
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Chocolate: Perhaps the most well-known culprit. Chocolate contains theobromine, a substance dogs cannot tolerate. The purer the chocolate, the more toxic it is. Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, panting, restlessness, tremors, and in severe cases, even death.
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Grapes, raisins, and currants: Even small amounts can cause kidney failure. This also applies to raisins and currants. Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and ultimately kidney failure.
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Onions, garlic, leeks, chives, and shallots: Both raw and cooked, these vegetables are toxic to dogs. They can cause anemia, vomiting, diarrhea, increased heart rate, and respiratory problems.
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Nuts: Macadamia nuts and walnuts, in particular, are toxic to dogs. They can cause muscle weakness, tremors, hyperthermia, and vomiting.
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Avocado: Contains persin, which can cause gastrointestinal upset.
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Raw potato, unripe tomato, and eggplant: These nightshade vegetables contain solanine, which is toxic to dogs. Symptoms include stomach cramps and diarrhea.
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Mushrooms and other fungi: Can lead to gastrointestinal upset, shock, and even death.
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Coffee, tea, and caffeine: Accelerate heart rate and breathing, and can lead to severe poisoning.
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Xylitol (sweetener): Found in chewing gum, candy, toothpaste, and diet products. Can cause a life-threatening drop in blood sugar levels.
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Bones from poultry or spareribs: These can splinter and cause blockages, damage, or perforation of the gastrointestinal tract.
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Human medicines: Paracetamol, ibuprofen, and other medications are highly toxic to dogs.
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Candy, licorice, wine gums: Often contain xylitol or other substances that are not suitable for dogs.
Note: This is not an exhaustive list. If in doubt, don't give it!
What is very bad for a dog?
Besides directly toxic substances, there are also foods that are not acutely fatal but can cause long-term damage or are simply unhealthy for your dog:
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Bread, dough, and pasta: Raw dough, in particular, is dangerous, as it can expand in the stomach and produce alcohol.
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Milk and dairy products: Many dogs are lactose intolerant and get diarrhea from dairy products.
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Pork (raw): Can contain Aujeszky's disease, which is fatal to dogs.
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Bell pepper, eggplant, unripe tomato: As mentioned earlier, these vegetables contain solanine.
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Candy, cookies, chips: Often contain high amounts of salt, sugar, and fat, which can lead to obesity, dehydration, or even poisoning.
It's best not to give your dog human food, no matter how tempting it is when they look at you with those big eyes. Does your dog, in addition to a healthy appetite, also tend to bark a lot? Then read our tips on how to stop your dog from barking.
What is extremely toxic to dogs?
Some substances and plants are so toxic that even a small amount can be life-threatening:
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Chocolate (especially dark)
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Grapes, raisins, currants
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Xylitol
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Yew (conifer)
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Autumn crocus
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Foxglove
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Oleander
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Jimsonweed
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Pontic Rhododendron
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Castor bean
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Monkshood (Aconitum)
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Mistletoe
These plants and substances cause severe symptoms such as heart rhythm disorders, paralysis, kidney failure, respiratory problems, and even death. Always keep your dog away from these plants and products, both indoors and outdoors.
Symptoms of poisoning in dogs
It is important to recognize the signs of poisoning. Pay attention to these symptoms:
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Vomiting and diarrhea
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Excessive panting or drooling
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Tremors or convulsions
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Lethargy or listlessness
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Restless behavior or unresponsiveness
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Pale mucous membranes
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Breathing problems
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Sudden weakness or collapse
If you see one or more of these symptoms and know your dog has eaten something harmful, contact your vet immediately!
What to do in case of food poisoning?
Stay calm, try to find out what and how much your dog has eaten, and contact your vet immediately. Do not try to induce vomiting without consulting the vet, as this can sometimes do more harm than good. Always have the product label or plant information ready so the vet can act quickly. Are you experiencing noise disturbance from a dog nearby? Discover practical solutions at nuisance barking dog.
Useful tips to prevent accidents
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Store dangerous foods out of your dog's reach, for example, in locked cabinets.
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Be alert to what your dog finds outside, especially in autumn when there are many nuts, seeds, and mushrooms.
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Do not give your dog scraps from your own food, no matter how sad he looks.
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Teach your dog the command "no" or "leave it" so you can stop him if he tries to eat something dangerous and punish your dog correctly.
A healthy dog starts with safe food
Your dog relies on you to know what's good for him. By being aware of what is toxic to dogs and what foods you should avoid, you can prevent a lot of misery. Remember: what is a tasty snack for you can be life-threatening for your dog. If you doubt whether something is safe, don't give it, and always consult your vet if in doubt. This way, you keep your dog happy, healthy, and safe, and you can enjoy carefree time together!
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