Human Foods that shouldn’t be fed to pets

We love our dogs and want the best for them. This often includes feeding them human food and treats that we think they would enjoy and would be good for them. It’s easy to confuse foods that are healthy and enjoyable for us, with foods that are good for our dogs and unfortunately though well-intended we may be, what is good for us isn’t always good for them. Here is a handy list of foods to avoid feeding your dog.
 
Alcohol
Even a small amount of alcohol effects dogs in the same way as it effects humans. It can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, coordination problems, breathing problems, coma, even death. The effects will be worse, the smaller the dog.
 
Avocado
Avocado peel, seed, leaves, stem and bark contain high levels of persin which can cause vomiting and diarrhoea in dogs. Recent research indicates that while persin in small amounts is contained in avocado flesh, that it is well-tolerated by dogs in moderate amounts.
 
Caffeine
Caffeine can be fatal in dogs. This includes tea, coffee, coffee beans or grinds, cola drinks and energy drinks.
 
Chocolate
Chocolate contains theobromine and can be found in all kinds of chocolate. Generally the darker the chocolate, the more theobromine it contains and the greater the risk to your dog if consumed. Symptoms to look out for if you think your dog has consumed chocolate include vomiting and diarrhoea. It also has the potential to cause heart problems, tremors, seizures and death so seek treatment immediately.
 
Dairy products
Milk and milk-based products while generally not considered poisonous to your pet, can cause diarrhoea and other digestive problems for your dog.
 
Excess Fat (cooked and uncooked) and Cooked Bones
The pet food you choose to feed your pet has been formulated to contain the right amount of fat your dog’s health needs. Feeding excess fatty meat trimmings and table scraps can upset this balance and diets too high in fat have been attributed to pancreatitis in dogs. Cooked bones can be a choking hazard as they are more likely to splinter causing cuts you your dog’s digestive tract. Remember when feeding bones for your dog’s dental health, stick to raw bones that are size appropriate and are non-weight bearing as weight-baring bones such as beef marrow bones, are more likely to crack teeth.
 
Grapes and raisins
Even a small amount of grapes or raisins can cause kidney failure in dogs. Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhoea, lethargy and weakness.
 
Macadamia nuts
Macadamia nuts are very dangerous for dogs. Symptoms include muscle shakes, vomiting, high temperatures and weakness in the back legs.
 
Onions and garlic
All types of onion should be kept away from dogs as they contain compounds that impact red blood cells. This includes raw, cooked, powdered or dehydrated and all types of onions including shallots and spring onions. Signs of excessive consumption include weakness, vomiting and breathing problems. Garlic contains compounds that have the same effect in large doses. Garlic is best avoided in puppies and fed in only small amounts to adult dogs. Toxicity has been shown when dogs have been fed large amounts of 5g of garlic per kilogram of body weight.
 
Xylitol
Toothpaste, gum and some diet foods can be sweetened with Xylitol. Early symptoms of poisoning include vomiting, lethargy and coordination problems.
 
Many of the symptoms that indicate your dog may have consumed something that’s toxic to them share similarities. If you notice these symptoms in your pet and identify that they may have had access to one of these foods, seek veterinary advice as quickly as possible. Prevention is always better than cure and consider blocking access to your kitchen where the majority of accidental poisoning incidents are likely to occur.