Have you ever eaten a meal at home and your dog begged for food? Or perhaps you dropped something on the floor while cooking and your fluffy friend rushed to try it. Many common foods can be harmful to members of our animal family. Here’s what you need to know to keep Fido safe.
Foods to stay away from Fido
Are you cooking with garlic or onions? Or snacking on grapes as a healthy alternative to chips while watching TV? From avocado peels to artificial sweeteners, here are 10 foods you should avoid giving your dog:
- Artificial sweeteners Xylitol is an artificial sweetener found in chewing gum, unsweetened peanut butter, toothpaste, and other products and is toxic to dogs.
- Alcohol Did you know a dog’s kidneys can’t process alcohol effectively, leading to health problems?
- Caffeine Even small amounts can be dangerous that can cause your dog to become hyperactive or shake.
- Chocolate The theobromine in chocolate is highly toxic to dogs. Dark chocolate and baking chocolate have the highest concentrations of theobromine, making them even more dangerous.
- Fried and fatty foods In addition to causing obesity and related health problems, fried and fatty foods can also cause stomach upset and may contribute to pancreatitis in some dogs.
- Garlic and Onions A staple in many kitchens, garlic and onions are very toxic to dogs. Cooked or raw, they can damage red blood cells, leading to anemia.
- Grapes and raisins Acute and sudden kidney failure can occur in dogs that eat grapes and raisins.
- Nuts Macadamia nuts are very toxic to dogs and can lead to an inability to walk, as well as vomiting, coma, and tremors. Other nuts should also be avoided because their size puts many dogs at risk of choking, plus they’re high in fat, which can lead to colic.
- Butter – The flesh of this fruit is not the culprit. The peel, rind, and leaves of an avocado can cause vomiting and diarrhea in dogs.
- Milk, cream and cheese When dogs reach adulthood, they lack the enzymes needed to digest dairy products. Just like humans, they can suffer from lactose intolerance, which can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. In addition, some dairy products contain Xylitol, which is toxic.
Read more from Royal Canin about foods that are bad for dogs.
See also Foods People Should Avoid Feeding Pets from the ASPCA.
What about cats? Here’s what you need to know to keep your feline friends safe.
If you think your furry friend has eaten something they shouldn’t, contact your veterinarian immediately for advice.
