Toxic Foods

A comprehensive list of things to avoid feeding our Canine friends

*Please keep in mind, I am NOT a Veterinarian but have done research to compile this list of  "human"  foods to avoid.  Not all foods listed here are TOXIC but should be avoided. There is likely more to put on it, but this is what I have so far.  Let us know if you found it helpful.*

 Nothing can replace good Veterinary Care, share your concerns with your Vet

Q: Can my dog eat apples?

A: Apple, Almond, Apricot, Peach, Wild Cherries, Plum, Balsam Pear, Prunes and similar fruits: The seeds of apples and most of the above listed fruits contain cyanide which is poisonous to dogs as well as humans even in small quantities. Apples only: It is OK to feed small amounts in moderation but both the stems,skin and seeds should always be avoided. Leaves should also be avoided.

Symptoms include: Diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and should your pet ingest seeds, it should be taken promptly to the vet or emergency vet.

Q: Can my dog eat avocado or have some guacamole?

A: The Avocado fruit, pit and plant are all toxic.

Symptoms Include: difficulty breathing and fluid accumulation in the chest, abdomen and heart.

Q: Can my dog eat broccoli?

A: Broccoli is vegetable to be avoided

Symptoms report Broccoli to be pretty potent gastrointestinal irritant

Q: Can my dog eat cherries?

A: The cherry should be also be avoided.

Symptoms Include: rapid breathing, shock, mouth inflammation, heart rate increase
 

Q: Can my dog have chocolate?  What about caffeine?

A: Chocolate contains theobromine, a compound that is a cardiac stimulant and a diuretic.

After their pet has eaten a large quantity of chocolate, many pet owners assume their pet is unaffected. However, the signs of sickness may not be seen for several hours, with death following within twenty-four hours. Symptoms include Staggering, labored breathing, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, tremors, fever, heart rate increase, arrhythmia, seizures, coma, death.

Cocoa powder and cooking chocolate are the most toxic forms. A 10-kilogram dog can be seriously affected if it eats a quarter of a 250gm packet of cocoa powder or half of a 250gm block of cooking chocolate. These forms of chocolate contain ten times more theobromine than milk chocolate. Thus, a chocolate mud cake could be a real health risk for a small dog. Even licking a substantial part of the chocolate icing from a cake can make a dog unwell.

Semi-sweet chocolate and dark chocolate are the next most dangerous forms, with milk chocolate being the least dangerous. A dog needs to eat more than a 250gm block of milk chocolate to be affected. Obviously, the smaller the dog, the less it needs to eat.

Q: Can my dog have some coffee?  Can dogs or puppies have tea?

A: Coffee, Tea and other drinks and foods containing caffeine or sugar may cause many of the same symptoms chocolate causes.

Q: I have some bones left over from cooking?  Are they safe for my dog?

A: When Bones are cooked you should refrain because they deteriorate and easily splinter.

Symptoms Include: extensive damage to internal organs and passage ways, may times resulting in death.

*Uncooked bones MAY be safe*

Q: Can my dog have onions or garlic?  What about onion powder, onion salt, garlic powder or garlic salt?

A: Onions and garlic contain the toxic ingredient thiosulphate. Onions are more of a danger.

Pets affected by onion toxicity will develop haemolytic anaemia, where the pet’s red blood cells burst while circulating in its body. Symptoms include Hemolytic Anemia, labored breathing, liver damage, vomiting, diarrhea, discolored urine.

The poisoning occurs a few days after the pet has eaten the onion. All forms of onion can be a problem including dehydrated onions, raw onions, cooked onions and table scraps containing cooked onions and/or garlic. Left over pizza, Chinese dishes and commercial baby food containing onion, sometimes fed as a supplement to young pets, can cause illness.

While garlic also contains the toxic ingredient thiosulphate, it seems that garlic is less toxic and large amounts would need to be eaten to cause illness.

Q: Can I give my dog cooked or uncooked mushrooms? What about the little mushrooms in the yard?  Are they okay for the puppy or dog to be around?

A: Mushroom toxicity does occur in dogs and it can be fatal if certain species of mushrooms are eaten. Amanita phalloides is the most commonly reported severely toxic species of mushroom in the US but other Amanita species are toxic. Symptoms include Abdominal pain, drooling, liver damage, kidney damage, vomiting diarrhea, convulsions, coma and death.

Q: Is Nutmeg safe for dogs?

A: Nutmeg should be AVOIDED.

Symptoms Include: tremors, seizures and death

Q: Are Macadamia nuts or other nuts safe for our puppy dog to have?

A: Macadamia nuts are another concern, along with most other kinds of nuts. Their high phosphorus content is said to possibly lead to bladder stones. Dogs develop a tremor of the skeletal muscles, and weakness or paralysis of the hindquarters. Affected dogs are often unable to rise and are distressed, usually panting. Some affected dogs have swollen limbs and show pain when the limbs are manipulated.

Q: Is salt safe in a dogs diet? 

A: An excessive intake of salt can cause kidney problems

Q: Is tobacco toxic to dogs?

A: Tobacco should be kept away from your dogs possible reach at all times.  This includes any chewing tobacco, cigarettes, butts, etc.