I recently got a new Labrador puppy named Loki (name chosen by my brother). He's about 5 months old now, and the most mischievous dog I've ever met. He gets into everything he shouldn't. My top food story concerning him has to be either the time he ate a giant bullfrog while running away from us or when he jumped onto the kitchen counter to eat an entire loaf of zucchini bread while the rest of the family was outside.
His love for eating anything he can get his mouth on got me thinking exactly what foods he shouldn't eat at all costs. The following 13 foods, many of which were surprising to me, should not be given to your dog at the risk of vomit all over your new carpet or even worse.
1. Raw eggs, meat, and fish
Raw foods like eggs, meat, and fish can cause food poisoning because they can contain bacteria like Salmonella and E. coli. This can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, and fever.
2. Chocolate
Most people already know that dogs shouldn't eat chocolate, but it's very important that you follow that rule. The toxic substances in chocolate for dogs are called methylxanthines like theobromine. They can cause diarrhea, vomiting, seizures, irregular heart function, and even death. Dark chocolate is the most dangerous because it contains more methylxanthines.
3. Garlic
Garlic effects the red blood cells and can cause anemia in dogs leading to side effects like pale gums, elevated heart rate, weakness, and collapsing.
4. Onions
Onions are in the same family as garlic. Although onions are not as toxic to dogs as garlic is, onions can still cause weakness and lethargy. Chives are also in the same family with the same effects as onions.
5. Macadamia nuts
These nuts are very poisonous to dogs. They can cause vomiting, increased body temperature, difficulty walking, lethargy, and vomiting. Other nuts like almonds, pecans, and walnuts can also be potentially dangerous due to their high oil and fat content that can cause vomiting and diarrhea.
6. Dairy products
This may not be true for all dogs, but some dogs, like humans are lactose intolerant. This means that dairy products like milk, cheese, and ice cream could lead to gas, vomiting, diarrhea, and other gastrointestinal problems.
7. Grapes and raisins
Grapes and raisins can cause kidney failure in dogs with symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy.
8. Caffeine
Don't share your morning coffee or tea with your dog. Like chocolate's theobromine, caffeine is also a methylxanthine, which stimulate the nervous system and can cause vomiting, heart palpitations, and death.
9. Salty foods
This includes foods like potato chips, pretzels, and popcorn. Too much salt can cause dehydration, vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, seizures, and even death.
10. Alcohol
Alcohol has the same effect on dogs as it does on humans. However, the smaller the dog, the more dangerous alcohol becomes. Just a little could cause vomiting, diarrhea, coordination and breathing problems, and too much can lead to death.
11. Bones
Dogs love bones from that t-bone steak you just ate, but bones can splinter and cut the inside of your dog's digestive system. You know your dog will eat all of that bone no matter how sharp it is, so go with the safe dog bone option from the store.
12. Yeast Dough
Yeast causes bread dough to rise, and it can do the same exact thing inside your dog's stomach. Yeast can cause a lot of pain and discomfort for dogs if ingested.
13. Xylitol
Xylitol is an artificial sweetener found in many gums and candy. It can cause an an increase in insulin in dogs, which can lead to hypoglycemia. This may lead to vomiting, lethargy, loss of coordination, seizures, and liver failure.
Your dog may be able to consume these foods listed above in small amounts with no problem. I know a few dogs who have eaten a box of chocolate with no side effects. But it's better to be safe than sorry.
Find out more information about what human foods dogs can and can't eat here. If your dog does eat something he shouldn't, call your vet right away or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.