10 Foods That Aren’t Good For Your Dog

We all love our dogs and would do anything for them. When it comes to your fur kids asking to share some of your yummy people food, we have to be careful. If your fur kids are anything like NY Vinny and Lady Norma, they could get you to give up National Secrets with their pitiful looks and gentle paw touches accompanied with enough drool to float a small battleship. But because we DO love them, there are certain foods that we shouldn’t share with them to keep them healthy.

Below Are 10 Foods We Shouldn’t Share!

1. Alcohol

The concept of the “drunken dog” in cartoons may be funny, but humans also seem to think that getting their dog drunk can be hilarious. But it is definitely NO cause for laughter. Alcohol affects dogs in the same way it does their parents.  It depresses the central nervous center and stresses the liver.   It takes a very small amount of alcohol to make your dog ill. Like some of the poisonous foods listed already, it can cause weakness, vomiting, diarrhea, difficulty breathing, coma, and even death.

2. Avocados

Yes!! *Small fist pump* Sorry, now I have a legitimate reason not to share my avocados or guacamole with Vinny & Norma. While avocados are “in” right now, they can make dogs very sick. ALL parts of the plant; flesh, skin, leaves, and pit ARE Harmful!  While not usually fatal, they can cause vomiting and diarrhea.   

3. Bones *Especially Poultry Bones*

Bones are not the best things for your furry friends to be left alone with.  Cooked bones are considered a definite No because they can splinter. Chicken bones can splinter no matter whether cooked or raw.  I admit Norma and Vinny get raw marrow bones from time to time.  I do watch them like a hawk and as soon as pieces start to break off, the bones get 86’d.

4. Caffeine

Caffeine like chocolate is a stimulant.  It can cause hyperactivity, increased thirst, and excessive urination.  It can also cause tremors, seizures, coma, and death. Vinny & Norma love their trips to Starbucks, but while I enjoy my Non-fat Chai Latte, they have to settle for their little cup of whipped cream with a side of water.

5. Chives, Garlic & Onions

These three are together since they are often grouped or paired in a variety of foods because of their wonderful flavorful addition.  Coupled with leeks, chives, garlic, and onions are part of the Allium family with Garlic being the most toxic to dogs.  They are harmful in any state raw, cooked, dried, or powdered.  The trio are harmful to red blood cells and can result in anemia.  If you suspect your furry friend has gotten his or her paws on any of these culprits, watch them carefully as symptoms may take several days to appear.

6. Chocolate

Ask most dog parents and they will tell you that chocolate is “not good” for your dog.  In my estimation chocolate is more than not good for dogs.   Chocolate can cause severe diarrhea, vomiting, seizures, irregular heartbeats, and even death.  So, while I could eat my weight in Dark Chocolate, Vinny and Norma have given up any hope of my ever sharing.

7. Grapes and Raisins

Grapes and raisins are right up there with macadamia nuts.  While the substance that can make dogs so ill is still unknown, it can do quite a bit of damage.  Grapes in any form can cause kidney failure. Keep a parent detective eye out for grapes and raisins hidden in salads, cookies and other baked goods.

8  Macadamia Nuts

Mmmm one of my personal favorites. Still considered a bit of a luxury to go with a glass of wine.  This nut however is one of the MOST toxic substances for dogs. Macadamia nuts contain an unknown toxin that can make dogs extremely ill.  They cause weakness, vomiting, weakness, joint pain, increased temperature, and inability to walk.  

While not as toxic as our macadamian friends, almonds, cashews, and pecans all have a high fat content which can upset their stomachs and lead to pancreatitis.   At this point, Vinny and Norma wanted me to make sure to say that peanut butter in moderations is safe for your hounds.

9. Milk & Ice Cream

Yes my furry friends, these are on the Don’t List too.  Many you may suffer from lactose intolerance just like us humans.  Dogs don’t break down the sugars in milk as easily as humans.  While not toxic per se, milk can cause gas, bloating, vomiting and diarrhea.  Keep a watchful eye as your loving companions may have challenges with other dairy products as well.

10. XylitolI

We talked about Xylitol in the Peanut Butter Things to Love & Learn article. But it bears including here as it is considered 22x more toxic than Chocolate.  It can be found in all kinds of sugar-free and reduced-calorie foods, candy, gum, and of course Peanut Butter.  In dogs, it can cause blood glucose levels to drop which can cause liver failure, seizures, and even brain damage. It can also sneak its way in under different names. For more about Xylitol, check out https://houndpower.net/peanut-butter-things-to-love-learn/

Conclusion:

Remember to take into consideration the ingredients of the tasty treat you want to share with your pet. Be diligent Pet Parent Detectives if you want to share something yummy with your furry friends but aren’t 100% sure if it is safe for them. The internet is a wealth of information, but make sure you do due diligence. Better yet, your Vet knows your own special pet, so a quick check with them is an awesome

If there is something I’ve missed on this list that you would like to share, please leave it in the comments below. Likewise if you have come across a food that can cause an allergic reactions in our furry friends please share.