Dogs should avoid the following foods because they can be toxic or harmful to their health:
- Chocolate: Contains theobromine, which can be toxic to dogs and cause symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, and even death.
- Grapes and raisins: Can cause kidney failure in dogs. The exact substance that is toxic is not yet known.
- Onions and garlic: Contains compounds that can damage dogs’ red blood cells and lead to anemia.
- Avocados: Contains persin, which can cause vomiting and diarrhea in dogs.
- Alcohol: Even small amounts can cause vomiting, diarrhea, central nervous system depression, difficulty breathing, and even death.
- Fatty foods: Can cause pancreatitis in dogs, which is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition.
- Macadamia nuts: Can cause symptoms such as vomiting, tremors, hyperthermia, and weakness in dogs.
- Xylitol: A sugar substitute commonly found in sugar-free gum and other sugar-free products. It can cause rapid insulin release, leading to hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) and liver failure in dogs.
- Cooked bones: Cooked bones can splinter and cause obstructions or tears in a dog’s digestive system.
- Coffee and tea: Contains caffeine, which can be toxic to dogs and cause symptoms such as restlessness, rapid breathing, heart palpitations, muscle tremors, and even death.
It’s important to note that different dogs can have different tolerances and sensitivities to these and other foods, so if you have any concerns, it’s always best to consult with your veterinarian.
