Food Potentially Toxic to Dogs
Some household foods can be poisonous to your dog/puppy.
Not all human food is safe for your dog.
The items listed below should not be given to dogs:
- Grapes/Raisins
- Chocolate
- Onions
- Macadamia Nuts
- Apples, Apricots, Cherries, Peaches and Plums (seeds/stone)
- Alcohol
- Animal fat, fried and fatty foods
- Avocados
- Broccoli
- Coffee Grounds/Beans and Tea (Caffeine)
- Hops
- Nutmeg
- Rhubarb Leaves
- Salt
- Tomato
- Yeast Dough/Bread Dough
Here is a detailed list of why certain foods should be avoided: -
Grapes and Raisins
Grapes and raisins contain a toxin which can cause kidney failure in
dogs. Please be aware that raisins are more concentrated than grapes, hence more toxic. Eating just one raisin and grape has been known to cause kidney failure. Therefore feeding of grapes and raisins should be avoided completely.
Chocolate (and Caffeine)
Chocolate contains theobromine. Theobromine and caffeine stimulate the heart and nervous system. Dogs are more sensitive than humans to these effects. In dogs these substances can cause seizures, coma and death occurring from heart failure. Plain and dark chocolate is more dangerous than milk chocolate as it contains more theobromine. Theobromine stays in the dogs system for a long time, meaning that chocolate poisoning can occur if small amounts of chocolate are fed repeatedly. Please remember that cocoa powder, baking chocolate and other foods contain Theobromine. It has also been reported that Cocoa husk mulch (sold in garden centres) is highly toxic. Dog chocolate is completely safe as it has had the theobromine removed.
Onions
Onions contain thiosulphate, which can cause the destruction of red blood cells (hemolytic anemia) and potentially life-threatening anemia. Thiosulphate levels are not affected by cooking or processing. Raw or cooked onions, onion powder and shallots can all cause toxicity. Occasional exposure to small amounts is usually not a problem, but continuous exposure to even very small amounts can be a serious threat. Garlic and garlic powder can have the same effect but would require much larger doses to be considered toxic.
Macadamia Nuts
Macadamia nuts can cause dogs to develop a tremor of the skeletal muscles, and weakness or paralysis of the hindquarters.
Apples, Apricots, Cherries, Peaches and Plums (seeds/stone)
The fruits themselves are not considered toxic; however the seeds/stones do contain a type of cyanide compound which can poison your dog if enough of them are eaten.
Alcohol
Dogs are susceptible to alcohol poisoning. If enough alcohol is ingested, it can cause death.
Animal fat, fried and fatty foods
Excessive fat can cause pancreatitis.
Avocados
The fruit, leaves, stem and pit are all toxic. The toxic substance is called Persin (a fatty acid derivative). Ingestion of the Avocado plant can cause difficulty breathing, fluid accumulation around the heart, vomiting, diaorrhea, generalised congestion, and heart failure.
Broccoli
If fed in very large quantities (i.e. over 10% of the dog’s diet) Broccoli can be toxic causing intestinal irritation.
Coffee Grounds/Beans and Tea (Caffeine)
Coffee grounds/beans and tea contains caffeine. The symptoms of coffee poisoning are similar to the symptoms of chocolate poisoning.
Hops
Can cause malignant hyperthermia in dogs, usually with fatal results. Certain breeds, seem more sensitive to hop toxicity, but hops should be kept away from all dogs. Even small amounts of hops can trigger a potentially deadly reaction.
Nutmeg
High levels of nutmeg can result in seizures, tremors, central nervous system problems, and even death.
Potato
Poisonings among dogs have occurred. Solanum alkaloids can be found in green sprouts and green potato skins, which occurs when the tubers are exposed to sunlight during growth or after harvest. The relatively rare occurrence of actual poisoning is due to several factors: solanine is poorly absorbed; it is mostly hydrolyzed into less toxic solanidinel; and the metabolites are quickly eliminated. Note: that cooked, mashed potatoes are fine for dogs, actually quite nutritious and digestible cooked, mashed potatoes are fine for dogs, actually quite nutritious and digestible.
Rhubarb Leaves
Large amounts of raw or cooked rhubarb leaves can cause convulsions, coma and in extreme cases, death.
Salt: Excessive salt intake may cause kidney problems. Salt should never be given to a pet to induce vomiting; increased sodium content in the blood causes the brain cells to swell (cerebral edema).
Tomato
Contains atropine, which can cause dilated pupils, tremors, and heart arrhythmias. The highest concentration of atropine is found in the leaves and stems of tomato plants.
Yeast Dough/Bread Dough
Can expand and produce gas in the digestive system, causing pain and possible rupture of the stomach or intestines. Rising dough can also release ethanol, enough to cause alcohol poisoning.
Please ensure that these items are properly stored away from your
Pets.
If your dog shows any sign of illness, please contact your Veterinary Practice as soon as possible.
