Search The Site:

Food and Drink your dog should never consume

Do you know which foods are dangerous for your dog? Avoid unneccessary vet bills and keep your pooch away from these items.

1. Chocolate

This means ALL chocolate even though the high cocoa content chocolate and Baker's chocolate are the most toxic. To reach toxicity you only need 2 baking squares for a 10lb dog, 4 baking squares for a 20 lb dog, etc. It contains theobromine which is a diuretic and cardiac stimulant.

Side Effects: vomiting, diarrhoea, increased heart rate, seizures, increased drinking and urinating and even death.

2. Alcohol

If you think it's funny to watch your dog get intoxicated, think again. You can cause cardiac arrest and death. Not so funny now is it? They can't handle alcohol and it only takes a small amount to get them intoxicated.

Side Effects: depression, excessive urination, excitement, slowed breathing rate and cardiac arrest which can lead to death.

3. Fatty Foods

You know them well because you probably eat them yourself and know how bad they are for YOU. Gravy, bacon and high fat snacks can all be fatal in some dogs.

Side Effects: severe gastrointestinal distress and Pancreatitis which can be fatal.

4. Raisins and Grapes

This is one of those foods where the toxin is not known yet but is extremely dangerous and there is no treatment for it.

Side Effects: acute kidney failure. It only takes as little as 6 grapes and raisins.

5. Potato Peelings and Tomato Leaves & Stems

These both contain a toxic alkaloid called solanine.

Side Effects: severe gastrointestinal upset, vomiting, diarrhoea, loss of appetite, weakness, dilated pupils, damage to the central nervous system and slower heart rate.

6. Avocado

This fruit contains a toxin principle called PERSIN. It's also in the leaves, the seeds and the bark. All avocados have the potential to be toxic for dog's however, the variety from Guatemala is the most toxic.

Side Effects: diarrhoea, vomiting and gastrointestinal distress.

7. Macadamia Nuts

The toxin in these nuts is unknown, it only takes a small number of nuts and even the butter in them to make it toxic for your dog.

Side Effects: affects their nervous system, digestive track and their muscles.

8. Coffee

Contains dangerous components called xanthenes.

Side Effects: urinary damage, heart muscle stimulation and damage to their nervous system.

9. Peaches, Cherries, Plums, Apples and Apricots

The fruit itself is fine. It's the leaves, stems and seeds that contain a cyanide compound. Large amounts of them are toxic.

Side Effects: hyperventilation, dilated pupils, breathing difficulties and shock.

10. Xylitol

This is an artificial sweetener that is found in SUGAR FREE products like gum, candy, etc.

Side Effects: sudden drop in blood sugar and seizures.

11. Onions

Thiosulphate is the toxin in onions. This goes for onion powder as well. One good thing about this is that they will eventually recover from this toxin when it leaves their body.

Side Effects: Extreme anaemia. (as little as one small onion can cause this)

12. Yeast dough

Believe it or not if your dog swallows yeast dough it will rise in his stomach and it will end up being very painful for them.

Side Effects: Severe gastrointestinal distress, vomiting, diarrhoea and bloating.

Please use common sense when it comes to feeding your dog and if he or she accidentally eats any of the above foods, get to your Vet immediately. Getting there in time can save your dog's life.

{ top of page }

Landline: 01455 828 748 | Mobile: 07971 894 631 | Email Me: Click here