Many dog owners like to share some of their daily meals with their beloved pups, but doing so can be harmful to their health. In some cases, eating those foods will result in an upset stomach or worse.
Many dog owners like to share some of their daily meals with their beloved pups, but doing so can be harmful to their health. In some cases, eating those foods will result in an upset stomach or worse.
Other foods can be toxic enough to dogs that they can cause serious health complications.
1. Grapes, Raisins, and Currants
Grapes, raisins, and currants make a tasty and healthy snack for humans. And they're also used as an ingredient in a variety of processed food products. But in dogs, they can lead to kidney failure. What's worse is that scientists still haven't figured out which substance in grapes, raisins, and currants causes illness in dogs, nor is there any known toxic dose. The bottom line is that no amount is safe for a dog to consume.
2. Chocolate
Even though it's a delicious treat for humans, dogs should never eat chocolate. This is because chocolate contains caffeine and theobromine, and dogs can't metabolize either very well. That means the levels of those substances rise to toxic levels in dogs much faster than in humans. While it's rarely fatal – eating chocolate can cause a variety of adverse health conditions in dogs and should always be avoided.
3. Alcohol
It should come as no surprise, but alcohol is quite dangerous for dogs to ingest. It has all of the same debilitating effects on dogs that it does on humans, but dogs are far less resilient to those effects. The damage alcohol can do to a dog happens so fast that veterinarians recommend that dog owners contact their local animal poison control hotline right away if their dog ingests even a small amount of alcohol.
4. Macadamia Nuts
Macadamia nuts come with a variety of health benefits for humans, including being rich in antioxidants, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. But not for dogs. Eating even a small amount of macadamia nuts can cause ataxia, hyperthermia, and muscle weakness in dogs. As little as one-tenth of an ounce of macadamia nuts per two pounds of a dog's weight can produce noticeable symptoms, so there's no safe amount a dog can eat.
5. Avocados
Avocados have gone from a niche food to a major health-food staple in recent years. But they pose several risks to dogs that eat them. For one, they contain a substance called persin that's toxic to dogs. There's only enough of it in an avocado to cause a mild stomach upset, but if a dog consumes enough avocados it can end up with vomiting, diarrhea, and heart damage.
6. Nutmeg
As an avid baker can tell you, nutmeg is a versatile and tasty spice that's used in a variety of cookies, cakes, and other dishes. But because it contains a compound called myristicin, dogs can't tolerate eating it. In small amounts, it's unlikely to cause problems for most dogs. But if a dog ingests a large amount of nutmeg, it may experience hallucinations, disorientation, seizures, and elevated heart rate.
7. Xylitol
For decades, a type of sugar alcohol called Xylitol has been a popular refined sugar substitute in human foods. It's in gum, baked goods, soft drinks – even toothpaste! One of the reasons it's so popular is that it doesn't stimulate an insulin response in humans, making it a great sugar substitute for diabetics. But the opposite is true in dogs. Xylitol can trigger a massive insulin response in dogs, leading to a life-threatening case of hypoglycemia and liver failure.
8. Yeast Dough
Even though it may seem innocuous, yeast doughs can cause major health issues in dogs. First, because they tend to rise in warm environments, yeast doughs can cause gastrointestinal blockages in dogs when eaten. And, the fermentation of yeast dough often produces ethanol as a byproduct. Since ethanol is a type of alcohol, and alcohol is extremely dangerous to dogs, eating even a small amount of yeast dough can be trouble for them.
Even if a dog owner means well when sharing human food with their best friend, doing so comes with risks. Any food on the above list or any food that contains one of them as an ingredient must be avoided at all costs. In general, it's best to feed dogs food that's intended for them and not to take the chances involved with sharing human food. It's the best way any dog owner can show their canine companion that their health and safety are always paramount.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional consultation or advice related to your health or finances. No reference to an identifiable individual or company is intended as an endorsement thereof. Some or all of this article may have been generated using artificial intelligence, and it may contain certain inaccuracies or unreliable information. Readers should not rely on this article for information and should consult with professionals for personal advice.