It’s important to treat your dog well. You can do any other thing that humans do, but don’t feed them everything a human eats.
There are certain human foods that dogs are not supposed to eat. If you give them these foods, they might not reject them, but they can cause them serious health problems.
Pet poisoning is real. Though feeding them these foods is not the main cause of the hundreds of thousands of pet poisoning cases annually in the United States, they contribute a lot to it.
In this article, we are going to be looking at 20 things not to feed your dog. Don’t feed them these, please!
20 Things Not To Feed Your Dog
1. Avoid Alcohol
Excessive alcohol is bad for humans, let alone dogs. Pets should be treated like humans, but this does not include giving them alcohol. Even a drop of alcohol can cause the dog to stagger, have an effect on its respiratory system and nervous system, and even lead to its death. It’s just too toxic for dogs.
2. Bones and raw meats are a no-no
The perception that dogs are carnivores is wrong. Dogs are omnivores, actually. Many people with this wrong perception are used to giving their dogs bones to eat. Bones can be extremely dangerous because they can get stuck in their intestines or even their throats. If this happens, your dog will have to go through surgery to remove it. Its survival can be 50/50.
Similarly, raw or improperly cooked meat should not be given to a dog. Some raw meats often have bacteria like salmonella on them. Which can actually cause a severe health condition. So avoid giving bones and uncooked meats to your dog to eat.
3. Garlic and onions can be poisonous
Garlic is poisonous to dogs and other pets when they consume too much of it. But onions? Hide your onions from your pets at all costs, either cooked or uncooked.
Anaemia, vomiting, and diarrhea may definitely take a toll on them if they consume even the smallest amount of onions. Remember to keep onions and garlic away from pets, especially dogs!
4. Put avocados away
Avcados are very toxic for pets, especially dogs. Apart from the fact that it may mistakenly consume its pit, which can get stuck in the intestine, it contains fat. Fat is not good for dogs. It can cause stomach upset and vomiting.
Consuming the pit of an avocado is already a big health issue for a dog. If it gets stuck in the intestine, it can only be removed by surgery. But before surgery, that might have caused serious breathing problems and stomach enlargement. You wouldn’t want your dogs to go through all this, would you?
5. Never give it tobacco
Giving your dog tobacco to eat simply because you consume it is animal cruelty itself. Tobacco can trigger its whole body systems. It can cause it to vomit, faint, have abnormal heartbeats, diarrhea, or even lead to its death. Nicotine contained in tobacco is harmful to pets like dogs. Giving it tobacco is a sin!
6. Chocolate can be risky
Eat your chocolates alone; avoid giving them to your dogs. Dogs can’t digest chocolate like humans. Also, every chocolate contains theobromine, which is very toxic to dogs.
Non-sugar chocolates are the worst; they often contain xylitol, which is much more toxic. Giving your dog chocolates can cause diarrhea, an increase in heart rate, breathing issues, and pancreatitis. Visit your vet immediately if your dog consumes chocolate in any amount to prevent further health issues.
7. Don’t Milk or Cheese it
Not all dogs can consume dairy products. It can be very toxic to some dogs who are allergic to lactose. It can cause them to experience diarrhea if they have it.
Cheese, on the other hand, is not that actually, but excessive intake of it can cause similar health conditions. It is important to know if your dog is allergic to it or not. If it is, please give it milk or cheese in only small quantities, which is actually safe
Also, don’t give it ice cream. Ice cream contains fat, lactose, and lots of sugar. You can give it frozen fruits instead.
8. Salty foods should be avoided
Salty food should not be given to dogs. Salt can cause tremors and seizures. Foods that contain table salt, like chips, should not be given to dogs, no matter their craving for them. Prioritize their safety first, and don’t pay attention to their watery eyes.
9. Raisins and grapes are very toxic
No scientist is sure why raisins and grapes are bad for dogs. However, it causes severe symptoms in dogs, like diarrhea and vomiting, and can even lead to kidney issues in them. Puppies are more likely to suffer from this if they eat raisins or grapes. So it’s important that you don’t feed your dogs these fruits. There are other fleshy fruits, like bananas and pawpaw, that you can give to your dogs.
10. Coconuts can be bad sometimes
Coconuts have several health benefits for humans and animals. However, excessive coconut oil, flesh, or milk can cause diarrhea and a running stomach in dogs. It’s proper that you mind the quantity of these if you want to feed them with them.
11. Raw Potatoes and Tomatoes are not advised
Potatoes are as good for humans as they are for animals that can eat them. That’s only when it is cooked, boiled, or baked. Raw potatoes are, however, not good for dogs. This is because they contain solanine, which can be very poisonous to dogs.
Tomatoes are also safe when they are red-ripe. Unripe tomatoes or the green leaves or stems of tomatoes contain solanine too.
12. Apples and Plums are not bad, but their pits are
The fleshy parts of these fruits are actually edible for dogs. But they all have pits inside. Cyanide is contained in apple and plum seeds and, when taken, can cause them to vomit, increase their heartbeat rate, have seizures, or even die. It may not be possible for them to swallow or eat the seeds together with the flesh.
What’s best is that you choose other fleshy fruits without pits inside. They are not the only edible fruits for dogs; just choose ones that won’t threaten the health of your dog. Save yourself some money and the health of your pet, at least. Animal surgery can be very expensive, you know.
13. Caffeines can cause it health
Caffeine-containing products like coffee are not good for animals. Caffeine contains methyl amine, which can trigger the nervous system and even cause cardiac arrests, which include vomiting, palpitations, or even death. Just keep coffee out if you really care for the health of your animal.
14. Mushrooms are dogs’ enemies
Some varieties of mushrooms are very toxic. You need to be mindful of the mushrooms you feed your dog. It’s even better if you choose other things and not feed it mushrooms at all. Though white mushrooms are considered safe. The other varieties can cause vomiting, hallucinations, and abdominal pain in dogs. Stay clear of feeding it mushrooms if you can differentiate the varieties.
15. Spoilt or moldy foods are a big NO
This is something you, as a person, cannot eat, so why feed it to your pet? Moldy, rotten, or spoiled food contains a lot of toxins and poisons. Seizures, tremors, diarrhea, and vomiting are symptoms you probably don’t want to see in your pet. So throw rotten or spoiled foods into the trash can and not give them if you really mean well for your dog’s well-being.
16. Too spicy food can be toxic
Fine, we all love spicy foods, but not the same for dogs. Dogs just want healthy foods that are not too spicy because some of the ingredients used to spice foods are actually not safe for puppies.
It can cause them to suffer from diarrhea, stomach upset, and vomiting. Just eat the too-spicy foods yourself and feed your dog the not-too-spicy foods instead. You probably don’t want to spend plenty of money treating what you could have prevented from happening to your dog.
17. Gums and candies are lethal
Xylitol is used to sweeten no-sugar gums and candies. We take it because we want to reduce our sugar intake. It is not advisable to give it to dogs. First, it can rapidly raise the level of blood sugar in them, weakening them and causing seizures in them. In some cases, it can lead to liver failure. A high percentage of dog poisoning cases are caused by xylitol intake. It’s best you just don’t give them gum or candy at all, xylitol-contained or not.
18. No fat, please
Fats can cause pancreatitis, vomiting, and diarrhea when fed to dogs. Animal fats or excessive plant fats should be avoided. A dog suffering from pancreatitis can suffer symptoms like vomiting, a running stomach, and constant dehydration. These symptoms, if not treated immediately, can be life-threatening to your animal.
19. Don’t give it almonds or macadamia nuts
Almonds will choke your dog and cause them severe health symptoms like overheating, vomiting, and weakness. Same with macadamia nuts. The littlest pieces of it fed to your dogs can cause them harm. The way it can be poisonous to dogs cannot just be explained. It’s just best that you avoid giving even a single piece to your dog. There are other healthy foods and dog foods out there; don’t put your health at risk if you truly care.
20. No too much Broccoli
Broccoli is among the 20 things not to feed your dog, not that it is really bad if taken by dogs in small portions. An excessive intake of broccoli can, however, be threatening to them.
Isothiocyanates are contained in broccoli, and excessive consumption of it is toxic to dogs. The reason is that it can get stuck in a dog’s throat and obstruct it. There are hundreds of healthy foods you can feed your dogs. As you know, dogs eat a lot, so it’s best you say no to broccoli anyway.
What to do if you fed your dog these foods
If you are just reading this after it happened, don’t panic. In the same vein, don’t self-medicate the dog when symptoms start showing. If you’ve been feeding it with these and you think it does nothing to it, stop now if you don’t want your dog in a coma or even death.
Taking it to a certified veterinary doctor as soon as it happens is best to avoid extra complications and get fast and urgent care.
Things to feed your dog
As humans, there are even foods we don’t like or that have adverse effects on us when taken in excess. These 20 things not to feed your dog are actually not all, because the list is inexhaustible. Below is a list of foods you can give to your pet without having to worry.
Beans
Beans are actually good for dogs, whether boiled or canned. Just make sure to grind or cut them into small pieces before feeding them to avoid choking.
Grains
Grains like wheat and corn are good too. Ensure you look out for allergies if your dog is allergic to any of them.
Chicken eggs
Eggs are the best source of animal protein. It’s actually one of the best things to feed your dog. Boiled actually.
Cucumbers and carrots
These crunchy and munchy fruits are very rich in vitamins that your dog needs. Since they contain fewer calories, it’s actually a nice feed if your dog is overweight.
Banana and orange
Bananas and oranges are good for dogs. They have so many nutrients to offer. Ensure you remove the peels and also the seeds from the orange before feeding it.
Mangoes, watermelon, and pineapples
The flesh of these fruits is very safe for dogs. But make sure you peel and remove the seeds to avoid choking. Good moderation is, however, recommended.
Honey
Pure and unadulterated honey is very nutritious. Your dog will surely enjoy it. But excess is neither bad nor good.
Fish
Cooked, boiled, or steamed without much spice are good for any pet. Removing bones, grills, and fins is necessary to avoid choking it. Fish are a very good source of proteins; your dog sure needs them.
Coconuts oil and water
Coconut can help your dog overcome allergies. It also contains a lot of vitamins and minerals that it needs. Some dogs sometimes experience upset stomachs from feeding on excessive coconut water or oil. So you need to apply caution if you have to feed them coconuts. Also, removing the hard shell is important first.
Corn and popcorn
Cooked corn is okay. Popcorn is tasty and crispy, but when it contains too much salt, don’t give it.
Final thoughts on 20 things not to feed your dog
The list of things not to feed your dogs is actually inexhaustible. You don’t have to risk the well-being of your dog because of anything, even if it enjoys eating them. Take caution if you want your dog to be healthy and live long enough. There are dog foods and hundreds of healthy human foods that dogs can eat out there, so why feed them these in the first place?
