5 Toxic Foods to Avoid Giving Your Dog
Published date: 14 June 2024
Every dog owner knows the fear of their pet getting hold of something they shouldn’t…
Accidents happen with our hounds, but it’s important to know what foods to be extra vigilant with. So, to help owners keep a careful watch, here is a list of 5 toxic foods to avoid giving your dog (or letting them get their paws on!)
1) Onions and Garlic
The staple for most curries, soups and sauces is of course onions and garlic. These bulbs are both part of the Allium plant family, and whilst delicious to us, in certain doses can be fatal to dogs.
Although a small accidental sliver of dropped garlic is unlikely to pose a threat, it is important to be careful when cooking. If you suspect your furry friend has gobbled up something they shouldn’t have, get in touch with your vet for advice.
Remember onion and garlic are sneakily used in lots of human foods. Crisps, crackers, and a lot of savoury snacks contain dried variations. These can pose a serious problem to our pooches, so avoid feeding any human food, even if it seems harmless.
Sometimes the best option is a distraction! Why would your dog want some measly onion, when they can have some tasty natural meaty treats instead?
2) Chocolate
This is a well-known problematic food. Both chocolate and coffee are toxic in certain doses to our canine companions. Chocolate contains a chemical called Theobromine, which humans can break down and metabolise, but dogs cannot. This can mean that in some cases even a small piece of chocolate can make a dog extremely unwell.
Of course, there will be times of the year, when there is likely to be more chocolate temptingly hidden around the home. Be vigilant and keep the Animal Poison Line number handy in case of an emergency.
3) Grapes & Raisins
Grapes are often a favourite snack for us but unfortunately, this tiny fruit can be dangerous for our dogs. Both fresh and dried grapes are problematic for our pooches.
The exact toxic substance is unknown but ingesting grapes and raisins has resulted in kidney damage and even failure.
The risk is simply not worth it, and these should be avoided.
4) Uncooked Bones
Our dogs are designed to chew, and they benefit both physically and mentally from chomping on bones. However, it is not advised to give your dog cooked bones from your Sunday dinner. These pose a huge splinter risk and could even result in gut perforation.
Instead, stick to raw uncooked bones. These will satisfy your dog’s gnawing needs and promote better dental health. Just remember to always supervise your dog when they are chewing.
Watch our Chewing Safety video.
5) Macadamia Nuts
Macadamia nuts are often an unknown danger for dog owners. It might seem innocuous to give your dog a few nuts but these particular ones can be extremely detrimental to your dog’s health. Macadamia nuts have been known to affect dogs’ muscles and nervous system, leading to panting, swollen joints and lethargy.
Want a tasty and safe alternative? Try Dog-Friendly Peanut Butter!
After more food advice? Check our BBQ Safety Blog.
