The following provides an extensive list of foods / plants that dogs should never eat. These items when ingested by a dog can cause minor to major illness, organ failure and even death.
Avocado
The leaves, seeds, fruit, and bark contain persin, which can cause vomiting and diarrhea.
Alcoholic Beverages
Any type of alcohol can be poisonous to your dog and aside from intoxication, can cause a coma or even death.
Bones
Employ caution when giving bones to your dog. Some bones can be very dangerous – as they can splinter and cause obstruction or laceration of the digestive system. Bones from many types of fish are dangerous for dog just as they are for people. The cooked bones of salmon are not harmful.
Candy containing the sweetener Xylitol
Xylitol can cause liver damage and even death.
Chocolate
Dogs should never have any type of chocolate. Milk chocolate is not as dangerous for dogs as semi-sweet or unsweetened bakers chocolate. Chocolate poisoning can cause irregular heart rate and rhythm, restlessness, hyperactivity, diarrhea, vomiting, panting, muscle tremors, abdominal pain, bloody urine, increased body temperature, seizures, coma and death.
Coffee
Can result in increased breathing and heart rate, restlessness and affects the central nervous system.
Dairy Products – in large amounts, small amounts are OK for most dogs
If consumed in large amounts may cause diarrhea. Some dogs are lactose intolerant. If your dog is not lactose intolerant, plain yogurt is good for your dog. A little hard cheese or cottage cheese is also good.
Fat – in large amounts, small amounts of good fat are beneficial
Butter, margarine, lard, fat trimmings and excessive amounts of oil. Ingesting any substantial amount of these fats can cause failure of the internal organs such as the liver. I do feed my dogs a small amount (1/2 tablespoon for the really little guys like Carmen and Jacob; 1 tablespoon for my dogs who weigh 15lbs to 30lbs and 2 tablespoon for all the larger dogs) of oil. A good quality oil (containing Omega fatty acids) in these small amounts is as good for the dog’s health as it is for humans, when ingested in proper quantities on a daily basis. Coconut Oil in small daily amounts is also good for dogs.
Eggs - raw can be a hazard, cooked in small amounts are beneficial
Contain an enzyme called avidin, which decreases the absorption of biotin (a B vitamin). This can lead to skin and hair coat problems. Raw eggs may also contain Salmonella, although the chance of contamination for your dog is low as a dog’s stomach acids are very strong and dog’s also produce a lot of bile. You can cook the eggs to avoid this issue. Due to the avidin it is best not to give eggs every day, but a couple of times a week is fine.
Fish – in large quantities are dangerous, small quantities are beneficial
If fed exclusively or in large amounts can result in a thiamine (a B vitamin) deficiency leading to loss of appetite, seizures, and in severe cases, death. A small amount of cooked or canned fatty fish such as anchovies, salmon, sardines, shad, smelt, mackerel are very good for your dog (on a daily basis is fine – in small amounts) as these types of fish are nutrient rich and a good source of omega fatty acids.
Fish – Raw, can be dangerous, use caution
Raw fish can contain flukes, a parasite that infests the liver of animals including dogs. This parasite can cause liver damage and subsequently death. Granted in some places around the world dog’s are fed raw fish. Just be aware that in doing so you may put the health of your dog at risk. If you know for certain that the fish in your area is not infested than there is no threat to your dogs health. But remember if fish is fed exclusively or in large amounts can result in a thiamine (a B vitamin) deficiency leading to loss of appetite, seizures, and in severe cases, death. A small amount daily is fine.
Food Coloring
Avoid treats and kibble that contain conventional food coloring. Conventional food coloring is concocted from chemicals that are carcinogenic and cause numerous health issues such as bladder cancer, brain tumors and the inability to concentrate.
Grapes, Currents
Can cause vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, abdominal pain, lack of appetite and kidney damage. Grape seed extract is safe for dogs.
Hops
May cause panting, elevated temperature, increased heart rate, seizures and death.
Liver – in large amounts, small amounts are beneficial
In large amounts can cause Vitamen A toxity, leading to kidney damage/failure.
Macadamia Nuts
Can cause vomiting, lethargy, hyperthermia, abdominal pain, stiff joints, lameness and tremors.
Marijuana
Can depress the nervous system, cause vomiting, and changes in the heart rate.
Meat – Raw can be dangerous, use caution
May contain bacteria such as Salmonella and E. coli, which can cause vomiting, diarrhea and even death. Dogs are able to fight off Salmonella and E. coli much better than humans can, however some dogs are severely affected and do die. Raw pork can have worms that may be transferred to your dog by eating raw pork. Many people do feed their dogs raw meat and experience no issues. Working dogs such as sled dogs regularly consume raw meat without issue. Just take precautions – make sure the meat is fresh and has been kept in the refrigerator for no more than a few says or was frozen fresh. Reduce the risk of contamination and don’t feed your dog raw pork.
Moldy Foods
Can have varied effects on pets including vomiting and diarrhea.
Mushrooms
Depending on the type of mushroom. The symptoms may vary – depression, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain, tearing, hallucinations, defecation, liver failure, seizures, drooling, urination, kidney failure, heart damage, hyperactivity and in some cases, death.
Mustard Seeds
Can have varied effects on pets.
Onion, Chives, Leeks, Shallots are dangerous, garlic in small amounts is beneficial
Contain thiosulphate, the substance responsible for causing ‘Heinx Factor’ anemia in dogs. Can also cause gastrointestinal problems such as vomiting and diarrhea. The amount of thiosulphate found in garlic is much lower than in onions, in fact the amount in garlic is barely traceable! When garlic is ingested in reasonable amounts there are no harmful affects, only beneficial ones! Garlic is known for its antic cancer, diabetes, liver, heart, kidney disease fighting properties as well as its use as a natural flea repellent and de-wormer for dogs.
Pits from Apricot / Cherry / Peach / Plum, etc.
Can cause respiratory difficulties such as breathing, coughing and sneezing.
Plants that are toxic if ingested by dogs
Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants (ASPCA)
Potato Leaves and Stems
Can cause problems with the digestive, nervous and urinary systems.
Raisins and Currents
Can be poisonous to dogs and can cause vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, abdominal pain, lack of appetite and kidney damage.
Rhubarb Leaves
Can cause problems with the digestive, nervous and urinary systems.
Salt
In large quantities can cause electrolyte imbalances.
Seeds from Apples / Pears
Contain arsenic and can have a variety of bad affects on dogs.
Tea – non decaffeinate
Can have varied effects in pets.
Tobacco
Contains nicotine, which affects the digestive and nervous systems. Can result in rapid heart beat, collapse, coma, and death.
Tomato Leaves and Stems are dangerous, tomatoes are fine
Can cause problems with the digestive, nervous and urinary systems.
Vitamins made for human consumption that contain iron
Can damage the lining of the digestive system and be toxic to the other organs including the liver and kidneys.
Walnuts
Can cause gastrointestinal problems such as vomiting and diarrhea, as well as respiratory issues such as sneezing, breathing and coughing.
Yeast Dough – raw, not baked
Can be dangerous as it will expand and result in gas, pain and possible rupture of the stomach or intestines.
Xylitol
Xylitol is a sugar alcohol — an artificial sweetener created from birch, raspberries, plums and corn.1 This sweetener is found in many human “sugar free” products, such as gum, candies and other sweets. Signs of toxicity can be seen as quickly as 30 minutes after xylitol ingestion in dogs. The xylitol causes a rapid release of the hormone insulin, causing a sudden decrease in blood glucose. The following are symptoms of Xylitol poisioning: vomiting weakness, ataxia (uncoordinated movements), depression, hypokalemia (decreased potassium), seizures, coma, liver dysfunction and/or failure. Ingestion can be fatal.
If You Think Your Dog Is Suffering From Poisoning (food, chemicals, insect/snake bites)
The following provides a list of some of the interventions that they may ask you to do, they may also request that you bring your dog in ASAP.
To induce vomiting, give your pet 3% Hydrogen Peroxide (1 tablespoon per 15 pounds of the dog’s body weight) with an eye dropper, syringe, or turkey baster by dribbling the liquid onto the back of his tongue or into his cheek pocket until swallowed. Collect any vomit and take it, along with the poison container or other substance that you think you dog may have ingested and take it to the veterinarian
To dilute caustic poisons such as pine oils, detergents, bleaches, and swimming pool chemicals, feed your dog large quantities of water, milk, or egg whites. Activated charcoal (or even burned toast) may be recommended to absorb insect repellents like DEET.
To remove absorbed poisons…absorbed poisons are substances that get on your pet’s paws and coat and are absorbed through the skin. This type of canine poisoning can happen through ingestion when the animal grooms himself. Wash the area with large quantities of water and visit your veterinarian to prevent long-term effects and discomfort. For oil-based toxins (petroleum products) use a gentle dish washing liquid. Dust or vacuum powdery poisons away because water can activate certain toxins. If the poison is in your dog’s eye, carefully flush the eye with water or sterile saline solution.
‘Inhaled poisons’ include aerosol sprays, carbon monoxide, gases, and other fumes inhaled by your pet that you may not consider poison to dogs because you use them safely on a regular basis. Quickly get your dog into fresh air and administer Rescue Breathing if necessary.
For snakebites, carry your dog if at all possible, to prevent increased circulation of venom throughout his body via walking. Get him to an animal emergency centre ASAP.
For insect bites, administer 1 mg of Diphenhydramine (i.e. Benadryl), an antihistamine, per pound of your dog’s body weight—but do check with your veterinarian first. Applying a cold pack to the bite can alleviate swelling, but immediately seek professional medical help if you detect breathing problems. You can also wipe or spray the bite with Apple Cider Vinegar.
If you think your dog is suffering from symptoms related to poisoning from any of these foods, plants or chemicals call your veterinarian or contact a pet poison control centre right away.
Pet Poison Help Line 24/7 (800-213-6680)
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Liz Bradley is a dog lover who lives in Ottawa, Ontario with her husband,
2 Users Responded in " Foods That Dogs Should Never Eat – dangerous, toxic, lethal "
I was surprised about the fish. What about those with allergies to poultry? There are many commercial foods that are fish and potatoes for dogs with allergies. Are these not good?
Hi Roxanne – My dogs eat fish every day, but the amount of fish that they eat only represents a small portion of their daily food intake. As it notes above fish is a rich source of many beneficial nutrients. Is it states above – problems only occur when you feed your dog large quantities of fish (on a regular basis) or feed them fish exclusively. Fish-based kibble does not have enough fish in it to make it considered a ‘dangerous’ quantity. Fish only constitutes a portion of the kibbles content. Sweet Potatoes are an excellent source of nutrients as is fish in small quantities. But just because a kibble contain a fish or sweet potato does not indicate whether the kibble is good or bad. Evaluating the quality (good or bad) of a kibble is more involved than that…http://ottawavalleydogwhisperer.blogspot.ca/2012/02/how-to-choose-good-kibble-for-your-dog.html
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