Foods That Can Poison Your Dog

There are many foods that can poison your dog. Dogs love to eat many things, and they do not know their limits unless disciplined by their owner. In the normal food-rich human environment, they will eat things that smell or taste good to them if they are left out where the dogs can reach them. Some foods can be fatally poisonous or toxic to them, or may make them violently sick or lead to several diseases.

Unfortunately there are still dog owners who do not pay a lot of attention to keeping their dogs away from such foods, because they do not know what these foods can do to their dogs. Not having been educated about the dangers, some leave edible stuff on the table which actually contains toxic foods. Dogs can be trained not to eat just anything, but this requires a lot of patience and time.

Foods That Can Poison Your Dog

Below is a list of foods that can poison your dog if they eat them — and they will eat them — believe it! They are all known to have side effects when ingested by canines, and are toxic for them to eat. However, the amount of that food that can do damage varies per dog breed and their size.

• Corn on the cob or whole kernel corn – can block the digestive system and cause problems. Corn is also an allergen to some dogs.
• Alcohol and wine – It can cause dogs to be in a coma or even die due to intoxication.
• Onions – can cause anemia due to red blood cell damage.
• Acorns – can cause diarrhea and vomiting.
• Chocolate, tea, coffee – caffeine can be toxic for dogs and cause diarrhea and vomiting.
• Grapes – can damage the kidneys of dogs. Along with grapes are currants and raisins. The amount of grapes that can cause kidney failure depends usually on the dog’s size.
• Milk products – there are some dogs and cats that are allergic to milk and milk products, and can have diarrhea with too much.
• Liver – it affects the dog’s bones and muscles.
• Meat bones (e.g. chicken, beef, pork, fish) – can cause obstruction in the digestive system. It is even worse when cooked. Raw bones are still okay but dogs should still be watched for possible side effects.
• Nutmeg – often leads to death. Seizures and central nervous system problems can also occur to the dog.
• Garlic – much like onions but less poisonous.
• Marijuana – causes depression and sudden heart rate change to your dog. Can also cause vomiting.
• Fat trimmings – known to cause pancreatitis in dogs.
• Avocado – causes diarrhea and vomiting if any of its parts (fruit, leaves, bark and seeds) are ingested.
• Pitted Fruits – these include the pits and stems of fruits like apples, peaches, apricots, cherries and plums. The pits contain a certain amount of an organic cyanide compound which is toxic to dogs.
• Tobacco – another major cause of death and coma. It usually aims for the nervous and digestive systems because of the nicotine it contains. Dog’s heart can beat rapidly.
• Foods with too much sugar – can cause obesity or diabetes. May also lead to dental problems.
• Human vitamins and supplements – some contain iron which can be toxic to the digestive system and the kidneys.
• Raw eggs – leads to skin and hair problems, and can also be potential for salmonella poisoning.
• Raw meat – raw and uncooked food will usually have bacteria and maybe salmonella and e. coli that can also cause vomiting and diarrhea.

There are some other toxic foods also. Here are some more listed by Vetzone (previously Petalia) in a now-deleted article:

• Potato peelings and green looking potatoes
• Rhubarb leaves
• Mouldy/spoiled foods (keep garbage lid firmly on)
• Yeast dough
• Hops (used in home brewing)
• Tomato leaves & stems (green parts)
• Broccoli (in large amounts)
• Xylitol (sweetener often found in sugar-free gum)

That’s quite a list. Perhaps we should get into the mindset that there are way too many human foods that can poison your dog. Rather than having to worry about “which ones”, just make the following two policies:

1. No human food for Fido! (No matter how pitifully he begs or looks!)

2. Never leave human food where Fido can get to it when you’re not physically present, because believe me, he will eat it!

Are you surprised by the many, many human foods that can poison your dog? I sure was.

Feel free to share this information with others.