Food Safety
A lot of people like to share their food with their dogs. Most people are aware that foods like chocolate and grapes are toxic to dogs, but there are a lot of other foods that aren’t as well known for being dangerous. Some foods can be great healthy options for treats and others can cause serious harm even in small amounts. Let’s take a look at some foods that your dog can enjoy and others that are best to avoid.
* If you know or suspect that your dog may have swallowed something toxic or dangerous, you should immediately call and visit YOUR VET or your nearest EMERGENCY VET. There are phone hotlines that are available 24/7 but may charge consultation fees.
Some initial notes:
The categories below are separated out as Dangerous: Foods that are toxic or are dangerous in other ways, Use Caution: Foods that should only be given in moderation or need alterations before feeding, Safe: Foods that are known to be safe for feeding. These are not complete lists and there can be foods that have been left out of either category, some items may be repeated in multiple categories.
Always do your research first when looking to feed your dog something new to make sure it’s safe.
Watch for signs of an allergic reaction when feeding something new.
This is a special warning about XYLITOL! Xylitol is an artificial sweetener that is popular and can be found in things like chewing gum, toothpaste, medications and even some peanut butters! Symptoms can come on very quickly around 30 minutes to several hours. A toxic dose of xylitol in dogs is approximately 30 to 45 milligrams per pound of body weight. One stick of gum can contain anywhere from 300 to 1,000 milligrams of xylitol! Always check ingredient labels and take extra caution to make sure your dog does not have access to anything containing Xylitol.
Dangerous:
Alcohol- Highly toxic and can quickly lead to alcohol poisoning, resulting in weakness, coma and/or death.
Avocados- Contains a toxin that can cause gastrointestinal upset. Though most of the toxin is contained in the skin, pit, leaves and bark, it is best to avoid.
Bacon- High in fat and salt. Can lead to serious health issues including gastrointestinal distress, obesity and pancreatitis. Though and small occasional piece is alright, there are much healthier alternatives.
Caffeine- Can build to toxic levels and cause extreme stimulation of the central nervous and cardiovascular systems.
Chocolate- Contains compounds that cause extreme stimulation of the central nervous system and heart which can lead to seizures or death. This also acts as a diuretic which can lead to dehydration.
Cinnamon- Irritates mouth and stomach. Can lead to diarrhea, vomiting, increased or decreased heart rate, and even liver disease. If they inhale it in powder form, cinnamon can cause difficulty breathing, coughing, and choking.
Garlic- All forms of garlic including pieces and powders. Contains compounds that kill red blood cells and can cause severe or fatal anemia.
Grapes and Raisins- Contain toxins that can cause kidney failure.
Mushrooms- Never let your dog eat wild mushrooms. Only feed store bought. Check to see which kinds are safe.
Nuts- This includes Macademia Nuts, Walnuts, Hickory Nuts, Pecans, Almonds, Brazil Nuts, Pistachios, Chashews and more. It is best to avoid nuts in general except for peanuts. Some nuts are just high in fat, others contain serious toxins that can cause seizures and/or death, some can harbor molds that can cause issues like pancreatitis or poisoning leading to severe reactions like seizures, brain damage and/or death.
Onions- All forms of onions including pieces and powders. Contains compounds that kill red blood cells and can cause severe or fatal anemia.
Pepperoni- High in fat, salt, and spices like garlic and/or onion powder. Can lead to serious health issues including gastrointestinal distress, obesity and pancreatitis. Though and small occasional piece is alright, there are much healthier alternatives.
Raw Eggs- Risk of foodborne illnesses and can interfere with Biotin absorption. It’s best to cook eggs before feeding.
Salt- Though some salt is necessary for proper diet, too much salt intake can cause brain swelling, damage to kidneys and severe dehydration leading to vomiting, diarrhea, seizures and/or death.
Xylitol- Causes rapid insulin release and can cause severe hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), seizures, and/or fatal liver failure.
Yeast Dough- The yeast can cause the dough to expand rapidly in the stomach and can lead to severe abdominal pain, bloat (GDV), and potentially life-threatening obstruction. Fermenting yeast also produces ethanol, which causes alcohol poisoning, resulting in weakness, coma and/or death.
Use Caution:
Apples- Remove cores and seeds.
Beef- Cooked and plain. No bones.
Bread- Avoid those that contain spices. No nutritional value.
Cheese- Give in moderation, many dogs are lactose intolerant. Cheese can have high levels of fat and salt and can lead to pancreatitis. Certain kinds of cheese are safer than others, be sure to look them up first before feeding and make sure they do not have added garlic or onions.
Chicken- Cooked and plain. No bones.
Coconut- Meat, milk and oil. Avoid shells.
Corn- Remove cob.
Eggs- Cooked.
Fatty Foods- Can lead to weight gain and pancreatitis.
Fruit With High Sugar Levels- Limit to avoid weight gain.
Ham- Small amounts are alright (a few small pieces) but ham contains high amounts of fat, salt and preservatives that can lead to stomach upset, dehydration, obesity and pancreatitis.
Honey- In moderation.
Hotdogs- Small amounts are alright (a few small pieces) but hotdogs contain high amounts of fat, salt and preservatives that can lead to general stomach upset, dehydration, obesity and pancreatitis. There are much healthier alternatives.
Ice Cream- Opt for ice cream that is made specifically for dogs. Regular ice cream has high levels of sugar or artificial sweeteners.
Mushrooms- Only store bought, never mushrooms from the wild. Check to see which kinds are safe.
Oranges- Remove peels, seeds and pith. Limit for high sugar and acid content.
Peanut Butter- Make sure that it does not contain Xylitol.
Peanuts- In moderation, they contain fat and if given too much, can lead to pancreatitis and obesity.
Popcorn- In moderation.
Pumpkin- Cooked and plain.
Rice- Cooked and plain.
Salmon- Cooked and plain. No bones.
Salty Foods- Can lead to sodium poisoning.
Shrimp- Cooked and plain. Remove shell entirely.
Turkey- Cooked and plain. No bones.
Yogurt- No added sugar or artificial sweeteners. Plain is best.
Safe:
Apples- Remove cores and seeds.
Bananas
Beef- Cooked and plain. No bones.
Blueberries
Broccoli
Carrots
Celery
Chicken- Cooked and plain. No bones.
Coconut- Meat, milk and oil. Avoid shells.
Corn- Remove cob.
Cucumbers
Eggs- Cooked.
Green Beans
Honey- In moderation.
Oatmeal
Peanuts- In moderation.
Peas
Popcorn- In moderation.
Pumpkin- Cooked and plain.
Quinoa
Rice- Cooked and plain.
Salmon- Cooked and plain. No bones.
Shrimp- Cooked and plain. Remove shell entirely.
Strawberries
Turkey- Cooked and plain. No bones.
Watermelon
White Fish- Cooked. No bones.
Yogurt- No added sugar or artificial sweeteners. Plain is best.
*The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. While we strive to share accurate and up-to-date information regarding foods that may or may not be safe for dogs, every dog is unique, and individual sensitivities, allergies, and health conditions can vary. Always consult with a qualified veterinarian before introducing new foods into your dog’s diet or making any significant changes to their nutrition. If you suspect your dog has consumed something harmful or is experiencing any adverse reactions, seek immediate veterinary care. The author and publisher of this blog are not responsible for any adverse effects or consequences resulting from the use of the information provided. Use your best judgment and prioritize your dog’s health and safety at all times.