All CategoriesDog FoodDogsHealthWhat foods shouldn’t your dog eat?

Given half the chance, our beloved canine companions will eat almost anything – leftover scraps from the table, the remnants of takeaway trays from the night before, something tasty and tantalising hidden in the bushes on their daily walks.

As pet owners, we know only too well the importance of providing our animals with the best food to ensure a long, healthy and happy life.  So during this year’s National nutrition month, let’s take the opportunity to review what goes into our dogs bowls and remind ourselves that to give a dog a bone is fine – but don’t give them too much else.

Human food is for humans – not for dogs! But whilst we’re all mindful of this, as loving owners who dote on our pets, we sometimes can’t resist giving them a treat from time-to-time.

 

Here is a list of six everyday foods which could cause issues for your dog.

1. Chewing gum – Xylitol – a sugar alcohol used in many products such as sugar-free chewing gum, nicotine gum, dental products and chewable vitamins – is harmful to dogs if consumed. In dogs, it can cause a massive release of the hormone insulin, leading to a dramatic drop in blood glucose levels.  Low blood glucose – hypoglycaemia – can bring about staggering, collapse, vomiting, seizures and coma, which if left untreated can be fatal. Xylitol can also lead to liver failure and blood-clotting disorders.
2. Onions and garlic – both are poisonous to dogs and can cause gastrointestinal (stomach and gut) irritation and could lead to red blood cell damage. Signs of poisoning occur a few days after your dog has eaten the onion. All forms of onion can be a problem including dehydrated onions, raw onions, cooked onions and leftovers containing cooked onions or garlic. Left over pizza, Chinese dishes and commercial baby food containing onion, sometimes fed as a supplement to young pets, can cause illness or lethargy.
3. Grapes and raisins – The precise toxin within grapes and raisins which causes vomiting and kidney failure in dogs is unknown.
4. Avocados – Guacamole – a common foodstuff dogs will often stick their snout into – contains Persin which is toxic. If ingested, this toxin can cause vomiting and diarrhoea in dogs.
5. Peaches – The stone can cause intestinal obstructions and contains harmful amounts of cyanide.
6. Chocolate – theobromine, a stimulant similar to coffee, is found in chocolate and is poisonous to dogs causing damage to the heart, central nervous system and kidneys. Common signs of theobromine poisoning are vomiting, diarrhoea, restlessness, hyperactivity and seizures. In the event your dog ingests chocolate, seek the help and advice of your vet immediately.

So, be mindful of the everyday foods that could have a serious impact on your dog’s health. And remember, if you’re ever in any doubt as to whether your dog has ingested a harmful foodstuff, contact your veterinary surgeon immediately.