Feeding our pets is a subject that has been constantly debated over time, creating different beliefs regarding what is most recommended and healthy for them.
In the following article, we will make a detailed list of which foods are prohibited for dogs , thus allowing better care for them and the prevention of long-term damage.
What foods are toxic to dogs?
Certain foods, although they are commonly consumed by humans, can be toxic to our dogs. This is because our organisms and metabolisms act in completely different ways. We will mention below a detailed list of which are the most toxic foods for dogs:
1 onion
Veterinary toxicology studies have carried out tests that show that there are toxic elements for pets in foods such as onions, regardless of whether they are raw or cooked.
To highlight: A dose greater than 0.5% of the animal’s weight could be serious, causing hemolytic anemia and gastrointestinal disorders. Blood tests should be carried out and then corresponding treatment applied. (1)
2. Avocado
Avocado is a fruit with a high content of healthy fats and has great benefits for humans, but in the case of dogs it can cause mild poisoning. This is due to the presence of a toxin called persin which can cause diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and fatigue in the animal.
3. Coffee
Carrying out research studies on animal behavior in the face of caffeine, has brought different results to the fore, obtaining that it causes damage and an alteration in your body that can even cause death.
You should know: Coffee is considered a poisonous substance for canines, since it causes hyperactivity, tachycardia, tremors and convulsions. (two)
4.Chocolate
Chocolate has a completely different effect than the previously mentioned toxic foods, especially due to the amounts that are necessary to make it fatal for the animal. However, chocolate causes gastrointestinal problems and increased palpitations, as well as hyperactivity.
Note: The amount necessary for the damage to be serious and irreversible is 2 grams of chocolate for each kilogram of the pet’s weight. (3)
5. Garlic
Garlic has the same effect and consequences as onion in canine pets, although in many cases its use has been considered for detoxification and deworming.
To highlight: This food becomes toxic when its consumption is a very large amount, with the same relationship mentioned for the onion, 0.5% of its total body weight. In other words, 100 grams of garlic for a 20kg dog in a single day is deadly. (4)
6. Dairy
It happens that in our body we produce an enzyme that has the ability to process and digest dairy products, mainly lactose.
Dogs don’t have a digestive system, so the consumption of dairy products such as yogurt brings discomfort such as vomiting, diarrhea and if consumption is very constant, long-term digestive problems.
7. Alcoholic beverages
Alcohol in the organism of dogs is very dangerous, even delicate. It has the ability to have the same effect as on humans, taking into account that they will have no idea what is happening or how to act.
Important: It is necessary to keep these types of products out of the reach of our pets, especially those with a sweet flavor.
8. Nuts
Nuts , mainly walnuts, are toxic to dogs, causing everything from digestive problems to inflammation in the pancreas, which would become a very painful condition for our pet that is definitely better to avoid. (5)
9. Raw eggs
Raw eggs have a high risk of producing salmonellosis as a consequence , so it is highly recommended to cook them before offering them to our pet.
10. Grapes
Grapes may seem like a harmless snack, but when it comes to canine health, they can be the cause of serious illness or even death. It happens that grapes contain a toxin in their composition that can cause kidney failure in our pet. (6)
11. Sweets
Sweets in general are prohibited products for dogs, since they can trigger disorders such as obesity and diabetes. The digestive system of canines does not have the same capabilities as that of humans, so it is not processed or metabolized properly. (7)
12. Bread dough
Dogs are intolerant to gluten, so bread dough is not a food that they should consume constantly, and it is not recommended that their diet contain high levels of carbohydrates since they can easily develop obesity.
Key Findings
- Dogs are animals that, although it seems that their diet is adaptable to that of humans , there are many limitations due to their organism and functioning.
- There are certain components in food that cannot be processed in the same way as in humans, which is why they cause disorders and poisoning.
- Lactose is one of the substances that are not processed correctly by canines, due to the inability to produce the enzyme responsible for the action.
- The tolerance of certain toxic substances is also different, due to the metabolism of the body and the difference in structure and size.
