Dangerous Food for Your Dog

  • Onions – (Both onions and garlic contain the toxic ingredient Thiosulphate. But onions are more of a danger. Many dog biscuits contain *small* amounts of garlic – garlic contains less of this toxin so huge amounts would need to be consumed to be toxic. And, by the way, this poison builds up the system – it can be toxic in one large dose – or with repeated consumption of small amounts.)
  • Chocolate – (Chocolate contains Theobromine, a compound that is a cardiac stimulant and a diuretic. This can be fatal to dogs.)
  • Grapes – (Grapes are dangerous because of an unknown substance which is toxic to dogs – affects canine’s kidneys)
  • Raisins – (See above.)
  • Most Fruit Pits and Seeds – (Contain Cyanogenic Glycosides resulting in cyanide poisoning – though the fruit itself is OK.)
  • Macadamia Nuts – (Macadamia nuts contain an unknown substance that is toxic to dogs.)
  • Bones – (Most bones should *not* be given (especially chicken bones) because they can splinter and cause laceration of the digestive system and/or become lodged in your pet’s throat – so they also pose a choking hazard.)
  • Potato Peelings and Green Potatoes – (Contain Oxalates, which can affect the digestive, nervous, and urinary systems.)
  • Rhubarb leaves – (See above.)
  • Broccoli – (Broccoli is only toxic in large quantities.)
  • Green parts of Tomatoes or Green Potatoes – (Contain oxalates, which can affect the digestive, nervous, and urinary systems.)
  • Yeast Dough – (Yeast Dough can produce gas and swell in your pet’s stomach – leading to rupture of the digestive system)
  • Coffee, Coffee Grounds, Tea, Soft Drinks – (Coffee, tea, & most soft drinks are dangerous due to the caffeine.)
  • Beer/Wine/Alcohol – of any kind (Alcohol of any kind could lead to coma or even death.)
  • Human Vitamins – (Human vitamins, especially those containing iron, can cause damage to the lining of the digestive system as well as cause kidney and liver damage)
  • Moldy or Spoiled Food – (I think this goes without saying.)
  • Persimmons – (Persimmons can cause intestinal blockage)
  • Raw Eggs and Raw Fish – (Raw eggs and some raw fish can cause Salmonella poisoning.)
  • Salt, Baking Soda, Baking Powder – (In large amounts these can cause an electrolyte imbalance – and severe electrolyte imbalances can lead to muscle spasm or even congestive heart failure.)
  • Mushrooms – (Mushrooms may contain toxins which could cause liver and kidney damage)
  • Sugar-Free Foods – (Sugar-free foods containing Xylitol have been found to cause liver failure in some dogs.)
  • Nutmeg – (Nutmeg can cause tremors, seizures, and central nervous system damage.)
  • Excessive Fatty Foods – (Excess fatty foods can cause Pancreatitis.)
  • Avocado – (All parts of the avocado and avocado tree are toxic to dogs.)
  • Diary Products – (Dairy products don’t usually pose a great danger; but many dairy product have high fat content (see number 23) – and many pets are lactose intolerant – some pets more than others. Lactose intolerance leads to gas and diarrhea; though small amounts of yogurt and cheese are usually fairly well tolerated.)