What Foods Are Poisonous to Dogs?

Do you have furry little friends? If so, you are probably familiar with some more common poisonous foods, like chocolate, avocado, onions, raisins, and grapes. But did you know that not all foods are equally dangerous? Some foods like bread, seeds, and grapes poison dogs, but other foods can help your dog stay healthier for longer.

We all think we know which foods are poisonous to our pets. But, in reality, the list of toxic foods for dogs is much wider than you might expect. Dogs can easily die from eating just a few common, everyday foods. To help keep your dog safe, learn which foods should be avoided and which foods may be okay to feed your dog occasionally.

Here Are the Foods That Are Poisonous to Dogs:

Garlic

Before you grab that garlic bulb to whip up a batch of homemade pizza, you might want to stop and think about if your dog will scarf it down. While garlic is tasty for humans, it can be toxic to dogs. While mild symptoms of garlic poisoning can include diarrhea, vomiting, or skin or eye irritation, in severe cases, garlic poisoning can cause damage to a dog’s liver or pancreas or even result in death.

Chocolate

Chocolate can be addicting and life-threatening, and dogs are no different. Chocolate can be toxic to dogs, just like cats, but dogs are more prone to accidental poisoning by chocolate than cats. It takes a lot for a dog to be poisoned by chocolate, but if you or your pet ingest any chocolate, call your vet immediately.

Avocado

Avocados make for deliciously creamy guacamole, but they are also poisonous to dogs. The toxic ingredient in avocados is persin, found in all parts of the fruit, not just the pits. Avocados also contain Krill oil that may help protect dogs from cancer and inflammation. However, avocados are dangerous to dogs because they contain fats and oils that can cause intestinal damage. Avocados can also be contaminated with bacteria, negatively affecting dogs’ digestive systems.

Yeast

Yeast and Yeast products can be poisonous to dogs. Yeast A, or wild yeast, can reside in the dog’s digestive tract, stomach, mouth, or lungs. Yeast toxins can adversely affect a dog’s kidneys, liver, or other organs.

Citrus Oil

Citrus oil can be in many forms, including rind, bark, or oil. These oils can cause severe reactions in dogs, from vomiting to abnormal heart rhythms. When ingested, citrus oil is toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. The toxins in citrus oil move through the body quickly, so your dog’s treatment must begin soon after ingestion.

Macadamia Nuts

Macadamia nuts are incredibly delicious tree nut that is extremely sweet and satisfying. Unfortunately, they are also highly poisonous to dogs, causing liver failure. If a dog eats just one macadamia nut, the dog can die from liver failure. However, the effects of this nut can be minimized by properly educating pet owners and dog guardians.

Grapes

Grapes can be deadly to dogs, causing kidney failure. However, this is a rare occurrence, and grapes in low quantities are generally safe. 

In conclusion, chocolate poisoning can cause symptoms that include vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, difficulty breathing, and coma. Chocolate’s high fat and sugar content also increases the risk of death, possibly causing pancreatitis. Other foods to avoid include grapes, raisins, seeds, avocados, and macadamia nuts. Also, make sure to check expiration dates on foods and treats, as some foods may be poisonous even if they are not expired. Anything containing xylitol, an artificial sweetener, is especially dangerous, as dogs can quickly become poisoned.