11 Human Foods Dogs Should Never Eat

Some foods that humans eat can be poisonous or even fatal to dogs in some cases. In this article, we will look at some common human foods that dogs should avoid.

Coffee, tea, and other caffeine-containing beverages

Coffee grounds and beans, tea, as well as soda and energy drinks, can all be harmful to dogs.

According to the Pet Poison Helpline, a national licensed animal poison center: "Caffeine has a stronger effect on pets than it does on humans. While one to two laps of coffee, tea, or soda will not contain enough caffeine to poison most pets, ingestion of moderate amounts of coffee grounds, tea bags, or 1-2 diet pills can easily kill small dogs or cats."

Within one to two hours of exposure, caffeine poisoning symptoms include "mild to severe hyperactivity, restlessness, vomiting, tachycardia (elevated heart rate), hypertension (elevated blood pressure), abnormal heart rhythms, tremors, hyperthermia (elevated body temperature), seizures, and collapse."

Chocolate contains methylxanthines, as do coffee and caffeine. According to the ASPCA, they can be found in cacao seeds, the fruit of the plant used to make coffee, as well as the nuts of an extract used in some sodas.

Methylxanthines can cause vomiting and diarrhea, panting, excessive thirst and urination, hyperactivity, irregular heart rhythm, tremors, seizures, and even death in dogs.

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, "while some types of chocolate are less toxic than others, it is safer to keep your pet away from all types of chocolate."

Dark chocolate is riskier than milk chocolate. The ASPCA adds that white chocolate has the lowest level of methylxanthines, while baking chocolate has the highest.

Alcohol

The ASPCA warns, "Under no circumstances should your pet be given any alcohol."

Beverages and foods containing alcohol can be fatal to dogs. It also mentions that they can cause "vomiting, diarrhea, decreased coordination, central nervous system depression, difficulty breathing, tremors, abnormal blood acidity, and coma."

Apple

Seeds Apple seeds contain cyanide, which is toxic to dogs. The seeds can be "particularly toxic during the wilting process," according to the ASPCA.

Cherries

Cherry plants contain cyanide, with the exception of the fleshy part around the pit. "Because cyanide disrupts cellular oxygen transport, your dog's blood cells are deprived of oxygen. Cyanide poisoning symptoms include dilated pupils, difficulty breathing, and red gums "According to the American Kennel Club (AKC).

Peaches

Peach pits, like apple seeds and cherry pits, contain cyanide and are toxic to dogs.

The AKC also mentions: "Don't give your dog canned or preserved peaches. They are high in sugar and may be treated with preservatives or artificial sweeteners, which can cause serious digestive upset in your dog."

"Toxicity can be caused by all grapes and raisins, seeded and seedless, organic and conventionally grown. The precise mechanism by which these foods cause toxicity is unknown, and toxicity does not appear to be dose-dependent. This unidentified toxin can result in vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, anorexia, and acute renal (kidney) failure "It is noted.

From grape or raisin juice and pastes to bread, cookies, and cereal bars, most products containing grapes or raisins may be toxic to your dog.

Avocados

Avocado pits, skins, and leaves contain persin, a "fungicidal toxin that can cause serious health problems—even death—in many animals." The AKC warns that it can cause vomiting and diarrhea in dogs.

"The fleshy inside of the fruit does not have as much persin as the rest of the plant," the AKC adds, "but it is still too much for dogs to handle."

Onions

Onions are toxic to dogs because they contain N-propyl disulfide, a compound that causes red blood cell breakdown, resulting in anemia in dogs.

According to the AKC, "the toxin causes oxidative damage to your dog's red blood cells by attaching to the oxygen molecules in your dog's red blood cells," reducing the red blood cells' ability to carry oxygen.

Dogs are poisoned by all parts of the onion plant, including the flesh, leaves, juice, and processed powders.

Garlic

Garlic, onions, chives, and leeks are all members of the allium plant family and are toxic to dogs. Garlic is about five times more potent than onion, and some dogs are more sensitive to it, including Japanese breeds like the Akita and Shiba Inu, according to the Pet Poison Helpline.

Pale gums, an elevated heart rate, weakness, and collapse are all symptoms of ingestion. "Poisoning from garlic and onions can cause delayed symptoms, so if you suspect your dog has eaten some, keep an eye on him or her for a few days, not just right after consumption," the AKC advises.

Coconut water

"Coconut water is high in potassium and should not be given to your pet," according to the ASPCA.

"The flesh and milk of fresh coconuts contain oils that can cause stomach upset, loose stools, and diarrhea." As a result, we urge you to exercise caution when feeding these foods to your pets," it adds.

Mints and gum

Dogs are poisoned by chewing gums, mints, and other products containing xylitol, a natural sugar-free sweetener.

"In most species, xylitol can cause insulin release, which can lead to liver failure. Hypoglycemia is caused by an increase in insulin (lowered sugar levels). Toxicosis symptoms include vomiting, lethargy, and loss of coordination. Seizures can occur as a result of the symptoms. Within a few days, elevated liver enzymes and liver failure can be observed "The ASPCA elaborates.

"If enough xylitol is ingested, it can cause life-threatening low blood sugar (even within 10-15 minutes of ingestion) and acute liver failure," warns the Pet Poison Helpline.

Other foods that may contain xylitol include candies, baked goods, pudding, gelatin snacks, sauces, syrups, and jams, as well as oral rinses, toothpaste, vitamins, and supplements, and even some clothing, according to the report.

Macadamia nuts

In dogs, macadamia nuts can cause fatigue, depression, vomiting, tremors, and hyperthermia. Symptoms will appear within 12 hours of ingestion and will last for 24 to 48 hours, according to the ASPCA.

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