As pet parents, we’ve all been there: you’re eating and look over to see an adorable, sweet face staring at you, begging you to share. It can be hard to say no; just look at those eyes! The problem is that just because something is safe for you doesn’t necessarily mean it’s okay for dogs to eat. You’ll keep your pets happy and healthy by being proactive and knowing a list of foods that are toxic to dogs.
What foods are toxic to dogs?
1. Chocolate
Most people have heard that chocolate is bad for dogs. Generally, the darker the chocolate, the more toxic it is to pets. So, baking chocolate is more toxic than milk chocolate.
2. Onions and garlic
Onions, garlic, and other related foods, such as scallions and chives, are things you shouldn’t feed your dog. Onions and garlic are common ingredients used in many foods we consume daily. So, remember to keep any dish containing onions or garlic far away from your pets.
3. Grapes and raisins
Grapes and raisins are other human foods that are bad for dogs. Grapes and raisins are used in many dishes, or you might consume them on their own as an easy snack. They are a commonplace snack for little kids, who are usually the perfect height for sneaky pets to grab food right out of their hands.
4. Xylitol
While you may have never heard of xylitol before, chances are you’ve consumed it. Xylitol is a sugar alcohol that people use to replace sugar in products. You’ll often see it being used in sugar-free gums, mints, candy, and even toothpaste. Xylitol is known to be toxic for dogs, but its effect on cats is not as clear.
5. Caffeine
Coffee, tea, energy drinks, and other caffeinated foods and beverages are bad for dogs and cats. While cats are more sensitive to caffeine than dogs, caffeine can be potentially fatal in both species.
6. Alcohol
All types of alcohol are another thing you shouldn’t feed your dog: beer, wine, and liquor. Many dogs have much smaller body weight and mass than humans, so a little alcohol can have a huge effect.
What to do if your dog eats a toxic food
If you suspect your dog has consumed human food that is bad for dogs, call your veterinarian immediately. Fortunately, most cases of pet poisoning are preventable with good, healthy pet eating habits. Only feed them human food if you know what’s in it, all ingredients are dog-approved, and your dog doesn’t have health problems including canine obesity that make diet or digestion an issue. Seal trashcans and keep human food out of reach to discourage your dog from sneaking food and to limit the opportunities for poisoning.
