Harmful foods for dogs

Dogs are generally considered omnivores who regard leftovers from human meals as delicacies. Often, a single, pleading look is enough for a sly bite of lunch to fall from under the table, which the furry friend then snatches up and devours at leisure. It's not uncommon for all sorts of leftover food to end up unnoticed in the dog's bowl.

However, dogs can't tolerate all the foods that their owners enjoy! Many foods mistakenly considered safe are not properly processed by a dog's body and metabolism. In severe cases, this can even lead to poisoning, making a trip to the vet unavoidable!

Harmful foods for dogs

While an occasional treat is fine, dog owners should exercise restraint with certain foods. They should know exactly which foods can be dangerous for their four-legged friend and which are detrimental to a healthy canine diet. Therefore, we have compiled an overview of foods that can endanger your dog's health.

Onions & Garlic

While indispensable in the human diet, garlic and onions are unsuitable for dogs. It makes no difference whether the four-legged friends eat these alliums raw, cooked, or dried.

Onions and garlic contain essential oils and sulfur compounds that are toxic to dogs and can cause anemia. In the most tragic cases, they can lead to death. If a dog has eaten these harmful vegetables, it will suffer from vomiting and diarrhea. It will refuse food and water and have blood in its urine. The blood count will change, and jaundice is also a common occurrence.

Potatoes, aubergines & tomatoes

Caution should also be exercised with some vegetables. Tomatoes, eggplants, and potatoes, especially when raw, can be toxic to dogs. Raw and sprouting potatoes, in particular, are not digestible for dogs. The nightshade plants contain chemical compounds in their green parts.

The active ingredient has the property of increasing the calcium content in cells to such an extent that they are damaged or die. While this poisoning in humans is usually accompanied by nausea and bloating, it is dangerous for dogs due to their smaller stature. Symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, and mucous membrane irritation occur. In severe cases, brain function is impaired.

It is important to discard the water in which the vegetables were cooked, as the toxins are concentrated in it. Ripe tomatoes that no longer have any green parts are safe to eat.

Raw pulses

Raw legumes such as beans and peas pose a danger not only to dogs but also to humans. This is due to the high content of the active ingredient phasin, which raw legumes contain. When cooked (for at least 15 minutes), the structure of the substance changes and becomes harmless.

Phasin causes red blood cells to clump together. At high concentrations, the substance is fatal. Poisoning can be recognized by diarrhea and vomiting in the animal. Abdominal cramps and fever also occur. Severe intoxication can lead to liver damage and gastrointestinal bleeding.

Fruit pits

Fruit itself is not dangerous for a dog's health. The pulp is digested without any problems. However, the pits of stone fruits like peaches, cherries, or plums are more problematic. They contain the toxin cyanide, a compound of the highly toxic hydrocyanic acid. This substance prevents cells from absorbing oxygen, causing them to die and the dog to suffocate internally. Furthermore, the sharp edges of some pits can cause internal injuries and bleeding.

It is therefore recommended to remove the pits and only put the pulp in the bowl. If a dog swallows a fruit pit, it will react with diarrhea, difficulty breathing, seizures, fever, and vomiting. There is a risk of poisoning, so a veterinarian must be consulted immediately.

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avocado

While people hail avocados as a superfood due to their numerous nutrients, the fruit has fatal consequences for smaller animals like dogs. Swallowing the pit can lead to death by suffocation, and the flesh is not digestible for these four-legged friends.

This is due to the toxin persin. The effects of this substance on dogs are not yet fully understood. However, it is known that persin damages the heart muscle and can ultimately be fatal. While persin is not present in all types of avocados, it is almost impossible for the untrained eye to discern the subtle differences and distinguish between non-toxic and toxic varieties. Therefore, it is recommended to completely avoid adding avocados to your dog's food.

Mild poisoning manifests as diarrhea and vomiting. Severe poisoning causes rapid heartbeat and respiratory distress in dogs. In some cases, fluid accumulates in the abdominal cavity.

Raisins & grapes

The exact reasons why raisins and grapes are toxic to some dogs have not yet been fully researched. However, it is considered certain that the adverse effects caused by these fruits are not due to the pesticides or additives used to promote plant growth and improve the appearance of the fruit. Even dogs that have consumed untreated grapes or raisins can exhibit symptoms of poisoning. Furthermore, it remains unclear why some animals are insensitive to grapes and raisins while others show signs of intoxication even after consuming the smallest amounts.

The symptoms of grape poisoning include excessive salivation and vomiting. Affected dogs also exhibit lethargy and may experience tremors and weakness. Additionally, an abnormally high blood calcium level is noticeable. In the worst cases, kidney failure can occur within one to two days, so a visit to the veterinarian is recommended at the first sign of these symptoms.

Even though veterinary recommendations suggest that consuming 10 to 30 grams per kilogram of body weight is harmless for dogs, these fruits should be completely avoided when feeding them.

Chocolate & Cocoa

Chocolate is highly toxic to dogs. Dogs should not eat any products containing cocoa or cocoa beans. The toxicity is caused by theobromine, a substance found in cocoa, chocolate, and tea. Theobromine belongs to the group of methylxanthines and is structurally related to caffeine.

The substance has stimulating properties. While chocolate can trigger feelings of happiness in humans, the active ingredient overwhelms the small bodies of dogs, especially since the animal organism lacks the enzymes to break down theobromine.

Even the smallest amounts can cause cardiac arrhythmias, diarrhea, and vomiting in dogs. Furthermore, seizures, respiratory distress, and altered mental status can occur. In the most severe cases, ingestion of this food can lead to cardiovascular collapse and ultimately the dog's death.

Raw pork

Raw pork itself is not dangerous for dogs. However, if the pig from which the meat comes is infected with the Aujeszky's virus, it can lead to the dog's death within two days. The Aujeszky's virus is a herpesvirus that is harmless to humans. In dogs, however, an infection causes fatal inflammation of the nerves, spinal cord, and brain.

Infection manifests symptoms such as loss of appetite and restlessness. In addition, tics, itching, personality changes, as well as seizures and fits of rage occur, which is why the disease is also called "rabies" or "itch plague".

Since the infection spreads directly from pig to pig in livestock farming and is inevitably fatal for many species, it is a notifiable disease in Germany under the Animal Health Act (TierGesG). However, the disease can be easily prevented in dogs. If the pork is heated to over 60° Celsius and cooked or roasted, the viruses are killed, and the dog can be safely fed it.

Walnuts & Macadamia Nuts

Nuts are very high in fat. This is especially true for walnuts and macadamia nuts. These fruits are therefore among the foods that should not be fed to dogs. Furthermore, unripe and fresh walnuts are often infested with a fungus that contains substances toxic to dogs. Unlike mold, this fungus is not visible to the naked eye. However, in dogs, it causes convulsions and tremors and can lead to epileptic symptoms.

Macadamia nuts are also problematic for dogs, as they have an unhealthily high phosphorus content. Furthermore, they contain a previously unknown substance that is toxic to dogs and cats. It is now known that this substance attacks the nervous and digestive systems. The resulting symptoms include paralysis, fever, and weakness.

alcohol

Excessive alcohol consumption is not only harmful to humans. Alcohol has a devastating effect on dogs, which have a lower tolerance threshold. Even a small sip is enough to seriously endanger the animal's health. Several sips can quickly be fatal.

A dog's body can only metabolize alcohol very incompletely. Even non-alcoholic beer should be kept away from dogs. The hops it contains are highly toxic to small animals. Alcohol ingestion can cause symptoms such as acute vomiting, seizures, coordination problems, and respiratory distress. In sufficiently high doses, there is a risk that the dog will fall into a coma or die. Low doses administered over a prolonged period can cause liver damage.

Raw eggs

Eggs are a component of the raw food diet (BARF method) for small animals such as dogs and cats. Therefore, this food, which has a high nutritional value, is not inherently bad for your four-legged friend. Fresh egg yolks, in particular, are rich in valuable nutrients.

Raw egg whites are more problematic for dogs. They contain a high level of avidin. This protein depletes the body of biotin, which is essential for a healthy, shiny coat. Furthermore, older raw eggs can be dangerous if they are contaminated with salmonella. Salmonella poisoning in dogs is accompanied by vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of appetite.

Milk and dairy products

Unlike cats, dogs don't generally suffer from lactose intolerance. Nevertheless, caution is advised when feeding them milk. Milk contains many important vitamins and minerals that are beneficial to a dog's health. However, milk and dairy products contain lactose, fats, and proteins that can overload the digestive system.

The consequences are bloating, diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, and constipation. Since milk is not part of a balanced canine diet, it should be given sparingly.

Poisonous plants for dogs

Dogs, and especially puppies, are very curious and love to explore the house and garden. In doing so, they usually come into contact with plants. Some of these plants pose a significant danger because dogs examine them with their noses and mouths and sometimes try to eat parts of them.

Some plants secrete toxins that can cause burns and poisoning even with simple contact. Others are characterized by poisonous flowers or roots. Still other species contain substances in their leaves or stems that are harmful to dogs if ingested.

If an animal comes into contact with poisonous plants such as poinsettias or thorn apples, this usually leads to poisoning, which is often mild but in some cases fatal. Dog owners should ensure that the plants listed below are not planted in their homes and gardens.

Plants pose a potential danger to dogs.

The potential danger increases when walking your dog in nature. The variety of plants is greater than in your own garden, and the likelihood of your dog encountering a particularly poisonous specimen while roaming is higher. Furthermore, dog owners have no control over which plants grow in the wild.

Many herbs contain substances that dogs cannot tolerate. Out of curiosity, a dog might quickly eat some henbane. Even a flowering meadow poses dangers if the dog sniffs the wrong blossoms. Therefore, all dog owners are urged to be careful when walking their dogs and to take them to the vet at the first sign of poisoning.

These plants should be treated with caution.

Of course, not all shrubs, herbs, and flowers are dangerous for dogs. Dog owners shouldn't be overly cautious, otherwise the enjoyment of having a dog and the friendship between human and animal can be lost. However, the following plants are strongly discouraged, although this list is not exhaustive:

• Aloe Vera
• Autumn crocus
• Daffodil
• Easter lily
• thimble
• geraniums
• daffodil
• oleander
• lily
• primrose
• rhododendron
• yew
• azalea
• Cyclamen
• eucalyptus
• mistletoe
• lily of the valley
• Poinsettia
• Benjamin
• Henbane
• hemlock
• spindle tree
• Deadly nightshade
• Thorn apple
• Giant hogweed
• hydrangea
• Golden rain

This is how you ensure the dog's health

A dog's metabolism differs fundamentally from that of a human. Many foods have properties that the animal's body cannot tolerate. Some of these lead to illnesses that would not occur with a balanced diet combined with appropriate nutritional supplements for dogs .

Furthermore, it's important to inform all family members and close friends about what the dog can and cannot eat. Often, visitors give the dog something they consider a treat, but the dog itself can't tolerate it and suffers as a result.

It's no coincidence that dog training is beneficial for your four-legged friend. It doesn't just teach obedience; targeted training also teaches the dog not to eat anything from the table or pick things up from the street.

Preventing poisoning

Poisoning poses a significant risk and can endanger the health of your beloved pet. The following measures can help minimize this risk:

• Avoid feeding the dog leftover food directly at the table.
• Store food in a way that prevents the dog from accessing it.
• Store cleaning and washing products out of the reach of your pet.
• Avoid spraying pesticides and herbicides in the garden while the dog is nearby.
• Store rat poison in lockable cabinets.
• Never leave chocolate lying around in the open.
• Do not grow poisonous plants in your garden or home.
• Make car products like oil and antifreeze inaccessible.
• Do not administer any medication without veterinary instructions.

Recognizing symptoms

If a dog has eaten something it shouldn't, it doesn't necessarily mean it's poisoned. The amount ingested is also a factor. However, dog owners should be vigilant. Action is required if the following symptoms occur:

• Shortness of breath
• apathy
• Fever
• cramps
• Bloated stomach
• Excessive salivation
• Great thirst
• Bleeding
• Diarrhea
• Vomit
• Unrest

What to do in an emergency?

If acute poisoning is suspected, a veterinarian or the emergency veterinary service should be contacted. It is important to remain calm and create a quiet and safe environment for the dog. Then, the veterinary practice should be called, and the situation should be described during the initial call so that the responsible veterinarian can get a clear picture of the situation.

It is recommended to bring the packaging of the food or product that caused the poisoning to the veterinary practice. Under no circumstances should you attempt to induce vomiting in the animal yourself.

FAQ: What can't dogs eat?

Many people wonder which foods dogs can tolerate and which they cannot. Therefore, we answer the most frequently asked questions here.

What can dogs eat without any worries?

Here is a list of foods that are safe for a dog's health:

• apple without seeds
• pineapple
• banana
• Pear
• Raspberries, blackberries and strawberries
• Stone fruit without pits
• cooked cauliflower
• cooked broccoli
• carrot
• Cucumber
• Kohlrabi
• spinach
• pumpkin

Which fruits and vegetables should dogs not eat?

The following foods should be avoided:

• Fatty food
• Avocados
• Chocolate
• alcohol
• garlic and onions
• Nightshade plants
• Raw pork
• Grapes and raisins
• Raw pulses

Is cheese harmful to dogs?

Cheese is a treat for dogs without lactose intolerance. They especially enjoy hard cheese.

Can my dog ​​eat bananas?

Dogs also enjoy bananas. However, due to their high potassium content, they should not be fed to them daily.

Conclusion - Reducing the risk of poisoning in dogs

The best protection against poisoning is to pay close attention to your dog's diet. The animal should learn not to eat food directly from the table. Visitors should be informed about which foods are safe for your dog and which are not. Foods that are not suitable for your dog must be stored out of its reach. Furthermore, all poisonous plants should be removed from the house and garden.