14 Foods You Should NOT Feed Your Dog

Your dog’s diet is very important. They should have regular meals and maybe even have waggedy supplements implemented in their diet. If they have a good diet, they can live a long and healthy life. However, there are certain foods that you should NEVER feed your dog under any circumstances. Questions like ‘can dogs eat pineapples‘ are common among many dog owners, and it’s important to do some research before giving your dog any food that you’re unsure about. While individual cases will vary based on breed, weight, and other factors – in general, this list of foods applies to all dogs and should be carefully followed to avoid accidents. When in doubt, ask your vet. One major reason for a dog to experience gastric reflux would potentially be it’s food intake, if you’re worried for your dog then you might want to research into acid reflux in dogs further.

1- Avocado – Avocados make their own fungicide, called persin. Pretty cool, huh? But dogs are allergic to it (and some humans, too), so don’t let your dog near that guacamole. Persin is found in the seeds, leaves, and bark of avocado trees, too, so if you have an avocado tree in your yard, keep your dog away.

2- Apple seeds – The casing of apple seeds are toxic to a dog as they contain a natural chemical (amygdlin) that releases cyanide when digested. This is really only an issue if a large amount was eaten and the seed were chewed up by the dog, causing it to enter its bloodstream. But to play it safe, be sure to core and seed apples before you feed them to your dog.

3- Persimmons, Peaches, and Plums – The problem with these fruits is the seeds or pits. Seeds from persimmons can cause problems in a dog’s small intestine. They can also block his intestines. That can also happen if a dog eats the pit from a peach or plum. Peach and plum pits also have cyanide, which is poisonous to people and dogs. People know not to eat them. Dogs don’t.

4- Onions – Onions are one of the absolute worst foods you could give your dog (it’s poisonous for dogs, and it’s even worse for cats). They contain thiosulphate, which can cause anemia and damage red blood cells.

5- Garlic – Garlic can be okay for dogs in very small amounts (and even beneficial for flea treatment), large amounts can be risky. Garlic is related to onions which is toxic for dogs so it may be best to just avoid it.

6- Cooked Bones – When it comes to bones, the danger is that cooked bones can easily splinter when chewed by your dog. Raw (uncooked) bones, however, are appropriate and good for both your dog’s nutrition and teeth.

7- Macadamia Nuts – Keep your dog away from macadamia nuts and foods that have macadamia nuts in them. Just six raw or roasted macadamia nuts can make a dog sick. Look for symptoms like muscle shakes, vomiting, high temperature, and weakness in his back legs. Eating chocolate with the nuts will make symptoms worse, maybe even leading to death.

8- Coffee, Tea, Chocolate and Other – Give your dog toys if you want him to be perky. Caffeine can be fatal. Watch out for coffee and tea, even the beans and the grounds. Keep your dog away from cocoa, chocolate, colas, and energy drinks. Caffeine is also in some cold medicines and pain killers. Think your dog had caffeine? Watch for restlessness, fast breathing, and muscle twitches.

9- Milk and Other Dairy Products – On a hot day, it may be tempting to share your ice cream with your dog. Instead, give her an ice cube. Milk and milk-based products can cause diarrhea and other digestive problems for your pup. They can also trigger food allergies, which can cause her to itch.

10- Yeast Dough – Before it’s baked, bread dough needs to rise. And, that’s exactly what it would do in your dog’s stomach if he ate it. As it swells inside, the dough can stretch your dog’s abdomen and cause a lot of pain. Also, when the yeast ferments the dough to make it rise, it makes alcohol that can lead to alcohol poisoning.

11- Alcohol – Alcohol has the same effect on a dog’s liver and brain that it has on people. But it takes a lot less to hurt your dog. Just a little beer, liquor, wine, or food with alcohol can be bad. It can cause vomiting, diarrhea, coordination problems, breathing problems, coma, even death. And the smaller your dog, the worse it can be.

12- Grapes and Raisins – There are better treats to give your dog. Grapes and raisins can cause kidney failure in dogs. And just a small amount can make a dog sick. Vomiting over and over is an early sign. Within a day, your dog will get sluggish and depressed.

13- Cherries – With the exception of the fleshy part around the seed, cherry plants contain cyanide and are toxic to dogs. Cyanide disrupts cellular oxygen transport, which means that your dog’s blood cells can’t get enough oxygen. If your dog eats cherries, be on the lookout for dilated pupils, difficulty breathing, and red gums, as these may be signs of cyanide poisoning.

14- Cat Food – Not that they would want this anyway, but cat food contains proteins and fats that are targeted at the diet of a cat, not a dog. The protein and fat levels in cat food are too high for your dog, and not healthy.

Here are a few easy tips for preventing your dog from eating dangerous and toxic foods:

• Store foods out of your dog’s reach. (Installing dog-proof locks on cabinets may be necessary for a curious doggy.)
• Do not leave your plate unattended at the table.
• Do not feed him table scraps.

It is especially important to be more mindful during the holidays. There is likely more enticing people food around, much of which can upset your dog’s tummy or even harm him.

***If you notice or suspect that your dog has eaten one of these foods, take him to your veterinarian immediately.***

While some of these foods may only cause your dog slight discomfort, others can be far more hazardous to their health. If in doubt, ask your veterinarian for guidance

Do you know of any other foods you should not feed your dog?