Foods You Should Avoid Feeding Your Dog -

As a loving pet parent, it’s natural to want to share your food with your dog. However, many human foods can be harmful or even deadly to dogs.

While some treats are safe for your pup, others can lead to serious health issues, including digestive problems, poisoning, or worse. Understanding which foods are off-limits is crucial to ensuring the well-being of your furry friend.

First Off: What Should You Feed Your Dog?

When it comes to feeding your dog, the safest bet is to stick to dog-friendly treats and foods. High-quality commercial dog food is specially formulated to provide all the nutrients your dog needs. Healthy dog food from Forever Friend is a great example of ideal gourmet food to feed your pup!

If you want to give your dog something special, try giving them some safe, healthy options like:

Carrot sticks
Apple slices (without seeds)
Blueberries
Plain cooked chicken or turkey
Sweet potatoes
Dog-specific treats or biscuits

Always consult your veterinarian before introducing new foods to your dog’s diet, especially if you’re unsure about their safety. And remember: moderation is key. Treats, even healthy ones, should never make up more than 10% of your dog’s daily calorie intake.

Now we’ve got that out of the way. Here’s a list of common foods you should never feed your dog:

1. Chocolate

Chocolate contains theobromine, a substance that dogs cannot metabolize effectively. Even small amounts of chocolate, especially dark chocolate, can be toxic. Symptoms of chocolate poisoning in dogs include vomiting, diarrhea, rapid breathing, increased heart rate, and seizures. In severe cases, it can be fatal. The darker the chocolate, the more dangerous it is.

2. Grapes and Raisins

While the exact substance in grapes and raisins that causes toxicity in dogs remains unknown, consuming even small amounts can lead to kidney failure. Symptoms of grape or raisin toxicity include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and loss of appetite. Some dogs are more sensitive to grapes and raisins than others, so it’s best to avoid them altogether.

3. Onions, Garlic, and Chives

Onions, garlic, and chives—whether raw, cooked, or powdered—can cause a condition called hemolytic anemia, which destroys a dog’s red blood cells and can lead to severe health problems. The effects are cumulative, meaning regular exposure to even small amounts can result in toxicity over time. Symptoms of onion or garlic poisoning include weakness, lethargy, and vomiting.

4. Xylitol (Artificial Sweetener)

Xylitol, an artificial sweetener found in sugar-free gum, candy, baked goods, and some peanut butters, is extremely toxic to dogs. It can cause a rapid release of insulin, leading to hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). Early signs of xylitol poisoning include lethargy, loss of coordination, and vomiting. In severe cases, it can cause liver failure and seizures. Always check ingredient labels to ensure products don’t contain xylitol.

5. Alcohol

Even small amounts of alcohol can be dangerous for dogs, causing symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, difficulty breathing, tremors, and, in extreme cases, coma or death. Alcohol affects the central nervous system, and dogs are much more sensitive to its effects than humans.

6. Avocado

Avocados contain a substance called persin, which can be toxic to some animals, particularly dogs. While dogs are generally more resistant to persin than other animals, it can still cause upset stomachs, vomiting, and diarrhea in sensitive pups. Additionally, the large pit can pose a choking hazard or cause a blockage in the intestines if ingested.

7. Macadamia Nuts

Macadamia nuts can cause dogs to experience weakness, tremors, hyperthermia (elevated body temperature), and incoordination. The exact cause of the toxicity is still unknown, but even small quantities can lead to symptoms. Keep your dog away from macadamia nuts, as well as foods containing them, such as cookies and candies.

8. Cooked Bones

While raw bones can be a healthy and natural treat for dogs, cooked bones (including those from chicken, turkey, and other meats) can splinter and pose a serious choking hazard. They can also cause intestinal blockages or tears in the digestive tract, which can be life-threatening. Always ensure that bones are raw and appropriate for your dog’s size and chewing habits.

9. Caffeinated Beverages (Coffee, Tea, Energy Drinks)

Caffeine is a stimulant that can cause dogs to become hyperactive, experience restlessness, and have rapid heartbeats. Ingesting too much caffeine can lead to muscle tremors, seizures, or even death. Keep all coffee, tea, energy drinks, and chocolate-containing foods safely out of reach.

10. Dairy Products

While some dogs can tolerate dairy in small amounts, many dogs are lactose intolerant. Dairy products like milk, cheese, and ice cream can cause gastrointestinal upset, including diarrhea, bloating, and gas. If you want to share a treat with your dog, choose dairy-free options specifically made for dogs.

11. Raw Dough (with Yeast)

Raw dough, such as the kind used for baking bread, contains yeast that can continue to rise in your dog’s stomach. This can cause severe bloating and discomfort. Additionally, the fermentation of the dough creates alcohol, which can lead to alcohol poisoning. If your dog ingests raw dough, it’s important to seek immediate veterinary care.

12. Salt

While small amounts of salt aren’t typically harmful to dogs, too much salt can lead to sodium ion poisoning. Symptoms of salt toxicity include vomiting, diarrhea, excessive thirst, lethargy, and in severe cases, seizures and kidney damage. Avoid feeding your dog salty snacks like chips, pretzels, or processed foods.

13. Fatty Foods and Greasy Leftovers

Feeding your dog fatty foods or greasy leftovers, such as bacon or fatty cuts of meat, can lead to pancreatitis—a painful and potentially serious condition where the pancreas becomes inflamed. Pancreatitis can cause vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and loss of appetite.

14. Citrus Fruits (Lemons, Limes, Oranges)

While citrus fruits are not typically toxic to dogs, their strong acidity can cause stomach upset, vomiting, and diarrhea. The seeds and peel of citrus fruits also contain compounds that can be harmful. Keep citrus fruits away from your dog, especially in large amounts.

15. Cherry Pits, Apple Seeds, and Other Fruit Pits

The pits of fruits like cherries, peaches, and apples contain cyanogenic compounds, which can release cyanide when metabolized. While a single pit is unlikely to be fatal, ingesting multiple pits or regularly eating them could pose a serious health risk to your dog.

By being mindful of what your dog eats, you can keep them happy, healthy, and safe for years to come. If your dog has accidentally eaten something from this list, contact your vet immediately for advice. Quick action can often prevent serious health problems from developing.