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25 Human Foods Potentially Harmful to Dogs
- Onions (Both onions and garlic contain the toxic ingredient Thiosulphate. But onions are more of a danger. Many dog biscuits contain *small* amounts of garlic – garlic contains less of this toxin so huge amounts would need to be consumed to be toxic. And, by the way, this poison builds up the system – it can be toxic in one large dose – or with repeated consumption of small amounts.)
- Chocolate (Chocolate contains Theobromine, a compound that is a cardiac stimulant and a diuretic. This can be fatal to dogs.)
- Grapes (Grapes are dangerous because of an unknown substance which is toxic to dogs – affects canine’s kidneys.)
- Raisins (See above.)
- Most Fruit Pits and Seeds (Contain Cyanogenic Glycosides resulting in cyanide poisoning – though the fruit itself is OK.)
- Macadamia Nuts (Macadamia nuts contain an unknown substance that is toxic to dogs.)
- Bones (Most bones should *not* be given (especially chicken bones) because they can splinter and cause laceration of the digestive system and/or become lodged in your pet’s throat – so they also pose a choking hazard.)
- Potato Peelings and Green Potatoes (Contain Oxalates, which can affect the digestive, nervous, and urinary systems.)
- Rhubarb leaves (See above.)
- Broccoli (Broccoli is only toxic in large quantities.)
- Green parts of Tomatoes or Green Potatoes (Contain oxalates, which can affect the digestive, nervous, and urinary systems.)
- Yeast Dough (Yeast Dough can produce gas and swell in your pet’s stomach – leading to rupture of the digestive system.)
- Coffee, Coffee Grounds, Tea, Soft Drinks (Coffee, tea, & most soft drinks are dangerous due to the caffeine.)
- Beer/Wine/Alcohol of any kind (Alcohol of any kind could lead to coma or even death.)
- Human Vitamins (Human vitamins, especially those containing iron, can cause damage to the lining of the digestive system as well as cause kidney and liver damage.)
- Moldy or Spoiled Food (I think this goes without saying.)
- Persimmons (Persimmons can cause intestinal blockage.)
- Raw Eggs and Raw Fish (Raw eggs and some raw fish can cause Salmonella poisoning.)
- Salt, Baking Soda, Baking Powder (In large amounts these can cause an electrolyte imbalance – and severe electrolyte imbalances can lead to muscle spasm or even congestive heart failure.)
- Mushrooms (Mushrooms may contain toxins which could cause liver and kidney damage.)
- Sugar-Free Foods (Sugar-free foods containing Xylitol have been found to cause liver failure in some dogs.)
- Nutmeg (Nutmeg can cause tremors, seizures, and central nervous system damage.)
- Excessive Fatty Foods (Excess fatty foods can cause Pancreatitis.)
- Avocado (All parts of the avocado and avocado tree are toxic to dogs.)
- Dairy Products (Dairy products don’t usually pose a great danger; but many dairy product have high fat content (see number 23) – and many pets are lactose intolerant – some pets more than others. Lactose intolerance leads to gas and diarrhea; though small amounts of yogurt and cheese are usually fairly well tolerated.)