Dr. Randhir Singh
Dogs have long been known as man’s best friend. They are our companions, partners, and our closest confidantes. A dog is a part of the family, and you want to share everything with them; your time, your bed, your food. How many times have you sat down with a plate of food with your pooch right next to you and eventually given in to the pleading, puppy eyes?
However, there are some things that you have to be wary of when it comes to the food you share with your dogs. Humans and dogs have different metabolism, which means that quite often, there are certain human food items that might not be safe for your furry friend. Dogs have certain sensitivities and dietary needs that need to be paid attention to when wanting to share a plate of food with them. While there are some foods that are commonly known to be toxic for dogs, there is a long list of random foods that can harm your four-legged friend, some of which might surprise you. Let’s take a look at some human foods that a dog can or cannot eat.
Foods to never give your Dogs?
Macadamia Nuts
Why they’re bad: Not only do they have a high fat content that can irritate dogs’ stomachs, but also, for unknown reasons, macadamia nuts can be toxic. A dose of about two nuts per pound of body weight can result in poisoning that can lead to a temporary inability to walk. In worst-case scenario, in addition to paralysis, dogs can suffer severe weakness, nausea, and diarrhoea that requires hospitalization.
Cooked Bones
Why they’re bad: “The cooking process makes bones more brittle than their raw ones, making them more likely to splinter when a dog chews them. In worst-case scenario, potential outcomes include broken teeth, mouth injuries, constipation, and most concerning, a blockage or perforation in the intestinal tract. That can also cause peritonitis, or inflammation around the stomach tissue.
Leeks, Onions, and Garlic
Why they’re bad: Foods that are part of the allium family contain sulfoxides and disulphides, which damage red blood cells in dogs, meaning they can make the dog anaemic. They’re only a serious issue, however, when eaten raw and in large amounts. In worst-case scenario, dogs can get haemolytic anaemia, which requires a hospital trip. Complicating matters, it can take days before the anaemia is revealed.
Mushrooms
Why they’re bad: Mushrooms contain many toxins, and there are different types of poisonous toxins attached to specific mushrooms. All of which can affect many areas of a dog’s body. In worst-case scenario, they can cause seizures, shock and even possibly death.
Raw eggs
Why they’re bad: No doubt, eggs are full of protein and, if cooked well, can really benefit your dog’s coat and digestive system. But one way they are not great is if you give eggs to them raw. Never mind not great; it’s completely toxic! The reason for this is that raw eggs can contribute to a biotin deficiency. Eggs contain an enzyme known as ‘avidin,’ which restricts the absorption of biotin, one of the many B Vitamins. Even though biotin deficiencies are not that common in dogs, they could potentially still happen. If they end up having a biotin deficiency, they can be at risk of having an unhealthy coat, difficulty with digestion, skin problems and more. In worst-case scenario, not forgetting eggs can also carry salmonella, which is highly poisonous to dogs.
Bacon
Why it’s bad: You may not feel that hot after inhaling a plate of bacon, but it’s even worse for your pooch. This breakfast treat contains loads of fat that can lead to pancreatitis (an inflamed pancreas that functions incorrectly) in dogs. In worst-case scenario, I saw a dog that had helped himself to two bacon-wrapped filet skewers when the owners were outside prepping the grill. Not only did he eat all that fat and raw meat, but also the metal skewers, which could cause massive trauma in the stomach.” Ultimately, surgery was required.
Raw Dough
Why it’s bad: The yeast in unbaked bread can cause life-threatening illnesses after it’s ingested. “The dough continues to rise in their stomach and can extend their entire abdomen, causing extreme pain and potential blockages in the intestinal tract. In worst-case scenario, this effect may lead to a twisting of the stomach known as gastric-dilation volvulus. Another potential complication is that the fermentation of the raw dough produces ethanol, which can lead to alcohol poisoning.
Avocados
Why they’re bad: These popular fruits are dangerous for two reasons. First, they have a high fat content, which can wreak havoc on your dog’s tummy. Second, the slippery, hard pit is easy to swallow and can lead to a gastrointestinal obstruction. In worst-case scenario, surgery might be required to remove the blockage.
Peaches and Plums
Why they’re bad: Though these stone fruits aren’t inherently bad for dogs, they’re still dangerous because of their pits. In worst-case scenario, like avocados, the pit can get lodged in a dog’s throat or stomach, leading to choking and a gastrointestinal obstruction. If either of these situations goes untreated, we’re talking death!
Corn on the Cob
Why it’s bad: While corn itself isn’t toxic to dogs, it can become a major hazard because the cob (even just a few inches of it) is the perfect size to get stuck in the intestinal tract. What’s more, corn cobs are notoriously hard to see on x-rays and doctors may have to find it with an ultrasound. In worst-case scenario, without surgery to remove the corn cob, this can be fatal.
Chocolate
Why it’s bad: This sweet treat contains compounds like theobromine which is similar to caffeine that can lead to vomiting, dehydration, abdominal pain, muscle tremors, irregular heart rhythm, seizures, and death. In worst-case scenario, I (author) recall a horror story of a pug who died after eating 3 dairy milk silk chocolates. “The owners didn’t bring the dog in until 24 hours and later, when the dog had profuse diarrhoea and vomiting, owners rushed to hospital. The dog aspirated the vomit into its lungs, which caused pneumonia and eventually death.”
Ice cream
Why it’s bad: In general, ice cream is safe as an occasional treat. While some ice cream flavours, like vanilla, should be okay for most dogs, there are some situations when ice cream should be put on the “NO” list. These include when your dog is lactose intolerant, ice cream (chocolate flavour) contains dangerous ingredients like xylitol/ caffeine and when your dog does not need added sugars (suffering from diabetes, obesity). In worst-case scenario, too much chocolate flavoured ice cream can lead to caffeine toxicity manifested by seizure or collapse.
Grapes and Raisins
Why it’s bad: For unknown reasons, grapes and raisins (as well as some cranberries and currants) can cause rapid kidney failure in dogs. It’s also easy to forget how many foods in your kitchen can contain these culprits, such as trail mix, cookies, and Raisin Bran. In worst-case scenario, “I’ve (author) seen dogs that have had only a couple of raisins go into horrible kidney failure and have to be kept on dialysis and hospitalized for days. Without proper treatment, this can be fatal.
(The author is Assistant Professor (Veterinary Medicine) (GADVASU) Ludhiana, Punjab)
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