When it comes to dog food, it becomes next to impossible for every pet parent to say no to pets. They start giving such cute reactions while any parent is eating. However, there comes the need to think about which is healthy food to be fed to dogs or puppies and what could be toxic to their health. Many food products are nutritious for humans but are toxic for our cute canine companions. Thus, one needs to be very careful while feeding anything to their pets.
Let us now discuss in detail some food that could be toxic to the dog’s health and which dog food brands are available in the market and good to go with. There are varieties of dry dog food and wet dog food available that claim to be healthiest for pet’s health. However, it is always a better choice to discuss with the veterinarian which food is good for a dog’s health and which is harmful.
Which toxic food should not be given to dogs?
Many household food products are healthy for dogs while some may be harmful and toxic to the dog’s health. Here is a list of some toxic food that should be avoided from feeding dogs and puppies.
Alcohol
Dogs often get attracted to the sweet taste of alcoholic drinks. If dogs or puppies consume alcohol, its effect may be deadlier on their health. Even if consumed in a very small amount, it can lead to irregular heartbeat, low blood pressure, and even some worse issues.
Symptoms of alcohol poisoning in animals that might be noticeable are breathing problems, vomiting, diarrhea, etc. If consumed in large amounts can lead to coma or even severe death.
Avocado
One must be thinking that Avocado is good for health. Yes, it is good for humans' health but it is harmful to dogs’ health. Avocado is rich in a substance called persin. It is present in avocado seeds, plants, leaves, etc.
Symptoms that might be noticed if consumed can lead to dog poisoning that will cause vomiting and diarrhea. Avocado seeds can stuck in the intestines or stomachs of dogs and their block could be fatal to their health.
Chocolate
Chocolates contain theobromine which is poisonous to pets. All types of chocolates are harmful to pets’ health, even white chocolate is not good to feed pets. It is said that the darker the chocolate, the more theobromine it contains making it more poisonous to the dog’s health. Chocolate has a rich source of caffeine in them even some sugar-free chocolate might contain xylitol, both are toxic to dogs' health.
Symptoms that can be noticed after chocolates are consumed by dogs are hyperactivity, diarrhea, abnormal heartbeats, seizures, and pancreatitis.
Onions, Chives, & Garlic
Onions, chives, & garlic contains thiosulphate (sulfoxides and disulfides). If consumed by dogs, it damages red blood cells and can cause anemia in cats and dogs. Onions & garlic powders are found in many food brands available in the market. Thus, it is always advisable to check the complete ingredients and label list before feeding it to the dogs or puppies.
Some symptoms that might be noticeable are weakness, breathing problems, and vomiting.
Grapes & Raisins
Grapes & raisins can be fatal to a dog’s health. Even small consumption of it can lead to serious kidney issues that can even lead to kidney failure. Thus, it is advisable to keep your dog away from grapes & raisins.
Symptoms of grape poisoning or raisin poisoning include loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, changes in the amount of urine passed & bad smell in urine, or sometimes the pet might not even pass any urine.
Milk & Dairy Products
Milk & dairy products vary based on the body’s requirement for pets. Some dogs are lactose intolerant or even allergic to milk or other dairy products so it is better to keep dairy products and milk out of their reach. Ice cream is also harmful to dogs’ health because of the lactose contained in it, high sugar and high fats are also present in ice cream which can be fatal for dogs’ health.
Symptoms of milk & dairy products poisoning can lead to diarrhea and other digestive problems including gas.
Xylitol
There are some treats, candies, and chews that are available that contain xylitol to make it more sweetener. These are especially found in diet food, sugar-free candies, peanut butter, and treats. There is some dry dog food, dog treats, and chews available in the market that contains xylitol in it. Thus, every dog food brand needs to be purchased very carefully by checking the label and ingredients contained in it. As this can cause a rapid blood sugar level drop leading to weakness in the dog’s body and sometimes it even causes seizures.
Symptoms of xylitol poisoning can lead to vomiting, lethargy, coordination problems, and even liver failure in dogs.
Raw Meat
Raw meat sometimes contains salmonella or E. coli which can be seriously harmful to dogs’ health if consumed. Feeding dogs with raw eggs can lead to a biotin deficiency that is bad for dogs’ fur, coat, and skin. Raw meat contains bones that can choke and even get stuck in your pet’s throat. These sharp pieces and broken pieces of bones can even tear digestive organs causing internal bleeding.
Symptoms of raw meat poisoning can lead to a risk of forcing pancreas and liver problems.
Macadamia Nuts & Other Nuts
It is advisable to keep your dog or puppy away from macadamia nuts including all the food products that contain macadamia nuts in them. Almonds & Pistachios also provide several problematic painful symptoms to dogs or puppies that are even believed to be choking hazards for their health.
Symptoms of these nut poisoning include vomiting, muscle shakes, high body temperature, and weakness in the legs. Excess feeding can even lead to death.
Caffeine & Coffee
Caffeine & coffee contain methylxanthines in them. If a dog consumes caffeine or coffee, it increases its heart rate. Caffeine is a stimulant that is enough to damage a pet’s nervous system, heart, and other organs.
Symptoms of caffeine poisoning include diarrhea, vomiting, tremors, restlessness, heart pulsations, and rapid breathing.
There are certain possibilities that your dog might have eaten something that he shouldn't have consumed causing food poisoning in them. Symptoms include distress, restlessness, pain, bloody stools, vomiting, or even diarrhea. Thus, consulting a veterinarian as soon as possible is best in that situation to get your pet rid of such health problems.
It is perfectly said that prevention is better than cure. Thus, one should be extra cautious while selecting the type of food they are feeding their pets. There are varieties of dog food brands available in the market that claim to be the healthiest wet dog food and dry dog food. However, it is better to check all labels and ingredients contained in them before buying them and feeding them to the canine companions.
Kwik Pets understands the importance of keeping your canine companion's health in check. Hence, serving the best quality dog food including all other products that you require to keep your pet happy, healthy, comfortable, and strong. Check out all the products available here as we know that you don’t want to leave a single chance to get the best pet products.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1 Which foods are toxic as per the dog food chart?Some food should be kept away from the reach of dogs and puppies. Here is the list of some toxic foods for dogs: Coffee, alcohol, apple seeds, chocolate, avocado, raw eggs, raw meat, nuts, xylitol, onions & garlic, etc.
2 Is an apple bad for a dog’s health?Apple slices are beneficial for dogs’ health. These are also used to make healthy snacks and treats for dogs. It is highly effective in maintaining the dental health of dogs by providing fresh breath. However, apple seeds and the core of the apple are harmful and toxic to dogs’ health because apple seeds contain cyanide that may be a risk to dogs’ health.
3 What are some healthy foods for dogs?There are varieties of dog food brands available at Kwik Pets that are highly effective in providing whole nutrition to dogs. Some of the best dog food that is effective for dogs’ health is pumpkin, carrots, sweet potatoes, chia seeds, omega-3 oils, green beans, blueberries, etc.
