It’s Not Just Chocolate: 10 Foods Your Dog Should Never Have

Sharing snacks with your pup might seem harmless, but some everyday foods are actually big no-nos for dogs and it goes well beyond chocolate. You’d be surprised at what can make them sick. It’s important to be aware of what’s safe and what’s not when it comes to feeding your best friend. Knowing what these foods are is important to keep your pup healthy and avoid any unwanted and expensive trips to the vet.

Giving a dog a treat.Photo byPexels.

Cooked Bones

Cooked bones might seem like a treat fit for a king, but they can splinter and cause serious issues from choking to intestinal damage. If you're going to give your dog bones for chewing, make sure they are always raw and beef bones are the safest bet. Other safe alternatives include specially made chew toys to keep your dog munching happily and healthily.

Excessively Salty Foods

Excessively salty foods can be very dangerous for dogs, leading to sodium ion poisoning with symptoms such as vomiting and dehydration. It is best to keep their snacks low-sodium with plain cooked pumpkin or carrots and save the salty treats for yourself.

Alcohol

Alcohol’s effects on dogs are severe, leading to everything from nausea to serious health risks like coma or even death. Always keep alcoholic beverages out of their reach and ensure they only have access to fresh water.

Person holding a cooked eaten bone.Photo byDepositphotos.

Xylitol

Xylitol, found in sugar-free products, can cause a significant drop in your dog’s blood sugar and even lead to liver failure. Always check labels for this sweetener and choose dog-specific treats that are safe and tasty. Although you may use it to bake with for yourself, never make homemade treats with alternative sugars for dogs.

Onions

Onions are highly toxic to dogs, causing everything from upset stomachs to dangerous anemia. Instead of sharing your onion-laden foods, offer your dog safer vegetables like carrots or cucumbers.

Macadamia Nuts

Macadamia nuts can cause severe reactions in dogs, including weakness and tremors. Avoid giving these nuts to your pet and opt for dog-safe treats or vegetables instead.

Macadamia nuts.Photo byDepositphotos.

Grapes and Raisins

Grapes and raisins pose a serious risk of kidney failure in dogs, even in small amounts. Substitute these potentially deadly snacks with dog-approved fruits like bananas or apples (without seeds).

Garlic

Garlic is in the same family as onions and can damage red blood cells in dogs and lead to anemia. Instead of letting them sample your garlicky meals, stick to pet-safe herbs like parsley or basil to improve the taste of their food.

Chocolate

Chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine, both of which are toxic to dogs. Symptoms can range from mild stomach upset to severe issues like seizures. Keep chocolate for human consumption and offer carob snacks to your dog instead.

Fruit Pits

Fruit pits are not just choking hazards; they contain cyanide, which is extremely harmful to dogs. Stick to safer fruit slices like apples (without seeds) or blueberries as treats for your dog.