lifestyle

15 Types Of Human Food You Should Never Give Your Dog

It could kill them.

Cover image via Kobu_Dogu

While eating, many of us can't resist saying no when our pups give us this look

Image via Kobu_Dogu

However, you might want to be a little more strict with your dog's diet

Image via Wikimedia

Humans and dogs process foods very differently and so shouldn't be consuming all of the same things. Many types of foods you eat could be very very toxic to your pet dog.

Here are 15 foods you should never feed your dog:

1. Grapes (and raisins!)

Image via Pixabay

Grapes and raisins contain toxins that can cause kidney failure in dogs which is fatal.

2. Salty foods

Image via skinnyms.com

High sodium foods can cause sodium ion poisoning in pets. This causes vomiting, diarrhea, depression, tremors, elevated body temperature, seizures and even death.

3. Raw meat and eggs

Image via foodeagle.com

The raw meat diet for dogs has become incredibly popular in recent years with claims saying that it is best to feed your pet what's 'natural' to them.

However, raw meat doesn't give dogs all the nutrition they need. There's also the risk of meat being contaminated with harmful bacteria like Salmonella and E. coli. Raw eggs also contain a substance, known as avidin, that decreases the absorption of a B vitamin which can lead to skin problems.

4. Avocado

Image via Pixabay

Avocado contains persin, a toxic chemical to dogs. Another danger of giving avocado to dogs is the risk of them swallowing the pit, which can cause obstructions in their digestive tract.

5. Coffee and other products containing caffeine

Image via t-nation.com

Caffeine is processed much faster in dogs than it is in humans. Thus, just a small amount can cause caffeine poisoning.

6. Nuts

Image via Pixabay

Nuts contain very high amounts of fat which can cause issues such as vomiting and diarrhea, and potentially pancreatitis.

Macadamia nuts, especially, can cause weakness, depression, tremors and hyperthermia. Signs will usually start to appear after 12 hours of consumption.

7. Citrus foods

Image via nhm.ac.uk

Foods with citrus can cause stomach upset, irritation and even central nervous system depression in your pet.

8. Alcohol

Alcoholic drinks and products can cause vomiting, diarrhea, decreased coordination, central nervous system depression, difficulty breathing, tremors, abnormal blood acidity, coma and even death in dogs.

9. Dairy products - yup, no ice cream or milk!

Image via suryasalt.com

Most dogs lack the enzyme, lactase, which makes them unable to process the lactose found in milk and dairy products. High consumption can cause digestive issues and gastrointestinal problems.

10. Onions & garlic

Image via agroweb.org

Onions and garlic can cause gastrointestinal irritation in dogs and could lead to red blood cell damage.

11. Sugar

Image via savorylotus.com

Sugar can be just as harmful to dogs as it is to humans. A heavy consumption can cause diabetes, dental problems and obesity.

12. Coconuts

The flesh and milk of coconuts can cause stomach upset, loose stools and diarrhea. Coconut water also shouldn't be given as it is high in potassium which can be harmful to dogs.

13. Chocolate

Image via petmd.com

Chocolates contain methylxanthines, substances found in cacao beans. They can cause vomiting and diarrhea, panting, hyperactivity, abnormal heart rhythm, tremors, seizures and even death.

Dark chocolate is worse as it contains a higher level of methylxanthine.

14. Bones

Though bones seem like they would be natural for dogs to consume, this is only true for dogs living in the wild. Domestic dogs don't have digestive systems that are adapted to the rough and sharp surface of bones. Thus, consumption comes with the risk of a sharp bone puncturing their digestive tract.

15. Foods containing xylitol

Image via Blogspot

Xylitol is an ingredient used as a sweetener in many sugar-free products. It can also be found in many brands of chewing gum and peanut butter. When given to dogs, it can cause a large insulin release, which leads to kidney failure.

It might be time to rethink your pet’s diet! It’s for their own good.

More stories you should check out if you have a pet dog:

You may be interested in: