Can My Dog Eat Human Food?

Accidental ingestion of harmful food items in very small amounts will most likely just make your puppy feel sick or have an upset stomach, but larger quantities of some foods can be toxic and in some cases even fatal. Be careful not to leave food on the counter or anywhere that your pet could swallow them and be careful when feeding your dog table scraps and leftovers. If you notice your dog is behaving differently or showing any of the symptoms described after eating a certain food item, contact your vet. Also learn more about best dog houses to buy, because it's quite hard to find a good one.

Grapes and Raisins

Grapes and raisins may seem like a harmless snack to share with your pet, but they contain a toxin which can damage your dog's kidneys and may lead to kidney failure.

Onions

Onions contain sulfoxides and disulfides, which damage red blood cells and cause anemia. Garlic can also have a similar effect when ingested in large quantities.

Avocado

Al though avocado meat is safely used in dog foods to promote a healthy skin and coat, the leaves, seeds, fruit, and bark contain persin, which can cause vomiting and diarrhea. Persin can also damage your dog's heart, lungs and other tissues.

Chocolate

Chocolate contains theobromine, which could be fatal to your pet if eaten in large quantities. Dark, unsweetened chocolates, such as baking chocolates, are especially dangerous. They can cause a dog's heart to beat very rapidly and irregularly and may also cause vomiting and diarrhea.

Coffee and Tea

Any food or beverage which contains caffeine also contains theobromine, which can be toxic to the heart and nervous system of your pet.

Candy and gum

Candy or anything containing the sweetener, Xylitol, can cause a drop in an animal's blood sugar, loss of coordination and seizures. Xylitol can also cause an increase in insulin leading to diabetes and eventually causing liver failure. High sugar foods can also lead to dental issues and obesity.

Raw Meat

Typically meat is fine to feed to your pup as long as you know it is form a reliable source. Raw meats may contain bacteria, Salmonella or E. coli which can cause vomiting and severe diarrhea.

Bones and Fat

Fat trimmed from meat, even when it is cooked, can cause pancreatitis in dogs and should not be given as a treat.

Bones are not always safe for your dogs because, if not chewed thoroughly, bones could become lodged in your dog's throat. There is risk of your dog choking on them and of the bones splintering in its throat or digestive tract.

Alcohol

Alcohol can be poisonous to humans and pets. Since dogs are a lot smaller than humans, a small amount of alcohol could cause intoxication, panting, increased heart rate, raised body temperature, seizures, coma and even death.

Nuts

Walnuts and macadamia nuts are extremely toxic to dogs. After ingesting the nuts, your dog may become weak and have trouble walking or standing up. Other symptoms include vomiting, hyperthermia and an elevated heart rate.

Dairy products

Most dairy products are too rich for a dog's stomach and can cause digestive upset and diarrhea.

There are many foods we eat which are perfectly safe for our pets to eat as well. But if you are not sure that the food item is safe, it is best to feed them dog food which was specifically designed to provide them with the nutrition they require in appropriate amounts to fit their bodies needs.

Dogs and humans have very different digestive systems and some foods which may be great for us, can have negative affects on our pets health.


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