Puppies seem to find food everywhere. From searching under the table for dropped food to patiently waiting beside the baby’s high chair for any food spills, or checking the counter for any unattended meals. But some foods that are good for people can be harmful for your puppy. In this blog, we will discuss “what foods are unsafe for dogs?”, as well as which foods can be good for them.
Harmful foods
Chocolate
Dogs that ingest large amounts of chocolate can become sick, with symptoms that can include vomiting, heart problems, and seizures.
Chocolate is dangerous to dogs because it contains theobromine and theophylline. Dark chocolate is more dangerous for dogs, but you should keep your dog away from white chocolate, too.
Grapes and raisins
Raisins and grapes are toxic to dogs and can damage their kidneys. These foods are harmful to your dogs, even if they have only eaten a small amount.
Xylitol
Ingesting Xylitol can cause dogs to have a drop in blood sugar and can cause liver failure. Xylitol is an artificial sweetener that is found in some foods and personal care products. This includes certain peanut butter brands, including P28 Almond and Peanut Spread, Zellie’s Breath mints, and Himalaya Botanique Toothpaste.
You should always check that your peanut butter doesn’t have xylitol in it, as well as keep toothpaste and breathmints outside of your dog’s reach. Including on counters and tables, your dog could jump up on.
Black walnuts and macadamia nuts
Black walnuts and macadamia nuts are high in phosphorus which can cause urinary issues. Nuts can cause blockages due to their high salt and fat content. You should avoid giving your dog any food with nuts in them.
Avocados
Avocados are dangerous for dogs because of the natural toxin persin. Persin can cause gastrointestinal issues, including diarrhea and vomiting.
Onions and garlic
Garlic and onions both belong the allium family, which contains the compound N-propyl disulfide which can damage red blood cells. You should avoid giving your dog any left overs that contain garlic or onion.
Raw potato skins
Raw potato skins contain solanine, which can cause gastrointestinal issues. To help avoid giving your dog an upset stomach, you should always make sure you pick up any scraps when peeling potatoes.
Nutmeg
Nutmeg is toxic to dogs because it contains myristicin. This can cause them to be disorientated and cause gastrointestinal upset. So it’s important to make sure you don’t give your dog any leftovers that contain nutmeg.
Unripe tomatoes
Unripe tomatoes contain tomatine and solanine, which are toxic to dogs and can cause vomiting and diarrhea. Tomato plants also contain these chemicals and are part of the nightshade family.
Now that we have discussed unsafe foods for dogs, let’s list some healthy food options that you can give to your dog.
Safe foods for dogs
The following fruits and vegetables are safe for dogs in moderation. You can cut these up and serve with some (xylitol free) peanut butter, or mix them with peanut butter, pumpkin, and kibble, and put them inside a Kong as a fun treat for some enrichment. These safe foods include:
- Bananas
- Strawberries
- Cantaloupe
- Oranges
- Blueberries
- Spinach
- Pineapple
- Pears
- Raspberries
- Watermelon
- Green beans
- Broccoli
- Mango
- Carrots
- Peas
- Celery
You should contact your vet if you have any health concerns
If your dog eats any of these foods, we recommend contacting your vet. The size of the dog and how much has been ingested will impact the toxicity. Signs that your dog is unwell can include diarrhea, being lethargic, a loss of appetite, straining to go potty, and vomiting.
Do you have any questions on dog training?
Do you have any questions on dog obedience training or addressing behavioral concerns, such as reactivity, fearful behavior, separation anxiety, resource guarding, or touch sensitivity? Beyond the Dog Houston offers personalized private training sessions both at your home and throughout the Houston area, board and train programs, and virtual training programs. You can schedule a free consultation with our Pet Behavior Team to discuss your training goals and receive a personalized recommendation.
We use scientifically proven training methods, backed by extensive experience. Beyond the Dog Houston is led by our co-founders, Dr. Echterling-Savage, a Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist (CAAB) and Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), and Sean Savage, a Certified Dog Behavior Consultant (CDBC) and Certified Professional Dog Trainer-Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA).
