Our dogs blend perfectly into our lives and are so attuned to our feelings that they often appear almost human. However, it’s crucial not to assume that your furry friend can safely consume the same foods as you. In this article, you’ll find a list of 18 human snacks that are harmful to dogs and could even endanger their health.
Grapes (and Similar Fruits)
The VCA reports that all Vitis fruit species, including all colors and varieties of grapes, raisins, and currants, can cause kidney failure in dogs. The exact toxin responsible is unknown, and the effect varies depending on the amount of fruit ingested and an individual dog’s size, biology, and age. Symptoms can be delayed but include vomiting, lethargy, loss of appetite, and urine changes.
Milk, Cheese, Yogurt, and Ice Cream
While some puppies can tolerate milk, most adult dogs are lactose intolerant and do not produce the enzyme lactase, which is required to break down milk sugars. They can experience digestive issues like gas, diarrhea, and vomiting if they consume dairy products. If you want to treat your dog, try a lactose-free ‘pup cone,’ available at several food outlets.
Chocolate
Chocolate is a well-known danger for dogs. It contains theobromine and caffeine, neither of which dogs can metabolize. Dark chocolate contains the most, so while it’s the healthiest choice for humans, it is the most harmful type for your dog. Symptoms of chocolate poisoning can include vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, hyperactivity, seizures, and even death.
Corn on the Cob
Corn kernels aren’t toxic to dogs, but unlike other vegetables, they aren’t easily digested by canine digestive systems. Vets Now warns that whole corn on the cob is the most dangerous option, as the thick stem and kernel roots can cause intestinal blockages and lead to ‘corn indigestion.’ If you must give corn, remove the kernels first and ensure no hard parts remain.
Macadamia Nuts
These nuts can cause tremors, weakness, vomiting, diarrhea, and hyperthermia in dogs if ingested. Scientists still don’t know which component of these oily nuts causes poisoning, but the effect is unique to canines and not witnessed in other animal species. It can take 3–6 hours for symptoms to manifest—if your dog eats macadamia nuts, take them to the vet right away.
Onions, Garlic, and Leeks
According to Spruce Pets, “all members of the Allium species of root vegetables, which includes onions, scallions, leeks, chives, shallots, and garlic, are toxic to dogs.” Alliums contain N-propyl disulfide, which can damage a dog’s red blood cells and lead to anemia, and they are also highly toxic to cats. Symptoms include lethargy, weakness, pale gums, and difficulty breathing.
Cooked Bones
Once cooked, animal bones become more brittle and can break or splinter when chewed on by your dog. This is especially true of poultry bones, which are smaller and weaker than those of cows or pigs. Shards of bone can cause choking, intestinal blockages, or internal injuries. Stick with raw, meaty bones appropriate for your dog’s size, and always supervise them when they’re eating bones.
Fatty Foods
Foods that contain a lot of saturated fat, like fried meats, processed snacks, and excessive butter or cheese, can cause pancreatitis. This life-threatening condition occurs when your dog’s pancreas becomes painfully inflamed and is more likely to reoccur if your pet has suffered from it before. Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and loss of appetite.
Peanut Butter
Some types of peanut butter contain an artificial sweetener called xylitol, which is poisonous for dogs, even in small amounts. Xylitol causes a sudden drop in blood sugar, leading to seizures, liver failure, and even death. You need to be vigilant for this sweetener in all foods (not just nut butter), including sugar-free gum, sweets, and artificially sweetened baked goods.
Alcohol
Alcoholic beverages and foods containing alcohol can cause ethanol poisoning in dogs, who can’t process alcohol like an average adult human can. Keep all alcoholic beverages safely out of reach, because otherwise, your dog could be at risk of all sorts of awful problems.
Yeast Dough
Raw yeast dough contains a live culture of fungal organisms that continue to reproduce and create gas as long as conditions remain conducive. If your dog eats bread dough, it can rise in their stomach, causing bloating and discomfort. The fermentation process can also produce alcohol, which is poisonous. Always take care to discard dough scraps safely when baking.
Avocado
While this fruit may be a delicious and nutritious human snack, its pits, leaves, and skin contain a compound known as persin, which is toxic to dogs. This fungicidal canine toxin can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and respiratory problems if ingested by your dog. While not as dangerous, experts don’t recommend the flesh of avocados either, as it may contain traces of persin.
Mushrooms
Many wild mushrooms that are safe for human consumption are poisonous to dogs, and even some cultivated varieties can cause symptoms of illness in your canine friend. Avoid giving your dog any type of mushroom unless you are 100% sure that it is a variety that is safe for them. If your dog eats a wild mushroom, take a sample of the species and seek veterinary attention.
Sugar-Free Snacks
Xylitol isn’t the only artificial sweetener that shouldn’t be given to dogs, although it is the most dangerous. Others, like sorbitol and mannitol, occur naturally in certain fruits but are most dangerous when used in manmade, sugar-free products like sweets and gum. Watch out for signs of digestive upset, including gas, bloating, and diarrhea.
Fruit Pits and Seeds
Many fruit pits and seeds contain small amounts of cyanide, which can be toxic to dogs in large quantities. Additionally, pits can get lodged in your dog’s windpipe and become a choking hazard. While the flesh of most fruits is generally safe for dogs in moderation, it’s best to remove the pits and seeds first, especially from apples, peaches, plums, apricots, and cherries.
Sweets
Your dog likely enjoys sweet things, but human sweets are not a good option for them. Even if they don’t include toxic sweeteners or chocolate, excessive sugar intake can lead to weight gain, dental problems, and even diabetes. Small, hard sweets also pose a choking hazard to dogs, who will swallow them whole instead of sucking on them!
Salty Snacks
While popcorn kernels might not be harmful, too much salt is harmful to your dog, and, being smaller than an average human, they have lower daily sodium requirements anyway. Super salty human snacks like crisps aren’t suitable for your canine friend. Purchase some good quality, high-protein dog treats instead, and give them in moderation.
Coffee and Coca-Cola
These popular beverages contain high amounts of the stimulant caffeine, which is also present in tea, energy drinks, and other sodas. How much caffeine is toxic depends on your dog’s size, but any breed can suffer from caffeine poisoning if they ingest sufficient quantities. Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, hyperactivity, rapid heart rate, seizures, and even death.