Human Food Is Not Always Dog-Friendly

Dona Vi Estrella
Oct 18, 2018
3 min read

Updated: Oct 29, 2018

Foods that are perfectly suitable for human consumption, as well as other animals, may be toxic and even poisonous to your dog, posing a serious threat to their health and well-being. Why? Because all animals have very different rates of metabolism. Metabolism is basically the process of breaking down food and turning it into energy.

Ten List of Foods Not To Feed Your Dog

1. Alcohol

Do not give your dog alcohol on purpose. Alcohol can cause not only intoxication, lack of coordination, poor breathing and abnormal acidity, but potentially even coma and/or death.

2. Apple Seeds

The casing of apple seeds are toxic to a dog as they contain a natural chemical (amygdlin) that releases cyanide when digested. This is really only an issue if a large amount was eaten and the seed were chewed up by the dog, causing it to enter its bloodstream. To play it safe, be sure to core and seed apples before you feed them to your dog.

3. Avocado

Avocados contain persin, which can cause diarrhea, vomiting and heart congestion. The most dangerous part of an avocado is the pit because it is a choking hazard and it is full of persin. If you think your dog has ingested an avocado pet, call your vet asap. If your dog ate a small piece of avocado, it will probably be okay, but make sure you monitor your dog and call your vet for further care.

4. Candy, Chewing Gum, Toothpaste & Mouthwash

Not only does candy contain sugar, but it often contains xylitol, which can lead to vomiting, loss of coordination, seizures and liver failure.

5. Cat Food

Cat food contains proteins and fats that are targeted at the diet of a cat, not a dog. The protein and fat levels in cat food are too high for your dog, and not healthy. Ingesting too much cat food can result in upset stomach, obesity and pancreatitis.

6. Chocolate

Chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine, which speed the heart rate and stimulate the nervous system. Depending on the type of chocolate, amount your dog ingested and your dog’s weight will determine how sick (or not sick) your dog may become.

Ingesting too much theobromine and caffeine in chocolate may result in: vomiting, diarrhea, restlessness, increased urination, tremors, elevated heart rate, seizures and death. Below is a list of most dangerous to least dangerous chocolate to dogs:

Cocoa powder
Unsweetened baker’s chocolate
Semisweet chocolate
Dark chocolate
Milk chocolate
White chocolate

Since this is a common item in houses and dogs love the smell and taste of it, PetMD created a “dog chocolate toxicity meter” to help you know how serious your dog’s chocolate ingestion may be.

7. Coffee, Tea & Other Caffeine

Caffeine is extremely dangerous to dog and within 1-2 hours, your dog could be experiencing mild to severe hyperactivity, restlessness, vomiting, elevated heart rate and blood pressure, tremors, seizures and death.

8. Cooked Bones

When it comes to bones, the danger is that cooked bones can easily splinter when chewed by your dog. Raw (uncooked) bones, however, are appropriate and good for both your dog’s nutrition and teeth.

9. Corn On The Cob

While small amounts of corn are safe for a dog to ingest, giving your dog an ear of corn can be dangerous. If your dog is determined enough (which let’s face it, most dogs are) they will eat the cob and all. The cob can be a choking hazard and can cause intestinal blockage. This could be fatal to your dog.