I love dogs; one of the reasons that I started this Big Dog Products website for Aussie dogs. So, to me, it’s not just all about selling product, but about sharing tips and info about dogs. Below is a list of foods which isn’t good for dogs. I should say right here and now, I am not a vet or canine nutritionist, but I did some research online and found these things.
Foods You Should NOT Give Your Dog
Chocolate. With Easter coming up, thought I’d mention this one first. Sure, most of us know that chocolate isn’t good for dogs and will upset their tummy, but you may not have known that the methylxanthines in chocolate can lead to heavy panting, excessive thirst and urination, hyperactivity, abnormal heart rhythm, tremors, seizures, and death. So this Easter (and beyond), have some doggo safe treats for your best friend and take care to keep the chocolate from their reach. Some dogs are quite good at sniffing it out, so take care. If you’ve got children, be sure to educate them as to the importance of not giving your dog “just a little bit”.
Rhubarb. Actually, it’s a fairly ‘old fashioned’ root that I think a lot us rarely have these days, but still, it can cause hypersalivation, kidney failure and tremors in dogs, so I thought worth mentioning.
Raisins and sultanas. I couldn’t ascertain online why, but another item which can lead to kidney failure in dogs. So, if you’re sharing some food you’ve made and it includes these, take care to not share leftovers.
Grapes. Like raisins, they should be avoided too, although not as bad as raisins.
Licorice. Whilst the nutraceutical extracts can have positive effects, reducing inflammation, in large amounts they can cause muscle and adrenal gland damage. How much is safe I don’t know, so my advice would be to avoid it altogether unless someone qualified, like your vet, can give you a clear instruction relative to your dog’s size.
Apricot pits, leaves and stems. Similar to apples, apricot pits and stems contain cyanide, and eating them can lead to dilated pupils, red mucous membranes, breathing difficulty, even shock, and apparently even death!
Apple seeds and core – as above – avoid this too.
Mustard seeds. Whilst little, they lead to vomiting and diarrhea.
Avocado. Avocado contains persin, a toxin that causes vomiting and diarrhea. Take care your dog doesn’t get hold of the skin, fruit or seed.
Onions. All forms and parts of onions are toxic for dogs, including the juice, processed powered, cooked, fried or raw. This also includes garlic, shallots, leeks and chives.
Citrus fruits. Even a small amount may upset a dog’s stomach. Larger amounts may be the cause for stomach pain. It can also lead to potential damage to the nervous system. I know my boys just have one sniff and back off, but I’ve heard of some people saying their dogs happily eat citrus fruits so do take care.
Chamomile. This herb which comes from daisy plant might help give us humans a good night’s sleep, but in dogs it can cause vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia and dermatitis. Consuming it in the long term also can make them prone to excessive bleeding.
Tomato plants. These can cause solanine toxicity. This will show up as anorexia, hypersalivation, gastrointestinal upset, central nervous system depression, lethargy, weakness, behavioral change, confusion and a slow heart rate. If you’re a gardener, take care that your dog isn’t having a nibble on the leaves – it can be very dangerous.
Nuts. These may cause a range of problems due to their high fat content - including weakness, vomiting, depression, tremors, and hyperthermia to pancreatitis.
Caffeine (and coffee beans). It’s not something I would naturally think to give my dog (just like I wouldn’t give it to my child), but some people might, so please don’t. Caffeine has the same chemical as chocolate so this should be avoided at all cost.
Coconut and coconut oil. Whilst some people think it’s excellent to put in their dog’s food, I would use other oils for your dog. I personally find fish oil or hemp oil great. Avoid giving your best friend large amounts of the fruit, milk, water or oil from coconuts.
Alcohol – including beer! Alcohol causes difficulty breathing, gastrointestinal issues, tremors, coma, and ultimately death in your dog. Just like you wouldn’t give your children alcohol, don’t give it to your dog. It’s absolutely not a fun party trick to try and get a dog drunk!
Yeast. This should be avoided as this can cause a life-threatening gastric bloat. Remember that yeast is found also in bread and flour (plus of course beer).
Milk and other dairy. Interestingly, the only two mammals which can tolerate milk are humans and cats. And hey, I know some adults that don’t tolerate it. Dogs have a small amount of lactase, which is used to break down lactose. This products causes upset stomach and diarrhea. Be aware that lactose free milk has more sugar in it, so even if you go down this path, I would suggest moderation.
Raw or undercooked meat and bones. Interestingly, dogs are prone to the same bacteria like humans who consume raw or undercooked meat – salmonella and e. coli. Furthermore, bones cause obstruction or puncturing in the gastrointestinal tract. Talk to your vet about your dog and their needs. Bones are good for tooth health, but take care to have the right bones for your doggo.
Raw eggs. I knew that raw eggs can have salmonella and e. coli, but also raw eggs can cause skin and coat problems for your pooch.
I hope these tips help. And just a reminder that some dogs like to help themselves to bench tops (especially big dogs who reach up there quite easily) and also the bin. I had to change my bin style with my grand puppy Theo as my prior bin was not ‘Theo Proof’. Remember also if you are sharing human food, take care of what is in that food; such as onion, garlic, excessive cabbage as well as the above items listed. Think carefully what you’re giving them before you do and if in doubt, check first or just don’t.
As always if you are unsure of something, or your dog has eaten one of the above, give your local vet a call and check in. Your dog’s size and the amount of the ‘nasty’ they consumed will likely be relevant, so try to make note. Happy eating for your best friend!