Human Food Is Not Always Dog
Foods that are perfectly suitable for human consumption may be toxic to your dog, posing a serious threat to their health and well-being. Some foods can cause vomiting, diarrhea, upset stomach, weakened breathing, kidney problems, seizures, and even death.
Why? Because a dogs metabolism is different from our metabolism. Metabolism is the process of breaking down food and turning it into energy. Your dogs body cant process all types of food the way your body can, so foods that are just fine for you can be bad news for your dog.
Please note, although were attempting to add every food we can find that is potentially unsafe for dogs to this article, there are foods that we may miss. Dont consider a food safe to feed to your dog just because its not on this list of foods bad for dogs.
Do your research if you are uncertain about a particular food, and let us know by adding a so that we can keep this list of what not to feed dogs updated. If you are worried about something your pet consumed, please call your vet immediately.
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Can Dogs Eat Lean Meat
Lean meat includes the white, boneless meat from chicken or turkey and has had excessive fat removed. It provides a tasty treat for your dog and serves as a great source of protein. If feeding chicken and turkey, remove the fatty skin and cook or boil the meat without seasoning. Learn more about feeding turkey to dogs.
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Ethanol Ethyl Alcohol Liquor & Unbaked Yeast Dough
Ethanol in beverages and raw bread doughs lower doses are required for dogs and cats to become intoxicated than for humans their bodies are smaller. Ethanol is also in many household products, even mouthwash. For more information, refer to this article from Todays Veterinary Practice: Ethanol Toxicosis: A Review or this one from the Pet Poison Helpline: Bread Dough
Toxic Human Foods Dogs & Cats Should Never Eat

In 2020, food and chocolate were the third and fourth highest causes of animal poisonings according to the ASPCA Poison Control Center.
We get it. It’s hard to resist those big eyes staring up at you and the soft, gentle cries of a dog who just wants a taste of what’s on your plate. But as tempting as it is to feed Fido table scraps, there are plenty of reasons it’s not a great idea. For starters, you don’t want to reward begging behavior. Treats are meant to reinforce positive behaviors, so save those for situations when your pet has done something good.
Second, not everything you enjoy eating is actually good for your dog or kitty. Plenty of people foods can make your animals sick some very seriously. Take a look at the list below for some foods you should never feed dogs and catsno matter how nicely they ask.
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Grapes Raisins Sultanas And Currants
These fresh and dried fruits can cause vomiting, diarrhoea and lead to kidney failure and severe liver damage. Unfortunately, these ingredients are often in lots of different foods, like cakes, breakfast cereals and biscuits, and even in places like kids lunch boxes. Make sure these foods are always well away from your dog.
Can Dogs Drink Alcohol
Do not give your dog alcohol on purpose. Alcohol can cause not only intoxication, lack of coordination, weak breathing, and abnormal acidity but potentially even coma or death. Find out what dogs can drink safely.
This includes rubbing alcohol and alcohol in hand sanitizers.
When eaten or licked off the paws in large amounts, alcohol-based hand sanitizers can cause digestive upset such as vomiting or can even cause alcohol toxicity if the alcohol content is high enough. Elizabeth Racine, Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
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What Cant Dogs Eat
There are a few things that we would like to keep a secret from your dog, things like which new dog we cuddled on our way back home and food dogs should not eat.
A survey says that 91% of pet parents lookup on the internet to find out if a human food can make their dog sick, and 60% of parents have said that they fed human food and later found their pooch with an upset stomach. Almost 55% percent of the parent in the same survey got to know the reason was grapes.
Why are we giving your numbers? It is to show how careless we get when it comes to feeding our dogs. There is an entire range of toxic dog food which you should be careful about because honey, your dog will grab whatever he gets by his paw!
While some human snacks can be given in small quantities one time or the other, some human food is extremely dangerous.
Confused about what to feed your dog, after all? Give us the pleasure to help sort this problem of yours!
Is Corn On The Cob Safe For Dogs
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 , 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. Learn more in our can dogs eat corn article.
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Mustard And Mustard Seeds
Bad food for dogs have Mustard seeds on the list these seeds are a big no for dogs. It contains a toxic compound called gastroenteritis which can lead to inflammation of the stomach or intestinal tract. This is why sometimes you gotta rush to the washroom when youve had enough of that mustard with the hot dog. However, it might just be a hard time for you in the bathroom it may be extremely dangerous for your dogs stomach.Symptoms to look out for Diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.
Fruits & Veggies That Cause Food Toxicity In Dogs & Cats
For most people, the more fruits and veggies in your diet, the better. But food toxicity in dogs and cats can often be traced to produce staples. Onions, garlic, and chivesall in the allium familyare very toxic to dogs and cats alike. They contain organosulfoxides, which convert to a complex mixture of sulfur compounds, causing your pets red blood cells to break down.
Avocados contain a toxic known as persin, which can cause intense vomiting and diarrhea in your pet. Also, avocado pits can get lodged in the intestinal tract, resulting in a painful and dangerous obstruction. Cherry pits contain cyanide, as do apple seeds in large quantities. A slice of apple is fine for a snack, says Dr. Panella, but avoid giving your pet any seeds. As with the avocado pit, the core can cause an obstruction, so thats another no-no.
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Ingredients Can Also Cause Illnesses
- Yeast is a common ingredient in bread dough that is dangerous for dogs, as it can expand in their stomach and cause organs to tear or twist. Symptoms of yeast consumption include vomiting, diarrhea and stomach bloating. If you detect any of these symptoms, call your veterinarian. Some yeast dough also ferments, which can lead to alcohol toxicity.
- Rhubarb can be bad for pets kidneys and digestive organs, so be careful what jams and jellies your pet can get ahold of.
- Nutmeg, a spice often found in desserts, can cause tremors and seizures in your pet.
- The sugar substitute xylitol can cause your pets insulin to spike, so keep sugarless chewing gum, candy, medicines, vitamins, condiments, some peanut butters and even mouthwashes locked away.
Help avoid toxic mold by storing pet food in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.
If your dog or cat consumes any of these potentially dangerous foods, contact your veterinarian immediately. Its also a good idea to stay on the safe side with pet insurance coverage, which can cover unexpected costs. In the event something does happen, you can take comfort in knowing your pet is protected.
Alcohol And Raw Bread Dough

Small amounts of alcohol found in drinks, syrups and raw bread dough can be poisonous to dogs. These products contain ethanol, and beer also contains hops, both of which can cause alcohol intoxication. Signs of intoxication include vomiting, disorientation, high body temperature, restlessness, excessive panting, muscle tremors and seizures. Dogs who show signs of alcohol intoxication should be monitored by a vet until they recover, as it can cause failure of the organ systems and even death. The yeast in raw bread dough can also cause stomach expansion, which can result in tissue damage and difficulty breathing.
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Human Vitamins With Iron
Human vitamin supplements that contain iron can be harmful to your dog. Too much iron can damage the lining of your pets digestive system and it can be toxic to your pets liver and kidneys
Most of the time, you dont need to supplement your dogs diet with dog vitamins. There are some special circumstances, however, when you should consider using Canine Vitamins. For example, your dog might need to take a vitamin supplement, if she has been ill or is older.
If your dog needs a vitamin supplement, make sure that it is not high in iron.
Why Shouldn’t I Give My Dog People
Dogs are clever animals, and sometimes they manage to get into things they shouldn’t. When it comes to food, it’s important to understand which of the foods we enjoy are actually toxic to dogs.
Your dog’s body just doesn’t metabolize foods the way a person’s body does, that’s why some things that are relatively harmless to us can be potentially deadly for dogs.
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Household Substances Toxic To Dogs
Certain substances commonly found in and around the home can pose a high toxicity risk to dogs.
Note that this is not a complete list of household toxins. Remember that any item in or around your home can pose a risk for your dog.
Keep your dog away from areas where liquid chemicals have been recently sprayed. Many are safe once dry, but find out which ones are safe and only use those.
Learn about the safety of products before you purchase and use them. Try to use as many pet-safe products as possible. Keep dangerous items where your dog absolutely cannot find them and remember that some dogs will be destructive to get to forbidden areas.
Can Dogs Eat Chocolate
Chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine, which speed the heart rate and stimulate the nervous system. The type of chocolate, the amount your dog ingested, and your dogs weight will determine how 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. Typically, the darker the chocolate, the more dangerous it is for dogs.
Below is a list of the most to least risky chocolate for dogs:
- Cocoa powder
- White chocolate
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Can My Dog Eat Avocado
- Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.
Maybe: youll need to ensure the pit and peel are removed. Dogs are omnivores, and they benefit from many different fruits and vegetables for the same reasons humans do: these foods are low in fat and sugar, and high in vitamins and fiber. Avocado boasts healthy fat that contributes to a shiy coat, and is a popular ingredient in some dog foods and treats. However, it isnt ideal to serve to your dog in plain form. The fruit itself isnt toxic, but the skin and leaves are poisonous for dogs. Also, the large pit presents a choking hazard.
Avocado leaves and skin contain persin, which is a toxin thats more dangerous for some animals than others , but can cause problems for dogs.
In high doses, persin can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain.
Examine Your Dog’s Vomit For Clues
Many substances first cause stomach upset, including vomiting and diarrhea. Examine the vomit for evidence of chewed packaging, food, and other important clues. Many poisonings progress to weakness and depression or nervous stimulation, including tremors and seizures. Pets may stop eating and drinking or may drink excessive amounts, which could suggest liver or kidney involvement. Rapid or slow breathing, with changes in tongue and gum colorfrom pink to white, blue, or brownis important to note.
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Toxic Foods For Dogs The Final Thought:
To conclude what foods are toxic to dogs, there are some fruits and vegetables which prove toxic to dogs, or which dogs should not eat on a regular basis. If they eat a small chunk one day, nothing will happen, but its better to keep them out-of-reach and not to use them as ingredients in your pets daily meals. To summarize what weve already noted, the list of fruits and vegetables toxic to dogs is:
- Fruits:grapes, raisins and avocados.
- Vegetables: onions and raw potatoes with green sprouts.
If you want to prepare healthy, tasty and suitable homemade food for your dog , then here are a couple of ideas:
Alchohol And Yeast Dough

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Human Foods That Are Toxic To Dogs
Becky BicksJun 07, 2019â9 min read
When your furry friend shows their puppy dog eyes as you sit down to the dinner table, it can be hard to resist. However, if your dog regularly begs for food, beware. While it’s very common for humans to give dogs their dinner scraps, itâs important to be mindful about the foods you share, as certain human foods can actually be toxic for your dog. Be sure to avoid feeding your pup these dangerous foods.
If your dog has ingested something they shouldn’t and you’re unsure if it’s dangerous, you should speak with a vet or poison control hotline immediately.
Raw Potatoes With Green Sprouts Are Toxic To Dogs:
On the Internet there are many articles and videos which state that cats and dogs cant eat potatoes because theyre toxic, but this is false. What evidence are these claims based on? The truth is: nothing at all, and then the offending articles and videos are copied and shared from one site to another, with zero checks for truth. Its a shame, because such videos have thousands of views and are giving people information that is simply not true.
The reality is that raw potatoes, when theyre green on the outside, their leaves and stems and any sprouts coming out of the potatoes themselves, are toxic to dogs because they contain solanine.
Solanine is naturally present in potatoes and is a bitter and highly-toxic substance, both to animals and humans, even in small doses. So what should we do?
The good news is that this toxic alkaloid disappears when we boil the potatoes. So the rules are as follows:
- Dont grow potato plants near your dogs
- Give them potatoes as part of their diet if you want, but make sure its boiled potatoes, avoiding any unnecessary risks.
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Chocolate & Anything With Caffeine
Dogs should never consume chocolate WE REPEAT they must NEVER EAT IT. While dark chocolate is the worst, all chocolate contains theobromine which is similar to caffeine.
Theobromine is a very dangerous substance for dogs, and its not only one thats poisonous, but dogs struggle to metabolize it.
High amounts of theobromine could cause death. Therefore if your dog has consumed the slightest bit of chocolate, you must take it to a vet. Dont worry though, if its just a very small amount of chocolate, usually it only causes digestive issues. Nevertheless, still, take it to see a veterinarian.