Does your dog get a little nosey whenever you eat a meal?
Whether it's their intense stares, sniffing snouts, or their scrap-begging, pups are way more interested in our food than what goes in their doggy bowl.
So, it's only natural for dog parents to wonder which human foods are off-limits for their furry fave. That's why we’re here to reveal the most dangerous foods you should avoid giving to your dog.
Can Dogs Eat Chocolate?
Ah, chocolate... the perfect way to satisfy a sweet tooth. But unfortunately, chocolate is far from perfect for pups.
Chocolate contains methylxanthines, which can cause all sorts of not-so-fun problems for our canine companions. We're talking upset tummies, heart troubles, excessive thirst, and... well, we'll spare you the other gloomy details.
Whether it's white, dark, or milk chocolate, this is one sweet that your pup should avoid at all costs!
Can Dogs Eat Grapes and Raisins?
Wait, wait, wait. Are grapes and raisins bad for dogs? Yes.
Although grapes and raisins are yummy for hoomans, they're kryptonite for our canine companions. That's because they contain a toxic substance that wreaks havoc on our dogs' kidneys... and fast.
And by fast, we mean "acute kidney failure" fast. No bueno!
Just one grape or raisin can be life-threatening for our fur babies. So, it's best to keep these as far away from your pup as possible!
Can Dogs Eat Avocado?
Most people would agree that avocado goes great with almost everything! Just not your dog's tummy, though.
Consuming large portions of avocado may cause tummy troubles such as vomiting and diarrhea. That's because they include a toxin called persin, which can be found in the skin, leaves, and seeds of avocados.
And speaking of seeds, we're sure you know that seeds can be a major choking hazard – especially if your pup digs into your trash to find them. So if you ask us, avocados aren't worth the risk!
Can Dogs Eat Onions?
Some people love them and some people hate them. But when it comes to dogs, onions are always a no-go!
No matter whether they're cooked, powdered, or raw, onions can cause dogs to experience an upset stomach and even anemia when eaten. Plus, most dogs don't like the flavor, so we think this will be an easy pass for your pup.
Just be sure to keep discarded onions out of reach for pups. The strong smell is sure to attract them to come to investigate and even taste test while you're not looking, so be careful!
Can Dogs Eat Macadamia Nuts?
Macadamia nuts are always a nice addition to our hooman menu –especially with cookies... yum. However, they're not so nice for dogs.
Consuming macadamia nuts (roasted or raw) may cause dogs to experience tummy issues, muscle weakness, tremors, and even a fever. Uh-oh!
So, be very careful when bringing baked goods around your curious canine. A few bites of macadamia nuts is all it takes to cause your pup to have a 'ruff' day... and probably an emergency veterinarian visit.
Can Dogs Raw Eggs?
Nowadays, raw diets are becoming quite the craze. But, are raw eggs worth the risk for dog parents? Unfortunately not.
Although some dog parents believe it's a great dietary option for dogs, consuming raw eggs increases the chance of food poisoning from bacteria such as salmonella or E. coli.
While there's nothing wrong with whipping up a home-cooked meal for your pup, "cooked" is the key word. Whether it's for eggs, meat, or even fish, it's best to play it safe when it comes to raw foods. But, feel free to consult a veterinarian if you want to be extra sure!
Can Dogs Eat Salt?
When it comes to your pup's pallette, salt-free is the way to be!
We might like using salt to spruce up our favorite foods, but dogs? Not so much. Pups don't react too well to salty snacks like chips and pretzels, as they can trigger fevers, excessive thirst, vomiting, and even depression! Poor pup.
So, the next time your dog begs for "people food" with those sad puppy dog eyes, don't hand them anything with salt on it. Instead, stick with yummy products that are specially made for dogs.
Can Dogs Eat Candy?
We're pretty sure you already know better than to hand your dog a piece of gum or candy. But, it's still good to know just why these sweets can be so problematic for pups!
Candy often contains an ingredient called Xylitol, which is a substitute sweetener that can affect your dog's blood sugar levels, which may lead to vomiting, liver issues, energy loss, and worse... but you get the drift.
Plus, candy can also cause choking, cracked teeth, and even blockages in the digestive tract. Pass!
Can Dogs Eat Fried Food?
Some of us like feasting on fried food to enjoy a "cheat day" every now and again. Just don’t let your dog join in on the fun.
Fatty foods like fried chicken or fries may cause your dog to experience stomach discomfort and even pancreatic troubles in some cases. Oh, and don’t forget the dreaded salt content! As we said earlier, salt isn’t exactly the best for your bestie.
So, even though we may enjoy all the greasy goodness, sharing isn't necessarily caring when it comes to fried foods. Your pup will be bummed, but their tummy will be relieved.
So... What Human Food CAN Dogs Eat?
Now that we got all the bad news out of the way, there are several foods that dogs can definitely try!
For a handy guide to what you can add to your pup's menu, check out this post from your paw-pals here at Zesty Paws®.
If you have any questions or comments, feel free to share them below or contact us at (800) 738-0661 or bark@zestypaws.com. Have a Zesty day!