20 Human Foods Dogs Can Not Eat [Unsafe Foods]

Hey there, fellow dog lovers! We all know how tempting it can be to share our favorite human foods with our furry friends, but did you know that some foods can be downright dangerous for dogs?

In this blog post, we’re going to dive into the world of canine cuisine and uncover the top human foods that are a big no-no for your four-legged pals.

So, grab a cup of coffee and get ready to learn which snacks to keep out of your pup’s reach!

Human Foods Dogs Can Not Eat

Dogs should not eat chocolate, as it contains theobromine, which is toxic to them. Grapes and raisins should also be avoided, as they can cause kidney failure in dogs. Additionally, foods like onions, garlic, and avocados can be harmful to dogs and should be kept out of their diet.

Let’s dive deeper…

The following are some common foods that are safe for humans but are not safe for dogs:

1. Chocolate

Chocolate and chocolate products are considered one of human foods that dogs cannot eat. This is because chocolate contains a substance called theobromine, which is toxic to dogs. Theobromine is metabolized much slower in dogs than in humans, leading to a buildup of the substance in their system.

This can result in symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, increased heart rate, tremors, seizures, and even death. It is important to keep all forms of chocolate away from dogs to ensure their safety and well-being.

2. Onions and Garlic

Onions and garlic are considered toxic to dogs and should never be fed to them. These foods contain compounds called thiosulphates, which can cause damage to a dog’s red blood cells and lead to a condition called hemolytic anemia.

Symptoms of onion or garlic toxicity in dogs include vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, and pale gums. In severe cases, it can even result in organ failure or death. It’s important to keep onions and garlic, as well as any dishes or products containing them, away from dogs to ensure their safety.

3. Grapes and Raisins

Grapes and raisins are considered toxic to dogs and should never be given to them. Even small amounts can cause severe kidney damage, leading to kidney failure.

The exact toxic substance in grapes and raisins is still unknown, making it difficult to predict an individual dog’s reaction. As a precaution, it is best to avoid feeding grapes and raisins to dogs entirely to ensure their safety and well-being.

4. Avocado

Avocado is considered unsafe for dogs to eat due to a substance called persin, which can be toxic to them. Persin is present in the avocado fruit, leaves, and even seeds.

Dogs, unlike humans, have difficulty digesting persin, leading to potential gastrointestinal issues such as vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach discomfort. Additionally, avocado pits can pose a choking hazard or cause intestinal blockages if ingested by dogs. Therefore, it is best to avoid feeding avocados to dogs to ensure their well-being.

5. Alcohol

Alcohol and alcohol products are highly toxic and dangerous for dogs to consume. Dogs lack the necessary enzymes to metabolize alcohol, leading to severe health complications. Even small amounts of alcohol can cause symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, coordination issues, and respiratory problems in dogs.

Ingesting alcohol can also lead to alcohol poisoning, which can be fatal for dogs. It is crucial to keep all alcohol and alcohol-containing products out of reach of dogs to ensure their safety and well-being.

6. Coffee and caffeine products

Coffee and caffeine products are considered dangerous and toxic for dogs. The reason behind this is that dogs metabolize caffeine much slower than humans, leading to its accumulation in their system. This can result in various health issues, such as increased heart rate, tremors, seizures, and even death.

The level of toxicity depends on the size and weight of the dog, as well as the amount of caffeine ingested. Therefore, it is crucial to keep coffee and caffeine products out of reach of dogs to ensure their safety and well-being.

7. Xylitol

Xylitol is a sugar substitute commonly found in many human foods, such as candy, gum, and baked goods. It is extremely toxic to dogs and can cause severe health issues. When ingested by dogs, xylitol can rapidly increase their insulin levels, leading to a dangerous drop in blood sugar levels.

This can result in symptoms like vomiting, loss of coordination, seizures, and even liver failure. Even a small amount of xylitol can be potentially life-threatening to dogs, so it is crucial to keep any products containing this ingredient out of their reach.

8. Macadamia nuts

Macadamia nuts are highly toxic to dogs and should never be consumed by them. They contain a substance that can cause severe symptoms such as weakness, tremors, vomiting, and even paralysis in dogs. The exact mechanism behind the toxicity is still unknown, but it is believed to affect the nervous system and muscles of dogs.

Even a small amount of macadamia nuts can have a detrimental effect on a dog’s health, so it is important to keep them away from these nuts at all times. If a dog accidentally ingests macadamia nuts, it is crucial to seek immediate veterinary assistance.

9. Fat trimmings and cooked bones

Fat trimmings and cooked bones are two human foods that are not safe for dogs to eat. Fat trimmings can lead to pancreatitis in dogs, as it is too rich and can cause digestive issues.

Cooked bones, especially those from poultry or fish, can splinter and cause choking hazards or internal injuries. Additionally, cooked bones can also cause obstructions in the digestive tract, leading to severe complications that may require surgical intervention. It is crucial to avoid feeding these foods to dogs to ensure their safety and well-being.

10. Salty Foods

Salty foods are considered unsafe for dogs to consume due to their adverse effects on their health. Dogs have different dietary needs compared to humans, and excessive salt intake can lead to various health issues in dogs.

Consuming salty foods can cause sodium ion poisoning in dogs, leading to symptoms like excessive thirst, vomiting, diarrhea, and even seizures. Additionally, excessive salt consumption can also result in dehydration and kidney damage in dogs. Therefore, it is crucial to avoid feeding dogs salty foods to ensure their overall well-being and health.

11. Sugary Foods

Sugary foods are not safe for dogs to eat due to several reasons. Firstly, sugary foods can lead to obesity in dogs, which can cause various health issues including diabetes, joint problems, and heart disease. Secondly, consuming excessive sugar can lead to dental problems such as tooth decay and gum disease in dogs.

Thirdly, sugary foods can disrupt a dog’s blood sugar levels, leading to hyperactivity followed by a sudden drop in energy. Lastly, some artificial sweeteners found in sugary foods, such as xylitol, can be toxic to dogs and cause severe health complications. Therefore, it is crucial to avoid feeding sugary foods to dogs to ensure their well-being.

12. Spices and Seasonings

Spices and seasonings can be harmful to dogs and should be avoided in their diet. Many spices and seasonings contain ingredients such as nutmeg, cinnamon, and certain herbs that are toxic to dogs. These substances can cause damage to a dog’s red blood cells, leading to anemia.

Additionally, some spices may irritate a dog’s digestive system, causing stomach upset, vomiting, or diarrhea. It is best to stick to dog-friendly food options and consult with a veterinarian before introducing any new ingredients into a dog’s diet.

13. Fruits with Pits

Fruits with pits, such as cherries, peaches, and plums, are not safe for dogs to eat. The pits of these fruits contain a compound called amygdalin, which can break down into cyanide when ingested.

Cyanide is toxic to dogs and can cause symptoms like difficulty breathing, vomiting, and even death. Additionally, the pits can pose a choking hazard or cause intestinal blockages in dogs. It’s important to keep these fruits out of reach and to avoid giving them to dogs to ensure their safety.

14. Milk and dairy products

Milk and dairy products can be unsafe for dogs to consume due to their lactose intolerance. Dogs lack the necessary enzyme, lactase, to effectively break down lactose, the sugar present in milk. As a result, ingesting milk can lead to digestive issues such as diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal discomfort.

Furthermore, some dairy products like cheese and chocolate ice cream may contain high amounts of fat and sugar, which can cause pancreatitis and obesity in dogs. It is best to avoid feeding dogs milk and dairy products to prevent potential health complications.

15. Almonds

Almonds are one of the human foods that dogs should not eat due to several reasons. Firstly, almonds can be difficult for dogs to digest, leading to gastrointestinal issues such as stomach upset, diarrhea, or vomiting. Secondly, almonds are high in fat, which can potentially lead to pancreatitis in dogs.

Additionally, almonds can pose a choking hazard for dogs, especially if they are not properly chewed or if the dog has a small breed or a tendency to swallow food quickly. Lastly, almonds contain a substance called amygdalin, which can break down into cyanide when ingested, posing a serious toxicity risk for dogs.

16. Mushrooms

Mushrooms are considered unsafe for dogs to eat due to several reasons. Firstly, certain species of mushrooms can be toxic to dogs and cause severe gastrointestinal distress, liver damage, or even death. Secondly, it is challenging to differentiate between safe and poisonous mushrooms, as they can look similar to the untrained eye.

Additionally, the toxins present in mushrooms can have cumulative effects, meaning that even a small amount consumed over time can be harmful. Lastly, dogs may have individual sensitivities or allergies to mushrooms, leading to adverse reactions. Therefore, it is crucial to keep mushrooms out of a dog’s reach to ensure their safety.

17. Raw Potatoes

Raw potatoes are human food that dogs should not consume due to potential health risks. Raw potatoes contain solanine, a toxic substance that can be harmful to dogs when ingested in large amounts.

Solanine is found in higher concentrations in the potato’s skin and sprouts. Ingesting solanine can lead to symptoms such as gastrointestinal upset, vomiting, diarrhea, and even more severe conditions like pancreatitis. Therefore, it is best to avoid feeding raw potatoes to dogs to ensure their safety and well-being.

18. Yeast & Raw Dough

Yeast and raw dough are considered unsafe for dogs to consume due to several reasons. Firstly, yeast in raw dough can continue to ferment in a dog’s stomach, leading to bloating and potentially causing life-threatening conditions like gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV). Secondly, the fermentation process produces alcohol, which can intoxicate dogs and lead to symptoms such as disorientation and vomiting.

Additionally, the expanding dough can cause obstructions in the digestive system, leading to discomfort and potential surgery. Lastly, the raw dough may contain harmful bacteria like Salmonella or E. coli, which can cause severe gastrointestinal illness in dogs. Therefore, it is crucial to keep yeast and raw dough away from dogs to prevent any health risks.

19. Ice cream

Ice cream is one of the human foods that dogs should avoid consuming. This is mainly due to its high sugar content, which can lead to obesity and dental problems in dogs. Additionally, ice cream often contains ingredients like chocolate, which is toxic to dogs.

The dairy in ice cream can also cause digestive issues, such as diarrhea or an upset stomach, especially in dogs that are lactose intolerant. Therefore, it is important to keep ice cream out of reach and opt for dog-friendly treats instead.

20. Raw eggs

Raw eggs are considered one of the human foods that dogs should not consume. The main reason is the risk of salmonella contamination, which can cause food poisoning in dogs. Raw eggs also contain avidin, an enzyme inhibitor that can interfere with the absorption of biotin, a B vitamin essential for a dog’s healthy skin and coat.

Additionally, there is a potential for the presence of harmful bacteria such as E. coli in raw eggs, posing a health risk to dogs. Therefore, it is best to avoid feeding raw eggs to dogs to ensure their well-being.

Learn more about identifying a sick dog.

Conclusion

In conclusion, it’s crucial to remember that our furry friends have different dietary needs than we do. While it may be tempting to share our favorite human foods with them, it’s essential to be aware of the potential dangers lurking in certain items.

So, next time you’re tempted to slip your pup a treat from your plate, take a moment to double-check if it’s safe for them to enjoy. Their health and happiness depend on it!