There are plenty of human foods that we enjoy on a daily basis that are not safe for dogs. Dogs have a different digestive system than we do, and as a result, they can’t process certain foods the same way that we can.
In this article, we’ll look at 20 human foods to avoid feeding your dog.
Human Foods To Avoid Feeding Your Dog
The human foods that are unsafe for dogs include Alcohol, Avacado, Chocolate and caffeine, Citrus (Large amounts), Coconut and coconut oil (Large amounts), Grapes and raisins, Macadamia nuts, Nuts (walnut, almond, and pecans), Onions, Garlic, and Chives.
Raw Meat and Eggs, Salt, Xylitol, Bread dough, Hops, Seeds, Core, and Pits of Fruits, Mushrooms, Rhubarb & Tomato Leaves and Stems, Corn on the cob, Table scraps, and, Moldy food.
Let’s now look at how each of these human foods affects our furry friends.
1. Alcohol
Food products that contain alcohol or alcoholic beverages have ethanol which is toxic to dogs.
Signs of alcohol toxicity to dogs
- Abnormal blood acidity
- Depression
- Coma
- Death
- Decreased coordination
- Diarrhea
- Difficulty breathing
- Drooling
- Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
- Tremors
- Vomiting
- Weakness
2. Avocado
All avocado parts (leaves, stems, and fruit) are toxic to dogs. Avocado contains a toxic substance called Persin, which is a fatty acid derivative.
Signs of avocado toxicity to dogs
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhea
- Decreased appetite
- Difficulty breathing
- Vomiting
3. Chocolate and Caffeine
There are substances called methylxanthines present in these products. Methylxanthines are highly toxic to dogs and can even cause death.
Signs of chocolate and caffeine toxicity to dogs
- Abnormal heart rhythm
- Diarrhea
- Excessive thirst and urination
- Hyperactivity
- Panting
- Seizures
- Tremors
- Vomiting
Here is a list of dangerous chocolates from the least to the most toxic:
- White chocolate
- Milk chocolate
- Dark chocolate
- Semisweet chocolate
- Unsweetened baker’s chocolate
- Cocoa powder
4. Citrus (Large amounts)
Citrus plants contain essential oils and citric acid that can be harmful if ingested in large amounts.
Signs of citrus toxicity to dogs
- Central nervous system depression
- Irritation
- Stomach upset
5. Coconut and Coconut Oil (Large amounts)
If ingested in large amounts the flesh and milk of coconuts can be harmful to dogs.
Signs of coconut toxicity to dogs
- Diarrhea
- Loose stool
- Stomach upset
6. Grapes and Raisins
The toxic substance in grapes and raisins is not known but they can cause kidney failure in dogs. Raisins are more toxic than grapes.
7. Macadamia Nuts
Although the toxic substance in macadamia nuts is unknown they are unsafe for dogs whether raw or roasted.
Signs of macadamia toxicity to dogs
- Depression
- Hypothermia
- Tremors
- Vomiting
- Weakness
8. Nuts
Nuts (walnuts, almonds, and pecans) are rich in oils and fats which are not healthy for dogs.
Signs of nuts toxicity to dogs
- Diarrhea
- Pancreatitis
- Vomiting
9. Onions, Garlic, and Chives
These plants contain thiosulphate which is toxic to dogs. Thiosulphate is not reduced by cooking or processing so raw or cooked onions, garlic, or chives are poisonous to dogs. Garlic is more toxic than onions and chives.
Signs of onions toxicity to dogs
- Decreased appetite
- Diarrhea
- Fainting
- Lethargy
- Pale gums
- Reddish urine
- Vomiting
- Weakness
10. Raw Meat and Eggs
Raw meat or eggs contain Salmonella, a bacteria that causes salmonellosis in dogs.
Symptoms of salmonella poisoning in dogs
- Decreased activity
- Dehydration
- Depression
- Diarrhea
- Fever
- Lethargy
- Loss of appetite
- Vomiting
11. Salt
If your dog consumes a large amount of salt and has no access to freshwater it can cause sodium poisoning.
Symptoms of salt poisoning in dogs
- Seizures
- Muscle spasms
- Tongue swelling
- Extreme thirst and urination
- Vomiting
- Fluid buildup
- Nausea
- Convulsions
- Respiratory distress
- Watery diarrhea
- Confusion
- Lack of energy
- Coma
- Weakness
- High fever
- Loss of appetite
- Stomach pains
- Increased heart rate
12. Xylitol
Xylitol is found in many sugar-substituted products like sweets, gums, baked goods, and toothpaste. Xylitol is highly toxic to dogs such that the symptoms can be seen within 30 minutes.
Symptoms of Xylitol poisoning in dogs
- Convulsions
- Rapid heart rate
- Vomiting
- Restlessness
- Loss of coordination
- Tremors
- Drowsiness
- Blood in stool
- Diarrhea
- Low blood pressure
- Weakness
13. Bread Dough
A dog’s stomach is dark and warm so it acts as an “oven” which causes bread dough to rise. The rising dough can release ethanol which can cause alcohol poisoning in dogs.
Symptoms of bread dough poisoning in dogs
- Attempts at vomiting
- Coma
- Depression
- Disorientation
- Distended abdomen
- Hypothermia
- Lethargy
- Seizures
- Weakness
14. Hops
Hops have an unknown compound that causes a dog’s temperature to increase to 108°F (42°C) or higher (normal is below 102°F (40°C)). This rapid increase in temperature can cause death in as little as 6 hours.
Hops are fatal in breeds such as greyhounds, pointers, retrievers, border collies, Dobermans, and mixed breeds.
Symptoms of hops poisoning in dogs
- Abdominal pain
- Anxiety
- Flatulence
- Heavy panting
- Increased body temperature
- Rapid heartbeat
- Seizures
- Vomiting
15. Seeds, Core, and Pits of Fruits (Apples, Apricots, Peaches, Cherries, Persimmon, and Plums)
The seeds found in fruits contain cyanide which is harmful to dogs if ingested in large amounts.
Symptoms of cyanide toxicity in dogs
- Difficulty breathing
- Shock
- Dilated pupils
- Brick-red mucus membranes
- Panting
16. Mushrooms
Mushroom ingestion, especially the amanita species, is harmful to dogs. The Amanita species has a fishy odor that attracts dogs.
Symptoms of mushroom poisoning in dogs
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting and abdominal pain
- Coma and death
- Jaundice
- Weakness and loss of motor control
- Lethargy
- Seizures
17. Rhubarb & Tomato Leaves and Stems
The leaves and stems contain solanine and tomatine toxins that are poisonous to dogs.
Symptoms of tomato poisoning in dogs
- Abnormal heart rate
- Confusion
- Diarrhea
- Dilated pupil
- Drooling
- Drowsiness
- Gastrointestinal upset
- Loss of appetite
- Vomiting
- Weakness
18. Corn On The Cob
Corn cob ingestion can cause a gastrointestinal obstruction which can lead to intestinal rupture.
Symptoms of gastrointestinal blockage
- Lack of appetite
- Lethargy
- Pain
- Vomiting
19. Table Scraps
Human food mostly contains salt, fat, garlic, and other products that are toxic to dogs. Dogs that eat table scraps are at risk of health problems such as pancreatitis, gastrointestinal upset, and obesity.
20. Moldy Food
Moldy food is toxic to dogs because mold produces mycotoxins which are highly poisonous to dogs.
Symptoms of mycotoxins poisoning in dogs
- Diarrhea
- Restlessness
- Jaundiced appearance
- Seizures
- Tremors
- Vomiting
- Disorientation
- Abdominal pain
- Hyperthermia
FAQ
What human meat should you never feed your dog?
High-fat meat like fat trimmings is unsafe for dogs. Excessive fat can cause pancreatitis and if the trimmings have salt they might lead to stomach upset.
Can Dogs Eat Liver?
Yes, dogs can eat liver but in small amounts. Ingesting a large amount of liver can cause gastrointestinal issues and can ao affect your dog’s joints.
Bottom Line
While there are human foods that are safe for dogs there are also some that are unsafe for our furry friends.
Here is a quick overview of human foods that dogs shouldn’t eat:
- Alcohol
- Avacado
- Chocolate and caffeine
- Citrus (Large amounts)
- Coconut and coconut oil (Large amounts)
- Grapes and raisins
- Macadamia nuts
- Nuts (walnut, almond, and pecans)
- Onions, Garlic, and Chives
- Raw Meat and Eggs
- Salt
- Xylitol
- Bread dough
- Hops
- Seeds, Core, and Pits of Fruits
- Mushrooms
- Rhubarb & Tomato Leaves and Stems
- Corn on the cob
- Table scraps
- Moldy food
Sources
https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/foods-can-be-poisonous-pets
https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/people-foods-avoid-feeding-your-pets