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Believe it or not, even some of the healthiest human foods can be highly toxic to a dog. Here are examples of the some of the types of foods that should never be fed to your Mutt-i-gree:

Toxic Fruits and Vegetables

Grapes and raisins have been known to cause kidney failure in some dogs, but scientists have not yet uncovered the source of their toxicity. Aggressive treatment may be required in animals that have ingested as few as seven raisins or grapes.
Onions and garlic that are raw, cooked or in a powder form contain a chemical substance that dogs and cats are unable to digest. Significant quantities will cause anemia as well as abdominal pain, vomiting, and/or diarrhea – symptoms that may not appear until several days after the animal ingests these ingredients. (Cats are particularly vulnerable to onion and garlic poisoning.) Pizza, pasta sauces, baby food, and Chinese food all contain onions and garlic.

Avocado, potato, rhubarb, and tomato leaves as well as potato and tomato stems, all of which are prevalent on farms and in rural communities, can cause kidney disease and damage to the intestinal and nervous systems in both dogs and cats.

Wild mushrooms, which are often found in open fields, are toxic to both humans and dogs. Excessive drooling, liver damage, and convulsions are symptoms of mushroom poisoning in animals. 

Stems, seeds, and leaves of a number of fruits, including apples, apricots, cherries, peaches, and plums, contain a cyanide compound. When consumed in large quantities, this compound can cause a dog’s eyes to dilate, labored breathing, and in some cases, induce shock. Further, pits can obstruct and/or puncture a pet’s intestinal tract.

Toxic Treats and Snacks

Chocolate contains a chemical stimulant. White chocolate contains the least amount of this substance while cocoa powder and baking or semi-sweet (dark) chocolate contain the most. Overeating any type of chocolate food, particularly dark chocolate, will increase a dog’s heart rate, resulting in hyperactivity, restlessness, increased urination, and excessive panting. Caffeine in coffee beans and grounds, and tea will cause symptoms similar to those found in pets that have consumed chocolate.

Macadamia nuts have been known to cause abdominal pain, tremors, swollen limbs, difficulty walking, and depression in a dog that has consumed as few as six.

Xylitol, a sugar substitute found in sugarless candy and gum, can reduce a dog’s blood sugar to a dangerous level and has been shown to cause liver damage. Symptoms of xylitol poisoning include lethargy, increased thirst or urination, black or bloodied feces, and other conditions.

Toxic Meat and Dairy Products

Feeding a dog large quantities of fatty foods like French fries, fat from meat trimmings, skin from chicken and turkey, and raw meat can potentially lead to pancreatitis, a life-threatening inflammatory illness of the pancreas that causes vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain, not to mention contribute to obesity. Bones from chicken, meat, and fish could obstruct a dog’s digestive system, causing intestinal tears and other harm. Always avoid giving a dog leftovers and table scraps.

Raw eggs may contain the bacteria salmonella, which, if ingested will cause vomiting, diarrhea, and fever. In addition, certain enzymes that are present in raw eggs block the absorption of vitamins that are essential for healthy skin and hair coat.

Regular consumption of raw fish can lead to a vitamin B deficiency, causing dogs to lose their appetite, seizures and death.

Toxic Baking Ingredients

Yeast produces alcohol as part of the fermentation process required in bread-making. If ingested, uncooked yeast will continue to ferment in a dog’s stomach, causing abdominal distension and pain, and the alcohol that is produced will cause behavioral changes, breathing difficulties, and disorientation, among other problems.

Baking soda and baking powder contain chemicals that can affect a dog’s electrolyte balance, causing muscle spasms or, in extreme cases, heart failure.

Nutmeg, a common ingredient in egg nog, is toxic to pets in large quantities and may cause tremors and other central nervous system problems.

Other Toxic Substances

Alcoholic beverages will increase an animal’s heart rate and body temperature, often causing seizures and in severe cases, death.

Nicotine, a plant compound found in tobacco products,can damage a pet’s nervous system and digestive tract, leading to increased heart rate, coma and death.

Remember: Dogs love toeat and will typically eat anything that is fed to them. If you suspect that your dog has ingested any of these or other dangerous substances, or he exhibits any unusual signs or symptoms of illness, consult your veterinarian.

The healthiest Mutt-i-grees eat food and snacks that are meant just for them. Be sure to let house guests know the rules about feeding your dog snacks and table scraps. That way, everyone will feel satisfied in the end!