Barking Up The Wrong Tree

Chocolate Isn’t The Only Danger Food For Dogs

Following on from our earlier article about how chocolate is poisonous for dogs, this isn’t the only food that can be dangerous for dogs. Here’s a list of other foods that you should avoid giving to your dog. Of course, a tiny amount is unlikely to cause much more than a mild indigestion, but if you’re going to feed your leftovers to the dog, just watch for these:

Onion & Garlic – these contain N-propyl, destroying red blood cells and leading to anaemia

Nightshade Vegetables – these include green peppers, potatoes and tomatoes. If your dog has arthritis or is at risk, these veggies aggravate the condition. (In humans as well, in fact)

Raisins & Grapes – a definite no no. These cause liver failure and many dogs have sadly died from ingesting raisins

Beans & Soy Products – these contain phytate, which stops dogs from digesting vital nutrients from other foods, especially when fed to them raw. The more cooked they are, the better, but it’s best to avoid them

Pasta & Rice – dogs can’t digest starch like we can, so these cause indigestion and gastric stomach upset

Fast Food – I know that when you go through the drive-thru it’s tempting to share your McDonalds or KFC with the puppy-eyed dog gazing up at you, but if you really have to, then give them just a little of the chicken and take the skin off first as it’s full of spices

Chicken & Turkey bones – once cooked, these bones become brittle and splinter, and many dogs have died from choking on the bones, so make sure you remove any bones. Someone did tell me that when raw, it’s ok but I’m not 100% sure of that so personally I avoid letting my dog anywhere near them

Sweet Potatoes – these are apparently ok, providing the raw skin is removed. Never give a dog the raw skin from a potato

Sausages & Bacon – these are often preserved with nitrates and can cause allergic reactions

Milk / Ice Cream – as puppies, dogs can manage milk, but as they grow up they lose the enzyme lactase, which helps them digest milk products so this will also cause them digestive problems

Well, I didn’t think that list was going to be so long. Looking back, it’s probably best just to stick to dog products!

Feb 06, 2008 | 0 | Care & Training