27 Toxic Foods for Dogs in your Home & Safe Foods for Dogs 

Dogs are very particular about what they eat and when. But there are some common food items that dogs should avoid and you should never feed your dog because they contain chemicals that can cause poisoning or allergies in dogs. This article will focus on foods that are commonly found in Indian homes that should be avoided by dogs.  We’ll also see the reasons why these foods are toxic and how you can avoid them.

Why can't dogs eat the same foods as humans?

Is Human Food Bad for Dogs? The answer is - not always. But its better to be safe than sorry. Human food, even those that are perfectly safe for humans, can be harmful to dogs. Because all animals have different rates of metabolism and a completely different anatomy than humans, foods that are completely safe for humans and other animals may be toxic or even lethal to your dog, posing a major threat to their health and well-being.

Another issue is that dogs have insatiable appetites and are not always aware of when to stop eating. Although some foods are not hazardous in small amounts, they can be dangerous in large quantities. Here are some basic differences between dogs and humans that’ll help you understand their  sensitivities:

1. When thinking about homemade food, keep in mind that dogs and humans are significantly different in terms of nutrition and eating habits. For dogs, taste is less essential than it is for humans. Because humans have 9,000 taste buds and dogs only have 1,700, their sense of taste is less developed.

2. Humans chew and savour their food, whereas dogs bite and tear, chewing less and swallowing faster.  

3. Dogs, unlike humans, do not require a diverse diet. In fact, changing a dog's food too rapidly can lead them to have stomach problems. If you ever have to switch your pet's diet, do so gradually and in phases. 

4. The aroma, texture, and temperature of the food, as well as the regularity and habit of feeding, are the most important factors for a dog. They don't care about the appearance, colour, or variety of food, and changing their diet too frequently can cause digestive problems.

What are the most toxic foods for dogs?

We all want to ensure that your dog lives a long and healthy life. In order to do so, poisonous foods should always be avoided in your dog's diet. Toxic dog foods can lead to major health problems in your dog. Consumption of a range of foods can cause poisoning in dogs. The amount of hazardous components in a dog's food varies greatly depending on the dog's breed and size. But generally, the foods listed below are harmful to your dog.

1. Chocolate

“What foods are hazardous to dogs?” you might wonder. ” The first thing that comes to mind is usually chocolate. Chocolate toxicity can result in vomiting, diarrhoea, heart arrhythmias, and seizures, as well as death. This is due to theobromine, a component of chocolate that can be harmful to pets. The risk increases as the chocolate gets darker and the dog gets smaller. If your dog consumes chocolate, consult your veterinarian.

2. Fatty foods

Dogs love the aroma of greasy, high-fat foods like cheeseburgers, bacon, and fried foods, but don't give in to their pleading. While these meals aren't poisonous, they can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and gas, as well as pancreatitis and gastrointestinal problems. Vomiting and diarrhoea are common side effects of high-fat foods. In dogs, pancreatitis is common after eating a fatty meal. Miniature schnauzers, Shetland sheepdogs, and Yorkshire terriers, for example, appear to be more prone to pancreatitis than other breeds. Avoid sharing fast food leftovers, junk food, or greasy meals with your dog, such as burgers, hot dogs, ribs, steak, pork chops, and fried chicken.

3. Fat trimmings and bones

Table scraps frequently contain meat fat and bones that a human would not eat. Both are harmful to dogs. Cooked and uncooked fat trimmings from meat can cause pancreatitis in dogs. And, despite the fact that giving a dog a bone seems normal, a dog can choke on it. Bones can also splinter and block your dog's digestive system or cause cuts and bruises. Make sure you have a garbage can with a cover or a trash bag that can be sealed nearby so your pet can't sniff around for leftovers or bones. Don't  throw chicken, pork, turkey, or rib bones on the ground because your pets will have easy access to them.

4. Onions, garlic & chives 

Due to a component called thiosulphate, which can harm your pet's red blood cells and induce anaemia, onions and garlic can be dangerous. Onions, shallots, chives, and onion powder all contain thiosulphate. Garlic has a very high concentration of it, however in mild quantities, garlic also acts as a natural dewormer. Ensure to consult a vet or a dog nutritionist before feeding your dog any natural dewormer.  Onions, garlic, chives, and leeks are all members of the allium family of plants, which are harmful to pets. Do not feed these vegetables to your pet if you prepare a dish with chunks of them.

Consumption can harm the body's oxygen-carrying cells, resulting in anaemia or a low red blood cell count. The body will not be able to function normally if there are insufficient red blood cells, resulting in lethargy, pale gums, increased heart rate and breathing rate, vomiting, and appetite loss. Many processed and packaged meals, such as soups, broths, some dog treats, and any pre-prepared foods, contain onion powder or garlic powder. Avoid giving these to your dog

5. Nuts

Nut toxicity could be the cause of your dog's seizures, lethargy, vomiting, or loss of muscle control. Macadamia nuts are particularly dangerous to dogs and cats. The cause is unknown to veterinarians, however it is known to cause vomiting, weakness, hyperthermia, and loss of basic functioning. One of the most prevalent symptoms is weakness, particularly behind the hind legs. If you feel your dog has eaten a dangerous level of macadamia nuts, contact your veterinarian immediately. Many nuts are heavy in fat and sodium, which can lead to a range of health problems.

6. Raw/Undercooked Meat, Eggs and Bones

Bacteria such as Salmonella and E. coli can be found in raw meat and raw eggs. E. coli can be hazardous to both people and pets. Raw eggs include an enzyme called avidin, which reduces biotin (a B vitamin) absorption, which can cause skin and coat issues. If consumed in moderation, cooked eggs can be a nutritious addition to your dog or cat's diet. However, consuming too many raw eggs can cause a biotin deficiency in dogs, which is unhealthy for their skin and fur.

Raw bones may appear to be a natural and healthy option for your pet if they live in the wild. A domestic pet, on the other hand, could choke on bones or suffer a serious injury if the bone splinters and gets caught in or wounds your pet's digestive tract. 

Raw fish may contain hazardous bacteria that can cause food poisoning in your pet, even though it is not inherently poisonous to dogs and cats. Furthermore, due to a parasite typically seen in salmon, trout, sturgeon, and other upstream-swimming fish, your pet may be at danger of contracting "fish disease." When going fishing or to the beach, keep a watchful eye on your pet.

7. Salt and Salty Snack Foods

Salty meals and excessive salt are not recommended for dogs. Although we use salt in (or on) virtually everything, it isn't good for dogs. Furthermore, excessive salt consumption (also known as "salt poisoning") can result in dehydration, vomiting, nausea, and diarrhoea. In moderation, salt is not harmful to your dog. It can, however, cause major health problems and even death if used in large quantities. Large amounts of salt, on the other hand, can cause salt poisoning, which can cause serious neurological symptoms such as seizures and brain swelling. Drinking salty ocean water is a common cause of salt sickness, so keep an eye on your dog at the beach.

Salt in excess can cause increased thirst and urine in pets, as well as sodium-ion toxicity. Vomiting, diarrhoea, depression, tremors, high body temperature, convulsions, and even death are signs that your pet has consumed too much salt. As a result, we recommend that you don't give your pets salty treats like potato chips, pretzels, or salted popcorn.

8. Mushrooms

Remove any wild mushrooms from your yard if your dog or cat has access to it. In comparison to store-bought mushrooms, wild mushrooms usually do the most damage. Seizures and vomiting can result from just a few bites. While most types of mushrooms sold in stores are generally safe for dogs, wild mushrooms found in your yard or in nature can be poisonous. If you have mushrooms on your property, make sure to remove them on a regular basis. 

9. Avocado

Avocados should be avoided as they have huge seeds that can get stuck in your pet's stomach, oesophagus, or intestinal tract. If you live near an avocado tree, keep an eye on your pet to avoid choking. Avocados contain persin, a fungicidal toxin that can cause major health problems in many animals, including death. Avocado fruit, pits, leaves, and the physical plant all contain persin, making them potentially harmful to your dog.

10. Spinach

Veterinarians and other canine specialists are divided on the matter of spinach. It contains a lot of oxalic acid, which is known to cause kidney damage in dogs by interfering with their ability to absorb calcium. Like many of the foods on this list, how much you eat has a big impact on how poisonous it is. A tiny bit of spinach is generally fine for your dog every now and then, but continuous consumption might cause major health concerns.

11. Grapes and raisins

 In dogs and cats, grapes and raisins can cause kidney problems. Even small quantities might cause drowsiness, shivers, and a loss of appetite. Grape poisoning can lead to kidney failure and even death in severe circumstances.

 12. Cherries

These fruits are poisonous to dogs and cats, causing dilated pupils, breathing issues, shock, and even death in extreme situations. Cherry trees and shrubs should also be avoided. These plants are poisonous to pets, with the exception of the ripe pulp around the seeds, because the non-pulp parts contain cyanide.

13. Fruit with pits

Fruits containing pits should be avoided. Plums, cherries, and peach pits, which also contain toxic cyanide, might cause your pet to suffocate or clog their intestines. These fruits should be avoided.

14. Alcohol

Even little amounts of alcohol can cause toxicity. Cocktails aren't the only thing you should avoid giving your pet. Dogs and cats can be poisoned by mouthwash and fermented foods. Our pets' bodies absorb alcohol in as little as 30 minutes. This hazardous chemical is quickly absorbed by the gastrointestinal tract and the skin. Dogs can be poisoned by products like rubbing alcohol, antifreeze, and even fermenting bread dough. Alcohol poisoning occurs when a dog consumes ethanol (such as alcoholic beverages and liquid pharmaceuticals), isopropanol (such as alcohol-based flea treatments), or methanol (as in windshield washer antifreeze). Because the alcohol is swiftly absorbed into the dog's system, toxicity develops quickly. Symptoms include dizziness, lethargy, and vomiting, as well as seizures, respiratory failure, and even death.

15. Caffeine

Caffeine is a stimulant that has the potential to harm your pet's neurological system, heart, and other organs. Soda, ice cream, and pharmaceuticals, in addition to coffee and tea, should be avoided. Within 30 to 60 minutes of consuming caffeine, dogs and cats may show clinical indications of caffeine poisoning. Restlessness, agitation, hyperactivity, vomiting, and panting are all signs to look out for. They may also get tremors and seizures as the poisoning advances. Caffeine causes them to become restless. Their hearts start to race as they become uneasy. However, because our pets are so much smaller than we are, a small amount of caffeine can cause a major problem, perhaps resulting in costly hospitalisation or even death.

16.The sugar substitute xylitol

Sugarless chewing gum, candies, pharmaceuticals, vitamins, condiments, some peanut butters, and even mouthwashes contain xylitol, which might cause your pet's insulin to increase. Xylitol is a sugar substitute that can be found in a variety of human foods, including candy, chewing gum, and many baked goods. It's highly poisonous to dogs, triggering fast insulin release and putting them into a coma in 15 to 20 minutes. To raise your dog's blood sugar during the drive to the emergency clinic, veterinarians may recommend feeding them syrup or honey. However, you should only do so if you are given specific instructions. Keep Xylitol away from them.

 17. Milk

Milk isn't necessarily a dog-poisoning meal, but it's certainly not the cherished delicacy most people believe it is. In reality, most cats and dogs lose their capacity to digest milk as they grow older, making them lactose intolerant as adults. For both cats and dogs, drinking milk, cheese, or yogurt can cause diarrhoea and other problems. Milk is permissible for dogs. But proceed with caution. Some dogs are lactose intolerant and have difficulty digesting milk. 

18. Coconut

Dogs should avoid coconut water, coconut flesh, and coconut oil. Coconut water is extremely hydrating for humans, but it is rich in potassium. Potassium levels in the body must be maintained at a certain level. If your pet is given too much potassium, or if their body is unable to handle high potassium levels due to a medical condition, they may suffer heart rhythm irregularities, which can lead to death. Low energy, weakness, or collapse are all possible symptoms.

Coconut meat does not have as much potassium and different pets may react differently to it. Coconut flesh has the potential to produce intestinal disturbance, such as vomiting, diarrhoea, a lack of appetite, and dehydration. If you're giving your pet small amounts of coconut flesh and they seem to tolerate it well (no negative side effects), you should be able to increase the amount without causing any problems. If you wish to feed coconut oil to your pet, it is not hazardous in little amounts, but it might create health problems in pets who are allergic to it or when given in large quantities.

19. Yeast

Yeast, a frequent ingredient in bread dough, is toxic to dogs because it expands in their stomach, causing organs to tear or twist. Vomiting, diarrhoea, and stomach bloating are all symptoms of yeast ingestion. Call your veterinarian if you notice any of these signs. Some yeast dough ferments as well and results in alcohol toxicity.

20. Rhubarb

Rheum rhabarbarium is a herbaceous perennial with fleshy red stalks and huge triangular leaves that is generally referred to as rhubarb. Soluble calcium oxalate crystals can be found in all regions of the rhubarb plant, but they are concentrated in the big leaves. Rheum rhabarbarium, also known as rhubarb, contains soluble calcium oxalate crystals that can cause severe mouth pain and irritation, as well as renal failure if ingested. Rhubarb can harm your pet's kidneys and digestive functions, so keep an eye on what jams and jellies they eat as it may contain rhubarb. Symptoms include Cardiac arrhythmia, blood in the urine,  Diarrhea, dilated pupils, difficulty swallowing, excessive drooling, kidney failure, loss of appetite, and vomiting.

21. Mustard

Mustard is unlikely to be harmful to dogs in smaller quantities; nevertheless, in larger doses, it can be toxic, and it's generally not a good idea to feed it to your dog. In fact, due to mustard's moderate toxicity, it's frequently recommended by veterinarians as a technique to induce vomiting. The same may be said for mustard seeds, which are commonly used in cooking.

22. Cat food

 Is Cat Food toxic for your Dog? Yes, in the long run it is. Although cat food won't kill your dog right away, it can cause pancreatitis and other health problems over time, resulting in organ damage and possibly death. If you're in a pinch, it's alright to feed your dog cat food occasionally, but don't do it on a regular basis. It is not recommended.

23. Iron supplements

Iron-containing vitamins, particularly pregnancy pills, which have larger levels than ordinary vitamins, can be harmful to dogs. This is due to the fact that dogs are unable to excrete excess iron, resulting in accumulation in the body. Iron poisoning can also be caused by dogs eating oxygen absorbers, in addition to vitamins.

24. Tobacco

Tobacco isn't strictly a food, but it is something that humans consume that is exceedingly harmful to dogs. If you smoke, keep cigarettes out of reach of your dog at all times, especially if your dog is prone to chewing on inanimate objects. Tobacco poisoning can also be caused by e-cigarettes, liquid nicotine, chewing tobacco, nicotine inhalers, and cigars, which are all common sources of tobacco toxicity. While the symptoms of intoxication can be minor, the majority of instances result in severe symptoms and death. Tobacco poisoning can create respiratory and cardiac problems in your dog, both of which you cannot treat or ignore. If your dog ate something that included tobacco, take them to a vet right away.

25. Cinnamon

Cinnamon should not be eaten by dogs. While cinnamon isn't hazardous to dogs, it's definitely best to stay away from it. Cinnamon and its oils can irritate the interior of a dog's mouth, causing discomfort and illness. It can cause a dog's blood sugar to drop too low, resulting in diarrhoea, vomiting, a faster or slower heart rate, and potentially liver illness. Cinnamon can cause difficulties breathing, coughing, and choking if inhaled in powder form.

26. Ice Cream

Ice cream should not be consumed by dogs. Ice cream is a delicious treat, but it includes a lot of sugar, so it's better not to share it with your dog. Lactose intolerance is also a problem for some pets. Freeze portions of strawberries, raspberries, apples, and pineapples to give to your dog as a sweet, refreshing treat instead of milk or dairy products.

27. Marijuana

Dogs are poisoned by marijuana. THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, is the poisonous component in marijuana. The amount of THC in plant products is determined by the environmental variables in which the plant is grown, or is indicated on the package of edible items in some situations. THC is quickly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, and because it is lipid or fat soluble, it is distributed to various fat stores throughout the body. It is metabolised or broken down by the liver after it is ingested, but it can also penetrate the blood-brain barrier and act directly on receptors in the brain, which contributes to the clinical indications of marijuana toxicity. Depression, ataxia (or an unsteady stride), incoordination, vomiting, tremors, enlarged pupil size (mydriasis), hypothermia, disorientation, hypersalivation, hyperexcitability, or improper vocalisation are the most typical indications of marijuana toxicity.  Marijuana poisoning symptoms usually appear 30-60 minutes after ingestion and can continue anywhere from 24 to 72 hours, depending on the amount consumed.

These foods can be harmful to your dog's health and are toxic to them. However, you should be aware that some plants in your house or garden may be harmful to your dog and cause serious health problems if they are consumed.

Read: 28 Toxic Plants for your Dog in your Home and Garden

Risks if your dog consumes food that is toxic to them

Some foods, while not necessarily harmful, can create a gastrointestinal obstruction (a stoppage in the digestive tract) if consumed by your pet. Avocado pits, maize cobs, and bones, for example, can be stuck in your pet's oesophagus, stomach, or intestines.

Cyanide is present in fruit pits from the Prunus genus of trees and shrubs, which includes cherries, nectarines, peaches, and plums, however, cyanide poisoning is uncommon unless your pet eats a large number of pits and chews them up. To release the cyanide, the pits must be crushed or ground up. Dogs and cats who consume these fruit pits are more likely to develop gastrointestinal problems.

Food bags, particularly mylar-type potato chip bags, cereal bags, and snack bags, can be hazardous to pets even if they are not edible.  If your dog breathes deeply enough into one, the bag will wrap over his nose and mouth and suffocate them. The sack tightens around your dog's face the more he breathes in. Because the bag is glued to his face like shrink wrap, they can't simply pull it off with its paws.

Food poisoning in dogs can manifest itself in a variety of ways, but the most common signs include vomiting, diarrhoea, dilated pupils, loss of appetite, restlessness, staggering, and disorientation. Certain drugs are best left in a dog's stomach since they can do more damage if they come back up. Always keep your veterinarian's phone number on hand. You should always make sure that your dog does not swallow any wrong ingredient and that your home environment is safe for them. Learn how to puppy proof your home for your puppy or senior dog to ensure they are safe at all times.

Read: How to Puppy Proof your Home?

Signs that your Dog has ingested something Toxic

Poisoning symptoms in dogs vary greatly depending on the type of poison they've consumed. Vomiting, breathing difficulty, and drooling are some of the symptoms. Poisons if ingested can result in nausea, diarrhoea, anxiety, and cardiac problems. If your dog has ingested anything harmful, he or she may struggle to breathe or perhaps pass out. Irritation and pain might result from poisons that come into contact with your dog's skin. 

Sickness, diarrhoea, kidney failure, agitation, tremors, convulsions, heart problems,  Bruising or bleeding that is excessive, Unsteady feet, convulsions, and breathing difficulties,  Sickness, diarrhoea, seizures, irregular heartbeat, and other symptoms like Drooling, nausea, oral discomfort, illness and pale gums are all warning signs.

What to do if your dog has consumed something toxic?

Unintentional poisoning is the most common cause of dog poisoning. Our family pets have frequently gotten into situations they shouldn't have, leaving worried dog owners unsure what to do.

If you suspect your dog has been exposed to a poison, call your veterinarian first. If this happens after your regular veterinarian has closed, get guidance from the nearest emergency veterinarian. If your dog has been poisoned, be calm and contact your veterinarian right away.  As soon as you can, get your dog away from the deadly substance. If your dog has already eaten anything, they may return to it while you are on the phone. Remove the substance from your dog's reach in a safe manner.

Your veterinarian may tell you to come in immediately away or give you advice for at-home treatment. Never induce vomiting unless a veterinary specialist instructs you to do so, as some toxins cause more damage when they are vomited back up. If the skin comes into contact with one of these locations, you may need to rinse your dog's coat, eyes, or mouth. Do not attempt to provide first aid to your dog. Different toxic compounds necessitate various responses. While causing vomiting may be necessary in some situations, inducing vomiting may make your dog even sicker. Bring your dog to the veterinarian as soon as possible and let your veterinarian offer necessary medication.

Bring any packaging or a sample of the poison to your veterinarian's office if you know what poisoned your dog. The package will assist your veterinarian in fully comprehending the problem and determining the best course of action for your dog.

Food in your home that is safe for your dog

Vegetables, with the exception of the ones stated above, are the greatest human foods you can feed your pet. Each dog will have a unique palette and will consume a variety of vegetables. Vegetables as a treat will help your pet feel satisfied while preventing overeating from commercial pet treats. Carrots, Celery, Cucumber, Beets, Potato Broccoli, Cherry tomatoes, Green beans are all safe to feed your dog. 

Allow your dog to eat fruits in moderation to avoid consuming too many calories and sugar. Treats should account for no more than 10% of your dog's daily calorie consumption. Apple slices, Strawberries, Blueberries, Banana, Oranges, Mango, Pineapple, Pears, Seedless watermelon are all safe for your dog.

Other human foods that you can feed your dog include Eggs, Fish, Ham, Cashew, Corn, Bread, Honey, Peanuts, Pork, Salmon, Tuna, Shrimp, Chicken, and Wheat/ Grain. 

Which dog food should you feed your dog?

Since your dog depends on you for food and all of the nutrients that keep them healthy, it's critical that you think about what's best for them. While making homemade dog food can be enjoyable, it must be done in rigorous hygienic conditions and in precisely the appropriate quantities to be safe and nutritionally adequate. Premium ingredient sourcing can be time-consuming and costly. You and your dog may discover that a pre-made, nutritionally balanced diet like good quality dog food that has been specifically adjusted to your dog's age, size, breed, and health condition is a more convenient and better solution. 

According to the Pet Food Institute, your dog requires more than 40 nutrients each day to stay healthy. Each of these nutrients must be carefully balanced since too little or too much of a single nutrient can result in malnutrition and bad health. A dog needs six basic nutrients: water, proteins, fats, carbs, minerals, and vitamins. These important nutrients must be included in the dog's regular diet and are involved in all of the body's basic activities. Many nutrients have a minimal dietary requirement. The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) has established nutritional standards. The nutritional content of commercial dog foods is based on the AAFCO recommendations. Make sure your dog's food complies with AAFCO guidelines. For example,  Every nutrient in Royal Canin Dog Food is thoroughly examined by scientists and specialist pet nutritionists.

Read: Complete Guide to Feeding Your Dog for more information.

Final Words

As shown above, there are a variety of potentially dangerous foods to keep your pets away from. So, to keep your dog safe, you should keep dangerous foods out of reach of dogs. If you have any poisonous foods for dogs in your house, make sure to put them away as soon as you get home and store them safely. Make sure your friends and family are aware that they should not feed your dog. Request that any visitors to your home refrain from feeding your dog. Lastly, Feeding table leftovers is a bad idea. Feeding your dog table scraps is not a good idea. Foods can include hidden substances, which can cause gastrointestinal irritation or serious health issues like pancreatitis, even if the meal is not harmful.

We at PetPedia.in want to ensure the very best for your pets and want to equip pet parents with the right knowledge they need to care for their pets. You can visit our Dog Store for healthy and top-quality Dry Dog food and Wet Dog food from over 50+ premium brands and choose from grain-free and low-grain diets. Shop for Dog Food for all ages, breeds, and lifestyles and all your pet supply needs that are safe and expert-approved and get them delivered safely for your pets. 

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