7 Poisonous Foods That Should Not Be Given to Dogs

If you tend to feed your dogs whatever you eat, stop doing this right away. Dogs cannot eat some foods that humans eat as their bodies work differently. Certain human foods can make dogs very sick. As per a study by U. S. Food And Drug, foods like chocolate, grapes, onions, avocados, garlic, macadamia nuts, and many more are not good for your dog. Do not let your dog eat even small amounts of any of these foods. Some of these foods can poison a dog and damage their health very quickly. 

Salt and seasoning mixes may contain toxic levels of onion or garlic powder. Garlic and onions contain a compound called N-propyl disulfide. This compound damages red blood cells which carry oxygen through the body which leads to anemia, or a low red blood cell count. Anemia is dangerous for pets because red blood cells are vital for bringing oxygen to organs and tissues. Without enough red blood cells, organs can fail. Anemia also makes pets very weak and lethargic. Feeding bones to your dog is also harmful. While chewing, bones can break in small pieces, and can splinter, puncturing dog’s internal organs. Moldy foods can contain mycotoxins leading to neurological issues. Raw yeast dough can expand in the stomach and produce alcohol leading to alcohol poisoning. While unlikely, even apple seeds contain trace amounts of cyanide. If dogs eat apple seeds, the cyanide can make the dogs sick. When dogs chew apple seeds, the seeds release cyanide. Cyanide can poison dogs. Dogs should not eat apple seeds.  

The key is to avoid feeding dogs any human food unless you know for certain it is safe for their consumption. Stick to dog foods, treats, and chews made specifically for dogs. If you want to share a special treat with your pup, research dog-safe options first. A few pieces of fresh cooked meat, some plain yoghurt, or bits of dog-safe fruits and veggies are safe to feed your dog.  

Avocados 

According to the National Library of Medicine, avocados have a substance called persin that makes dogs sick by giving them diarrhea and vomiting if they eat too much. The big seed inside the avocado can also get stuck in a dog's intestines and hurt them. While the fat in avocados is good for people, it has too much fat for dogs. The fat can make dogs ill with a condition called pancreatitis. 

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Cherries 

Cherries have cyanide in their stems, leaves, and pits. Cyanide is very toxic. It works by stopping cells from using oxygen. The fleshy part around the pit is the only safe part to eat. But you still shouldn't let your dog eat cherries. Even though the fleshy part doesn't have cyanide, cherries can get stuck in your dog's throat and make them choke.  

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Grapes And Raisins  

According to U.S. Food And Drug, even just a few grapes or raisins could hurt your dog's kidneys. The kidneys help clean your dog's blood. If they get damaged, your dog's blood can get poisoned. This is not at all safe for dogs. You should be very careful to keep all grapes and raisins far away from your dog. 

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Tomatoes 

Dogs should avoid eating tomatoes, especially ones that are not fully ripe. The green parts of tomato plants have a chemical called solanine. Solanine is poisonous to dogs. Eating solanine can make dogs very sick. It's safest for dogs not to eat any tomatoes at all. Fully red, ripe tomatoes might be okay, but it's hard to know if they still have solanine.  

Also Read: Can Dogs Eat Apples? Discover Safe Snacking And Treat Recipes For Your Canine Companion

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Mushrooms 

Mushrooms can be very harmful for dogs to eat. Even though most mushrooms are okay, some types can make dogs extremely sick. It's hard to tell which mushrooms are the bad kind just by looking. So, it's best to never give any mushrooms to dogs, even little bites. 

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Onions 

Dogs should never eat onions. As per the National Library of Medicine, this makes dogs anemic and sick. Check all food labels before feeding dogs. Do not give dogs any food with onion, onion powder, or onion flakes. Also do not give dogs other foods in the onion family. This includes leeks, garlic, and chives.  

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Garlic 

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Garlic has a chemical that is not good for red blood cells. Red blood cells carry oxygen through the body. If they burst, the animal can't get enough air. Signs of garlic poisoning include weakness, panting, vomiting, and dark-coloured pee. If your pet eats garlic, take it to the vet right away. The vet can give medicine to help their red blood cells.