We all think it’s cute when our beloved dog begs for food. They love to eat what we do!  But, STOP!  Many types of people food are poison to your dog or very dangerous.  Read this list and make sure your pup stays clear of these items!!  Don’t put your dog at risk just because he wants to eat what you are putting in your mouth! 

1. Alcoholic beverages – Could  cause intoxication, coma, and death.
2. Baby food – might contain onion powder, which can be toxic to dogs. (Please see onion below.) Can also result in nutritional deficiencies, if fed in large amounts.
3. Bones from fish, poultry, or other meat sources - Possibly cause obstruction or laceration of the digestive system.
4. Cat food – Most likely too high in protein and fats.
5. Chocolate, coffee, tea, and other caffeine – These contain caffeine, theobromine, or theophylline, which can be toxic and affect the heart and nervous systems.
6. Citrus oil extracts- Could cause vomiting.
7. Fat trimmings – Could cause pancreatitis.  Fatal!
8. Grapes and raisins - These contain an unknown toxin, which can damage the kidneys.   Note: There have been no problems associated with grape seed extract.
9. Hops – This is an unknown compound that causes panting, increased heart rate, elevated temperature, seizures, and death.
10. Human vitamin supplements containing iron - Could damage the lining of the digestive system and be toxic to the other organs including the liver and kidneys.
11. Large amounts of liver - Could cause Vitamin A toxicity, which affects muscles and bones.
12. Macadamia nuts – Could contain an unknown toxin, which can affect the digestive and nervous systems and muscle.
13. Marijuana  – Not funny!! Can depress the nervous system, cause vomiting, and changes in the heart rate.
14. Milk and other dairy products –  Some adult dogs and cats do not have sufficient amounts of the enzyme lactase, which breaks down the lactose in milk. This can result in diarrhea.  Note:  Lactose-free milk products are available for pets.
15. Moldy or spoiled food, garbage  – I know farm pets were fed this but many died an early death!!  Could contain multiple toxins causing vomiting and diarrhea and can also affect other organs.
16. Mushrooms -  contain toxins, which may affect multiple systems in the body, cause shock, and result in death.
17. Onions and garlic (raw, cooked, or powder) – contain sulfoxides and disulfides, which can damage red blood cells and cause anemia. Cats are more susceptible than dogs. Garlic is less toxic than onions.  – but stay away from it – they don’t need it!
18. Persimmons Seeds –  can cause intestinal obstruction and enteritis.
19. Pits from peaches and plums - could cause obstruction of the digestive tract.
20. Potato, rhubarb, and tomato leaves – potato and tomato stems Contain oxalates, which can affect the digestive, nervous, and urinary systems. This is more of a problem in livestock.
21. Raw eggs – contain an enzyme called avidin, which decreases the absorption of biotin (a B vitamin). This can lead to skin and hair coat problems. Raw eggs may also contain Salmonella.
22. Raw fish – No sushi! can result in a thiamine (a B vitamin) deficiency leading to loss of appetite, seizures, and in severe cases, death. More common if raw fish is fed regularly.
23. Salt - no chips, etc.  If eaten in large quantities it may lead to electrolyte imbalances.
24. String – can become trapped in the digestive system; called a “string foreign body.”
25. Sugary foods  – can lead to obesity, dental problems, and possibly diabetes mellitus.
26. Table scraps (in large amounts) –  Table scraps are not nutritionally balanced and could contain any of the above.  They should never be more than 10% of the diet. Fat should be trimmed from meat; bones should not be fed.
27. Tobacco – Very serious!  Contains nicotine, which affects the digestive and nervous systems. Can result in rapid heart beat, collapse, coma, and death.
28. Yeast dough –  Can expand and produce gas in the digestive system, causing pain and possible rupture of the stomach or intestines.
    (some information taken from peteducation.com)

Love your pet, be sensible and make sure they have a healthy diet.  Check with your vet for more information and healthy pet food!

-Buddy’s Mom