We’ve all done it. It’s that extra piece of broccoli we don’t want to eat (at Wild Bound, we hate veggies too!) or that piece of chicken that Fido’s been eying ever since it was in the oven. We slip food under the table to our dogs because they’re part of the family and they can enjoy meals with us too. And while our digestive systems are very similar, there are some foods that humans can eat that our dogs just can’t eat. What cant dogs eat? Read on to find out what and why.
Grapes
A single grape or raisin is enough to severely endanger a dog. Grapes contain tartaric acid, a chemical that can cause almost instant kidney failure in dogs. Dogs who consume grapes, grape juice, raisins, and currants need to be taken to the vet immediately. Wine Wednesday is for us, not them.
Coffee
You can’t live without coffee. Your dog on the other hand can. For one, even big dogs are smaller than the average human, so one cup of coffee will do twice as much (or more) to a dog as it does to an average person. Coffee (and anything with caffeine in it) is much more dangerous to smaller dogs than bigger ones.
Xylitol
Xylitol is a chemical found in chewing gum, candies, human toothpaste, and artificial sweeteners. We use them when we want to cut our calories. Unfortunately, when dogs eat xylitol, insulin gets released and causes hypoglycemia.
Chocolate
Chocolate is the classic “don’t feed it to dogs” food. Chocolate has a caffeine-like substance called theobromine, which causes a rush of blood flow to the brain. Dogs’ bodies also clear theobromine and caffeine so slowly that they can easily eat enough to become poisonous.
Cooked Bones
While you might get bones for your dog at the pet store, it’s best to steer clear of the ones left over from your dinner. When you cook bones, it makes them brittle. This means that when your dog eats them, it can break into shards which can seriously hurt their mouth, throat, and/or intestines.
Alcohol
Dog kidneys cannot process alcohol. Alcohol can lead to intoxication and cause vomiting, muscle tremors, seizures, and more. In extreme cases, it can even lead to organ failure and death.
Avocado
Due to the presence of persin in avocados, their leaves, and pits, none of the plant is edible to dogs. If fed too much, it can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, and other serious health problems.
Macadamia Nuts
Macadamia nuts can harm your dog even in small doses. If your dog consumes macadamia nuts, it can lead to vomiting, lack of coordination, weakness of the hind legs, overheating, and more. If your dog gets into macadamia nuts, it is a good idea to call your veterinarian or the Pet Poison Helpline.
If we were to write down all of what dogs cant eat, we would have an encyclopedia to show you. Instead, always consult your vet, your animal poison control center, and resources like the Pet Poison Helpline before feeding your dog anything special or new. Or, if you want a safe dog treat you can trust, check out our delicious dog treats!
Disclaimer: We act as affiliates for trusted merchants and we may earn referral commissions resulting from purchases of products or services recommended on this website. You can read more about it here.
