Ever noticed your dog adorably staring at your plate as you munch on your favourite snack or eat your meal? Cute as they appear, you probably want to share everything you are eating with your canine friend. No matter how irresistible those puppy eyes are, before you humbly shift your food to your dog's plate, you must know what staple food items that seem safe for humans can be dangerous to the four-legged and cause several sorts of health problems to them.
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Dogs are adorable members of our families, and as pet owners, we are responsible for them. There are certain human foods can be extremely toxic to their well-being and there is no reason you should get overwhelmed about sharing a morsel from your plate and putting them in trouble. Let alone the unsafe food, even, the food we eat is cooked with different spices and oils and may not go very well with your pet pooch and its digestive system, creating havoc in their body. Besides, it may also result in weight gain, dog allergies and a host of other health problems.
As a rule of thumb, it is best to avoid feeding your dog human food and let the pet stick to its plate and eat dog food which is formulated to meet the dog’s nutritional needs. In case you have fed them your food and you see the pet behave unusually, keep a watch for some time. If the symptoms do not subside, consult a veterinarian at the earliest.
For now, let us check out the top 5 foods that are a big no for your furry buddy.
5 Human Foods That Can Be Harmful And Even Toxic To Dogs
Chocolates
Chocolate which is a treat for humans is a slow poison for pets. All chocolates contain theobromine and caffeine, both can have ill health effects on dogs. These substances are difficult for dogs to metabolize, leading to increased heart rate, and may cause vomiting, diarrhoea, and even seizures. The darker the chocolate, the higher the concentration of these harmful compounds. It is important to note that even small amounts of chocolate, especially in smaller dog breeds, can cause significant health issues and can be fatal though in rare scenarios.
Grapes
Grapes and raisins (the dry version of this fruit) are potentially toxic to dogs. Consumption of even a small number of this fruit can cause kidney failure in dogs. Symptoms may include vomiting, diarrhoea, lethargy and a decreased appetite. As the toxicity of grapes is super high, it is best to avoid giving these fruits to dogs entirely.
Onions and Garlic
Onions and garlic (both members of the Allium family) can be highly toxic to canines. It has compounds that can cause damage to a dog's red blood cells, leading to a condition called haemolytic anaemia. And keep in mind that both raw and cooked onions and garlic can be equally harmful. Upon consumption, pets may show weakness, rapid breathing, and lethargy symptoms. Avoid feeding them any food containing these ingredients, such as onion soup, a loaf of garlic bread or a human meal containing such items.
Avocado
A fabulous superfood to humans, avocados offer numerous health benefits but when it comes to their canine buddies, this fruit can be life-threatening to dogs. Avocado contains a substance called Persin, concentrated in the leaves, seed, and skin. Ingestion of Persin can lead to gastrointestinal issues such as vomiting and diarrhoea. It is safest to keep avocados out of your pet’s reach and ensure this fruit is not included in their diet.
Xylitol
Xylitol is a sugar substitute found in various sugar-free products such as chewing gums, many baked goods and candies. Harmless to humans, xylitol is highly toxic to dogs, even if consumed in tiny amounts. When ingested, it can cause a sudden release of insulin, resulting in dangerously low blood sugar levels aka hypoglycaemia. Symptoms of xylitol poisoning are vomiting, seizures, and in severe cases, liver failure. Thus, always ensure that any products containing xylitol are kept far away from dogs.
