What can dogs not eat? (50 food)

Why do some foods harm our dog?

There are foods or drinks that are healthy for us humans, but can mean death for our loved one.

Why actually?

The cause depends on various factors. In general, dogs do not have the necessary enzymes to break down certain substances quickly. These substances can therefore accumulate in high quantities in the dog's body and lead to symptoms of poisoning.

One example is the active ingredient theobromine. We humans have the enzyme to break down theobromine quickly, but our four-legged friends do not.

Therefore, I would like to draw your attention to the following right away: You need to crack down on unknowingly feeding toxic or incompatible foods!

All cocoa-containing Foods such as chocolate or cookies and some drinks are taboo for your protégé. He does not have the necessary enzyme to break down the active ingredient theobromine quickly enough.

A single bar of dark chocolate could kill a 20 kg dog!

*The symptoms of theobromine poisoning are: *

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Restlessness, stress
• Increased urination
• Trembling
• Increased, irregular or abnormal heart rate
• Collapse of the nervous system, seizures
• Death

Grapes

Grapes do not have a toxic effect on all dogs. Why they are fatal in some and others remain symptom-free has not yet been determined.

A few years ago, a study was carried out at the British Poison Control Center for Veterinary Medicine in London. The researchers found that grapes are not toxic or fatal to all pets.

It is not yet clear why 101 of 169 dogs remained symptom-free. Nevertheless, 13 of them died and four had to be euthanized.

The study showed that there are different reactions within the dog population. In addition, it was found that 10 g of grapes or less than 2.8 g of raisins per kg of body weight is sufficient for poisoning.

Which active ingredient in the grape or raisin is responsible for the poisoning could not be found.

The symptoms of grape or raisin poisoning are:

• Vomiting and/or diarrhea
• Abdominal pain
• Apathy
• Lack of appetite
• Altered blood values
• Decrease in body fluid (dehydration)
• reduced or no urination
• Kidney failure until death

Bulbous plants

Onion plants are the be-all and end-all when it comes to refining our dishes and are very healthy for us humans.

However, active substances such as N-propyl disulfide or allylpropyl sulfide in the onion plants are toxic to our charges. They attack the red blood cells and ultimately destroy them.

There are some breeds that are particularly sensitive. These include in particular the Japanese breeds (Shiba Inu, Akita and others).

Moreover, it is irrelevant whether the onions are cooked, dried, fried or taken as a powder.

There is no fixed threshold value of the poison. It is only known that the quadrupeds already show a blood picture change at 15 - 30 g onions per kg body weight.

Poisoning by onions usually occurs from an amount of 0.5 % of body weight. This would correspond to 50 g of onions for a 10 kg furry nose. The effect of garlic can be up to 5 times more severe than the onion.

Nevertheless, garlic in very small quantities is also healthy. The dose depends not only on the body weight, but also on the state of health of your pet. Therefore, I would recommend you to discuss the dosage with your veterinarian or expert veterinary practitioner beforehand.

Here are a few examples of foods that belong to the onion family and cause poisoning in dogs:

• Leek/leeks
• Chives
• Garlic
• Shallots
• Spring onions
• Onions
• Wild garlic

** The symptoms are:**

• Weakness
• Fatigue
• Coordination disorders
• Bright mucous membranes
• Red or brown urine
• Strong salivation
• Possibly vomiting and diarrhea
• Abdominal pain
• Increased heart rate and respiratory rate

Vomiting and diarrhea appear in the first days. A few days or even weeks later the anemia forms.

Dogs that are taken to the vet promptly for suspected onion plant poisoning have a great chance of being cured without consequences. In contrast, dogs can die if they are not treated in time.

Macademia nuts

It is not yet known exactly why macademia nuts and the fruit kernels are poisonous. Some sources assume that the active ingredient amygdalin is responsible and that this substance blocks cell respiration.

For a dog weighing 15 kg, as few as 4 nuts can cause poisoning.

Also be careful with unripe walnuts. The green shells of walnuts can be infested with a fungus that contains the poison Roquefortin C. You should therefore keep your hands off them.

In general, peanuts are not harmful to healthy four-legged friends. Unless your pet has heart or kidney problems or is intolerant to histamine. Then peanuts are not for him. Bitter almonds contain hydrocyanic acid. That's why bitter almonds are an absolute no-no!

The symptoms are:

• Stiffness, muscle weakness
• Difficulty running
• Partially swollen extremities
• Liver damage

Caffeine and teein

From a chemical point of view, caffeine and teein are identical. However, the caffeine contained in tea is often referred to as teein. The active ingredient methylxanthine, which is contained in caffeine, cannot be broken down by four-legged friends, so it remains in the blood for too long.

Caffeine stimulates the circulation. It increases blood pressure and can trigger life-threatening heart rhythm disorders.

Many dog owners only think of coffee when they think of caffeinated drinks or foods, which is not the case: cola, energy drinks, iced tea, black and green tea, even soda drinks can contain caffeine.

Even chocolates decorated with coffee beans are dangerous, because they contain not only the active ingredient methylxanthine, but also theobromine.

The symptoms of caffeine or teaein poisoning are:

• General unrest
• Hyperactivity
• Panting
• Increased respiratory rate
• Tachycardia and cardiac arrhythmias
• Increased water excretion
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea and abdominal pain
• Trembling
• Cramps
• Coordination disorders

In case of severe poisoning, an increased body temperature may occur. If the poisoning is not treated in time by a veterinarian, your pet may fall into a coma and suffer cardiovascular arrest. The severity of the symptoms depends on the amount ingested.

The lowest lethal dose is about 150 mg per kg body weight.

For quadrupeds brought to the vet with mild symptoms, the chances of recovery are good. If symptoms such as coma or convulsions have set in, the chances are unfortunately poor.

Xylitol

The term "sugar-free" on some food packaging does not necessarily mean that it is healthy for our furry friends. This is because instead of conventional sugar, these foods contain the substance xylitol.

Xylitol is used in dental care products, medicines and food supplements, among other things. Sugar-free sweets such as sweets, baked goods, puddings and chewing gum also contain xylitol.

A dose of 0.1 g xylitol per kg body weight can trigger hypoglycaemia in your pet. This means that 2 chewing gums are enough to cause poisoning in a 20 kg four-legged friend. From 0.5 g per kg body weight, acute liver failure can occur.

The symptoms are:

• Vomiting
• Weakness
• Uncoordinated walking or unsteady standing
• Lack of responsiveness
• Trembling
• Cramps
• Coma

As soon as the first signs appear, your veterinarian must take a stabilizing measure.

Dogs that are admitted to the veterinarian before the onset of symptoms have a good chance of surviving the poisoning without consequences. If your charge already has bleeding disorders and liver failure, the prognosis is poor. If he is already in a comatose state, most treatment attempts are too late.

Mushrooms

Mushrooms do not belong in your furry companion's food bowl. You should make sure that he doesn't eat any mushrooms outdoors or even in your garden. If you have a garden, remove the mushrooms.

There are discussions about whether mushrooms can be fed cooked. Some four-legged friends cannot tolerate non-toxic mushrooms even when cooked and usually get digestive problems from them. That's why I advise you to simply leave the mushrooms out.

Here are some more species that can be poisonous to your pet:

• Red toadstool
• Spring Lorikeet
• Coniferous hemlock
• Orange fox skin head
• Green amanita
• Panther mushroom
• Giant Reddish
• Satan's Mushroom
• Brick red crack fungus
• And more...

Mushroom poisoning can have different symptoms depending on the type of mushroom. The most common symptoms are:

• Abdominal pain
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Fever
• Breathing problems or shortness of breath
• Bleeding
• Increased salivation or foaming
• Palpitations
• Inertia
• Fainting spells
• Constricted or dilated pupils
• Motor disorders
• Tremors, seizures, or abnormal behavior.

If your foster has eaten a fungus, it is better to call your veterinarian immediately and not wait for symptoms.

Avocado

With its high content of unsaturated fatty acids, vitamins and minerals, the avocado is an extremely healthy fruit for us humans.

However, avocado also contains the substance persin. It is responsible for the toxic effect on our furry noses. This substance is found in particular in the pit and skin of the avocado.

If the fruit is not yet ripe, the concentration of active ingredient is very high. The leaves also contain persin. The ripened fruit flesh itself has low levels of it.

Even if some sources state that small amounts of ripe fruit pulp are okay, you should stay away from it. Especially if your pet suffers from chronic illnesses or is no longer as fit due to age.

Symptoms of poisoning usually appear after 24 hours. The symptoms are:

• Shortness of breath
• Water retention
• Cough
• increased pulse rate
• Diarrhea / vomiting
• Cramps

If the poisoning is not treated in time, it can cause heart muscle disorders in your pet and he can die as a result.

Alcohol

Even if we socially accept alcohol as a stimulant and see it more as a means of enjoyment, relaxation or cheering up, it is a poison. Some reckless people think it is extremely funny to "offer" alcohol to their four-legged friends and "cheer them up".

Beer, wine, spirits, alcoholic cocktails or other alcoholic drinks and food are an absolute no-no for dogs!

The lethal dose for your hairy companion is 5.5 g per kg body weight. Pre-existing conditions, chronic disorders or foods containing alcohol, such as a rum praline, can greatly increase the toxic effect.

Symptoms of alcohol poisoning vary depending on the dose taken:

• Salivation
• Vomiting
• Coordination disorders
• Shortness of breath
• Increased heart rate
• Liver Damage
• Coma
• Death

Raw pork

Raw pork can be cooked with the Aujeszky virus be infected. This virus has fatal consequences for your pet. Uncooked salami, sausage or smoked meat products made from pork also pose a risk.

The virus can only be killed with a cooking temperature of 60° C or higher.

The symptoms are:

• Itching
• Vomiting
• Unrest
• Loss of appetite
• Fever

After the virus is absorbed through the mucous membrane of the mouth and nose, the pathogen enters the gastrointestinal tract. From there it goes to the nervous system and to the brain, to the brain stem. The brain tissue is destroyed and failure of the nervous system occurs.

The incubation period is 2-9 days. In many cases it can be 3-5 days. Unfortunately, this disease is not treatable.

In addition, the treatment of this disease is prohibited by law. Because this disease is a notifiable animal disease.

Salt

Salt as part of a healthy diet is not dangerous. However, it becomes toxic from as little as 0.5 g per kg body weight. Salt causes more fluid to accumulate in the body. That's why your pet needs to drink more water than usual.

If he suffers from heart disease, the fluid cannot be excreted due to the reduced cardiac output. Too much salt leads to high blood pressure and kidney damage. Four-legged friends who already suffer from kidney or heart failure are particularly affected. Do not feed your pet leftovers, salami, salty snacks or similar.

Tobacco

Of course, tobacco is not a foodstuff. Nevertheless, tobacco can be found in many households, either in loose form or as a cigarette. The nicotine contained in tobacco acts as a neurotoxin on your furry friend. In puppies in particular, tobacco can lead to circulatory collapse.

Keep cigarette packets, tobacco and full ashtrays out of reach of your four-legged friend. Cigarette butts also contain a fair amount of nicotine. For a 15 kg dog, 10 cigarette butts or 3 cigarettes would be enough for poisoning.

The symptoms are:

• Increase in nerve activity
• Muscle tremor
• Vomiting
• Salivating
• Temperature rise
• Running difficulties
• Cardiac rhythm disorders
• Cardiovascular failure
• Death

Medication

Of course, medicines are not food. But our dear companions see some things differently than we do. So the colorful, tempting tablets can quickly end up in their stomachs.

**That's why I advise you,**not to take medication in the presence of your fur bearer. If something should ever fall on the floor, there is a risk that it will be "cleaned off". Also, keep all medications out of your little one's reach.

Please note that this list includes only some of the medications that we usually have at home. In general, the rule of thumb is that all medications (including homeopathic or herbal) are toxic to your charge and do not belong within his reach!

Stone fruit

Stone fruits include apricots, plums, peaches, bitter almonds and cherries. These are widespread in our gardens and meadows. It is not the fruit that causes problems, but the stone.

The seeds of these fruits contain cyanic compounds such as hydrocyanic acid or cyanides. Prussic acid can cause severe neurological disorders.

Should your little one eat or swallow these seeds, the active ingredients will be released in the body. A dose of 2 mg per kg body weight can already lead to respiratory arrest.

Apart from this, the seeds can cause intestinal obstruction or damage the stomach lining.

The symptoms of fruit pit poisoning are:

• Salivating
• Nausea
• Vomiting (also smells strongly of bitter almond)
• Scratchy throat
• Mucous membranes (rosy)
• Respiratory problems
• Increased heart rate
• Respiratory arrest

Solanaceae

The nightshade plants most commonly used as food in our country are potatoes, eggplants, tomatoes, peppers and chili peppers. They contain the active ingredient solanine. This substance is developed when exposed to sunlight. Particularly high levels of solanine are found in the green parts or in the stalk.

The symptoms of solanine poisoning are:

• Irritation of the gastrointestinal tract
• Destruction of red blood cells
• Inhibition of the nervous system
• Suppression of respiration and motor centers
• Cardiac arrest

Cooked potatoes will not harm your pet. However, you should take care to cut away the green parts of the potato. It's best to avoid potatoes that are too green altogether.

Overripe tomatoes in small quantities (pureed and cooked) hardly contain the active ingredient solanine. However, in some cases it is difficult to distinguish between overripe and ripe tomatoes. It is therefore better not to feed them to your pet in the first place.

The same applies to eggplant. Some sources say that a small amount of cooked eggplant is harmless. However, this "small amount" can vary from dog to dog. The general state of health is also important. A small portion for a four-legged friend with a stronger immune system has a different effect than on a dog that already has health problems.

It is no different with peppers or chili peppers. Some sources advise against green and yellow peppers altogether, whereas red peppers are not banned. According to these sources, the solanine in red peppers is broken down during the ripening process. I personally do not take this risk and refrain from feeding red peppers.

Egg white

Egg white contains the active ingredient avidin and binds biotin - also known as vitamin B7 or vitamin H. However, biotin plays an important role in carbohydrate, protein and fat metabolism. For this reason, your pet should never be fed raw egg white.

Some sources have no objection to feeding raw yolk. However, you need to be sure that your raw egg fresh is. This is because spoiled eggs can contain salmonella in the yolk.

If you don't want to give up eggs altogether, you can safely give your pet hard-boiled eggs. This will also reduce the risk of salmonella.

Pulses

When uncooked, raw pulses contain phasin, tannins and alkaloids as well as trypsin inhibitors, which inhibit protein digestion. These substances only break down when they are cooked. Pulses include lentils, beans, chickpeas and soy products.

The symptoms are:

• Unwillingness to eat to refusal of food
• Diarrhea
• Cramps
• Hypertrophy of the pancreas
• Death

Whether milk or dairy products are tolerable for our dear friends is determined by the milk sugar content (lactose content).

After puppyhood, dogs lack the necessary enzyme in the small intestine to fully digest lactose. Depending on the amount of milk consumed, this leads to diarrhea, malfermentation in the large intestine and abdominal pain.

Ask your vet whether you can feed your pet milk and/or dairy products. If your pet suffers from lactose intolerance, it is advisable to avoid milk and dairy products containing lactose.

2. cooked bones

Basically, you should not feed your pet with cooked bones or leftover bones from the grill. This is because cooked or grilled bones are brittle and porous. They can splinter in the digestive tract and cause life-threatening injuries.

If at all, you should therefore always feed your darling with raw bones. Bones are an important ingredient, especially when barfeeding.

Nevertheless, there are dogs that do not tolerate even raw bones. In this case, you can feed your dog with minced bones.

3. cabbage vegetables

Cabbage is not poisonous. Nevertheless, due to their composition, they can cause flatulence in your pet, which can be unpleasant for both him and you. However, you can give him these vegetables in small quantities and cooked.

4. cold food

It is not advisable to give food straight from the fridge. It is better to leave it outside until it has reached a comfortable room temperature. Dog ice cream in summer will certainly not harm your pet. But please keep it in moderation and keep a close eye on whether he tolerates it.

5. cereals at Gluten intolerance

Many sources completely discourage the feeding of cereals. Because of the reasoning that the dog descended from the wolf and is therefore a carnivore. This statement is not quite true. Because also the wolf gets grain or plants through the stomach and intestinal contents of its prey.

Therefore, it is not possible to completely assume that grain in any dog food is used only as a filler. Of course, the proportion of cereals should meet the needs of a dog.

However, some cereals containGluten. Some four-legged friends cannot tolerate gluten. If this is the case with your protégé, you should make sure that he gets gluten-free food.

The following cereals contain gluten:

• Wheat
• Spelt
• Rye
• Barley
• Triticale

** The following cereals contain No gluten:**

• Corn
• Rice
• Millet
• Bamboo Seeds

There is also no disadvantage to buying grain-free food. There is also nothing wrong with feeding your pet a dog food that contains easily digestible grains. When buying dog food, make sure that it is carefully produced and of high quality - preferably organic.

**Plants:**They beautify our home or garden with their flowers and stately leaves and provide a soothing indoor environment.

Nevertheless, there are some among them that can be toxic for our fur noses. Especially puppies and young dogs are affected by this, as they are still exploring the world that is new to them. Their biggest supporters are nose and mouth. So they sniff around for minutes, lick or even nibble.

I have listed some plants that are poisonous to our pets below. Either don't have them in your home or yard in the first place, or keep them out of reach of your furry friend:

• Agave
• Cyclamen
• Amaryllis (Delphinium)
• Azalea
• Blue monkshood
• Bow hemp (bayonet plant)
• Brunfelsie
• Boxwood
• Wood anemone
• Christ thorn, Christ star
• Chrysanthemum
• Clivie
• Datura
• Dieffenbachia
• Dragon tree, dragon lily
• Ivy
• Yew
• Monocle
• Angel Trumpet
• Window leaf
• Ficus (rubber tree) and other species of ficus
• Foxglove
• Flamingo flower
• Honeysuckle
• Geranium
• Golden Rain
• Autumn crocus
• Sweetheart
• Hydrangea
• Cherry Laurel
• Piston thread
• Lilies, all types
• Lily of the Valley
• Mistletoe
• Oleander
• Orchids, all species
• Passionflower
• Philodendron
• Rhododendron
• Delphinium
• Hemlock
• Fir needles
• Thuja
• Belladonna
• Juniper
• Poinsettia
• Cedar

You can find more in our big**List of over 70 poisonous plants.**

In almost all poisonings, vomiting is one of the symptoms. Depending on the active ingredient that leads to poisoning, the other symptoms may vary. If the symptoms listed below occur in your protégé, then you can assume poisoning:

• Unrest
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Salivating
• Abdominal pain
• Cardiovascular problems
• Bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract
• Excessive thirst
• Excessive salivation
• Bloated belly
• Cramps
• Fever or low temperature
• Apathy
• Pale gums
• Shortness of breath

It is important that you consult your veterinarian immediately if you suspect poisoning. Unless you have received specific instructions from your veterinarian, you should not attempt to make your dog vomit. Also keep in mind that some symptoms may not appear until days later.

You can find more about first aid in the next section

• You should always have an adequate supply of activated charcoal in your first aid kit at home. This is because activated charcoal is the only preparation that you can use yourself to prevent the onset of poisoning.
• You should have the vet's phone number saved on your phone from day one.
• Do you suspect that your dog has been poisoned or have you caught him eating a poisonous substance? Then you must contact your vet immediately!
• Prevent your dog from continuing to nibble or eat the product.
• If still available, take a sample or the remainder of the toxic substance (chocolate wrapper, coffee packet, cigarette packet etc.) with you to the vet. This will enable your vet to make a better and quicker assessment of what measures need to be taken for detoxification.
• Keep calm and try to reassure your pet as much as possible so that he knows he is being helped. Feel free to talk him through it.

The most important point to avoid poisoning is to keep all poisons out of reach of your pet.

Inform your housemates and guests about foods that are poisonous to dogs. You should also avoid feeding him from the table or giving him leftovers when he is looking up at you in a cute and begging way.

You can post a list of foods to avoid on your fridge. Train the "leave it" or "off" command with your furry friend. If you have difficulties with this, you can get help from a dog trainer.

Outside, you should always keep your pet on a lead. This way you can control him better and react immediately if he tries to eat something poisonous.

Maybe you have unknowingly given one or the other food to your protégé and did not notice any complaints. I can only say that you were lucky. Food leftovers do not belong in the stomach of a dog.

Practice listening to your command if he eats something he's not supposed to. This way you still have the opportunity to take it out of his mouth.

If you still want to treat him occasionally, feel free to give him healthy treats or bake them yourself.

**You can find more tips and recipes in our article: Bake your own dog cookies and treats.**Have fun baking 😊