Let’s face it: dogs will eat just about anything. Biltong scraps, a rogue carrot, your favourite pair of socks, their own… You get it. If it’s on the floor or within reach, it’s fair game. But when it comes to actual food, some of the human snacks we love can be dangerous for our furry friends. So, knowing the foods dogs should never eat isn’t just useful; it could save your pet’s life.
With dotsure.co.za, those “Oops, my dog ate (insert toxic human food here)” moments don’t have to be so scary. Our pet insurance for dogs helps cover emergency care, from licking up some gauc to ingesting lingerie (yes, this happens)!
RELATED: HUMAN FOODS CATS CAN AND CAN’T EAT
Why Your Dog’s Diet Matters
You love your dog like your family, but they can’t exactly eat what is served at the family dinner table. Many of the foods we eat can be toxic to them and cause symptoms such as vomiting, seizures, organ failure, or worse.
Feeding your dog the right food based on their age, breed, and weight is one of the most important things you can do to protect their health. Always consult your vet regarding your dog’s dietary needs.
Top 15 Poisonous Foods for Dogs
These are the 15 most toxic foods for dogs, with the reasons why they’re risky:
Chocolate
Chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine, which are stimulants that dogs process much more slowly than we do. The darker the chocolate, the more dangerous it is because of the higher levels of these compounds. If ingested, it can cause vomiting, tremors, and even heart failure.
Grapes and Raisins
Some dogs can be more sensitive than others, but even small amounts can lead to sudden acute kidney failure. If you suspect your four-legged friend has eaten some grapes or raisins, contact your vet ASAP.
Onions and Garlic
The thiosulfate in onions and garlic attacks red blood cells, leading to anaemia. They are dangerous whether raw, cooked, or powdered.
Xylitol (found in sugar-free gum and snacks)
This common sugar substitute can cause liver failure, seizures, and hypoglycaemia. Always read your labels and ensure those diet-friendly snacks are out of reach!
Alcohol
Dogs absorb alcohol much faster than we do, so even one sip is dangerous. It depresses your dog’s central nervous system and can cause vomiting, difficulty breathing, and coma.
Caffeine
While coffee, tea, and energy drinks may give you the kick you need to tick off your to-do list, caffeine is the last thing dogs need in their diet. Dogs are much more sensitive to its effects, and consuming it can lead to hyperactivity, seizures, tremors, high blood pressure, and hyperthermia.
Macadamia Nuts
The exact reason why macadamia nuts are toxic for dogs is unclear, but these nuts are amongst the top human foods to avoid giving your pup! Symptoms include vomiting, weakness, hyperthermia and depression.
Avocados
Great for nachos, not great for our furry amigos! The persin in avocados can cause an upset stomach, diarrhoea, and fluid build-up around the heart or lungs in large amounts.
Cooked Bones
Cooked bones splinter easily, tearing the digestive tract or causing a blockage. Stick to vet-approved chew toys.
Fat Trimmings
Too much fat can lead to pancreatitis, a painful and potentially fatal condition.
Salty Snacks
Chips, biltong and processed snacks contain too much salt, which leads to dehydration, tremors, and sodium ion poisoning.
Yeast Dough
Raw dough rises in your dog’s stomach, causing bloating and discomfort. Plus, fermentation can produce alcohol, which we know is super dangerous, too.
Dairy (in large amounts)
Dogs don’t produce much lactase, so dairy often causes bloating, gas, and diarrhoea.
Raw or Undercooked Meat
“But that’s what dogs ate in the wild”. We know your dog isn’t hunting for their food like their ancestors. Vet-approved raw foods are A-Okay with us. But some uncooked meat can carry bacteria like Salmonella or E. coli, which means a lot of discomfort for your pup and a hefty vet bill for you.
Mouldy or Spoiled Food
If it’s not good enough for you, it’s not good enough for them. Mould can contain tremorgenic mycotoxins, which cause seizures.
Top Tip: Print this list and stick it on the fridge for friends, family or visitors to see! It will make everyone think twice about the human foods they share with your dog.
What to Do If Your Dog Eats Something Toxic
Accidents happen. Sometimes a sausage dog’s short legs are too fast; before you know it, that fallen grape has disappeared! Here’s what you should do right away:
Step 1: Don’t panic
Check the packaging if possible, and estimate how much they ate.
Step 2: Call your vet or an emergency animal clinic
Expert advice is always best. Describe the symptoms, quantity, and food involved and follow their instructions.
Step 3: Skip the Google remedies
Activated charcoal or inducing vomiting might help, but only if directed by a professional.
When to Call the Vet Immediately
Contact your vet ASAP if you spot any of these signs after your dog swallows something they shouldn’t:
- Vomiting or diarrhoea
- Drooling or panting
- Tremors or seizures
- Lethargy or collapse
- Pale gums or bloated belly.
As pet parents, you know your dog best, so trust your gut and if something feels off, call the vet!
How Pet Insurance Can Help With Emergencies
With dotsure.co.za pet insurance, if your dog has taken a bite out of something they shouldn’t have, we’ll help take the bite out of the vet bills in case of emergency treatment!
Here’s how we help:
- Cover for accidents such as poisoning
- Emergency treatment and hospitalisation
- Diagnostic tests and follow-ups.
Do you want to know more about our plans and what we cover? Contact us today and chat to one of our friendly agents! If you already have pet insurance, visit the Manage Portal online and review your policy details to ensure you’re covered.
Our Final Food for Thought
A few things make the list of foods dogs should never eat. But now you’re equipped with the know-how to keep your bestie safe, and with dotsure.co.za here to help, a backup plan if they ever sink their teeth into something they shouldn’t. Protect them with SA’s #1 Pet Insurer today!
RELATED: HOW TO MAKE LIP-SMACKING HOMEMADE DOG BISCUITS;
THE MOST COMMONLY INGESTED FOREIGN OBJECTS IN PETS
