6 Toxic Human Foods for Dogs

6 Toxic Human Foods for Dogs

Our furry friends look to us to give them tasty joy with their puppy eye stares as we eat. The more we seem to enjoy something, the more they think they want what we’re having, but we need to be careful with what we share. Some of the healthiest food for humans do not make the most healthy dog treats. For instance, these foods are considered toxic for dogs:

1. Peaches and plums
Small amounts of the outer fruity flesh of plums and peaches are okay, but it’s in the center of the fruit that lies the pit of the problem. The pits in these fruits contain cyanogenic glycosides, which is a form of cyanide. So if you have one of these trees in your backyard, take careful care that none of the pits end up as a chew toy, especially with young teething pups.

2. Caffeinated beverages
Caffeine is a stimulus that is much more potent on a dog’s nervous systems than it is for humans. As little as 70 mg of caffeine can potentially be fatal for every five pounds of a canine’s body-weight. Dogs react to caffeine within half an hour of ingestion, and the caffeine can stay in their system for as long as 12 hours.

3. Grapes and raisins
Grapes and raisins cause kidney damage in dogs that can lead up to eventual kidney failure. If they consume enough at one time, it can abruptly cause immediate kidney failure. You need to pay close attention to ingredients in random packaged food because grape-extract is commonly used as an ingredient in items that you would not expect it to be in.

4. Dairy products
A dog’s body has a very low amount of digestive enzymes required to break down the lactose in dairy products. You could say all dogs, and cats too, are lactose intolerant by default. A small amount of milk, such as half a cup or less, can be a healthy treat for most dogs. However, because they enjoy the taste so much, a dog will likely drink more than they should every time it’s offered. It’s also important to pay attention to how your dog reacts. Some dogs are more sensitive than others and should stay away from dairy completely. Signs of eating too much dairy, or lactose intolerance, include diarrhea, loose stools, vomiting and abdominal pain.

5. Chocolate
Chocolate needs to be avoided for the same reason as garlic and onions because it contains a substance called theobromine, which can cause anemia in dogs. As little as just over an ounce of dark cocoa can cause poisoning in a ten-pound dog.

6. Onions and garlic
There’s a substance in onions and garlic that is called thiosulphate. Thiosulphate is not appropriately digested by dogs, which interferes with the hemoglobin production in their blood. This causes excessive blood clotting that can rupture too many red blood cells, which can make them anemic.

In general, even the best healthy dog treats should be given close inspection and limited in consumption. Some manufacturers will put their products in an impressive package to entice humans. However, there is not enough strict regulation in the pet industry to guarantee that it’s good for them. Always keep informed and use your common sense by paying close attention to your dog’s behavior by staying informed.