We all love to treat our dogs but it is important to remember what they can’t have to ensure they don’t get sick!
Read through our top things to avoid giving your dog and find out our favourite treats we know they’ll love!
Chocolate
As unfair as it seems, chocolate is no good for your furry friend. According to recent research it comes down to one molecule called Theobromine. Theobromine is a caffeine-like molecule that increases blood flow to the vein. Dogs find this molecule so hard to process that they can easily eat a poisonous amount that is fatal. Although most dogs don’t eat enough to be fatal, smaller amounts can still cause seizures and other symptoms.
Grapes
Grapes and raisins are another food that dogs can’t eat, in fact there is no safe amount for them. Grapes cause kidney damage in dogs, eating the fruit can cause sudden kidney failure or even death.
The reason grapes have this effect in dogs is unknown but it is known that dogs cannot metabolise tannins, flavonoids, and monosaccharides that are in grapes. Recent research suggests that the tartaric acid in grapes could be the culprit.
Onions
A common ingredient in our food but actually one of the more deadly foods that dogs should never have! Onions contain a compound called N-propyl disulphide which is highly toxic for dogs. This compound causes the breakdown and eventual destruction of red blood cells and lead to anaemia, in some cases leading to death.
All parts of the onion are dangerous for dogs so you should be extra cautious when storing and preparing them around your pet.
Caffeine
Something you probably have every day but that your dog should never have is caffeine. Your dog is much more sensitive to caffeine than you are. While a couple of laps of your tea probably won’t do any harm, if your dog eats coffee grounds, tea bags or pills containing caffeine it’s important to get them checked by your vet.
Macadamia Nuts
A less common ingredient but one that is high on the list of foods your dog should avoid is macadamia nuts. Symptoms of caused by eating macadamia nuts include vomiting, ataxia (lack of coordination), weakness, hyperthermia (overheating), and depression.
A dog can show symptoms from eating as little as 1/10 of an ounce per roughly 2 pounds of body weight.
Xylitol
Something you may not have heard of by xylitol is very harmful to dogs.
Xylitol is a common sugar substitute in foods. It is commonly found in sugar-free chewing gum, toothpaste, mouthwash, vitamin supplements, a small handful of peanut butter brands, and other ‘low sugar’ or sugar-free products.
It can cause blood sugar levels to plummet as well as liver damage
Garlic
Another thing you might use every day that your dog should never have is garlic. This is because garlic contains Thiosulfate which can causes damage to your dogs red blood cells which are responsible for carrying oxygen around the body.
What treats can my dog have?
Don’t be put off by the things your pet can’t have, there are so many things available that they can still enjoy!
- Raw carrots
- Apples
- Bananas
- Turmeric paste mixed in water and frozen
- Green peas in water and frozen
- Duck wings
- Chicken feet
- Beef marrow bone
- Dehydrated pigs ears
