22 Types of Food to Avoid Giving Your Dog

Most people know that chocolate is bad for dogs. But are you aware that there are actually a whole catalog of foods that can harm your dog?

Many foods, that we human eat with no ill effects, can cause severe reactions in a dog, including, illness, coma and even death. As a dog owner you need to know which dog foods to avoid, so that you can keep them well away from your dog’s hungry jaws.

What type of foods should I avoid feeding my dog?

Dogs have a poorly developed sense of taste and will eat just about anything they come across. In other cases, there are potentially lethal foods, like chocolate, which dogs find absolutely irresistible.

Here’s a list of dog foods to avoid feeding your dog;

  1. Onions and Garlic – Releases sulfoxides and disulfides that can cause anemia as well as blood damage. Cats are even more at risk of this, but the risk is strong for both dogs and cats.
  2. Baby Food – Can contain both garlic and onion powder, causing the same results.
  3. Bones – Bones of any kind can chip or be swallowed, leading to obstructions, lacerations and intestinal blockage.
  4. Cat Food – This is richer and fattier than most dog foods and has too much protein for a healthy dog to digest.
  5. Chocolate and Caffeine – Caffeine, Theobromine, and Theophylline are all toxic to dogs, and can cause heart or nervous failure.
  6. Citrus Oil Extracts – Induces vomiting
  7. Fat Trimmings – Causes pancreatitis
  8. Grapes or Raisins – Contains toxins that can cause kidney damage.
  9. Liver – Too much liver causes Vitamin A toxicity, weakening bones and muscles.
  10. Vitamin Supplements with Iron – Iron poisoning can damage organs throughout the body.
  11. Macademia Nuts – Affects the digestive system, the muscles, and the nervous system.
  12. Molds – Causes diarrhea and vomiting and can cause organ damage.
  13. Mushrooms – Some mushrooms are toxic, causing system failure, shock, and death in severe cases.
  14. Raw Eggs – The Avidin Enzyme in raw eggs can reduce Biotin absorption and lead to hair and skin problems. There is also the risk of Salmonella.
  15. Potato, Rhubarb and Tomato Leaves – There are oxalates in these plants that cause numerous digestive problems and can result in urinary problems.
  16. Peaches and Plums – Danger of choking if the pits are swallowed.
  17. Persimmons – Seeds cause intestinal blockage and enteritis.
  18. Raw Fish – Results in Thiamine deficiency. This will cause a loss of appetite and seizures and can even lead to death if it is fed to them regularly.
  19. Salt – Causes dehydration and electrolyte imbalances which can impair the nervous system.
  20. Yeast – Causes swelling and pain in the stomach, with the potential for rupture.
  21. Xylitol – Causes liver failure
  22. Alcohol – Even small amounts can cause organ damage and lead to possible coma or death. Hops, contained in beer, can cause increased heart rate, panting, fever, and seizures. Can even cause death.

Canine Obesity

The dog foods to avoid on the list above have been found to cause direct, immediate damage to a dog’s health.

The other big danger from dog food is that of obesity. According to a recent report canine obesity now affects 1 in 3 pet dogs in the US.

Obesity brings with it many health dangers, so if your dog is overweight, you should immediately make adjustments to his diet and exercise routines.

As a dog owner, you are responsible for feeding your dog a healthy diet, including all the necessary nutrients, but excluding rich, fatty foods.

In the long run these are as dangerous as any of the dog foods to avoid on the list above.