Who can understand the joy of raising a dog? Watching your furry child wagging its tail and circling around you, you can’t wait to stuff all the delicious food into it! But wait, the dog’s stomach is not as “versatile” as that of humans. Some foods that humans like to eat may be “poison” to dogs. Feeding dogs with random things can cause diarrhea at the least, or even death at the worst! This super detailed 2000+ word article uses plain language to explain to you the dietary taboos of dogs, which foods are absolutely not allowed to be fed, and how to judge what to do if the dog has eaten taboo foods. Whether you are a novice or an experienced shit shoveler, this article can help you avoid pitfalls and let your dog eat healthily and safely!
Why are there dietary taboos for dogs?
The digestive system of dogs and humans is very different, and human “delicacies” may be a burden to dogs:
- Different digestive abilities: Dogs have strong stomach acid, which is suitable for digesting meat, but they cannot handle high-sugar, high-salt, and greasy foods.
- Metabolic differences: Some substances that are harmless to humans (such as theobromine in chocolate) cannot be metabolized by dogs and will cause poisoning.
- Delicate stomach: Dogs have short intestines, and eating randomly can easily cause diarrhea, vomiting, and even pancreatitis.
- Long-term effects: Feeding the wrong food may lead to obesity, kidney disease, skin diseases, and shorten the life of dogs.
Therefore, the first principle of raising dogs: Don’t feed dogs as “people”! Dog food is the staple food, and snacks should be used with caution. The following foods should never be given to dogs!
The top ten dietary taboos for dogs
1. Chocolate
Why can’t it be fed? Theobromine and caffeine in chocolate are highly toxic to dogs and will stimulate the nervous system and heart. Eating a little may cause accelerated heartbeat and vomiting, and eating too much may cause convulsions, coma, or even death. Dark chocolate is more dangerous than milk chocolate.
Degree of danger: ★★★★★ Toxic dose: Small dogs (5 kg) can be fatal if they eat 20-30 grams of dark chocolate. Symptoms: Fast heartbeat, trembling, vomiting, diarrhea, epilepsy. Taboo scenarios: Don’t put chocolate where dogs can reach, such as coffee tables and trash cans.
2. Grapes and raisins
Why can’t you feed them? Grapes (including raisins and raisins) can cause acute renal failure in dogs. Scientists have not yet fully understood the specific reasons, but the harm is real. Some dogs are fine after eating one, while others will suffer kidney damage after eating a few.
Dangerous level: ★★★★★ Toxic dose: Small dogs may have problems if they eat 5-10 grapes or a handful of raisins. Symptoms: Vomiting, lethargy, decreased appetite, oliguria, abdominal pain. Taboo scenarios: Don’t put grapes on the fruit plate, and keep the raisin snacks away so that dogs don’t steal them.
3. Onions and green onions
Why can’t you feed them? Onions (including raw, cooked, and onion powder) contain N-propyl disulfide, which will destroy the dog’s red blood cells and cause hemolytic anemia. A small amount may be fine, but long-term or large amounts are dangerous.
Dangerous level: ★★★★ Poisoning amount: A 5 kg dog may be poisoned by eating half a small onion (about 50 grams). Symptoms: Lethargy, weakness, pale gums, red urine. Taboo scenarios: Do not feed dogs with stir-fried dishes, hot pot, onion rings, and leftovers containing onions.
4. Garlic
Why can’t it be fed? Garlic and onions belong to the same family and can destroy red blood cells and cause anemia. Although the toxicity is slightly lower than that of onions, it is not safe either, especially raw garlic.
Dangerous level: ★★★☆ Poisoning amount: Small dogs may be at risk for eating 1-2 cloves of garlic. Symptoms: Similar to onion poisoning, lethargy, weakness, pale gums. Taboo scenarios: Do not give dogs garlic bread or dishes containing garlic seasoning.
5. Alcohol and alcoholic foods
Why can’t we feed them? Alcohol is extremely harmful to the liver and brain of dogs, and even a little bit can cause poisoning. Alcoholic desserts and fermented foods are also risky.
Dangerous level: ★★★★★ Toxic dose: A small sip of beer (10-20ml) can make small dogs uncomfortable. Symptoms: Vomiting, lethargy, unsteady walking, breathing difficulties, hypothermia. Taboo scenarios: Don’t let dogs lick beer bottles, and alcoholic cakes and fermented dough must be hidden.
6. Avocado
Why can’t we feed them? Avocado contains persin, which is harmful to the heart, lungs and digestive system of dogs, and may cause vomiting and diarrhea.
Dangerous level: ★★★ Toxic dose: Small dogs may have problems eating half an avocado. Symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhea, shortness of breath. Taboo scenarios: Don’t feed dogs avocado salads and smoothies. Fruit cores are also dangerous and can easily get stuck in the throat.
7. Food/drinks containing caffeine
Why can’t you feed them? Caffeine is similar to theobromine in chocolate. It can stimulate the dog’s nervous system, causing accelerated heartbeat and convulsions. Coffee, tea, cola, and energy drinks all contain caffeine.
Dangerous level: ★★★★ Toxic dose: Small dogs may be poisoned by drinking a small sip of coffee (20-30ml). Symptoms: Palpitations, tremors, vomiting, epilepsy. Taboo scenarios: Don’t let dogs lick coffee cups. Chocolate and tea bags containing caffeine should also be kept away.
8. High-salt foods
Why can’t you feed them? High-salt foods (potato chips, bacon, ham) can cause sodium poisoning in dogs, damage the kidneys, and cause edema. Long-term consumption may also cause heart disease.
Danger level: ★★★☆ Poisoning amount: A small handful of potato chips (20-30 grams) may make small dogs uncomfortable. Symptoms: Thirst, frequent urination, vomiting, lethargy, epilepsy. Taboo scenarios: Do not feed dogs with leftovers and human snacks, especially hot pot base and pickled products.
9. High-fat food
Why can’t it be fed? Greasy food (fried chicken, fatty meat, cream) can easily cause pancreatitis in dogs, especially small dogs. Long-term consumption may also cause obesity and liver problems.
Danger level: ★★★☆ Poisoning amount: A small piece of fatty meat (20-30 grams) may make small dogs uncomfortable. Symptoms: Vomiting, abdominal pain, decreased appetite, lethargy. Taboo scenarios: Do not let dogs taste barbecue, cream cakes, and fried foods.
10. Raw eggs and raw meat
Why can’t it be fed? Raw eggs contain avidin, and long-term consumption can cause skin problems and hair loss. Raw meat may contain salmonella and E. coli, which can cause gastroenteritis.
Dangerous level: ★★★ Toxic dose: Long-term consumption of raw eggs (3-5 eggs per week) or raw meat may cause problems. Symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhea, itchy skin, and hair loss. Taboo scenarios: Don’t feed dogs raw egg custard or raw meat. Cooked chicken and boiled egg yolks are safe.
Other dietary taboos to pay attention to
In addition to the above ten taboos, there are some foods that need to be careful:
- Nuts:
- Macadamia nuts: can cause weakness, tremors, and fever in dogs.
- Almonds and walnuts: difficult to digest and easy to get stuck in the throat.
- Human drugs: ibuprofen, aspirin, etc. are toxic to dogs, so don’t give them.
- Fruit cores and seeds: Apple seeds and cherry cores contain cyanide, which may cause poisoning and may also get stuck in the intestines.
- Xylitol: Commonly found in sugar-free chewing gum, even a small amount can cause hypoglycemia and liver failure in dogs.
- Dairy products: Many dogs are lactose intolerant, and drinking milk and eating cheese may cause diarrhea.
Tips: Not sure if you can feed it? Check first! Search online for “Can dogs eat XX?” or ask the veterinarian, don’t take risks.
What should I do if my dog accidentally eats forbidden food?
If your dog eats forbidden food, don’t panic, follow the steps below:
- Determine the food and amount:
- Confirm what was eaten (chocolate? Grapes?), and how much (one or a handful).
- Write down the time for the veterinarian to judge.
- Observe symptoms:
- Mild: vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy.
- Severe: tremors, convulsions, rapid heartbeat, and difficulty breathing.
- Take immediate action:
- Mild symptoms: Give the dog some water, observe for 1-2 hours, and go to the hospital if the symptoms worsen.
- Severe symptoms or high-risk foods (chocolate, grapes): Contact the veterinary hospital immediately and take the dog to see a doctor.
- First aid measures: The veterinarian may recommend vomiting (3% hydrogen peroxide, 1 teaspoon/5 kg body weight, but must be under the guidance of the veterinarian).
- Prevent recurrence:
- Put food high or in a locked cabinet, and cover the trash can.
- Train the “don’t eat” command to prevent the dog from picking up food randomly.
Emergency contact: Write down the phone number of the nearby 24-hour veterinary hospital, which can save lives at critical moments!
Practical suggestions for safe feeding
In order to make the dog eat safely and stay away from taboo foods, try these methods:
- Dog food as the main food:
- Choose high-quality dog food (Royal, Imus, 300-500 yuan/month), balanced nutrition, and reduce the need for random feeding.
- Feed according to the dog’s weight, 3-4 meals for puppies, 2-3 meals for adult dogs, don’t overfeed.
- Safe snacks:
- Chicken jerky, duck strips (50-100 yuan/bag), feed in small pieces, control to 10% of daily calories.
- Vegetables and fruits: carrots, pumpkin (cooked), apples (seeded), feed in moderation.
- Training to eat at a fixed point:
- Use a fixed food bowl (stainless steel, 50-100 yuan), feed at regular times, and reduce the habit of picking up food randomly.
- Teach “sit down” before eating to increase discipline.
- Family unity:
- Tell family and friends not to feed casually, especially children, and don’t use chocolate as a reward.
- Don’t feed leftovers on the table, the dog will develop the habit of begging for food.
- Regular physical examination:
- Annual physical examination (500-1000 yuan), check kidney and liver function, and prevent dietary problems.
- Vaccine + deworming (500-1000 yuan/year) to reduce the risk of gastrointestinal diseases.
FAQ
- What should I do if my dog eats a small piece of chocolate?
- It is dangerous for small dogs to eat 5-10 grams of dark chocolate, so contact a veterinarian immediately. Milk chocolate has low toxicity, but don’t be careless and observe the symptoms.
- Can leftovers really not be fed?
- Oil, salt, and seasonings are harmful to dogs. Long-term feeding will lead to obesity and kidney disease. Occasionally, it is okay to give some unseasoned boiled chicken and rice, but don’t use them as staple food.
- Can fruits and vegetables be fed?
- Safe fruits: apples (seedless), blueberries, bananas (a small amount).
- Safe vegetables: carrots, pumpkins, broccoli (cooked).
- Taboos: grapes, cherries, onions, mushrooms.
- Did the dog have diarrhea because he ate taboo foods?
- It may be, or it may be eating too much or gastroenteritis. Stop feeding for 12 hours, give water, observe symptoms, and seek medical attention if serious.
Feed your dog with care, and your dog will be healthy and happy!
There are many dietary taboos for dogs, but the core is just one: don’t give dogs what people eat! Don’t touch the “minefields” such as chocolate, grapes, and onions. Choose high-quality dog food and match it with safe snacks, and your dog will eat healthily and happily. Raising a dog is a science. If you learn to avoid dietary pitfalls, your furry child will not only get sick less, but also have brighter hair and better spirits!
If you still have questions, such as what your dog secretly ate and you don’t know what to do, or you want to know the safety of a certain food, feel free to ask me and I will help you answer! I wish you and your furry child to eat safely and have fun!
