Knowing which foods are dangerous for dogs is crucial for their health. It is essential to pay attention to our canine friends' diet to avoid incidents that can have serious repercussions on their health. Here, we discuss risky foods that should absolutely be avoided for dogs, as well as signs of food poisoning and emergency measures to take.

The main foods harmful to dogs

• Fruits and vegetables to avoid for dogs

Some fruits and vegetables, good for humans, turn out to be harmful, even deadly, for our dogs. Grapes, for example, are known to cause severe kidney failure in dogs. Garlic and onions, even in small quantities, can destroy the animal's red blood cells. Avocado, due to its fat content and toxic substances, can cause digestive, respiratory, and cardiac complications in dogs.

Raw potatoes and green tomatoes, rich in solanine, are also dangerous. However, cooked potatoes are safe.

It should also be noted that fruits and vegetables treated with pesticides remain dangerous for dogs, even after being washed.

• Dairy products and their consequences

Dogs can suffer from lactose intolerance, present in milk and its derivatives, causing diarrhea, constipation, or vomiting. Some may also be allergic to casein, a milk protein. It is advisable to avoid giving dairy products not suitable for dogs or to abstain from them entirely.

• Meats at risk for dogs

Fatty meats, such as ham or certain parts of pork and beef, can harm the dog's pancreas and cause gastric torsion. Spicy meats should also be avoided, as they can irritate the animal's stomach, leading to vomiting and diarrhea.

It is also crucial to avoid giving fragile bones (like those from chicken or rabbit) which can cause intestinal blockages or digestive perforations.

• Risks associated with industrial foods and treats

Industrial treats, often loaded with sugars, fats, additives, and preservatives, can be harmful to dogs, promoting obesity and diabetes. It is preferable to choose quality foods and treats specifically designed for dogs, based on your veterinarian's advice.

Xylitol, a sweetener present in some sugary products, is extremely toxic to dogs, potentially causing severe hypoglycemia, seizures, and in extreme cases, liver failure.

• 12 harmful or even lethal food substances for dogs

Let's examine the foods that pose a danger to the health of our four-legged companions.

• Chocolate, especially dark chocolate, is highly dangerous for dogs due to its theobromine content. Even in minimal amounts, it can lead to digestive and cardiac complications.
• Garlic and onion are extremely harmful to dogs, potentially causing hemolytic anemia, i.e., the degradation of red blood cells. For example, a 10 kg dog could suffer after consuming just one onion.
• Raw potatoes contain solanine, a compound toxic to dogs.
• Avocado releases persin, which is harmful to these animals. Avocado leaves are as dangerous as the fruit itself.
• Grapes, fresh or dried, can cause kidney failure in these animals.
• Certain nuts, such as cashews and macadamia nuts, are harmful to dogs.
• Uncooked dough, especially that containing yeast, can cause serious digestive problems in these animals.
• Coffee and tea, containing caffeine, are detrimental to canine health.
• Excessive consumption of salt can lead to poisoning in dogs.
• Alcohol poses a serious danger to dogs, potentially causing neurological and respiratory dysfunctions even in small quantities.
• Cow's milk can induce digestive disorders in dogs, mainly due to lactose intolerance.
• Egg white, rich in avidin, can interfere with vitamin B8 absorption, affecting metabolism.
• Mushrooms, just like in humans, can be poisonous and/or toxic to dogs.

Dog feeding: common mistakes to avoid

Your dog's nutrition presents certain challenges to overcome to ensure its good health. Here is a list of frequently made mistakes:

• Giving them your meal leftovers: Many owners offer their dogs what's left of their own meal, including snack cakes like chips. This represents a risk, as some human edible products are harmful to dogs, such as chocolate, onions or garlic, and cooked bones can cause blockages.
• Overfeeding: Excessively feeding your dog can lead to obesity, a source of multiple pathologies. It is crucial to follow the recommended doses on kibble or wet food packaging and adjust them according to the animal's age, size, activity level, and health.
• Sudden change in diet: If you need to change your pet's diet for any reason, it is important to do so gradually to prevent digestive upset.
• Neglecting vegetables: Vegetables, beneficial for your dog's health, should be integrated into their daily diet.
• Giving too many treats: Rewards should count towards your dog's daily caloric intake to avoid excess calories.
• Not adapting your pet's diet to their age and breed: Nutritional needs vary with the dog's age, size, and breed. It is important to provide them with appropriate food.

Identifying signs of food poisoning in dogs

Understanding the warning signs of food poisoning

Early detection of food poisoning signs in a dog is crucial for their survival and well-being. Although symptoms can vary depending on the nature of the toxic substance consumed, there are universal warning signs that should not be ignored.

The manifestations of poisoning are not always immediate and can appear several hours after consumption of the food in question. The severity of symptoms also depends on the amount of toxic substance absorbed relative to the animal's weight.

• Gastrointestinal disturbances: Vomiting and diarrhea are among the most frequent symptoms, often accompanied by hypersalivation, indicating that the dog may feel unwell.

• Signs of pain: A dog whimpering or showing signs of discomfort, especially in the abdominal area, may be suffering from poisoning.

• Neurological symptoms: Consumption of certain toxic products can lead to neurological disorders, such as tremors, impaired coordination, or seizures.

• Behavioral changes: A sudden change in behavior, such as lethargy or abnormal agitation, can indicate poisoning.

• Cardiac or respiratory problems: Heart irregularities or breathing difficulties are signs that require urgent intervention.

• Refusal to eat: A sudden disinterest in food can also signal poisoning.

It is important to note that this list of symptoms is not exhaustive and may differ depending on the dog's overall health, weight, and the dose of toxin consumed. In case of suspected poisoning, it is vital to consult a veterinarian immediately.

What to do if you notice or suspect poisoning?

In the presence of signs of poisoning, it is crucial to act quickly and contact a veterinarian or an emergency veterinary service without delay for precise instructions.

• Try to determine what your pet has consumed.

• Note the symptoms you observed and the time they appeared.

• Avoid inducing vomiting in the animal without professional recommendation, as this could worsen its condition.

• Keep the animal in a calm state while waiting to follow the veterinarian's advice or reach an emergency service. If the poisoning concerns a household product or medication, bring its packaging to the veterinarian.

Preventive measures to avoid your dog's poisoning:

Adopt simple daily measures to prevent the risks of poisoning in your dog.

• Lock cabinets and trash cans : Prevent your dog's access to dangerous products by simply using child safety locks.

• Be careful with plants: Some plants can be toxic to animals. Make sure your pet cannot chew on them.

• Educate your dog : Teach them not to pick up or eat anything they find on the ground or outdoors.

• Keep medicines out of reach : Avoid leaving your medicines accessible to your dog, as they can be toxic even in small quantities.

• Identify harmful foods: Create a list of foods dangerous for your dog and display it in a visible place to inform all household members.

These tips will help preserve your dog's health by minimizing the risks of poisoning.

Focus on controversial foods: milk, bread, and ham

Can you give milk or dairy products to a dog?

Milk itself is not toxic to dogs, but many of them have difficulty digesting it because of lactose, which often causes digestive problems, such as diarrhea. It is therefore recommended to avoid giving cow's milk to an adult dog.

For puppies, despite the need for milk for their growth, it is advisable to opt for milk specifically formulated for them, given that cow's milk does not fully meet their nutritional needs.

Nevertheless, some dogs tolerate milk well. We therefore recommend discussing it with your veterinarian before giving it to them.

Is bread good for dogs?

While bread itself is not dangerous for dogs, certain ingredients in some bread varieties are.

For example, baker's yeast, found in uncooked bread dough, is toxic to dogs because it can cause alcohol poisoning due to the fermentation of sugars into alcohol.

In addition, special breads may contain elements harmful to dogs, such as chocolate, garlic, onion, or grapes.

Consumption of raw dough can also cause digestive obstruction and respiratory problems, as it expands in the stomach.

It is therefore advisable to limit your dog's bread intake, especially if you are unsure of its composition. Bread, offering few nutritional benefits, can contribute to the animal's obesity.

Furthermore, contrary to popular belief, hard bread does not improve dogs' dental hygiene.

Is ham, although appreciated by our pets, suitable for dogs?

Contrary to popular belief, this food is not ideal for them, for several reasons:

• Ham is rich in salt, which can cause dehydration in dogs, as their bodies are not designed to handle a high sodium intake.

• Some hams are also treated with preservatives such as sodium nitrite, which can be harmful to dogs and lead to gastrointestinal and blood disorders.
• Ham can also trigger allergies and pancreatitis in some dogs.

It is therefore wise to avoid giving ham and other types of cured meats to your dog. Nevertheless, a small amount of cooked ham from time to time should normally not cause any problems, unless your dog has a specific medical condition.

Distinguishing human food from dog food

It is fundamental to grasp the significant differences that separate human food from that intended for dogs. The latter possess nutritional needs that do not correspond to those of human beings, making some of our foods inappropriate for them.

Many products frequently consumed by humans can turn out to be dangerous for our four-legged companions. Therefore, it is crucial to be attentive and to inquire about foods harmful to dogs before offering them human food.

Furthermore, foods intended for humans tend to be richer in fats and salt than what the canine metabolism can tolerate. Such excesses can cause health problems in dogs such as overweight, heart disease, and kidney disorders.

That is why it is preferable to provide your dog with a diet specially formulated to meet its nutritional needs, primarily including animal proteins, vegetables, and selected cereals. The addition of food supplements to its diet is also possible, following a veterinary consultation.

Moreover, unlike humans, dogs do not need diversity in their diet. Once the ideal food is identified, it can be served to them daily. Depending on the animal's age, lifestyle, or health conditions, it is possible to vary products within the same high-quality brand to better adapt to its needs.

Why are some foods risky for our dogs' health?

Dogs' digestive and metabolic systems differ significantly from ours, meaning that foods perfectly healthy for humans can be dangerous, even lethal, for our four-legged companions.

This danger comes from certain chemical components present in these foods, which the dog's body is unable to metabolize effectively.

It is also crucial to consider that the amount of food consumed and the dog's weight greatly influence the level of toxicity. In other words, the dangerousness of a food can fluctuate depending on the dose absorbed and the size of the animal.

Moreover, dogs' propensity not to be selective in their food choices increases their risk of ingesting harmful substances. Their undiscriminating nature often leads them to consume anything accessible to them, including what can be detrimental.

Veterinary advice for a good diet

Which foods promote your dog's well-being?

To keep your dog in excellent health, the integration of certain foods is recommended.

Dogs need animal proteins for their well-being. High-quality proteins such as beef, chicken, fish, and eggs provide the essential amino acids for their well-being.

Including fruits and vegetables in their diet offers essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Foods like apples, spinach, and pears are generally well accepted by dogs.

Common ingredients in human food, such as turmeric and ginger, offer benefits due to their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.

Rice, especially brown rice, provides B vitamins, as well as iron and magnesium.

Omega-3s, found in salmon or chia seeds, are excellent for the animal's skin and coat health.

It is crucial to introduce these foods gradually and in moderate quantities into your dog's diet, in addition to a balanced diet. It is imperative to consult a veterinarian before changing your dog's diet.

The role of food supplements in dog nutrition

Nutritional supplements can be essential to compensate for nutritional deficiencies in our canine friends' diet. They provide targeted nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, omega-3s, or essential proteins.

Known ingredients such as brewer's yeast contribute to coat shine, skin health, and claw strength, while spirulina or coconut oil offer other distinct benefits.

It is imperative to choose complementary foods made specifically for dogs, as some products intended for humans can be harmful to them, or the ingredients may not be correctly dosed. It is advisable to opt for quality and regulated supplements, avoiding unverified or non-compliant brands.

It is essential to introduce any food supplement gradually and under the supervision of an animal health professional.

There are a multitude of foods commonly consumed by humans that can be dangerous, even fatal, for dogs. It is crucial to identify them, keep them out of reach of our four-legged friends, and refrain from giving them any, even if your dog loves them. The severity of the effects depends on the animal's weight and the quantity of toxic food ingested; a small dose can already be fatal. Despite their pleading looks and their appetite for some of these foods, it is imperative not to give in. Your dog's health must be your absolute priority.