Resisting your dog’s big brown eyes and adorable grin is no easy task. They are enough for you to reward your pup with food from your plate. However, not everything humans consume is safe for dogs. Here are some foods that people should never feed their pooches.
Avocado
Avocado contains persin, which can cause diarrhea or vomiting in dogs if consumed in excess. Every part of an avocado—the seed, leaves, fruit, and bark—contains persin. It’s best to keep your furry friend away from avocado plants at home.
Xylitol
Xylitol is present in gum, candy, baked goods, toothpaste, and some diet foods. When ingested, this sweetener can cause a quick drop in your dog’s blood sugar. Early symptoms of xylitol poisoning include lethargy, vomiting, coordination problems, seizures, and liver failure.
Caffeine
Caffeine, in any form—be it coffee, tea, energy drinks, cocoa, or chocolate—is a big no-no for your dog. Some painkillers and cold medicines also contain caffeine and must be kept away from your dog. If your dog ingests caffeine, take them to a vet immediately.
Dairy Products
Cold water is a better option than ice cream on a hot day. Dairy products, including milk, can lead to diarrhea and other digestive problems in dogs. Additionally, they may trigger food allergies, due to which your dog may start to itch.
Raw Eggs, Meat, and Fish
Raw eggs shouldn’t be a part of a dog’s diet as they pose the risk of food poisoning. This is caused due to bacteria like E. coli or salmonella. Similarly, raw meat and fish aren’t good for your pooch either. Raw salmon, sturgeon, trout, and shad could contain a parasite that causes “salmon poisoning disease” or “fish disease.” The first signs of these illnesses are enlarged lymph nodes, vomiting, and fever. Thoroughly cooking the fish kills the parasite.
Sugary Food and Drinks
When dogs consume sugary food and drinks, they may become overweight, suffer from teeth damage, and risk getting diabetes, too. So, make sure to keep anything sugary away from your pooch.
It’s also best to keep alcohol, salty food items, persimmons/plums/peaches, macadamia nuts, grapes and raisins, and onion and garlic away from your dog to help them lead a healthy life.