What food should I not give my dog?

As a dog owner, it is important to ensure that your dog receives a healthy and balanced diet. While there are many food options that are suitable for dogs, there are also some foods that you should avoid feeding your dog. In this blog we provide an overview of which foods you should not give to your dog.

Chocolate

Chocolate is one of the most important foods that you should avoid giving to your dog. Chocolate contains theobromine, a substance that is toxic to dogs. The darker the chocolate, the higher the theobromine content. Dogs have difficulty breaking down theobromine, which can lead to serious problems such as diarrhea, vomiting, cardiac arrhythmias and even death.

Fish bones

Although fish can be a healthy option for dogs, fish bones can be dangerous. Fish bones can easily splinter when chewed and can get stuck in your dog's throat or digestive tract. This can lead to serious injuries or even death. If you want to give fish to your dog, always remove the bones before feeding it to your dog.

Garlic and onions

While garlic and onions can be healthy for humans in some ways, they are toxic to dogs. Garlic and onions contain substances that can damage dogs' red blood cells, leading to anemia. If your dog eats too much garlic or onions, it can cause serious problems such as vomiting, diarrhea, weakness and even death.

Alcohol

Just like with humans, alcohol is toxic to dogs. Alcohol can cause vomiting, diarrhea, impaired coordination, problems with the respiratory and digestive systems, and in severe cases, coma and death. Therefore, always keep alcohol out of your dog's reach.

Some fruits and vegetables

While some fruits and vegetables are healthy for dogs, there are also some that can be poisonous. For example, some dogs may be sensitive to avocados, which contain persin, a substance that can be toxic to dogs. Other fruits and vegetables that can be poisonous to dogs include grapes, raisins, some nuts (such as almonds and peanuts), and the leaves, stems, and seeds of pumpkins and watermelons.

Coffee and caffeine

As with chocolate, coffee and other caffeinated drinks contain substances that are toxic to dogs. Caffeine can lead to problems with the nervous system, heart and digestion of dogs. Therefore, keep coffee and other caffeinated drinks out of your dog's reach.

Xylitol

Xylitol is a sweetener commonly used in chewing gum, candies and other confectionery products. Although xylitol is safe for humans, it can be toxic to dogs. If a dog ingests xylitol, it can trigger a rapid release of insulin, which can lead to hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). Symptoms of xylitol poisoning in dogs can include vomiting, diarrhea, decreased coordination and collapse.

Some herbs and spices

While some herbs and spices may be healthy for humans, they can be toxic to dogs. For example, cumin, nutmeg and allspice are herbs and spices that can be toxic to dogs. If your dog eats too many of these herbs and spices, it can lead to serious problems such as vomiting, diarrhea, loss of coordination and even death.

Fatty food

Although dogs can eat fatty foods, it is important to limit their intake of fatty foods. Too much fatty food can lead to weight problems, pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) and other health problems. If you want to give your dog fatty food, give it in small amounts and make sure it doesn't exceed 10% of their daily calories.

In general, it is important to always be careful about what you give to your dog. If you are unsure whether a particular food is suitable for your dog, always consult a vet for professional advice. By making the right choices when it comes to your dog's diet, you can ensure that your dog stays healthy and happy.