Top 5 Foods that Are Dangerous for Dogs

Many people say that dogs shouldn't eat any human food and should only eat dog food. However, this can be confusing as dog food contains the same or worse ingredients than human foods. What should and shouldn't dogs eat?

Chocolate

Dogs should not eat chocolate. Chocolate contains a chemical called theobromine that is dangerous to dogs. Only a small bit of chocolate is able to hurt a small dog. The darker the chocolate, the worse it is for the dogs. One ounce of milk chocolate per pound of body weight is dangerous for a dog. This means that a tiny dog of two pounds will probably die if one Hershey's bar is eaten. Obviously, one Hershey's bar will cause even a 10 pound dog to feel bad. Less chocolate can be eaten per pound of body weight as it gets darker. Pure chocolate, with no additives, is extremely deadly to dogs. The good news is that dogs can eat lots of white chocolate. This is why it is seen as frosting on many dog treats. It is dangerous only once 200 pounds of white chocolate per pound of body weight is eaten. It is not likely that any dog is going to eat 200 pounds of white chocolate.

Onions and Garlic

Onions are extremely toxic to dogs. They can cause anemia and liver damage. However, if a few bits of onion are eaten, it should be fine. The dose of thiosulfate needed that is found in onions is fairly high, so a few bites will not hurt. Also, just a little bit of onion powder in food will not hurt a dog. However, the dose does not change when the onions are raw, cooked, or dehydrated. Garlic, in high doses, is toxic to dogs. However, used in small amounts, garlic can help dogs. It can help to prevent fleas. It can also act as a natural antibiotic. The key is that it is eaten in small amounts at separate times.

Grapes, Raisins, and Sultanas

It is not known what chemical in the grapes, raisins, or sultanas that is harmful to dogs. However, dogs that have eaten any of these have been known to start vomiting or have diarrhea that have segments of these fruits in them. The fruits cause renal (kidney) failure. Along with this, elevated levels of blood calcium and blood urea are seen. These fruits can be fatal to dogs and the amounts that are harmful to dogs are not known. This means that grapes, raisins, and sultanas should not be fed to dogs.

Macadamia Nuts

Macadamia nuts are not good for dogs as if they are eaten, dogs can get what is called "macadamia nut toxicosis." These nuts can make it so dogs are not able to stand, have a wobbly walk, vomit, and have elevated heart rates. The dogs may also have other weaknesses. While these symptoms may go away within 48 hours, there is the possibility of eating too many nuts or eating these nuts with chocolate. It is best that dogs do not eat macadamia nuts.

Green Potatoes or Uncooked Potatoes

Many times people will throw the green part of a potato to a dog thinking they are giving it a treat as a dog would probably eat this in nature. However, green potatoes are not good for dogs. Humans may think they taste funny, and they are correct. These green spots on potatoes are caused by a chemical called solanine glycosides or solanum alkaloids. It is possible that uncooked potatoes contain these, too. While these chemicals are rarely absorbed, it is not a good idea to give these to dogs. While fats are not great for dogs, a dog can eat French fries without being harmed. A dog can also eat mashed potatoes. Cooked potatoes are good for dogs.