Side Effects of Feeding Human Food to Dogs

Like most mammals, dogs benefit from eating certain human foods, such as those containing proteins and carbohydrates. However, dogs cannot eat all human foods and can actually become quite sick, from doing so. In addition, dogs typically do not get adequate nutrition from eating human food alone, unless it is part of a well-balanced diet. There are a number of side effects that dogs can experience because of eating the wrong human foods, including death.

  1. Obesity

    • Feeding your dog foods that will cause you to gain weight will do the same thing to them. Giving fatty foods such as hot dogs, cheese and bacon will cause your dog to gain weight. In addition, fatty foods and fat trimmings can cause pancreatitis, a condition in which the pancreas becomes inflamed. Dogs should eat substantial amounts of protein and meat; however, it should be lean.

    Illness

    • While most human food is fine to give dogs in moderation, there are some that can cause a dog to become quite sick. According to Doctors Foster and Smith, feeding dogs certain fruits, such as raisins and grapes, can cause them to become severely sick. Grapes and raisins cause kidney damage due to an unknown enzyme. Onions and garlic have disulfides and sulfoxides that can cause a deficiency in red blood cells, otherwise known as anemia. Sugary foods can cause diabetes, dental problems and obesity. In addition, foods that contain the sugar substitute xylitol can cause liver failure. Bones from fish, poultry and other meat can become obstructed in the dog's intestine. Chocolate and caffeine contain theobromine, which can be toxic and affect the heart and nervous system.

    Nutritional Deficiency

    • Dogs that eat human food as part of a diet that isn't well-balanced can become deficient in essential nutrients. According to the Dog Owner's Guide, dogs need fat, carbohydrates, minerals, vitamins, water and protein. Dogs that only eat meats will lack the nutrients that carbohydrates, fruits and vegetables provide. Most commercial dog foods are balanced, but the quality of ingredients is sometimes lacking. If you're feeding your dog a commercial brand, choose a premium, organic or all-natural diet.