The Five Worst Foods for Your Dog

Most veterinarians agree that fatty "people food" can make your dog overweight, as well as sick. While there are some good food choices for dogs such as lean meat, fish and eggs, there are certain foods that can be toxic to dogs. According to Besty Brevitz, D.V.M., there are five foods you should never feed your dog.

  1. Chocolate

    • Chocolate in large doses can be toxic to dogs, and cause tremors and heart arrhythmias. It contains both caffeine and theobromine, both of which can also cause vomiting, diarrhea, pancreatitis and seizures. Unsweetened baking chocolate contains 10 times the amount of theobromine and caffeine that is found in milk chocolate, which makes it the most dangerous chocolate for dogs.

    Tomatoes and Tomato Plants

    • Tomatoes and tomato plants contain atropine, which causes tremors, heart arrhythmias and dilated pupils in dogs. According to Dr. Brevitz, the highest concentration of atropine is found in the leaves and stems of tomato plants, followed by unripe (green) tomatoes, followed by ripe tomatoes.

    Grapes and Raisins

    • Large amounts of grapes or raisins can cause kidney failure in dogs. According to Dr. Brevitz, the reasons for this are unknown; however, two ounces or more of grapes or raisins per 10 pounds of a dog's body weight can cause kidney failure.

    Onions and Garlic

    • Onions and garlic both contain a compound called n-propyl disulfide that is hard for dogs to metabolize, according to the Natural Dog Health Remedies website. More than one tablespoon of onion, or one teaspoon of garlic per 10 pounds of a dog's body weight can destroy red blood cells, and cause hemolytic anemia.

    Macadamia Nuts

    • According to Dr. Brevitz, the active component in macadamia nuts has not been identified, but as little as one or two ounces of macadamia nuts for a 20-pound dog can cause temporary weakness or paralysis of the hind legs.

    Other Considerations

    • Other food items that can be dangerous for dogs include sweets, such as ice cream, cake and cookies; fried greasy or fatty foods; alcoholic beverages; and apple cores, corn cobs, peach pits or any other item which may become lodged in a dog's throat.

    Warning

    • It is important to call your veterinarian if your dog has consumed any of the items listed in this article and is vomiting, has diarrhea, or is acting lethargic or weak.