What Human Foods Will Make a Dog Sick?

Feeding dogs table scraps causes more than bad habits. Many foods humans enjoy are actually harmful to your dog. Certain foods are toxic to dogs and can cause pain and eventually death by poisoning. Other foods can cause choking hazards. Sticking to a proper diet of food specifically made for dogs will help ensure your pet a long and happy life.

  1. Foods with Caffeine

    • Don't feed your dog foods that contain caffeine. Caffeine affects the heart and central nervous system of dogs, causing the organs to overexert themselves. Foods to avoid have chocolate as a main ingredient, such as candy bars, ice cream, baked goods (cookies, cakes or pies) and chocolate drinks. Other drinks to avoid include hot cocoa, hot and iced tea, and coffee.

    Fruits and Vegetables

    • Watch what fruits and vegetables you give your dog. Citrus fruits can cause vomiting. These include oranges, lemons, grapefruits and limes. Some berries are toxic and cause kidney problems. The main fruits to avoid are grapes and raisins.

      Vegetables also must be limited, as some can cause anemia, digestive issues and problems with the urinary tract. This includes potatoes, tomatoes, rhubarb, mushrooms and large amounts of garlic.

      Pitted fruits, such as peaches, plums and nectarines, should be avoided because of the danger of the dog swallowing the pit.

    Raw Food

    • Don't feed raw meat or eggs to your dog because of bacteria, such as salmonella, that hasn't been killed by cooking. Raw bones are another problem, because of both bacteria and choking hazards, especially poultry and fish bones. If you are feeding your pet a natural food diet, cook the food first.

    Less Common Foods

    • There are other, less common human foods that will make dogs sick. Dairy products are a problem because dogs are mostly lactose intolerant. Nuts can cause choking and digestive problems. Un-risen yeast can grow inside your dog's stomach and cause pain and blockage.

    Alcohol

    • Don't give your dog alcohol. This is the same as feeding your dog food poison--it causes the same type of reactions. Beyond the obvious sources like beer and wine, there are also foods containing alcohol, such as candied fruits or sauces. Anything with alcohol in it should be avoided.

    Food Poisoning

    • Hops, macadamia nuts and avocados are all poisonous to dogs. If a product contains these, even in small amounts, it will affect the dog. Symptoms can include heavy breathing, increased heart rate, seizures, vomiting, depression and tremors. These can occur within 12 to 48 hours of eating and should be treated immediately, as these foods can cause death.