What Foods Are Not Good for a Dog?

Foods and drinks harmful to dogs include alcohol, spoiled or rotten food, small bones because of the choking hazard and raw meat or eggs due to possible salmonella poisoning. Table scraps and sugary foods should also not be given to dogs because they result in digestion problems and obesity. Most dogs are lactose intolerant, and ingestion of dairy will cause diarrhea and vomiting.

  1. Caffeine

    • Caffeinated foods and beverages contain multiple substances hazardous to dogs. Chocolate contains caffeine and an alkaloid called theobromine that is poisonous to dogs. Tea leaves contain caffeine as well as another alkaloid, theophylline, which is also harmful to dogs. Beverages like coffee and soda are also harmful because of their high caffeine content. These ingredients cause vomiting and diarrhea. They are also toxic to a dog's heart and nervous system. It's best to keep caffeinated products on high shelves and in canisters that your dog won't be able to open or chew through.

    Grapes

    • Grapes and related products like raisins and currants are harmful to dogs. These foods contain a toxin that causes kidney damage. Any alcoholic grape beverage, like wine, should be avoided because of this toxin. In addition, dogs that ingest large quantities of alcohol become comatose and often die. There have been no health problems associated with grape seed oil or extract.

    Onions and Garlic

    • Do not give table scraps of meals containing onions to your dog or cat.

      Onions and garlic are harmful in raw, cooked and powdered form. Onions contain high amounts of compounds called sulfoxides and disulfides. Garlic contains these compounds as well but in smaller quantities. Sulfoxides and disulfides damage the red blood cells in dogs and cats and can lead to anemia. Anemic dogs are listless and tired; their gums will be pale, not their usual pink color.

    Avocado

    • Avocados are harmful to dogs because of toxins and the choking hazard of the pit. All parts of the avocado are poisonous to dogs. The fruit flesh, peel and pit of an avocado contain persin, a fungal toxin that can cause diarrhea and vomiting. Avocado trees also contain persin in their bark and leaves. Persin is not fully understood, but it is harmful to a variety of pets and can cause death in rabbits and guinea pigs.