People Food That is Dangerous for Dogs

While dogs can eat many of the same foods as humans, some foods that are perfectly safe for people can cause adverse reactions in dogs. Many people foods can cause digestive upset in dogs, but a few can cause much more serious problems. If you suspect your dog has consumed any of these foods, talk to your veterinarian.

  1. Chocolate

    • Chocolate is perhaps the best known of the foods that are safe for humans but dangerous for dogs. Chocolate contains theobromine, a diuretic and heart stimulant that causes cardiac distress in dogs. The danger is directly related to how much cacao powder the chocolate contains. The most dangerous forms are powdered cocoa and baking chocolate. Bittersweet, semi-sweet and dark chocolate also contain a high amount of theobromine. The size of the dog, the amount of chocolate consumed and the type of chocolate should be taken into consideration. Symptoms of theobromine poisoning are vomiting, diarrhea, excitability, increased heart rate, muscle tremors and increased urination.

    Onions and Garlic

    • Onions and garlic contain a chemical called thiosulphate that causes hemolytic anemia. Onions contain more of this compound than garlic, but avoid feeding dogs food that contains either ingredient. Hemolytic anemia causes the red blood cells to burst, which reduces the oxygen carrying capacity of the dog's blood. Symptoms include weakness, shortness of breath, vomiting and diarrhea. Thiosulphate poisoning can occur as a result of one large ingestion, or multiple ingestions of small amounts of onion or garlic. Onions and garlic sometimes show up as ingredients in dog food and treats, so read labels carefully.

    Grapes and Raisins

    • Eating a large amount of grapes and raisins can cause death in dogs. Many dog owners give their dogs raisins or grapes as treats without any ill effects, but if some dogs ingest a large amount of these foods, they can be lethal. The cause of raisin and grape toxicity is unknown. Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea and kidney failure. A few grapes or raisins are unlikely to cause problems, but if your dog eats an entire bunch grapes or scarfs down a box of raisins, you may want to talk to your vet.

    Macadamia Nuts

    • Macadamia nuts are toxic to dogs. They often are coated with chocolate or used in recipes that contain chocolate, so it's possible for a dog to have both chocolate and macadamia nut poisoning at the same time. Symptoms of macadamia nut poisoning include vomiting, lethargy, lack of muscle coordination, tremors, abdominal pain, joint stiffness and lameness, and pale mucous membranes. Contact your vet immediately if you suspect your dog has consumed macadamia nuts or products containing macadamia nuts.