Want to show your pup some extra love? While it can be tempting to give in and share a treat or two, there are certain snacks our four-legged friends should pass on. Being aware of what not to feed Fido is just as important for keeping them healthy – so here are the common foods that aren't safe for canine consumption:
Cocoa and chocolate
We hate to be the bearer of bad news, but chocolate isn’t good for dogs. In fact, it’s one of the most dangerous foods for them to ingest because it contains theobromine and caffeine, two compounds that can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, high blood pressure and even death. The darker the chocolate (such as baking or dark chocolate), the more dangerous it is for your pup.
Onions and Garlic
Onions and garlic may add flavour to your dishes, but they contain a compound called thiosulphate which can be toxic if ingested in large quantities by dogs. This compound causes damage to red blood cells leading to anaemia in dogs.
Small quantities of fresh garlic have been shown to assist the body in staying healthy. Studies have shown it has positive effects on glucose levels in dogs, blood pressure, and the immune system to name a few. This doesn’t apply to garlic powders though, so skip the supplements and go with the real thing!
Grapes/Raisins
Grapes and raisins have been known to cause kidney failure in dogs so make sure you always keep them away from their reach. Even if ingested in small quantities, grapes and raisins can make pups very sick so it’s best not to take any chances here.
Avocado
Avocados are rich in fats which can lead to pancreatitis in dogs if consumed too much too often, however small doses are okay. The pit is a potential choking hazard though, so ensure this doesn’t go anywhere near your pup.
Alcoholic Beverages
This goes without saying but alcoholic beverages are highly toxic for pets so don't let them get their paws on them! Even small amounts of alcohol can lead to severe intoxication, respiratory depression or even death in pets so always keep alcoholic drinks out of their reach.
Nuts
Raw, unsalted walnuts (and almonds and Brazil nuts) certainly can be a choking hazard for dogs, so break them up into small pieces if they’re going to be eaten. The only nuts that are a risk for dogs are macadamia nuts, which can cause nausea. Peanuts may contain some naturally occurring toxins called mycotoxins, but they are not innately toxic to dogs.
Cooked Bones
These are known to splinter into shards that can cause choking and damage to your dog’s mouth, throat or intestines when passing stools. Cooking can also remove the nutrients from the bone, so our best advice is to just keep these well away from hungry little dogs!
Corn Cobs
Corn itself is not poisonous to dogs, but a cob can cause an obstruction which can have devastating effects on the digestive system, such as intestinal rupture. Symptoms of gastrointestinal blockage include vomiting, inappetence, lethargy and pain.
Fruit seeds and pips
Tempting as it is to throw your dog an apple core or similar, the pips, seeds and stones from many fruits contain a small amount of cyanide that can be extremely harmful to your dog and even prove fatal.
No matter how much they beg, dogs should never be offered foods like chocolate and onions - we know it's hard to say no when those big puppy-dog eyes come out! Unfortunately, these common snack items can put your pup in danger. To keep them safe and healthy – both now and into the future – stick with dog food only; do a bit of research if you’re unsure about other types of snacks that may not be ideal for your four-legged friend.
Instead, treat your pup to something special – Wild at Heart All-Natural Dog treats! Our locally sourced ingredients are transformed into three amazing flavour combinations that provide a healthy and nutritious snack for all those fun adventures. Lamb Lung Bites, Beef Liver Bites, or the tasty combo of Lamb & Cheese Bites; each is made with only natural products to make sure you can feel good about what they're eating. So, if their tummy's rumbling then stock up on some delicious snacks - because we've got them covered every step of the way!
Photo by @dogandco.photography
