10 foods that are harmful to dogs

Have you ever been eating a meal at home and your dog has begged for food? Or perhaps you’ve dropped something on the floor while cooking and your furry friend has made a dash to try and eat it. Many common foods can be quite harmful for our animal family members. Here’s what you need to know to keep Fido safe.

Foods to keep away from Fido

Are you cooking with garlic or onions? Or snacking on grapes as a healthy alternative to chips while watching TV? From avocado skin to artificial sweeteners, here are 10 foods to avoid giving your dog:

1. Artificial sweetener – Xylitol is an artificial sweetener found in chewing gum, sugar-free peanut butter, toothpaste and other products and is toxic to dogs.
2. Alcohol – Did you know a dog’s kidneys can’t process alcohol effectively, leading to health problems?
3. Caffeine – Even a small amount can be dangerous can cause your dog to become hyperactive or have tremors.
4. Chocolate – The theobromine in chocolate is highly toxic to dogs. Dark chocolate and baking chocolate have the highest concentrations of theobromine, making them even more dangerous.
5. Fried and fatty foods – Aside from obesity and health related problems, fried and fatty foods can also cause stomach upset and can contribute to pancreatitis in some dogs.
6. Garlic and onions – A staple in many kitchens, garlic and onions are toxic to dogs. Cooked or raw, they can damage red blood cells, resulting in anemia.
7. Grapes and raisins – Acute and sudden kidney failure can occur in dogs who consume grapes and raisins.
8. Nuts – Macadamia nuts are highly poisonous to dogs and can lead to the inability to walk, as well as vomiting, lethargy and tremors. Other nut species should also be avoid as their size makes them a choking hazard for many dogs, plus they are high in fat, which can lead to an upset stomach.
9. Avocados – The flesh of this fruit isn’t the culprit. It’s the skin, pit and leaves from avocados that can cause vomiting and diarrhea in dogs.
10. Milk, cream and cheese – As dogs reach adulthood, they lack the enzymes needed to digest dairy products. Just like humans, they can suffer from lactose intolerance, which can lead to vomiting, diarrhea and an upset stomach. Plus, some dairy products contain Xylitol, which is toxic.

Read more from Royal Canin about foods that are harmful to dogs.

See more People Foods to Avoid Feeding Pets from the ASPCA.

What about cats? Here’s what you need to know to keep your feline friends safe.

If you think that your furry friend has eaten something they shouldn’t, contact your veterinarian immediately to seek advice.