Toxic List: Foods

Okay, so as promised, here is the list of common foods that are toxic to our dogs. What I have found is that most of these items only pose a threat when consumed in large amounts, but should still be avoided. Our next post will include toxic chemicals and plants. Enjoy! 

Onion and Garlic (raw, cooked, or powder form): large amounts damage red blood cells and may lead to anemia *note: baby food often contains onion powder, so avoid feeding this to your dog

Fish bones: obstruct the digestive system

Chocolate and Cocoa Powder: caffeine and theobromine can cause problems with the nervous system and heart

Caffeine (coffee, tea): can cause problems to a dogs heart and nervous system

Citrus oil extracts: can cause vomiting 

Grapes and raisins: eaten in large quantities can lead to kidney failure and death

Too much cooked liver: vitamin a toxicity impacting the muscles and bones (liver in moderation is perfectly healthy for your dog)

Macadamia nuts: can cause muscle tremors, weakness or paralysis of the hindquarters, vomiting, elevated body temperature, and elevated heart rate

Raw eggs: risk of salmonella or E. coli, there is also an enzyme present in raw eggs which interferes with the absorption of a B vitamin causing skin problems

Mushrooms: amanita phalloides is the most common toxic mushroom to dogs and can lead to liver disease and neurological disorders

Alcohol: has the same effect on a dog`s liver as it does on a humans, but it takes a significantly less amount to cause damage including: vomiting, diarhea, central nervous system depression, problems with coordination, difficulty breathing, coma and death

Bread dough (yeast): uncooked bread dough, if ingested will rise in your dog`s stomach, causing swelling and stretching the abdomen causing severe pain

Xylitol (a sugar-alcohol sweetener contained in gum and candy): can be toxic if consumed in large amounts

Ibuprofen: causes ulceration and decreases blood flow to the kidneys 

Fat trimmings in excess: in excess, can cause pancreaitis    

Hops: a plant used in the making of beer, ingestion causes malignant hyperthermia in dogs

Nutmeg: causes seizures, tremors, and problems to the central nervous system

Potato & Rhubarb Leaves: Contain oxalates, which can affect the digestive, nervous, and urinary systems.

Tomato and tomato plants: I`ve read that ripe tomatoes are not toxic, but the green parts of the tomato plant can cause dilated pupils, tremors and irregular heartbeat

Avocado: contains persin and can damage the heart and lungs 

Peaches & Pears & Persimmons: the seeds and pits can cause inflammation of the small intestine in dogs, they can also cause intestinal obstruction. 

Raw salmon: can lead to Salmon Poisoning Disease (SPD). Symptoms may begin to occur 5-7 days after the dog has ingested an infected salmon and include lethargy, high temperature, vomiting, blood diarrhea, and enlarged lymph-nodes. Symptoms are similar to Parvo and Distemper and if left untreated have a mortality rate of 90%

Salt: large amounts of iodized salt and salty foods can lead to pancreatitis

Moldy or spoiled food: can contain multiple toxins causing vomiting and diarrhea