Forbidden Fruit
By Kaylen Alvarez
Steak is on the menu for dinner. The flanks are covered in sautéed caramelized onions and garlic, with a hardy avocado salad on the side. The perfect pairing, plated to perfection. When dinner is over, there’s a small portion of the meal leftover on your plate, and the dog who’s been waiting by your feet is peering up at you with hopeful eyes… how can you say no to a face like that? You can’t. But what you don’t know, is that the onions, garlic, and avocado on your plate are all toxic for him. By setting that plate on the floor for Fido to clear off, you’ve just set his digestive system up for a night of pain.
While this is a hypothetical, it is the perfect example of a harmless mistake that can lead to a harmful outcome—a mistake that could have been easily avoided. It isn’t unusual for dogs to beg their owner for a nibble of human food, and it certainly isn’t unusual for pet-owners to give in. Though, while everything in moderation or small doses can be acceptable—like throwing your dog a fry from your fast food bag—there are certain foods that should be completely nixed from your dog’s diet for the sake of their health.
Toxic Foods to Avoid
Produce, herbs & more!
Avocados - The pit, skin, and leaves contain a toxin that causes diarrhea and vomiting in dogs.
Chocolate - Cacao seeds contain methylxanthines, which leads to vomiting/diarrhea in dogs, excessive thirst/urination, abnormal heartbeat, seizures, and in some cases even death. Dark chocolate tends to be more toxic than milk chocolate.
Coffee/Caffeine - Also contains methylxanthines.
Grapes - Toxic for all dogs and can lead to acute kidney failure.
Garlic - Can cause gastrointestinal irritation, red blood cell damage, and lead to anemia.
Tomatoes - The green part of a tomato contains a toxic substance, solanine, that makes dogs sick.
Asparagus - It’s not necessarily unsafe for dogs to consume, but it is too tough to be eaten raw, and asparagus loses all nutrients once cooked and soft. Not worth being digested by your pup.
Mushrooms - Wild mushrooms can be highly toxic for dogs, and the poisonous species can lead to death.
Cherries - Cherry plants contain cyanide, which disrupt cellular oxygen transport, cutting off oxygen from reaching your dog’s blood cells. Signs of cyanide poisoning include dilated pupils, difficulty breathing, and red gums.
Citrus - Citric acid can cause irritation and central nervous system depression when consumed in large doses.
Coconut - Can cause an upset stomach, loose stool, and diarrhea.
Nuts - Most nuts contain a high amount of oils and fats that can cause vomiting/diarrhea, and even pancreatitis in some cases.
Onions/Chives - Like garlic, they can cause gastrointestinal irritation, red blood cell damage, and lead to anemia.
Salt/Salty Snacks - Can lead to excessive thirst/urination, vomiting/diarrhea, tremors, increased body temperature, seizures, and even sodium ion poisoning.
Yeast Dough - Causes gas to accumulate in your pet’s digestive system. Their stomach can bloat and even twist.
Corn on the Cob - When eaten off the cob, pieces of it can cause blockage in your pet’s intestine.
Cooked Bones - Unlike raw bones, cooked bones can splinter easily, with the potential to bring about constipation and perforation of the gut.
It’s okay to want your pet to enjoy the pleasures of life, but remember that your diligence in ensuring they consume a healthy/safe diet can make all the difference when their life is at stake!
If your dog happens to consume any of the toxic foods above, don’t hesitate to take them to an emergency vet hospital, or call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center: (888) 426-4435