10 Foods You Should Never Feed Your Dog
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We all love treating dogs — it’s hard to fight the optimistic eyes. But not all that is safe for humans is safe for our four-legged friends. For some dogs, everyday foods can be downright harmful (and even life-threatening).
At Canine Crunchies, we are big believers in informed dog parenting. Deciding what not to feed your dog is just as important as selecting the right treats. Here are 10 foods you should never feed your dog to eat, no matter how much he or she pleads.
1. Chocolate
Chocolate. Among the most notorious dangers dogs are known to be in chocolate. It contains theobromine, which dogs cannot properly handle. Vomiting, tremors, seizures, heart issues and, in severe cases, death can result from just small amounts. Top tip: Dark chocolate and baking chocolate are particularly dangerous.
2. Grapes & Raisins
Raisins and grapes that are consumed alone lead to sudden kidney failure in dogs. The scary part? A tiny quantity can also be toxic, and symptoms of this can be delayed. Symptoms to look for can include vomiting and lethargy, and loss of appetite. If your dog eats grapes or raisins, call your vet immediately.
3. Onions, Garlic & Chives
These ingredients damage red blood cells in dogs and may cause anaemia. They’re all unsafe — raw or cooked or powdered or dried. That’s all those foods with onion or garlic powder on them, so make sure to look at the ingredient label.
4. Xylitol (Artificial Sweetener)
Xylitol exists in sugar-free gum, sweets, baked goods, and some peanut butters. It triggers an uncontrolled release of insulin in dogs, resulting in dangerously low sugar levels and eventual liver failure. Even small amounts can be deadly.
5. Alcohol
Dogs are far more sensitive to alcohol than humans are. The ingestion of alcohol can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, difficulty breathing, tremors, coma and death. Keep alcoholic drinks out of reach — especially at parties and celebrations.
6. Cooked Bones
Chewing of dogs is normal, but cooked bones may splinter and lead to choking, internal wounds or blockages in the intestinal passages. To get your teeth on, try natural air-dried chews made primarily for dogs or snacking.
7. Avocado
Avocados have persin, which can induce vomiting and diarrhoea in dogs. It also poses a serious choking danger in the pit. Small amounts may not always hurt, but it is the safest to take avocado off the dogs’ menu completely.
8. Caffeine
This is because caffeine, coffee, tea, energy drinks and other foods loaded with it can induce restlessness, quick heart rate, tremor, seizure and collapse in dogs. When it contains caffeine — it’s a no.
9. Fatty & Fried Foods
Foods high in fat, such as bacon, sausages or fried leftovers, can trigger the development of pancreatitis, a painful and potentially deadly disease in dogs. These foods can also provoke long-term weight gain and digestive problems.
10. Salty Snacks
Crisps, pretzels, popcorn and other salty snacks can cause salt poisoning as they cause excessive thirst, vomiting, shaking and in the most extreme cases, seizures. Dogs don’t need additional salt — ever.
What Should You Feed Instead?
The treats should be easy. Pick dogs’ specific choices, natural ingredients, no secret nasties. Air-dried dog treats is also a brilliant option — loaded with flavour, digestible and devoid of toxic additives.
Treat Safely with Canine Crunchies
At Canine Crunchies, we make treating simple, safe, and satisfying.
Explore our natural air-dried dog treats
Made with simple ingredients and zero nasties
Perfect for training, enrichment, and everyday rewards
Because happy dogs crunch smarter. 🐕💛
References:
Dogs Trust – Toxic foods to avoid feeding your dog