Not just chicken bones can kill your dog: we show you which foods are dangerous

Most owners like to treat their dog to a few tasty snacks left over from lunch or dinner. But it's worth paying attention, because many foods that are considered safe are not recommended for dogs at all.

Some foods are known to not healthy for dogs. They cannot be digested, contain harmful substances or may even cause choking or diarrhoea. We’ve rounded up ten foods that are forbiddens for your pet.

1.) Xilit

Xylitol is an artificial sweetener, nowadays increasingly popular among people who want to avoid sugar. Found in toothpastes, chewing gum, sugar-free products. If you use this ingredient to prepare a meal, do not feed it to your dog. It can cause a severe drop in blood sugar levels and even lead to liver damage. Typical symptoms of poisoning can include vomiting, lethargy, bloating, coordination problems or even seizures.

2.) Chocolate

Perhaps the best known for dogs dangerous food is chocolate. Fortunately, fewer and fewer owners are rewarding their pets with that, as they are known to be harmful to them. This is due to a substance called theobromine, which disrupts the metabolic processes of dogs. Found in almost all types of chocolate, it can cause vomiting and diarrhoea in dogs in less severe cases, but can also lead to convulsive tremors and death in larger quantities.

3.) Foods and drinks containing caffeine

Caffeine can be extremely harmful to your pet. It can be found in coffee, tea, but also in foods containing them. Even a small amount can cause serious poisoning, as they are much more sensitive to caffeine than as humans. It can make them hyperactive, which can manifest itself in seizures with tremors.

4.) Grapes and raisins

A the danger of grapes is a controversial topic. Some say it is not harmful to dogs at all. However, it better to avoid it. Because some dogs may be allergic to it, but scientists have not been able to determine exactly what causes the problem. Countless cases have been documented of dogs being poisoned by grapes. Typical symptoms include diarrhoea, abdominal pain, tremors and even kidney failure. Raisins made from grapes can also be dangerous.

5.) Onion

Small amounts of onion are not dangerous for dogs, but should be avoided. If the dog gets too much of it, it can lead to iron deficiency haemophilia. In 2000, a study was carried out in which eight dogs were given large amounts of garlic (23 cloves per 13.6 kg) for a week. The veterinarians found only minimal abnormalities in their blood counts and no symptoms at all (source: Richard H. Pitcairn – Susan Hubble Pitcairn – Natural health of dogs and cats).

6.) Bones

It is a common custom for the owner to give the dog a bone. However, it can also be very dangerous, often causing choking or the pieces can tear the stomach lining and intestines. Cooked bones are particularly dangerous because they break into splinters.

Chicken bones, being smaller, can fit perfectly into the dog’s mouth, which unfortunately can often cause choking. They can get stuck in the jaw, oesophagus, trachea and intestines, so it’s best to avoid them. Even if you manage to get it safely into the stomach, it can be more difficult to get out and can even cause constipation.

7.) Seeds

Most seeds are specifically harmful to dogs. Peach, cherry, sour cherry, plum seeds contain cyanide. These can cause intestinal blockages on their own, but are particularly to be avoided because of the toxic substance. The avocado leaf, peel and seed also contain a substance called perssine, which can lead to vomiting and diarrhoea. Macadamias are particularly harmful for your dog. Just a few grains can cause rapid heartbeat, muscle cramps, vomiting, lethargy and fever.

8.) Raw yeast

Raw yeast can swell in the dog’s stomach when it is hot, which can lead to painful cramping and straining. Fermentation produces alcohol, which is also very toxic to animals. So always keep your pet away from the pasta in the boiling pot.

9.) Too much sugar or salt

Avoid too much sugar for the same reason you should. Easy to obesity, diabetes and for them, much less is enough. Salty foods upset your pet’s sodium metabolism and can lead to poisoning or death in severe cases. Typical symptoms include vomiting, diarrhoea, fever and tremors.

10.) Too much dairy products

Most dogs are lactose intolerant, so it is best to avoid unacidified dairy products. Only give your dog cheese, cream, sour cream or milk very rarely and in small amounts, as he may develop sensitivities later. Excessive consumption of dairy products can cause vomiting and diarrhoea.