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What Foods Are Toxic To Dogs

By: Natalie Murillo

Break Studios Contributing Writer

  1. Knowing what foods are toxic to dogs is an important aspect of properly caring for a dog. Certain foods can be highly toxic to dogs, even in very small amounts. Use the following list to know which foods to be sure to keep away from your dog.
  2. Chocolate. In being aware of what foods are toxic to dogs, chocolate is perhaps the most commonly known one. Caffeine and theobromine are the ingredients in chocolate that are toxic to dogs, and the darker the chocolate is, the more toxic the chocolate becomes. Dogs that ingest chocolate can have symptoms including vomiting, stomach pain, agitation, shaking, seizures and even death.
  3. Macadamia nuts. The toxicity of macadamia nuts for dogs can result in conditions such as pain, leg weakness, shaking and fever. These symptoms typically subside within two days and are rarely life threatening.
  4. Onions. In large or concentrated amounts, onions and related vegetables like garlic and shallots are foods that are toxic to dogs, in that they can impair the red blood cells. Dogs that have ingested onions or related vegetables may show symptoms like weakness and tiring easily, and can have unusual colored urine, ranging from orange to red. Blood transfusions can become necessary in severe cases of onion or garlic toxicity.
  5. Xylitol. When discussing what foods are toxic to dogs, many people likely aren't aware of xylitol. This calorie-free sweetener is included in a variety of sugar-free foods and gum, and can cause a steep decline in a dog's blood sugar level if ingested. Symptoms including seizures and confusion can appear in as little as half an hour after a dog eats a food with xylitol in it, and fatal liver failure may also occur as a result of xylitol ingestion.
Posted on: Aug. 17, 2010