At Chef Gourmet, we love great food and answer questions about food all the time. That’s how we know that people often wonder what foods are safe for their dogs to eat. So, since we love our barking friends, here are four human foods you shouldn’t feed your dog.
Chocolate and Coffee
Chocolate and coffee are bad for dogs and pets in general because it contains compounds known as methylxanthines. Coffee contains caffeine, while the methylxanthines found in chocolate are theobromine and caffeine. Dogs can’t metabolize these substances, which may lead to excessive panting, diarrhea, seizures, or even death. As a general rule, the darker the chocolate, the greater the danger to your pet. However, it’s better to stay on the safe side and avoid feeding your dog chocolate altogether.
Grapes and Raisins
While grapes and raisins are healthy snacks for humans, you should keep them away from your pet because they may cause kidney failure in dogs. Although it may be hard to believe, scientists haven’t identified yet the compound in grapes and raisins that is toxic to dogs. Some suspect that it may be a salicylate or tartaric acid. Regardless of the specific agent, one thing is for sure: these foods must always be stored where your dog can’t reach them.
Macadamia Nuts
Macadamia nuts are a common ingredient in homemade cakes and cookies. As we all know, these treats are delicious, but you shouldn’t share them with your dog. Even a small portion of macadamia nuts may cause dogs to experience weakness in the back legs, diarrhea, tremors and hyperthermia.
Onions and Garlic
Garlic, onions, and chives all belong to the allium family and contain thiosulfate, a substance that is safe for humans to eat, but not for dogs. As you know, garlic is a common ingredient of human food; that’s why you should refrain from feeding your dog leftovers. Thiosulfate leads to red cell damage, causing your dog to feel lethargic. Plus, garlic may also cause stomach irritation. Note that this applies to both dogs and cats.
Finally, keep in mind that this is NOT a comprehensive list. So it’s a good idea to check trustworthy sources online before sharing any type of human food with your pet. Don’t forget that even though your animal friends are part of your family, their dietary needs are different than yours.
