Five Foods to NOT Feed to Your Dog
Whether you’re looking to add more fresh foods to your dog’s diet or switch them over to completely home-cooked meals, it’s important to know which foods to avoid to ensure their optimal health and happiness. Here’s a list of the most important foods to avoid when feeding your dog at home:
- Onions: Onions can cause damage to red blood cells leading to anemia as the body is not able to distribute oxygen effectively
- Grapes / Raisins: Even just a few grapes or raisins can cause kidney and liver damage in dogs. It's best to avoid any amount of these.
- Chocolate: Chocolate contains both caffeine and theobromine, both of which are toxic to dogs when ingested.
- Xylitol: Xylitol is a common sugar-free sweetener found in some candies, chewing gums and peanut butters. Even at low amounts, xylitol can cause a severe drop in blood sugar and liver damage in dogs.
- Avocado: The fat content in avocado is too high for dogs and can lead to long-term health issues, including heart issues, if fed over time.
[If your dog ingests a toxic food: You can call the ASPCA Poison Control Hotline at 888/426-4435. This hotline is staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by veterinarians and toxicologists]
Want to learn more about how to cook at home for your pup? Grab a copy of our Guide to Cooking for Dogs!
