Common Foods Dogs Should Avoid

Full Stop

While all dogs are, of course, different, there are some foods they should all stay away from (courtesy of the ASPCA and PetMD):

• Macadamia nuts are among the most poisonous to dogs
  Alcohol gets its psychoactive effects from Ethanol (yep, the same Ethanol that's mixed in gasoline and pumped into your car), and small amounts can drastically affect your companion
• Grapes and Raisins contain a substance that can lead to kidney failure in dogs
• Xylitol can be found in candy, gum, and many store-bought peanut butters, and can cause liver failure
• Almonds, Pecans, and Walnuts
• Onions and other plants in the Allium family (like leeks and chives) are toxic even in small amounts
• Caffeine might perk you up, but it can be fatal to our canine companions
• Salty and Sugary foods that we enjoy have too much salt and/or sugar to be safely enjoyed by our companions

There are other foods that your pups should stay away from, such as peaches and plums. These fruits may not be harmful, but the pits can be: they can block your companion's intestines, and they contain cyanide (like many seeds/pits). Also avocado skin and pits are dangerous for dogs, but the pulp is fine for pups to consume. It functions as a super food for them just like humans.

Definitely Maybe

The list above is not exhaustive, and you should always monitor your companion during meals and snack time.

There are some foods in our fridge or pantry that our companions can enjoy with us, but that doesn't mean they should go hog-wild.

• Eggs can be fed to your canine companion, as long as they are cooked thoroughly (they're a great source of protein!)
• Coconut meat may make a nice treat, but the milk contains too much potassium for your companion
• Dairy products: dogs are typically lactose-intolerant, but small amounts of cheese can usually be OK (try something low-fat, like mozzarella). Also, custard can be shared with your companion instead of ice-cream: it is made with egg yolk and less milk.
• Some fresh fruits are great, but be sure to remove seeds, stems, and leaves

Of course, if you're curious or concerned about what your companion may be eating, always talk with their vet about what's right for them. And, speaking of what they should and shouldn't eat, we get a lot of questions about an ingredient in some of our fresh-baked treats: carob. We've got this article to help explain what it is, and why it's tasty!