As dog owners, we strive to provide the best nutrition for our pets. Choosing the right dog food, whether kibble, canned food or specialty options like Brown Rice Recipe for Dogs, is essential for their health and well-being. However, it’s equally important to be aware of foods that are toxic to dogs. Here are 20 foods that dogs should never eat and some safe, healthy alternatives, ensuring that what’s in their bowl keeps them healthy and happy.
| Toxic Food | Description |
| Alcohol | Extremely dangerous for dogs, causing symptoms ranging from vomiting and diarrhea to breathing problems, coma and even death. |
| Apple Seeds | They contain cyanide, which is toxic to dogs. Ensure apples are cored and seeds removed before feeding them to your dog. |
| Artificial Sweeteners | Besides xylitol, other artificial sweeteners, like erythritol and saccharin, can harm your dog’s digestive tract. Always check the ingredient lists on products. |
| Avocado | It contains persin, which can cause vomiting and diarrhea in dogs. The pit also poses a choking hazard. |
| Caffeine | Found in coffee, tea and certain sodas, it can cause restlessness, rapid breathing, heart palpitations and muscle tremors in dogs. |
| Chocolate | Dogs are sensitive to theobromine, found in varying levels of chocolate. Even a tiny amount can cause vomiting, diarrhea and in severe cases, seizures and death. |
| Cooked Bones | These can splinter and cause internal injuries or blockages in dogs, unlike raw bones, which can be beneficial. |
| Dairy Products | Some dogs tolerate dairy, but others can suffer from lactose intolerance, leading to digestive upset. |
| Fat Trimmings | A diet high in fat can lead to pancreatitis, a severe condition that causes inflammation of the pancreas. |
| Grapes and Raisins | Grapes contain high levels of tannins, flavonoids and monosaccharides, which dogs cannot metabolize, potentially leading to kidney failure. Symptoms include vomiting, lethargy and loss of appetite. |
| Macadamia Nuts | Although the exact toxin in these nuts isn’t known, eating as little as 1⁄10 of an ounce per 2 pounds of body weight can cause weakness, overheating and vomiting in dogs. In severe cases, they can lead to neurological symptoms. |
| Mushrooms | Certain mushrooms, particularly wild mushrooms and those in the Aminita Inocybe and Clitocybe families contain toxins that can cause severe reactions in dogs, including liver damage and death. If your dog eats a wild mushroom on a walk through the park or forest, treat it as a poisoning and take them to the vet immediately. |
| Moldy Foods | Can contain various toxins that cause vomiting, diarrhea and even severe neurological problems in dogs. |
| Nutmeg | Contains myristicin, a compound that can cause hallucinations, increased heart rate, disorientation, abdominal pain and seizures. Ingesting even small amounts can lead to severe symptoms and requires immediate veterinary attention to prevent serious health complications. |
| Onions and Garlic | They contain disulfides and thiosulfinates, which can cause anemia in dogs by damaging their red blood cells. Symptoms might include weakness, vomiting and breathlessness. |
| Potato Leaves and Stems | Potato leaves and stems contain high levels of solanine, which can cause GI issues like diarrhea and vomiting and neurological damage in severe cases. It has also been linked to canine dilated cardiomyopathy in genetically prone breeds. |
| Raw Eggs | Can lead to biotin deficiency in dogs and also carries the risk of salmonella. |
| Salt | While a small amount of salt (sodium) is essential to your dog’s diet, excessive salt can lead to sodium ion poisoning in dogs. Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, tremors and seizures. |
| Xylitol | A sweetener found in many sugar-free products can cause a rapid release of insulin in dogs, leading to hypoglycemia. Symptoms include vomiting, loss of coordination and seizures. |
| Yeast Dough | Unbaked yeast dough can rise in a dog’s stomach, causing painful bloating and potential stomach rupture. |
Safe and Nutritious Alternatives
While avoiding toxic foods is crucial, providing your dog with safe and nutritious alternatives is equally important. Opt for high-quality dog foods that meet their dietary needs and contribute to their well-being. Here are some excellent options:
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Dry Dog Food. Dry dog food is popular among pet owners due to its convenience and benefits. It’s easy to store and has a longer shelf life than wet food, making it a practical option for many households. When selecting dry dog food, look for brands that list high-quality proteins, like chicken or beef, or wild-caught salmon dog food as the first ingredient and avoid those with excessive fillers or artificial additives.
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Wet Dog Food. Wet dog food is often more palatable and hydrating than dry dog food, making it an excellent option for dogs with dietary sensitivities, dental issues or picky eaters. The high moisture content in wet dog food can help keep your dog hydrated, especially if they don’t drink enough water. It’s also easier to chew, which is beneficial for older dogs with dental problems.
Look for wet dog food that contains high-quality meat sources and is free from artificial preservatives and flavors.
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Raw Dog Food. A raw dog food diet includes raw meat, bones, fruits, vegetables and sometimes dairy. It features high-quality, unprocessed proteins like beef, chicken, lamb and fish. Raw fruits and vegetables provide essential vitamins and minerals, boosting the immune system, improving digestion and enhancing skin and coat health. However, there are certain risks to raw feeding your dog, including bacterial contamination and choking.
Open Farm’s RawMix dog food and freeze dried raw dog food kibble and patties provide a safer alternative that helps your pet benefit from unprocessed, nutrient-dense ingredients without digestive upset.
Choose Open Farm for High-Quality Dog Food
When choosing dog food, always read the labels carefully and look for products that prioritize high-quality, natural ingredients. Avoid foods with artificial colors, flavors and preservatives and consult your veterinarian for valuable insights into your dog’s specific dietary needs.
Explore the complete range of premium-quality dog food at Open Farm. Our ethically and sustainably sourced ingredients are fully traceable, so you know that your pet is getting nutrition that is good for them and the planet.
This article is meant only as an example meal with fully balanced nutrition, please reach out to our customer experience team if you have any questions about your pet’s own unique circumstances! To ensure these products are a good fit for your pup, we also recommend consulting your pup’s vet about any new supplement or diet changes, especially if there is a medical concern. They should be able to help as you and your vet know your pup’s medical history best!
