Your dog is a member of your family. It’s also very cute and when it begs for food at the dinner table, it’s hard to resist the temptation to feed it all of the human food you have. However, some human foods are actually very bad for dogs and can make them very sick. It’s pretty common knowledge that dogs shouldn’t have chocolate. But what else should you not feed your dog? Before giving your dog any human food, it’s important to research or ask your vet what you can give to your dog.
Can Dogs Eat Chocolate?
Dogs should never be allowed chocolate. Chocolate is very toxic to dogs. It contains substances called methylxanthines, which can stop your dog’s metabolic processes. Dark chocolate is the worst, but all chocolates are toxic to dogs. Even small amounts can result in vomiting or diarrhea. Large amounts of chocolate can cause your dog’s heart functions to become irregular or cause seizures. Too much chocolate and your dog could die.
If your dog does eat some chocolate, take your dog to the vet right away.
Can Dogs Eat Nuts?
Dogs can eat certain nuts, like peanuts and cashews, but there are some nuts that are poisonous to dogs.
Macadamia Nuts
Macadamia nuts, for example, are among the most poisonous foods for dogs. Macadamia nuts can cause lethargy, vomiting, an inability to walk, and can affect a dog’s nervous system.
Almonds
Dogs also shouldn’t eat almonds. Almonds aren’t poisonous to dogs like macadamia nuts are, but if a dog doesn’t chew them properly, they can get stuck in the dog’s throat and block a dog’s esophagus. Additionally, almonds can be sharp, which can tear the dog’s windpipe.
Salted Almonds
Salted almonds are especially dangerous. The salt on them can cause a dog’s body to retain water, which can be harmful or even fatal to a dog that has heart disease.
Can Dogs Eat Garlic?
Garlic is toxic to dogs. It’s from the same family of plants as chives, onions, and leeks, but is five times more harmful to dogs than the other foods in the same category. Garlic can cause dogs to become anemic, with symptoms including:
- Weakness
- Collapse
- Fast heart rate
- Pale gums
If you suspect that your dog has eaten garlic, keep an eye on it for a few days. The symptoms of garlic toxicity don’t necessarily show up right away, so it’s important not to stop monitoring your dog even if it doesn’t show immediate symptoms.
Can Dogs Eat Cinnamon?
Cinnamon isn’t necessarily toxic to dogs like some other foods, but it’s not good for dogs, either. It can at best make your dog uncomfortable and at worst make your dog sick. Cinnamon can cause:
- Irritation in the mouth
- Diarrhea
- Liver disease
- Increased heart rate
- Decreased heart rate
- Vomiting
If the cinnamon is in its powder form, it can additionally cause:
- Choking
- Coughing
- Trouble breathing
Can Dogs Eat Ice Cream?
Ice cream isn’t terrible for dogs like some of the other foods mentioned. However, it does have a lot of sugar, so it’s not really good for dogs. Plus, just like humans, dogs can be lactose intolerant.
Can Dogs Eat Peanut Butter?
Dogs can definitely eat peanut butter. In fact, peanut butter can be good for dogs, as it contains vitamins B and E, niacin, and fats that are healthy for a dog’s heart. However, some brands of peanut butter contain a sugar substitute called xylitol. Xylitol is actually toxic for dogs, so it’s important to carefully read the ingredients on the label before giving your dog peanut butter. The best kind of peanut butter for dogs is raw and unsalted.
