Jan 2, 20238 min read

10.2: The Low Down on Risky Foods

Updated: Nov 10

In the age of the internet there is often a lot of information out there, some is outdated, some is just a common myth. Here we discuss the truth about each food.

Toxic Foods for Dogs

Chocolate: Chocolate contains theobromine, a compound acting as a diuretic, stimulant, dilator, and relaxant, which dogs cannot metabolize well. It is toxic, similar to caffeine, and can cause severe health issues. If your dog ingests chocolate, please do not delay, contact your vet or out of hours vets and if possible inform them of what the chocolate product was.

Grapes, Raisins, Sultanas, Currants: These contain tartaric acid, which can lead to vomiting, diarrhoea, excessive thirst, kidney damage, or worse in dogs.

Macadamia Nuts: These nuts are high in fat and can cause nausea. They might be toxic to dogs, so it's best to avoid them altogether.

Onions: Onions contain thiosulfate, leading to Heinz body anaemia in dogs. This condition prevents red blood cells from being replaced as quickly as they break down, resulting in weakness and lethargy.

Xylitol: Xylitol, an artificial sweetener found in some sugar-free sweets, chewing gums, and medicines, is highly toxic to dogs. Even small amounts can cause their blood sugar to drop dangerously low and lead to liver failure. Symptoms of poisoning include weakness, lethargy, collapse, or seizures.

Mouldy Food: Mouldy foods can be harmful to dogs, containing various toxins that cause illness. Mould on dairy products, bread, and nuts can trigger muscle tremors and seizures, lasting up to two days. To avoid this, keep composted food scraps in a sealed container out of your dog's reach.

Alcohol: Dogs are more sensitive to ethanol than humans, so even small amounts of alcohol can affect them. Drinks like cream or egg-based alcohols may be more appealing to dogs. Symptoms include drowsiness, wobbliness, low body temperature, low blood sugar, seizures, and coma in severe cases.

Safe Foods for Dogs

Garlic: Although garlic belongs to the onion family, it contains much less thiosulfate. It also has allicin, which benefits the cardiovascular system. It's even included in many commercial dog foods. See our detailed article on garlic for more information.

Rosemary: Rosemary does not cause seizures. However, large amounts of rosemary essential oil or extract may increase seizure risks in epileptic dogs.

Pitted Fruits (Peaches, Apricots, Cherries): These fruits are safe as long as you remove the pits and stems first.

Avocados: The myth about avocado toxicity comes from a study on two malnourished dogs that ate the stems and leaves. Avoid these parts, and remove the pit and skin to prevent choking risks.

Pork: There is no risk of trichinella in UK pet food. Freezing pork at -15 degrees kills this parasite. Pork actually has less fat than beef, making it a good option for dogs.

Mushrooms: All mushrooms safe for humans are also safe for dogs. Cooking mushrooms makes them easier to digest and enhances their medicinal properties. See our mushroom blog for more info

Nuts: Avoid roasted nuts and macadamia nuts. Remove hulls and shells, and chop nuts finely to prevent choking hazards. See our nuts info here

By dispelling these myths and understanding what's truly safe, you can make better dietary choices for your furry friend.

Some foods are not toxic as such but can cause harm. These are as follows:

Rice - AVOID

Although vets often recommend rice as a cheap filler, it can harm dogs. Dogs cannot digest rice well; it raises blood sugars and can cause inflammation in the GI tract. White rice, high on the glycaemic index, can spike blood glucose levels and is mostly genetically modified.

Dogs need a basic diet of meat, bone, offal, eggs, and oily fish, with some nuts, herbs, seeds, dark leafy greens, and mixed berries. Rice, pasta, and potatoes are unnecessary and can undo efforts to maintain a healthy gut.

Gravy - AVOID

Instant gravy (powders and granules) should never be fed to dogs. They are high in fat, salt, and contain harmful ingredients like wheat flour, sugar, skimmed milk, potato starch, onion powder, and sometimes palm oil.

Wheat flour: Highly processed, high-calorie, pro-inflammatory, and can cause digestive issues and malnutrition.
Sugar: Leads to weight gain, metabolic issues, and diabetes.
Skimmed milk powder: Can cause digestive upsets and allergies.
Palm oil: Causes heart disease, digestive upsets, dehydration, and pancreatitis.
Potato starch: Pure starch with no nutrients, contributes to obesity, insulin resistance, diabetes, and cancer.
Onion powder: Contains n-propyl disulphide, extremely toxic to dogs.

Sweet Potato - Caution

When it comes to sweet potatoes for dogs there are pros and cons so it is vital we tell you both sides of the story and let you decide what is best for your dog.

The good:

🐾 Rich in vitamin A and a good source of vitamin B6 and vitamin C.

🐾 Rich in potassium, manganese, and magnesium.

🐾 High in fibre, low in fat and dogs generally enjoy them

The bad:

Potential studies showing excessive feeding can lead to hormone imbalances and endocrine disruption.

Skin can carry mould toxins so should never be fed

Vines can be extremely poisonous to dogs

Raw sweet potatoes can be hard to digest so lightly steam for best results

High starch content which risks weight gain, obesity, lower mobility and heavy strain on organs

The natural sugars in sweet potato can build up and feed natural yeast, causing yeast overgrowth, excessive itching, and more

Pumpkin - Caution

Pros:

Pumpkin is absolutely packed with vitamins like A, E & C, all of which help boost the immune system, improve skin & coat health, support brain function and can even help to support eye health!
Pumpkin also contains vital minerals such as manganese, copper, iron & potassium
Like other orange vegetables, has lots of beta-carotene which converts into vitamin A in the body
Has anti-oxidants which can help lower both cancer and degeneration disease risks, whilst also helping to maintain heart health & reduce skin inflammation
Pumpkin seeds can be used as a natural de-wormer too as they contain cucurbitacin
Pumpkin flesh is a good source of soluble fibre too, meaning it can absorb water and help firm up loose stools & support the anal glands with natural expression.

Cons:

Pumpkin MAY cause some dogs to become itchy or yeasty
Not all pumpkins are organic. It is vital when feeding your dog pumpkin that you choose organic wherever possible.
The seeds must be organic, cleaned, dried (see below for how to do this) and ground. Feeding whole seeds risks a blockage. ½ teaspoon per 10kgs dog weight can then be fed daily.
To make Pumpkin flesh able to be broken down by your dog and nutrients absorbed, it should be lightly steamed.
Canned Pumpkin must be plain and must not be pie filling

To help with stools: Give 1 tablespoon per day with food until stools are better.

To dry pumpkin seeds from an Organic pumpkin, Remove the seeds and clean them of any pumpkin debris or pulp. Spread the seeds in a single layer on a paper bag or on paper towels and allow to air dry overnight (this is the most commonly found method used on a google search however may of course vary so please do your own research online too)

Nuts

Exploring Nut Safety for Your Canine Companion

Have you ever pondered the idea of sharing your favourite nutty snacks with your furry friend? The world of nuts is filled with various flavours and textures, but not all nuts are created equal when it comes to your dog's diet. In this educational blog, we'll embark on a journey to uncover the dos and don'ts of feeding nuts to your canine companion, empowering you with the knowledge to make informed dietary decisions for their well-being.

The Nutty Conundrum: Are Nuts Safe for Dogs?

The question of whether dogs can eat nuts doesn't have a straightforward answer. Nuts, while undeniably nutritious with their protein and fibre content, come with higher calorie and fat levels. Furthermore, many commercially available nuts are often salted or flavoured, rendering them unsuitable as treats for your four-legged friend. To complicate matters further, various nut types can be toxic to dogs. To ensure your dog's health and happiness, it's vital to distinguish which nuts are safe and which should be avoided.

Safe Nuts for Dogs

Cashews: Dogs can savour cashews as an occasional treat. However, opt for unsalted, raw, or roasted cashews. Mixed nut bags can be problematic, as some varieties might be harmful.

Almonds: Almonds can be shared with your dog cautiously. They are calorie-dense, so treat them as an occasional indulgence. If your dog is on the smaller side, consider breaking them into smaller pieces to prevent choking.

Peanuts: Plain, unprocessed peanuts are generally safe. Some dogs may experience mild stomach upset, but they are safe overall. Avoid flavoured or salted peanuts, as they can lead to neurological issues in rare cases. However, steer clear of peanut butter due to potential xylitol content and its high fat and sugar levels.

Walnuts: English walnuts can be given as a rare treat, preferably in small, digestible portions. Black walnuts should be avoided due to their high toxicity.

Hazelnuts: Unsalted hazelnuts are safe for dogs in moderation, just like other nuts. Frequent or excessive consumption can lead to pancreatitis, obesity, or choking.

Nuts to Avoid

Macadamia Nuts: Under no circumstances should you feed macadamia nuts to your dog, as even small quantities are toxic. Seek immediate veterinary advice if accidental ingestion occurs.

Brazil Nuts: While not toxic, Brazil nuts are exceptionally high in fat and can pose a risk of pancreatitis or choking, so it's best to avoid them.

Pecans: Pecans can be problematic due to the potential presence of tremorgenic mycotoxins in their moulds, which can lead to seizures or neurological issues.

Pistachios: Pistachios, while not the worst choice, are not the best nut for dogs either. They contain natural melatonin but are also prone to aflatoxin mould, which can cause liver failure. Additionally, they contain urushiol, the rash-causing chemical in poison ivy, potentially causing an allergic reaction.

Chocolate-Covered Nuts: If your dog ingests these, seek veterinary advice immediately, as chocolate is toxic to dogs.

Nut or Seed Butter with Xylitol: Always check the ingredient label of pre-made nut butter for xylitol, a sugar substitute that can cause life-threatening hypoglycaemia in your dog.

What About Nut Butters?

Many pet owners gravitate towards peanut butter, but if you choose this option, it's crucial to select a 100% peanut variety free of palm oil. Always check the ingredients on the packaging, not just the front of the packaging, and ensure it is also free of xylitol.

Remember that peanut butter is an incredibly high-fat "treat" that can trigger pancreatitis, even in dogs not prone to excess weight.

Almond butter is another option. Almonds are a good source of vitamin E, magnesium, and riboflavin (vitamin B2). While some dogs can digest almond butter, it's wise to limit it to small amounts.