Why some foods are dangerous for dogs

A dog's digestive system works differently from a human's. Some foods that are completely harmless to us can cause severe poisoning in dogs. Even the smallest amounts can be dangerous – and in the worst case, fatal.

 

 

List of dangerous and toxic foods for dogs

1. Chocolate Danger: High (Theobromine) Symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, rapid heartbeat, seizures 2. Grapes & Raisins Danger: High (potentially fatal) Symptoms: Vomiting, loss of appetite, kidney failure 3. Onions & Garlic Danger: High (even when cooked) Symptoms: Weakness, vomiting, pale mucous membranes, shortness of breath 4. Alcohol Danger: High Symptoms: Vomiting, disorientation, respiratory depression 5. Xylitol (Birch Sugar) Danger: Extremely high (e.g., in chewing gum) Symptoms: Hypoglycemia, seizures, liver failure 6. Avocado Danger: Medium (contains Persin) Symptoms: Shortness of breath, heart problems 7. Caffeine (Coffee, Cola, Tea) Danger: High Symptoms: Restlessness, tremors, rapid heartbeat, cramps 8. Raw Yeast Dough Danger: High Symptoms: Bloating, abdominal pain, alcohol production in the stomach 9. Cooked Bones Danger: Medium to High Symptoms: Injuries to the digestive tract, constipation, intestinal perforation 10. Macadamia Nuts Danger: High Symptoms: Muscle weakness, tremors, lameness 11. Dairy Products (for Lactose Intolerance) Danger: Slight to Medium Symptoms: Diarrhea, bloating 12. Salty Snacks (Chips, Pretzels) Danger: Medium to high Symptoms: Sodium poisoning, tremors, vomiting, seizures 13. Raw Pork Danger: High (Aujeszky's disease*) Symptoms: Incurably fatal – never feed raw!

 

Symptoms of poisoning in dogs

Typical signs include:

- Vomiting and diarrhea
- Tremors or convulsions
- Shortness of breath or panting
- Apathy, restlessness, or disorientation
- Pale mucous membranes
- Excessive salivation
- Unconsciousness

 

What to do in an emergency? – First aid for poisoning

1.

Stay calm, even if it's difficult.

2.

Contact a vet or animal hospital immediately!
   - In Switzerland, e.g., Tox Info Suisse: 145 or 044 251 51 51

3.

Do not use home remedies like saltwater or milk – this can worsen the situation!

4.

If possible: Take packaging or leftovers with you to show the vet what was ingested.

5.

Activated charcoal tablets (only after consultation!) can help with some poisons, but are no substitute for veterinary help.

 

The dose makes the poison – When is it really dangerous?

Often, there are general warnings against feeding certain foods like garlic, onions, or salt – but the reality is more nuanced. As with many substances, the dose makes the poison.

Garlic contains sulfides, which in large quantities can damage red blood cells and cause hemolytic anemia. This primarily affects high doses over a longer period.

In small quantities, however, garlic can have positive effects, e.g., as:
- a natural remedy against parasites
- immune-boosting
- antibacterial and anti-inflammatory

Safe dose according to veterinary naturopaths: About 4 g of fresh garlic per 10 kg body weight, 2 to 3 times a week, are considered safe – provided the dog tolerates it well and has no pre-existing conditions.

Onions also contain sulfur compounds that can attack red blood cells if overdosed. But a single small amount, such as a fried piece in a food scrap, will rarely cause acute poisoning in a healthy dog.

At what amount does it become critical? Already 5 g of onion per kg of body weight daily over several days can lead to damage. Smaller amounts over a longer period or a high single dose can be dangerous.

Salt (sodium chloride) is essential for your dog's electrolyte balance. It helps with:
- nerve functions
- fluid balance
- muscle function

When does salt become dangerous? A single very high dose can lead to sodium poisoning – for example, from heavily salted chips or salty soup leftovers. It becomes critical from about 1.5 g of salt per kg of body weight.

Normal amounts in feed or in home-cooked food are generally unproblematic, as long as you don't also give heavily salted snacks.

Conclusion on small amounts:
- Not every "toxic" food is dangerous in low doses.
- Occasional, small amounts of garlic or salt can even have benefits depending on the dog.
- The decisive factors are always: body weight, frequency, health status, and the type of food.

 

Conclusion

Many seemingly harmless foods can be life-threatening for dogs. As a responsible dog owner, you should know exactly what has no place near your dog. When in doubt, it's better to abstain – and in an emergency, don't waste any time!