They look at you from the floor while you eat, and it's hard to say no. Sharing a piece now and then isn't a drama, but there are very normal foods in any kitchen that can really upset a dog, some even in small amounts. It's a good idea to be clear about them before something happens.
Foods they should never eat
This is a list worth keeping in mind (or on the fridge):
- Chocolate and cocoa. They contain theobromine and caffeine. A dog eliminates theobromine very slowly, so it accumulates and can cause vomiting, nervousness, tachycardia, and in severe cases, seizures. The purer the chocolate, the more dangerous: dark chocolate and cocoa powder are much worse than milk chocolate.
- Grapes and raisins. They can cause acute kidney failure. The tricky thing is that there is no known safe amount: some dogs are fine, while others are affected by a small amount. Better none at all.
- Onion, garlic, leek, and chives. They damage red blood cells and can cause anemia. It doesn't matter if they are raw, cooked, or in powder, and be careful because symptoms may appear days later. This also includes leftovers with sautéed bases, broths, and many sauces.
- Xylitol. It is a sweetener found in sugar-free gum, candies, some peanut butters, "sugar-free" baked goods, and even certain toothpastes. In dogs, it causes a sharp drop in blood sugar and can damage the liver. Check labels before sharing anything “light.”
- Macadamia nuts. They can cause weakness, tremors, and difficulty walking.
- Alcohol and caffeine. This includes coffee, tea, energy drinks, and also raw yeast dough, which ferments in the stomach.
- Cooked bones. They are not toxic, but they splinter and can cause injuries or blockages in the digestive tract.
What about avocado?
It usually appears on all lists because of persin, but that substance is a problem mainly for birds, rabbits, and other animals. In dogs, the real risk is the pit, which can get stuck, and the amount of fat, which can upset their stomach. Practical conclusion: it is not a food they need, so it is better not to give it to them.
What to do if they have eaten something they shouldn't have
First, stay calm and act fast:
- Remove what is left within their reach and save the packaging or label.
- Calculate what, how much, and when. With that, and your dog's weight, the veterinarian can assess the risk much better.
- Call the veterinarian or an emergency clinic even if you don't notice anything yet. In several of these cases, symptoms take hours or days to appear.
- Do not make them vomit on your own or give them salt, hydrogen peroxide, or home remedies. Depending on what they have eaten, it can be counterproductive.
What you CAN give them
There are quite a few foods you can offer as a treat or supplement, always in small amounts, without salt, sugar, or seasonings:
- Carrot, raw or cooked. Crunchy and low in calories.
- Apple or pear in pieces, without seeds or core.
- Zucchini and green beans cooked.
- Watermelon or melon without seeds or rind; they are very good in summer.
- Cooked chicken or turkey, skinless, boneless, and spice-free.
- Cooked white rice, in small amounts.
Two simple rules to keep this from getting out of hand: extras should not exceed more or less 10% of their daily food intake, and any new food should be introduced little by little to see how they tolerate it. If your dog has any illness or follows a special diet, ask your veterinarian first.
How to avoid scares at home
Most poisonings don't happen because someone gives a dog chocolate on purpose, but because of carelessness:
- Keep bags and backpacks up high, as that's where gum and candy usually are.
- Trash can with a lid or inside a cabinet.
- Explain the rules to visitors and children, especially on birthdays, Christmas, or family meals, which is when most things end up on the floor.
- No table scraps "so they don't go to waste": almost all of them contain onion, garlic, or salt.
And if you want to reward them without any doubts, the easiest thing is to use snacks designed for dogs, in small amounts. In our dog food section, you have slow feeders, interactive feeders, and sniffing mats so they can eat more slowly and stay entertained.