Dogs are fond of sitting next to dinner tables, looking up contemplatively to persuade their masters to give them a small bite of foodstuff off their plates. As a result, the habit of feeding dogs with small treats and table scrapes is common among dog lovers.
If you happen to be one of suchlike dog lovers, you need to understand that feeding your pets with some types of leftovers subjects them to deadly health problems. Actually, the dietary needs of dogs and humans are different. Food that is healthy for human beings may not be of the same value to dogs. This post seeks to explain the top 7 toxic dog food you might not be aware of. You can also check the full list of toxic food & poisonous plants for dogs here.
Chocolate
According to research held recently, ingestion of chocolate is venomous to almost all species of dogs. However, the effect is known to be worse in smaller dogs. The toxicity of white chocolate and milk chocolate is weaker if compared to that of dark chocolate, which is deadly for all dog species. The research further indicates that the toxicity level of chocolate in dogs depends on factors such as the type of chocolate consumed, the sensitivity of the dog to chocolate and the hunger level of the dog at the time of ingestion. Essentially, toxic elements of chocolate are attributed to contents such as caffeine (1, 3, 7-trimethylxanthine) and methylxanthines theobromine (3, 7-dimethylxanthine), which affect the nervous and heart system of dogs.
Onions
Onions contain poisonous elements that can provoke hemolytic anemia and damage the red blood cells in animals like cats and dogs. Ingestion of onions by these animals can also lead to formation of Heinz bodies in their erythrocytes. Almost all forms of onions, including cooked, raw or dehydrated onions are toxic to dogs. This means that if your pet consumes table scrap containing any type of onions, it is most likely to develop health problems.
Early stage symptoms of onion toxicity in dogs include diarrhea and vomiting, which can develop into labored breathing, weakness, anemia, and becoming devastatingly deadly.
Macadamia Nuts
In most cases, after ingesting substantial amounts of macadamia nuts, dogs can suffer from an array of symptoms, which include vomiting, weakness, faster heartbeat and a rise in body temperature. If the condition persists, the dog may end up suffering from paralysis. Research reports that initial signs off macadamia nuts toxicity in dogs may also include pale mucous membranes, stiffness, lameness, abdominal pain, tremors, hyperthermia and ataxia.
Raisins & Grapes
Raisins & grapes contain elements such as pesticides, herbicides and fungicides, which are not so good for dogs’ health. They also contain mold contamination, high concentrations of vitamin D, heavy metal concentration and fungus contamination, which makes them to be even worse. Early stage symptoms of grapes toxicity in dogs may include dehydration, abdominal pain, weakness, loss of appetite, diarrhea and vomiting. If the condition is not well attended to on time it may result to worse conditions such as acute kidney failure.
Avocados
The creamy and delicious avocado fruit should never be consumed by dogs. The fruit actually contains persin, a garlic substance that is usually stomach-upsetting. The compound is extremely toxic to dogs and is also present in avocado leaves. Consuming avocado can result to diarrhea and vomiting in dogs. Other common effects include abdominal pain, abdominal enlargement, breathing difficulties and chest pain.
Apple Cores
Apple seeds and cores contain a garlic cyanide compound, which is toxic to dogs. The compound hinders proper circulation of blood and oxygen, hence leads to health problems. It is characterized by several symptoms including coma, shock, hyperventilation, seizures, collapse, dizziness, breathing problems, drooling, dilated pupils, and apprehension. If apple seeds are consumed in large amounts they can cause swollen abdomen, lack of appetite, lethargy and abdominal pain.
Alcohol
Just like it affects humans, alcohol can destroy dogs’ brain and liver. But since dogs’ organs are smaller, the effect is much severe. Basing on the kind of alcohol ingested, dogs experience coma, excessive urination, abnormal acidity, breathing difficulties, drowsiness, lack of coordination, and walking problems. Alcohol toxicity in dogs can even cause death.
Losing your pet anytime soon will make you feel so lonely. Therefore, you greatly should mark and avoid feeding your dog with the kind of foodstuff discussed in this article. We understand that some were toxic dog food you dint know, but you now know them.
