Dr Pauline Taylor of Pets Central answers readersโ questions on their furry friends. Here she looks at what food types and ingredients shouldn’t be given to dogs.
โWhen it comes to giving treats, what foods are toxic for dogs?โ
We love our dogs and want to share our love by rewarding them with treats when they have behaved well or learnt a new trick or command. These treats are in addition to a well-balanced daily diet โ they donโt replace it. However, we must be careful not to unintentionally harm them with toxic treats. Below is a summary of foods that are toxic to dogs, ingredients to beware of when purchasing treats, and some safer home-prepared options.
Food that is toxic for dogs
- Xylitol: An artificial sweetener found in peanut butter, candy and some baked goods, it causes rapid insulin release, hypoglycaemia, liver failure and seizures.
- Chocolate & Coffee: These contain theobromine and caffeine that can lead to increased heart rate, agitation, seizures and death, especially dark chocolate.
- Grapes & Raisins: Can cause sudden kidney failure in dogs, even in small amounts.
- Onions, Garlic, Chives: Can damage red blood cells, leading to anaemia.
- Macadamia Nuts: Affect muscles and the nervous system, causing weakness, tremors and panting.
- Corn on the Cob: The cob can cause severe intestinal blockage and lead to emergency surgery.
- Cooked Bones: These splinter easily, causing tears in the digestive tract and a leaky gut.
- Alcohol & Yeast Dough: Alcohol causes intoxication, while raw dough can expand and produce alcohol in the stomach. Some animals (not dogs) do consume alcohol in their daily diet; a recent study found that chimpanzees consume the equivalent of 1.4 alcoholic drinks per day, delivered via fermented sugar in ripe fruit!
- Avocado: Contains persin, which can cause vomiting and diarrhoea.
- High-Sodium Snacks: Pretzels, popcorn and salty chips can lead to salt toxicosis.
- Tobacco: Nicotine is extremely toxic to dogs, causing tremors and weakness.
Ingredients to avoid
When buying treats in store or online, check the labels for the following ingredients; I suggest you donโt over-treat your dog with these. Or, safer and better, buy a different treat.
- Artificial Colours/Flavours: Linked to hyperactivity and cancer.
- Corn Syrup & Sugar: Contribute to obesity, diabetes and dental issues.
- Soy & Corn: Often cheap fillers that can cause allergies or digestive upset.
Healthy homemade & human food options
To prepare your own dog treats, thereโs a variety of things you can use, including:
- Lean Meats: Plain, boiled chicken or turkey (cut small), roast beef, hot dogs (in moderation).
- Fish: Salmon (in small amounts due to fat).
- Fruit & Vegetables: Carrot sticks, celery sticks, lettuce by the leaf, sliced bananas, apples and pears, blueberries, small pieces of capsicum.
- Eggs: Boiled preferably (great protein, but manage the calories).
Treats prepared at home can be fed in small pieces, preferably no bigger than your thumbnail. With treats aimed at helping dental hygiene or environmental enrichment, more care is required and larger portions may be given so your dog can exhibit normal behaviour and enjoy a natural dog chew. My dogs absolutely love sticks of carrot or celery, or pieces of apple (minus the core). They also love the birthday cake I make especially for them.
Happy treating!
About Dr Pauline Taylor (BVM&S MACVSc)
After graduating from Edinburgh University, Dr Taylor began practicing in Scotland, working with farm animals, and has accrued over 30 years of experience in caring for animals in various places including the UK, New Zealand and Hong Kong.
Pets Central operates multiple Animal Clinics and Hospitals in Hong Kong:
North Point Hospital | 2811 8907
Mong Kok Hospital | 2309 2139
Tseung Kwan O Hospital | 2244 6684
Sai Kung Hospital | 2792 0833
Park Island Mobile Clinic | 6223 0903
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This article on ingredients and food that is toxic for dogs first appeared in Expat Living magazine in Hong Kong. You can buy the latest issue or an annual subscription, or read theย digital version for free now.
