What are dogs not allowed to eat?

1. Fruit

a) Grapes/raisins/currants/grape pomace
It is not yet clear what causes the toxicity in these fruits. Some dogs have tolerated eating grapes, others have suffered severe poisoning with kidney failure, some of which have been fatal. One theory is that it is due to components of the grape seeds, another theory is a toxic reaction to the pesticides used.

It is not yet clear what causes the toxicity in these fruits. Some dogs have tolerated eating grapes, others have suffered severe poisoning with kidney failure, some of which have been fatal. One theory is that it is due to components of the grape seeds, another theory is a toxic reaction to the pesticides used.

The toxic dose is 10-30 g/kg body weight. Symptoms of poisoning include vomiting, shock, kidney failure with increased or decreased urine flow, increased kidney values ​​in the blood and even death. Please make sure that your dog does not have access to the sweet fruits; grapes should always be stored out of the reach of dogs.

b) fruit stones
In general, when feeding fruit with stones, you should make sure to remove the seeds, as these contain hydrogen cyanide. Fruit should also be washed or peeled thoroughly and fed according to individual tolerance.

1. Vegetables

a) Avocado
Avocados are healthy and energy-rich fruits for humans, with a high proportion of healthy fatty acids. Avocados are not suitable for dogs. There is a risk of them swallowing the seeds, which could lead to intestinal blockage. Avocados also contain persin. This toxin can lead to gastrointestinal symptoms, and eating large doses can also potentially cause heart damage.

Avocados are particularly unsuitable for dogs that depend on a low-fat diet (e.g. those with pancreatitis).

b) Garlic
The allicin contained in garlic is poisonous for dogs. Many dog ​​owners like to use garlic as a "home remedy"; it is said to protect against mosquitoes, fleas and ticks and even has an effect against worms. These positive antiparasitic properties have not yet been scientifically proven. Dogs should not be given more than 4 g of fresh garlic per day; 5 g/kg/day is the toxic dose for dogs. Caution is also advised with garlic flakes/extract; the low water content and high concentration in the extracts means that the toxic dose drops to 1.25 ml/kg over a week. Allicin leads to the formation of so-called Heinz bodies ; the red blood cells burst and can result in anemia. Symptoms of poisoning are vomiting, diarrhea, jaundice, rapid heartbeat, weak pulse and anemia with pale mucous membranes. Consequently, every dog ​​owner should ask themselves whether the benefit for their dog can really be so great that it outweighs the potentially negative effects on the organism.

c) onions
The N-propyl disulfide contained in onions has a similar effect to the allicin contained in garlic. The symptoms are similar to those described for garlic.

Please note that in addition to garlic and onions, leeks, wild garlic, chives and shallots also belong to the onion and leek family. None of these varieties should be fed to rabbits. Inus seem to be particularly sensitive to their ingestion.

If you feed vegetable flakes, please make sure that they do not contain leeks or onions, as these are often used for reasons of attractive and healthy appearance.

3. Chocolate

Not only us, but many of our dogs would also enjoy chocolate and many a dog has survived eating a chocolate Santa Claus, but the theobromine contained in chocolate is poisonous for our dogs. The darker the chocolate, the more dangerous it is.

Consumption of chocolate at a dosage of 20 mg/kg or more can lead to symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, increased body temperature, shortness of breath and cardiac arrhythmia. At about 60 mg/kg or more, life-threatening conditions can occur. In the worst case, the dog can die from chocolate poisoning (about 100-250 mg/kg). Please never use chocolate as a reward! Instead, offer your dog dried meat, pasta or vegetables if you want to avoid conventional treats.

If you want to supplement your dog's diet individually, read our articles on suitable foods for dogs (parts 1-3). Here you will find examples of what dogs are allowed to eat and background information on the foods used.

Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions: kundenservice@vegdog.de