All puppy owners want to make their beloved four-legged friends happy. Often our little furballs sit at our feet while we are enjoying a meal at the dinner table, patiently waiting and hoping for just a small piece of table scrap to “drop” off the table. And although there are some table foods that are safe for our puppies to eat in moderation, there are some that should never be given to them. Below are some of the most toxic and unsafe foods that can greatly harm your puppy.
Chocolate and Chocolate Based Products
The most well-known is chocolate. Although a very desirable treat for people, chocolate can cause serious health issues for your puppy. The reason behind this is chocolate contains substances called methylxanthines, specifically theobromine, which is a stimulant. When consumed by a dog, these substances can cause health issues ranging from diarrhea, vomiting, seizures, and irregular heart function.
Garlic, Onions, and Chives
Other foods that puppy owners must keep from their pups are garlic, onions, and chives. Although not many people would think to hand-feed their pups these types of foods, they often can be found in many backyard gardens. Pups like to munch on just about anything and have been known to taste test these foods without their handler’s knowledge. The issue behind these foods is they are known to damage red blood cells in dogs, which can lead to anemia. If consumed in a large quantity, they can cause poisoning.
Avocados
Keep Taco Tuesday’s sides away from your puppy. Avocados contain an ingredient called Persin. Although this is safe for human consumption, it is known to cause digestive issues for dogs. Avocado seeds are also unsafe as they can obstruct your pup’s stomach and or intestines.
Raisins and Grapes
The science behind why raisins and grapes are toxic to a dog is not exactly clear; however, these fruits are known to cause severe issues. For many dogs, all it takes is one or two raisins to make them extremely ill. These fruits can lead to kidney failure and even death. If you spot your pup taste-testing these fruits, contact your veterinarian immediately.
Products That Contain Caffeine
Caffeine can be found in a large variety of foods. Not many puppy owners are brewing their little furball a cup of morning Joe, but their pups risk ingesting caffeinated foods that are left out or torn through from the trash. Coffee grounds are a common substance that puppy’s find themselves tasting, which can make your puppy ill. Large doses of caffeine for a puppy can lead to very serious health issues.
By shopping for your puppy from pet adoption stores that have a professional team of puppy care specialists, questions on what foods are safe for your dog will be properly and answered. Not all puppy stores are the same! Check their online reviews to see what their customers have to say about them prior to making a purchase.