There's so much to consider when adopting a pet, from which dog bed will keep them comfortable to what name to give to what toys they might enjoy. But at the top of your list should be safety. You want to keep your pet healthy and prevent visits to the emergency vet if at all possible. That means keeping an eye on what your dog eats.
As an emergency veterinarian, Dr. Brett Levitzke has (unfortunately) seen it all. After more than 20 years in practice, he is committed to keeping pets safe. While there are some human foods that dogs can eat (including chicken, turkey, salmon, brown rice, carrots, are sweet potatoes), there are several that can cause serious and sometimes life-threatening reactions. Here, Dr. Levitzke gives us a rundown of the foods your dog should never eat.
To make sure your dog safe, be sure to keep all food out of his reach. And if you have a jumper or a big dog, that means off the kitchen counter too. If you ever have concerns about what your dog has eaten, contact your local vet or emergency vet immediately.
1
Grapes, Raisins, and Currants
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Dr. Levitzke explains that grapes are highly toxic to dogs. He says, "They can cause kidney failure and in some cases, death." Raisins and currants, which are simply different types of dried grapes, are also toxic.
Check your ingredients list! This one can be tricky, because Xylitol, a popular sugar substitute, is found in many human foods, from some peanut and nut butters, breath mints and chewing gum, and sugar-free desserts. Dr. Levitzke says, "It’s an emergent situation if a dog ingests xylitol. It is highly toxic to dogs, it can cause liver failure and dangerously low blood sugar levels."
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3
Macadamia Nuts
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Many types of nuts can be harmful if ingested by dogs. Dr. Levitzke points out that macadamia nuts can "cause vomiting, tremors, and hyperthermia."
4
Onions and Garlic
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These kitchen staples are toxic in all forms, according to Dr. Levitzke. They can cause "a severe hemolytic anemia (breakdown of red blood cells)." It's important to note that a large single dose or small amounts accumulating over time are equally toxic to dogs.
This one may not be a surprise to most dog owners, but it's important to keep any chocolate out of the reach of dogs. Dr. Levitzke says, it "causes vomiting, diarrhea, tachyarrhythmias (abnormally high heart rate), seizures, and coma based on quantity and type ingested."
6
White Chocolate
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When pet owners think about chocolate, they might not realize that white chocolate can also be harmful to dogs. Dr. Levitzke says it has the potential to cause "gastrointestinal upset, pancreatitis, and other health issues."
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7
Avocados
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Be careful with avocados around dogs. They contain persin, which can cause vomiting and diarrhea, but, Dr. Levitzke warns, the pit is also a choking hazard,
8
Alcohol
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Dr. Levitzke hopes this one is self-explanatory, but you should never, ever give your pet alcohol of any kind.
Many dogs are lactose intolerant, notes Dr. Leivitzke, so milk, cheese, and other dairy products can cause gastrointestinal symptoms.
10
Cherries
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Keep your dogs away from cherries. Dr. Leivitzke says they "contain cyanide in the leaves, stems, and pits, and can cause hyperventilation or difficulty breathing, drooling, abdominal pain, dilated pupils, and vomiting/diarrhea. The pits can also be a potential GI obstruction waiting to happen."
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11
Raw Dough
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Raw dough may seem relatively harmless, but, Dr. Leivitzke explains, it can expand in the stomach, causing potential bloat.
12
Coffee Beans and Grinds
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Your day might not start until you have a cup of coffee, but it can make your dog sick. Dr. Leivitzke explains it can cause similar symptoms to chocolate if ingested.
Katie Bowlby is Digital Director at Country Living, where she covers gift guides, product reviews, crafts, and TV shows like Yellowstone. She’s currently stitching up a cross-stitch pattern for the magazine’s next issue
Dr. Brett Levitzke is a seasoned veterinarian with an expertise in emergency medicine and a commitment to advancing veterinary care. He obtained his Bachelor of Science in Microbiology from Cornell University before earning his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the University of Georgia. Upon graduation, he completed a rotating one-year internship in Emergency, Surgery, and Internal Medicine at Garden State Veterinary Specialists in Tinton Falls, NJ. He then parlayed his keen interest in emergency medicine into a position as Medical Director of the Brooklyn Veterinary Emergency Services. Recognizing the growing demand for round-the-clock emergency care, he founded the Veterinary Emergency and Referral Group (VERG) in 2005, establishing Brooklyn's first 24/7 emergency and specialty hospital. Dr. Levitzke is also Chief Medical Officer and Advisor to Get Joy, where he develops strategies that intertwine preventative holistic dog wellness into daily routines.
Expert consulted: Brett Levitzke, DVMVeterinarian
