{18+ Foods Not to Feed Your Dogs And Why So [Expert Advice]
Dr. Conor Brady
By Dr. Conor Brady
Last Updated June 8, 2023
what not to feed dogs
The following alphabetical list consists of 18 foods that you REALLY should not feed your dogs, even though in many cases we humans can eat them ourselves. The main reason being your dog’s metabolism is a little different to yours and this needs to be considered. |Certain foods that are safe for human consumption can be harmful to dogs. Here are 18 foods that you should avoid feeding your furry friends, along with reasons why, based on expert advice from Dr. Conor Brady.}
{Excluded from this list is coffee, alcohol, cigarettes, marijuana, copious amounts of salt every day and anything else that is just too obvious.|Coffee, alcohol, cigarettes, marijuana, excessive daily salt intake, and any other overly apparent items are not included in this list.}
{What Not To Feed Your Dogs
1. Aflatoxins
Corn, wheat and rice, some nuts and legumes can be contaminated with moulds due to extended storage and chemical growing conditions. These moulds are called aflatoxins and can produce carcinogenic properties when grown from the mould Aspergillus flavus. Found in most kibble and some treats and the very high temperature cooking process does not kill them so definitely avoid at all costs.|To ensure your furry friends’ safety, it’s essential to know what not to feed them. Some foods, including corn, wheat, rice, and certain nuts and legumes, can harbor harmful mold growth due to prolonged storage and chemical farming methods. These molds, known as aflatoxins, can produce cancer-causing properties when they come from the mold Aspergillus flavus. Aflatoxins can be present in many commercial dog foods and some treats, and alarmingly, high cooking temperatures don’t eliminate them. To keep your dogs healthy, it’s crucial to avoid aflatoxins altogether.}
{2. Chewing Gum and Sweets
Chewing gum and sugar have no place as foods for dogs. The real problem here is xilotyl, while causing no apparent harm to humans, it is extremely toxic to dogs. Even small amounts can cause low blood sugar, seizures, liver failure or even a pup’s death. Not worth any risk in feeding these folks.|Avoid giving dogs chewing gum and sweets as they are not suitable foods for them. Xylitol is the main concern as it is highly toxic to dogs even in small quantities, leading to dangerous health issues such as low blood sugar, seizures, liver failure, or even death. It is not worth risking the health of dogs by feeding them these items.}
{3. Chocolate
Unfortunately, chocolate is a most definite no. This is due to theobromine and theophylline, which can be toxic. Chocolate can cause panting, vomiting, and diarrhoea, as well as damage to a dog’s heart and nervous systems. Of course, we have all heard of a dog eating a whole box of roses but this has also caused serious damage to other dogs.|3. Chocolate
Regrettably for dogs. This is because of the presence of theobromine and theophylline, which are harmful substances. Consumption of chocolate can lead to symptoms like excessive panting, vomiting, and diarrhea, while also posing risks to a dog’s heart and nervous system. Despite the common anecdote of dogs indulging in a box of chocolates, such incidents have proven to result in severe harm to many dogs.}
{4. Cooked Bones
Really bad for dogs. Can cause cracking of teeth and the puncturing of guts. Cooked bones are likely to splinter so avoid them at all times. Here’s how to feed bones safely to dogs. Cooked bones are simply a no-no and can also cause:|Feeding cooked bones to dogs is not recommended as they can cause dental problems, such as tooth cracking, and gastrointestinal issues, including punctured gut linings. Cooked bones are prone to splintering, which can lead to further health complications. Instead, it’s best to follow proper guidelines for feeding bones to dogs to ensure their safety and well-being. Cooked bones are a definite no-go and can also lead to other health issues, including:}
{Constipation
Rectal bleeding
Gastrointestinal blockage
Mouth injuries
Peritonitis – a bacterial infection caused by punctures in the stomach or intestines
5. Corn on the Cob
Feeding a few kernels is completely safe but the cob can be dangerous for dogs. Pieces can easily get lodged in the small intestine causing potential blockage. The cob does not break down and cannot be digested properly by dogs, so worth noting and avoiding.|Constipation, rectal bleeding, gastrointestinal blockage, mouth injuries, and peritonitis – an infection caused by bacteria entering the stomach or intestines through punctures. Corn on the cob is safe to feed dogs in small amounts, but the cob itself can pose a danger as it may cause blockages in the small intestine. The cob is not easily digested by dogs and can lead to health issues, so it is best to avoid giving it to them.}
{6. Dental Sticks
Wheat gluten, the most antigenic on earth for dogs, as the number one ingredient. Third ingredient is sugar. Fourth ingredient, salt. Fifth ingredient, sugar. For teeth?! Really?! I strongly recommend removing these from the diet immediately. Replace with fresh bones. In fact finding the exact ingredients in these products is almost impossible and worrying to say the least, so this is why it is on our list of things not to feed a dog.|Dental sticks, a seemingly innocuous treat for your furry friend, actually contains a host of problematic ingredients. Leading the list is wheat gluten, the most allergenic substance for dogs on Earth. That’s right, the very first ingredient is something that can cause severe reactions in your pup. And it doesn’t stop there. The third ingredient is sugar, followed by salt, and then, you guessed it, more sugar. Are these really the things you want to give your dog for healthy teeth? It’s hard to fathom how these ingredients could be beneficial for their oral health. In fact, it’s downright worrisome. That’s why we strongly advise against giving your dog dental sticks and suggest replacing them with fresh bones instead. It’s just not worth the risk to your dog’s health.}
{7. Dry Dog and Cat Food
Processed dry so-called foods are rarely made with your pet’s interest at heart. It is stale, chemical riddled gunk made far away from the leftovers of the human food sector. Virtually no meat and possibly 4% meat derivatives mixed with toxic rubbish. |Many processed dry pet foods are not created with your pet’s well-being in mind. Instead, they are often made from low-quality ingredients, including leftover human food industry byproducts, and are loaded with chemicals. These foods typically contain very little real meat and may include harmful additives, making them unhealthy options for your furry friends.}
{Ingredients like ‘derivatives of vegetable origin’. This term allows the use of anything that is not classed as a cereal. It is waste from the human food preparation industry which is processed at high temperatures and has no nutritional value. They deserve better. They deserve raw dog food. |Instead of using the term “derivatives of vegetable origin,” we can utilize ingredients that are not classified as cereals. These ingredients are often waste products from the human food preparation industry that have been processed at high temperatures and lack nutritional value. However, our furry friends deserve better than these low-quality ingredients. They deserve the nutritional benefits of raw dog food.}
{8. Fat – Not too much
Dogs can have scraps of fat from the dinner table, that’s fine, certainly for a raw fed dog and can be fed as treats. However…|Dogs can be given small amounts of fat as treats, especially if they are fed a raw diet. However, it is important not to overdo it with the fat scraps from the dinner table.}
{Dry fed dogs are different, we expect their pancreas to be under enormous pressure from trying to digest a diet of 50% carbohydrates every day. With a dry fed dog the fat trimming from one steak can be enough to push them over the edge. One source to watch is cheap “pet mince”, like beef and lamb “mince” for €2/kg. Lamb and beef doesn’t cost €2/kg!|Dogs that are fed a dry diet may have a unique set of needs, particularly when it comes to their pancreas. Because they are consuming a diet that is high in carbohydrates, their pancreas may be under a lot of stress trying to digest these nutrients. This can be especially problematic if they are consuming a lot of fat, such as the trimming from a steak. This could potentially cause them to exceed their daily fat intake, which could have negative health consequences. One way to keep an eye on your dog’s fat intake is to monitor their food sources, such as “pet mince,” which is a cheap option that contains beef and lamb. However, it’s important to note that lamb and beef do not cost €2/kg, so it’s important to be mindful of the quality of the food you are providing for your dog.}
{Supermarkets are the benchmark here, Aldi and Lidl and other supermarkets buy huge amounts of meat directly from farmers. They are selling high fat beef mince at €3.80/kg. That’s high-fat beef mince (the lowest grade you are permitted to feed to a human). What you are getting for €2/kg is usually only fat and blood. Fat in your pups diet is essential, just not too much. Link here to another article on fat! If we have one! If not let’s write one!|Supermarkets serve as the standard for meat procurement, with retailers like Aldi and Lidl purchasing large quantities of meat directly from farms. Currently, they are offering high-fat beef mince at €3.80 per kilogram. This type of meat is considered the lowest grade suitable for human consumption. While it may contain some fat and blood, it is primarily composed of fat, which is essential for a puppy’s diet, but in moderation. For a more in-depth look at the role of fat in a puppy’s diet, you can check out this related article.}
{9. Fish – Fresh
People feed their dogs fresh fish but, to cut a long story short, many of the common species are prone to worms. Freezing kills these parasites, so make sure to feed fish from frozen. Also don’t feed them too much, as many species contain thiaminase, which breaks down thiamine (vitamin B1) in dogs. |Fish can be a nutritious and delicious treat for your furry friend, but be aware that some fresh fish species can harbor parasites. To ensure your dog’s safety, it’s best to feed them frozen fish, which will kill any pesky worms. However, don’t overdo it, as certain fish varieties contain an enzyme called thiaminase that can reduce your dog’s vitamin B1 levels. So, feed fish in moderation and choose frozen options to keep your pup healthy and happy.}
{Salmon, however, is fine. Tuna is high in mercury so avoid this. Feeding fish like mackerel, herring and sardines is better as they are less likely to be full of toxins from our over polluted seas . Need another article here about fish – sorry!|Salmon is a good choice, but it’s best to steer clear of tuna due to its high mercury content. Opt for fish such as mackerel, herring, and sardines as they are less likely to contain toxins from our polluted oceans. I apologize for the omission of another article on fish.}
{10. Fast Foods
We know that fast processed foods are not good for us and occasionally we may indulge. Fast foods however are not good for your pup and contain high levels of highly processed sugar,fat and salt and can even contain hidden artificial sweeteners.|Fast foods are generally unhealthy for both humans and pets due to their high levels of processed sugar, fat, and salt. Although we may sometimes give in to the temptation of fast foods, it’s important to be aware that these foods are not beneficial for our furry friends and may even include hidden artificial sweeteners.}
{The side effects if fed to your pup can include:|Adverse reactions when given to your dog may include:}
{Diarrhea
Constipation
Dehydration
Seizures
Gastrointestinal upset
Dehydration
Pancreatitis
So I would recommend you leave fast foods alone for your pup.|It is advisable to avoid fast food for your dog as it can lead to issues such as diarrhea, constipation, dehydration, seizures, gastrointestinal upset, and pancreatitis.}
{11. Grapes, Raisins, and Sultanas
We can’t believe this either but grapes, raisins and sultanas contain a toxin that can cause severe liver damage and kidney failure to dogs. Dogs cannot metabolise tannins, flavonoids and monosaccharides that are found in these delicious fruits. Great for us but never for dogs. |11. Grapes, Raisins, and Sultanas
It may come as a surprise, but grapes, raisins, and sultanas have a harmful toxin that can lead to serious liver damage and kidney failure in dogs. Dogs lack the ability to process tannins, flavonoids, and monosaccharides present in these tasty fruits. While these fruits are safe for humans, they should never be given to dogs.}
{12. Human Multivitamins
Often too high in the wrong things, fresh fed dogs don’t need them. Dry fed dogs however do, but these should be supplied via kelp, brewers yeast or alfalfa and a whole host of other natural supplements depending on the problem with your pup. Synthetic vitamins can be dangerous for dogs. Can we put a link in here to the Hills study that killed dogs Conor? Also possibly add BioFunction8 as an ad?|While well-intentioned, human multivitamins can be excessive in certain nutrients that may not be suitable for dogs. Fresh-fed dogs, in particular, don’t require them as their diet provides adequate nutrients. However, dry-fed dogs may benefit from supplements like kelp, brewer’s yeast, or alfalfa, which can be tailored to address specific health issues. It’s essential to avoid synthetic vitamins, as they can be harmful to dogs. For more information, you can refer to the Hills study that Conor mentioned, which highlights the risks associated with synthetic vitamins in dog food. Additionally, you may want to consider BioFunction8 as a natural supplement option for your furry friend.}
{13. Macadamia Nuts or Black Walnuts
These both contain a toxin that can inhibit locomotor activities – resulting in weakness, panting, swollen limbs, and tremors as well as possible damage to the dog’s digestive, nervous, and muscle systems. They also contain an unknown toxin that can have neurological effects. Not good and add to your list of things not to feed dogs.|13. Avoid Feeding Dogs Macadamia Nuts or Black Walnuts
Both of these nuts contain a toxin that can cause a range of harmful effects on a dog’s health, including inhibited movement, weakness, panting, swollen limbs, and tremors. Additionally, they may damage the dog’s digestive, nervous, and muscle systems. Macadamia nuts also contain an unknown toxin that can affect a dog’s neurological health. For these reasons, it’s best to keep both macadamia nuts and black walnuts out of your dog’s reach.}
{14. Milk – Cows
Like most of us, if not all, dogs are intolerant to lactose. Makes sense, we lose the necessary enzymes while toddlers, when we were supposed to stop drinking milk. Although there is calcium in milk, there is more in bones and leafy greens. |Dogs, similar to humans, typically have difficulty digesting lactose. This is because we lose the ability to produce the required enzymes to break down lactose as we grow older. While milk does contain calcium, it is found in higher amounts in bones and leafy vegetables.}
{Dogs lack the enzyme lactase so will not be able to digest it properly. It’s not going to kill him, just block absorption of vital nutrients and minerals in him and subject you to some smelly farts, maybe a little diarrhoea.|Dogs do not have the enzyme lactase, which means they cannot digest lactose effectively. While it won’t be life-threatening, consuming lactose can hinder the absorption of important nutrients and minerals in your dog, leading to unpleasant symptoms like odorous gas and possibly mild diarrhea.}
{15. Onions and chives
No matter what form they’re in (dry, raw, cooked, powder, within other foods), onions contain disulfides and sulfoxides (thiosulphate), both of which can cause anaemia and damage red blood cells in dogs. |Onions and chives, whether they are dried, raw, cooked, in powder form, or mixed with other foods, contain disulfides and sulfoxides (thiosulphate) that are harmful to dogs as they can lead to anemia and harm red blood cells.}
{Unfortunately, garlic, being itself a member of the onion family, got itself tarred with the same brush. Luckily though, a dog would need to eat a huge amount of garlic to suffer any negative consequences. Half a clove of crushed garlic per 10kg of dog now and again is fine for dogs. More on feeding garlic to dogs here.|Regrettably, garlic, which belongs to the onion family, was unfairly associated with the same concerns. However, it would take a significant quantity of garlic for a dog to experience any adverse effects. It is safe for dogs to consume half a crushed garlic clove per 10kg of body weight occasionally. Further information on giving garlic to dogs can be found here.}
{16. Peaches, Plums, Apricots and Cherries – Whole Pits
Peach, plum, apricots and cherry pits often cause intestinal obstruction and enteritis. These pits contain amygdalin which is toxic when fed to dogs and can cause kidney failure – this is a form of cyanide and slows down the enzymes in your pups body that are essential to transport oxygen to blood so most definitely worth adding to your list of things not to feed dogs.|The pits of peaches, plums, apricots, and cherries can lead to blockages in the intestines and inflammation. Amygdalin, a toxic substance found in these pits, can be harmful to dogs and may result in kidney failure. This compound acts as cyanide and interferes with enzymes necessary for oxygen transportation in a dog’s body. It is important to remember not to feed these pits to your dogs.}
{17. Pet store Treats
In the same way dry food and dental sticks are made with the poorest food ingredients imaginable, pet store treats in general too are to be questioned. Pigs ears for the large part are imported from India and China where chemical use is highly questionable. In the same way, question very cheap “all meat” treats. They are linked to a large number of pet store treats of late. |Pet treats sold in stores often raise concerns, similar to low-quality dry food and dental sticks. Pig ears, for instance, are commonly sourced from India and China, where chemical use is suspect. Moreover, inexpensive “all meat” treats should be scrutinized, as they have been connected to numerous pet store treats of late.}
{Since 2007 the FDA (Food and Drug Association) have noted over 1,000 pets dying from kidney disease as a result of eating Chinese sourced pet treats (and that’s what we know, imagine how hard that is to prove). Making your own is safest and by far the cheapest. Could we have another article in here for homemade treats?!|Since 2007, the Food and Drug Association (FDA) has recorded over 1,000 cases of pet deaths resulting from kidney disease caused by consuming Chinese-sourced pet treats. This number is likely only a fraction of the actual cases, as it’s difficult to track and prove the source of the problem. Making your own pet treats is not only the safest option but also the most cost-effective. Perhaps we could include an article on homemade pet treats in our publication?}
{18. Sugar
Never give sweet things to dogs. Give them meat-based treats instead – they are predominantly carnivores (make sure there is no wheat in these!). First of all dogs lack amylase in their saliva (breaks down sugar) which means that the sugar will stay in their mouths, feeding plaque and tartar build up. Otherwise, the same as in humans, it is linked to multiple health issues, such as diabetes and obesity. Would add in Canident here as an ad?|Dogs shouldn’t be given sweets; instead, meat-based treats are ideal since they are primarily carnivores. Avoid treats with wheat. Dogs lack amylase in their saliva, which means sugar stays in their mouths and promotes plaque and tartar buildup. Additionally, sugar consumption in dogs is linked to health issues such as diabetes and obesity. Consider using Canident for your furry friend’s oral health.}
{FAQ’s on What Not to Feed Your Dog
1. Can dogs eat lamb mince?
Lamb mince is great for dogs, a slightly higher in fat meat and mainly grass fed, so a good choice when mixed with other ingredients to make a balanced diet link to another article here ‘what’s a good diet for a dog. Lamb mince is packed with:|Common Questions About Foods Harmful to Dogs
1. Is it safe for dogs to consume lamb mince?
Lamb mince is a beneficial option for dogs as it is a type of meat that is slightly higher in fat content and is typically sourced from grass-fed animals. When combined with other ingredients to create a well-rounded diet, lamb mince is a nutritious choice. Refer to our article on “What Constitutes a Healthy Diet for Dogs” for more information. Lamb mince is rich in essential nutrients:}
{Vitamin B12, important for brain function and blood formation. Lamb and animal-derived foods are very rich in this vitamin.
Selenium – an antioxidant, lowering the risk of cancer, heart disease, thyroid issues and is great to boost the immune system.
Zinc – better absorbed from meat than plants and is an essential mineral for growth and the formation of hormones.
Niacin – known also as vitamin B3 and essential for a healthy heart.
Phosphorus – essential for body growth and maintaining good health.
Iron – lamb is rich in iron.
2. Can dogs eat beef mince?
Beef mince is also a good choice for dogs and better if grass fed as will be less likely to have been fed antibiotics and raised on a high sugar diet of silage. Beef mince is full of the above points in lamb plus:|Vitamin B12 is crucial for brain function and blood production. Lamb and animal-based foods are highly abundant in this essential vitamin. Selenium acts as an antioxidant, reducing the risk of cancer, heart disease, thyroid problems, and enhancing the immune system. Zinc is more effectively absorbed from meat than from plants and is a vital mineral for growth and hormone development. Niacin, or vitamin B3, is necessary for a healthy heart. Phosphorus plays a critical role in body growth and overall health. Iron is abundant in lamb. As for the question about whether dogs can consume beef mince, beef mince is a suitable option for dogs, especially if it is grass-fed to minimize exposure to antibiotics and high-sugar diets. Beef mince offers all the benefits of lamb mentioned above, plus additional nutritional value.}
{Taurine – found in blood, essential in dogs and cats diets.
Threonine – an important building block for many proteins in a dogs body – an essential amino acid that can only be eaten and not made.
Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) – a ruminant trans fat which is beneficial to dogs when fed as part of a balanced and healthy diet.
3. Is mince good for dogs?
Mince is a great way to feed your dog and mixed with the correct additions can be the perfect base to start. The above lamb and beef minces are also good, but turkey and chicken minces are slightly lower in fat and maybe cheaper. |Taurine is a crucial component found in the bloodstream that is necessary in the diets of dogs and cats. Threonine serves as a fundamental building block for various proteins within a dog’s system, acting as an indispensable amino acid that must be obtained through diet and cannot be produced internally. Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) is a type of trans fat typically found in ruminant animals, which can be beneficial for dogs when included as part of a well-rounded and nutritious meal plan. When considering whether mince is suitable for dogs, it is important to note that it can serve as a excellent food option when combined with appropriate supplements, serving as a solid foundation for a balanced diet. While lamb and beef minces are popular choices, turkey and chicken minces may offer slightly lower fat content and potentially be more cost-effective.}
{Supermarket bought minces will be bone free and barn reared which makes them deficient in vitamin d, dogs cannot make this vitamin and need to get it through their food, so outdoor reared chicken and turkey is essential for optimal health. More on recipe link here|Store-bought ground meats from supermarkets are boneless and come from animals raised in barns, lacking in vitamin D. Dogs require this vitamin in their diet as they are unable to produce it themselves. Therefore, it is important to include outdoor-raised chicken and turkey in their meals for their overall well-being. For further information, please visit the recipe link provided.}
{4. Can dogs eat fat trimmings?
A small amount of fat trimmings is fine for most dogs eating a raw diet. Fat in your pup’s diet is essential and there is not usually too much fat on the odd steak that you don’t want to eat plus he will love you for it! Raw is best but the occasional cooked fat trimming that you may have forgotten to cut off is also fine.|Dogs can consume a small portion of fat trimmings if they are on a raw diet. Fat is a necessary component in a dog’s diet, and there is typically not an excessive amount of fat in leftover steak scraps that you may not want to eat. Your dog will appreciate the treat, whether it’s raw or occasionally cooked fat trimmings that were unintentionally left on.}
{5. Can dogs eat beef blood?
Beef blood is packed with taurine and an absolute must for your pup. Never throw away any blood and please add to your pups food – any blood – chicken, turkey or lamb is great to add to your pups bowl and such a waste to throw it away!|5. Are dogs allowed to consume beef blood?
Rich in taurine, beef blood is a vital component of your pup’s diet. Never discard any blood, and be sure to add it to your pup’s food – any type of blood, whether from chicken, turkey, or lamb, makes a valuable addition to their meal and would be a waste to throw away!}
{Conclusion
The conclusion here is that the above points are essential in foods that can be toxic and dangerous for our four legged friends and sometimes these foods are overlooked and forgotten, especially fast foods and chocolate at Christmas and Easter when they are abundant in our homes. (We should have a fridge magnet that outlines these points?!!) good sales pitch Conor!!|In summary, it is important to remember that certain foods can be harmful to our pets, including fast food and chocolate during holidays like Christmas and Easter. These foods are often forgotten about but can pose a danger to our four-legged friends. Perhaps having a fridge magnet with this information would be helpful. Great suggestion, Conor!}