Different species of living organisms possess different organs and organ systems performing functions varied to each other. Dogs being another species have their systems working differently from humans. So, it is necessary to review and study any human food item before giving it to your dog whom you love just like your family member.
Here are 13 such human food items your dog must avoid:
1. Garlic and Onion:
Garlic and onions are vegetables that contain some harmful compounds for dogs such as organosulfides. These organosulfides can cause harm to red blood cells leading to anemia in dogs. Gastroenteritis (inflammatory condition of the intestinal lining) can also be seen in dogs eating onion and garlic. Some breeds of dogs are more sensitive to onions such as Shibu, Inu, Akita, etc. The symptoms your dog may show include gastric pain, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
2. Grapes and Raisins:
Grapes and raisins are potentially more harmful to your dog because even their little amount given to the dog can cause serious kidney disorders such as kidney failure. The symptoms may include persistent fatigue and vomiting in the early 12 hours of intake.
3. Dairy Products:
Dairy products can disturb the digestive system of your dog. Food items containing milk in any form such as ice cream are not suitable because some dogs are lactose intolerant due to lack of an enzyme that digests lactose in the milk. Moreover, food allergies are also seen in the dogs consuming dairy-containing items.
Avocados contain a fungicidal toxin called persin that obstructs the stomach and intestine of your dog so your dog should not eat it.
4. Xylitol:
Xylitol is an artificial sweetener used in many food items and beverages industries as an alternative source of sugar. The products containing xylitol are peanut butter, toothpaste, chewing gums, breath mints, etc. They can cause hypoglycemia ( lowering of blood sugar) and failure of the liver in dogs so these are the food items your dog must avoid. Symptoms include incoordination, fatigue, and vomiting.
5. Fruits Containing Citric Acid:
Citric fruits like Lemons, oranges, apples, etc. are the human food items your dog must avoid. Citric acid is not that much worse for the dogs but if taken in large quantity, it can disturb the stomach of your dog and eventually causes depression of the nervous system.
6. Chocolates:
Chocolate is harmful and you should not give it to your dog but to what extent depends on the amount, type and how frequently the chocolate is taken. Dark chocolate is especially unhealthy for your dog due to higher amounts of methylxanthines. Furthermore, any food product containing theobromine and caffeine like coffee is equally dangerous for the health of your dog. Hence, chocolatey products are the food items your dog must avoid.
7. Alcohol:
Any human food item or beverage that contains even a low quantity of alcohol is not suitable for you dog because it can be a cause of intoxication and cardiovascular issue in the dog. Symptoms include hypertension, stole, coma and even death.
8. Coconut:
Coconut and coconut comprising products (coconut oil, coconut powder, etc.) contain a higher than normal level of potassium causing serious implications. They can also make your stomach upset and cause diarrhea as well.
9. Cherries:
Cherries contain a deadly chemical called cyanide that can inflame the intestine of your dog and is extremely fatal leading to sudden death.
10. Nuts:
Nuts like Macadamia are potentially poisonous to any dog. Hyperthermia (a serious condition related to heat), vomiting, and muscular atrophy are some serious consequences of Macadamia nuts on dogs.
According to The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), the early symptoms of Macadamia nuts poisoning can appear within and after 12 hours of intake and can remain active from one to two days.
https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/people-foods-avoid-feeding-your-pets
11. Salt and Spices:
Excessive consumption of spicy foods and salt causes frequent urination in your dog. It also elevated the thirst level. Due to more intake of salt, sodium ion poisoning can take place leading to serious conditions for the dog.
12. Uncooked Meat and Raw Eggs:
If you do not cook the meat properly, the bacteria in it such i.e. Escherichia Coli and Salmonella can cause the worst consequences of food poisoning. If left untreated, food poisoning can be deadly to humans as well so, these are the food items your dog must avoid. If raw eggs are given to dogs, it causes the deficiency of Biotin (a Water-soluble vitamin) that leads to various skin diseases and allergies in dogs making their skin brittle and it appears dehydrated.
13. Yeast:
Yeast is a unicellular organism fungus which is used in most bakery item. All yeast-containing products have ethyl alcohol in them which is a reason for alcohol poisoning and bloating in your dog. So, it is one of the food items your dog must avoid.
Conclusion:
Dogs just like us, are different species with different digestive, nervous, excretory and cardiovascular system than humans so we must take some certain human food products into account before your dog may consume it and it becomes too late to repent. Alcohol, dairy products, xylitol, caffeine, etc are some human food items that your dog must avoid.