Are you harming your dog? Of course not. You’re probably shouting at the screen that your dog is part of the family! But there are many common fruit and vegetables which are toxic to dogs and if you don’t know what they are, you might accidentally be giving your dog a treat which is causing him or her harm.
Our guide to fruit and vegetables which are toxic for dogs
1. Grapes and raisins
The first on our list has to be grapes and raisins. This little fruit is so common in our homes and may seem like a harmless sweet treat, but a small amount could cause irreversible kidney damage and failure quite quickly depending on the size of dog that ingests them. If your dog eats some, or your suspect they have, speak to the vet straight away.
2. Avocados
There is some debate about avocados but as a general rule it is best to avoid giving any part of this fruit to your dog (or many other animals or birds). Avocados contain a toxin called Persin in levels that are harmless to us but can cause breathing problems, sickness and diarrhoea to your pet.
3. Pips, seeds and stones
Tempting as it is to throw your dog an apple core, the pips, seeds and stones from many fruits. contain cyanide and can be extremely harmful to your dog and even prove fatal. Notably fruits like apples, cherries, plums, peaches etc.
4. Mushrooms
Whilst the ordinary mushrooms that you use in cooking should be ok, wild mushrooms can be very poisonous and one of those things that dogs forage around for whilst out walking. Symptoms vary according to the mushroom but include the diarrhoea, vomiting and restlessness. If you suspect your dog has eaten wild mushrooms, get them to the vets.
5. Nuts
Dogs don’t digest nuts in the same way as humans and several types are poisonous to them, particularly Macadamia nuts. Those that aren’t poisonous are still difficult to digest and can cause other problems to your pet’s wellbeing. The best advice is always to keep nuts out of reach. Particularly bad are walnuts, pecan nuts and macadamia nuts. Remember that nut butters are also high in fat and salt which is bad for your dog’s system.
6. Unripe tomatoes
Although ripe red tomatoes are probably ok for your dog, the tomato plants and unripe tomatoes are highly harmful. They contain something called ‘tomatine’ which can cause damage to the nervous system, kidneys and digestive tract. So if you are growing your own tomatoes, make sure they are well fenced off from your furry friend.
7. Onions and garlic
In appropriate quantities garlic can be good for your dog but if they eat too much garlic, onions or chives it can also be harmful and can destroy your dog’s red blood cells. It doesn’t matter whether it is raw, cooked or dried, make sure you avoid feeding these offenders to your dog.
8. Nutmeg
Not necessarily something that will be lying around your home in large quantities but something to be aware of. Nutmeg contains myristicin and although the small amounts found in cakes may not be harmful, larger amounts can cause tremors, seizures and even death in dogs so just make sure your dog doesn’t get hold of any.
9. Broccoli
Broccoli has so many health benefits for us and our families but the same is not true for man’s best friend. It contains chemicals which can severely irritate their stomach and while that may not sound bad it can be very dangerous, particularly in certain breeds.
10. Rhubarb
Another one of our commonly home grown fruits which can be toxic to dogs is rhubarb. Especially the leaves which can cause damage to the nervous system, kidneys and digestive tract. Symptoms include tremors, seizures and heart problem so don’t let your dog get stuck into your rhubarb crumble or vegetable patch. If you suspect rhubarb poisoning then contact your vet immediately
11. Potatoes
It’s not so much the potatoes themselves you have to worry about but the green potato plants, so beware if you are growing your own. The plants contain something called Solanine which can cause a variety of complaints including diarrhoea, vomiting and confusion and it can be very dangerous to your dog.
12. Persimmon seeds
Not terribly common in the UK, the persimmon fruit is an exotic orange fruit that we do find in our supermarkets sometimes. The fruit are sweet and tasty so may appeal to your furry friend, however the seeds are very harmful to a dog’s digestion and can cause blockages, diarrhoea and a high temperature so it is another fruit that’s important to avoid giving your four-legged friend.
Keep on the lookout!
There’s no doubt that we’re a nation of dog lovers and we welcome our furry best friend into our families as one of our own. However, as tempting as it is to throw your dog the odd tit-bit, let them forage or give them your scraps, it is very important to make sure you know what could be harmful to your dog. If you have any doubt that they might have eaten something they shouldn’t or if they are showing any signs of unusual behaviour, take advice from your vet straight away.
