A list of common foods eaten by humans can be fatal to dogs, according to specialists.
While many people are aware that consumables like chocolate can be toxic to our canine friends, a much longer list of foods can cause serious health problems for puppies, according to pet insurance specialists Protectivity.
Among the foods they recommend people feed to their companion animals are raisins, grapes and nuts.
And this time of year can be particularly dangerous, Protectivity warns, as many people opt for healthy alternatives to fatty snacks – many of which can be fatal to dogs.
The list includes macadamia nuts, onions, garlic, xylitol (found in chewing gum) and dairy products.
Many foods that people eat this time of year because they are trying to be healthy, such as sweetener and grapes, are bad for dogs
According to the experts: ‘This time of year can be fraught with dangers for pets as owners have to juggle festive leftovers and changes to their diet – especially if they decided to eat healthier in the New Year.’
They noted that the best way to prevent your dog from getting into the wrong stuff is to educate yourself about what can make him sick.
After they do that, they should keep that food out of the reach of dogs.
Items that may be popular in New Year’s diets include grapes and raisins, as these are fat-free and rich in nutrients.
But they are poisonous to dogs. Grapes and raisins can cause kidney failure in dogs, even in small amounts.
Another food – macadamia nuts – can be eaten raw and roasted, proving to be a popular pre-workout snack for diet-conscious Brits looking for a quick and easy energy boost, says Protectivity.
‘In dogs, however, they can cause weakness, vomiting and hypothermia.’
Commonly used onions and garlic are basic ingredients in the home kitchen.
They are poisonous to dogs in all forms (powdered, raw, dried or cooked).
This is because they can destroy a dog’s red blood cells and lead to anemia.
According to the organization, “People who want to eat healthier are often encouraged to consume gum to curb their cravings.”
But because chewing gum may contain the sweetener xylitol, when consumed by dogs it can cause “a rapid insulin surge that can in turn lead to hypoglycemia.”
Those who include dairy-based products in their diet should ensure that their puppies do not come into contact with products such as yogurt, cheese and milk.
“Many dogs are lactose intolerant and develop digestive problems when they consume dairy,” say the experts.
While it may be tempting to treat your four-legged friends to delicious treats, it’s important to remember what they can and can’t eat
Speaking about this time of year, before, during and after Christmas, a spokesperson for Protectivity noted that there may be additional dangers compared to the rest of the year.
Commenting on the dangers, a spokesperson said: ‘As well as keeping problem foods out of reach, it is also important to set boundaries with your dog so that your pet knows what is expected of them.
‘These limits apply not only to dog owners, but to everyone who works around them, such as dog groomers or dog walkers.’
They added that it “may be tempting to spoil our four-legged friends when there is so much excess food left over from the holidays,” but these actions “can have dangerous consequences.”
“And while you may want to improve your eating habits this year,” they noted, “it’s important to remember that foods that are healthy for you aren’t always good for them.”