Which foods are harmful to your dog?

When feeding our dogs, we often give them foods they should never eat, putting their health at risk. Find out which foods to avoid so your dog can enjoy a long, healthy and energetic life.

Foods that are off-limits for dogs

Chocolate is one of the most popular treats for people – it is sweet and contains valuable minerals – but it is definitely not a good snack for your dog. The caffeine, theobromine and theophylline it contains can damage an animal's heart and nervous system. Both a single large portion and regular smaller amounts over time are dangerous. Grapes and raisins are not suitable for your pet either: they contain harmful toxins that build up in a dog's kidneys, and eating just 10–12 grapes can be life-threatening. Macadamia nuts, whether raw or roasted, also cause poisoning – symptoms can appear after as little as 2.4 g of nuts per kilogram of body weight. Fruit stones and pips, especially those of apples, apricots, peaches, sweet and sour cherries and plums, contain cyanogenic glycosides that release hydrogen cyanide; the risk arises when a dog swallows or chews through a stone. Xylitol, a sugar substitute that has become very popular in recent years, causes a sudden drop in blood sugar and kidney failure in animals. Onions and garlic are among the most toxic foods for dogs and are harmful in any form – they can damage red blood cells and lead to severe anaemia. Contrary to popular belief, bones should not be part of your pet's diet either, because of the risk of choking, indigestion and damage to the digestive tract.

Foods that are off-limits for cats

The list of foods forbidden for cats is very similar to the one for dogs. The most common culprits are the ones mentioned above: chocolate, raisins and grapes, onions and garlic, as well as raw eggs. Pay attention to what your pet eats, and they will repay you with a long life full of energy.