Dogs are curious by nature, sometimes a little bit too curious, so they have a tendency to find misfortune. One of the most common ways dogs get into trouble is by eating things that they shouldn’t. While certain “people foods” are fine for your pet to eat, others can be toxic. In this article you will learn which fruits and vegetables are harmful for your pet.
Harmful Fruits and Vegetables
Certain fruits and vegetables are very good for your dog and they can make for tasty and inexpensive treats. Others, however, shouldn't be given. You'll find a list below:
- Rhubarb leaves – The leaves of the rhubarb plant are toxic – they can cause tremors and kidney failure in pets.
- Raisins and grapes – These foods can lead to vomiting and diarrhea in dogs as well as kidney damage. Clinical signs of toxicity after eating raisins or grapes typically occur within 24 hours of ingestion.
- Potatoes – Raw potatoes, especially containing sprouts, are toxic for dogs. Potatoes contain a toxin called solanine that may cause vomiting, diarrhea, excessive drooling, and an upset stomach.
- Apples – While the fruit of the apple will not harm your dog, the core and seeds are toxic. Apple seeds and stems contain cyanide, which if eaten in enough quantity can lead to shock, dilated pupils, panting and difficulty breathing. Its best to avoid the seeds from other fruit too e.g watermelon.
- Onions – This includes garlic, leeks, and chives as well. Onions are members of the Allium genus and these foods can lead to damage of your pet’s red blood cells which can cause severe anemia.
- Mushrooms – Wild mushrooms are especially dangerous for dogs – they can cause vomiting, hallucinations, liver failure, and even death.
- Stone fruits – Any fruits with a large pit (such as peaches, nectarines, and cherries) are dangerous for pets because the pits pose a choking hazard. Certain parts of these plants (stems, leaves and pits) may also contain cyanide.
The best rule of thumb to follow is that if you do not know whether a food is safe for dogs, you shouldn’t give it to your pet. Ask about a fruit or vegetable here on LovePets if you are unsure or contact the pet poison control hotline.
Article reviewed by a veterinarian
Photo ©iStock.com/Studio-Annika
