By Gary Ellis
We all love our dogs and love giving them treats, but there are a few things to avoid, no matter how much they beg. Here are the some known toxic foods.
Chocolate
Chocolate is highly toxic to dog Chocolate contains a stimulant called theobromine which causes kidney failure.
Onions
Chives
Leaks
Garlic
The whole onion family both cooked and raw can cause gastrointestinal irritation and red blood cell damage.
Macadamia nuts
Macadamia nuts contain a toxin that can affect your dog’s muscles and nervous system resulting in weakness, swollen limbs and panting.
Corn on the cob
The corn it's self is digestible for dogs the problem is the cob, it can swell and cause a blockage so avoid unless you want a expensive trip to your vets.
Avocados
Avocados are another poisonous food for dogs. Avocado plants contain a substance called Persin which is in its leaves, fruit and seed and can cause vomiting and diarrhoea in dogs.
Xylitol artificial sweetener
Our desire for sweet treats, chewing gum and drinks together with low-fat, diet and sugar-free products (including some peanut butters so always check the label before using this as a treat) are often laced with an artificial sweetener called Xylitol which causes an insulin release in our bodies. However, if your dog digests one of these sweetened foods they can go into hypoglycaemia which is linked to liver failure and blood clotting disorders.
Alcohol
Alcohol has a different effect on dog the don't get intoxicated as humans do. It can cause sickness or diarrhoea and can damage their nervous system.
Grapes
Raisins
Raisins are in many of the foods that we love to eat such as cakes, biscuits and cereals so it’s not just the fruit form we should be concerned with. The active ingredient which causes the toxin is unknown, however both grapes and raisins may cause severe liver damage and kidney failure.