Section 2 of 5 · about 1 min read
Everyday foods that are dangerous for dogs, and safer swaps.
This course is general information, not a diet plan. Home-made and raw diets must be complete and balanced, so plan them with your vet or a veterinary nutritionist. If you think your dog has eaten something toxic, contact your vet straight away.
Lesson 1
Some common foods are seriously harmful to dogs. Grapes, raisins, sultanas and currants can cause kidney failure, and there’s no known safe amount. Chocolate contains theobromine, which is most concentrated in dark and cooking chocolate. Xylitol, a sweetener in some sugar-free gum, sweets and peanut butters, can cause a dangerous drop in blood sugar and liver damage.
Lesson 2
Onions, garlic, leeks and chives damage red blood cells, whether raw, cooked or powdered, so watch for them in gravies and leftovers. Macadamia nuts can cause weakness, wobbliness and a high temperature. Alcohol, caffeine and raw bread dough are also dangerous. Corn cobs, fruit stones and cooked bones can splinter or cause blockages in the gut.
Lesson 3
Fatty trimmings, sausages, roast skin and greasy leftovers can trigger pancreatitis, a painful inflammation that can need hospital care. Very salty snacks aren’t good either. Festive times are risky because tempting food is everywhere: mince pies, Christmas pudding and stuffing can combine several dangers at once, like dried fruit, onion and alcohol.
Lesson 4
Plenty of everyday foods are fine in small amounts. Plain cooked chicken, turkey or white fish, carrot sticks, green beans, cucumber, blueberries, plain pumpkin and slices of apple (without core or pips) are popular options. Peanut butter is only suitable if it contains no xylitol and is given sparingly. Introduce anything new in tiny amounts to check it agrees with your dog.
Lesson 5
If your dog eats something toxic, call your vet or an out-of-hours vet straight away, even if they seem fine. Many poisons take hours to show signs, and early treatment works best. Note what was eaten, roughly how much and when, and keep the packaging. Don’t try to make your dog sick at home unless a vet tells you to.
A few raisins are fine because they’re only a small amount.
Milk chocolate is less dangerous than dark chocolate, but still harmful.
Onion is safe once it has been cooked.
Plain cooked chicken with no seasoning is generally safe as a treat.
Cooked bones are a safe chew because cooking softens them.
Some peanut butters contain xylitol, which is dangerous for dogs.
Grapes, raisins, sultanas, currants
Put these steps in the order you’d take them.
Score 70% or more to pass this section.
Question 1 of 8
