What can't small breed dogs eat, list? - briefly
Small breed dogs have specific dietary needs and there are certain foods that should be avoided to ensure their health and well-being. These include chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, macadamia nuts, avocados, alcohol, and xylitol, a sugar substitute found in many products. Additionally, small breed dogs should not consume caffeine, raw meat or eggs, and foods high in fat or sugar. It is crucial to be aware of these restrictions to prevent potential health issues.
Here is a list of foods that small breed dogs should avoid:
- Chocolate: Contains theobromine, which is toxic to dogs.
- Grapes and Raisins: Can cause kidney failure.
- Onions and Garlic: Contain thiosulfates and disulfides, which can damage red blood cells.
- Macadamia Nuts: Can cause weakness, depression, vomiting, tremors, and hyperthermia.
- Avocados: Contain persin, which can be toxic to dogs.
- Alcohol: Can cause vomiting, diarrhea, decreased coordination, central nervous system depression, difficulty breathing, tremors, abnormal blood acidity, coma, and even death.
- Xylitol: A sugar substitute that can cause a rapid and severe drop in blood sugar, leading to seizures and liver failure.
- Caffeine: Can cause restlessness, rapid breathing, heart palpitations, and even seizures.
- Raw Meat and Eggs: Can contain bacteria like Salmonella and E. coli, which can cause food poisoning.
- High-Fat Foods: Can lead to pancreatitis, a serious and potentially life-threatening condition.
- High-Sugar Foods: Can contribute to obesity, dental issues, and other health problems.
- Bones: Small, cooked bones can splinter and cause choking or internal damage.
- Dairy Products: Many dogs are lactose intolerant and can experience digestive upset.
- Nuts: Some nuts, like walnuts and pecans, can cause stomach upset or obstruction.
- Corn on the Cob: The cob can cause an intestinal blockage.
- Raw Potatoes: Contain solanine, which is toxic to dogs.
- Rhubarb and Tomato Plants: Also contain solanine.
- Raw Kidney Beans: Contain a toxin that can cause severe illness.
- Raw Peas and Beans: Can cause gas and bloating.
- Mushrooms: Some wild mushrooms are toxic to dogs.
- Raw Bread Dough: Can expand in the stomach and cause bloating or produce alcohol during digestion.
- Apple Seeds: Contain cyanide, which is toxic to dogs.
- Persimmons, Peaches, and Plums: The seeds or pits contain cyanide.
- Raw Green Potatoes: Contain solanine, which is toxic to dogs.
What can't small breed dogs eat, list? - in detail
Small breed dogs have unique dietary needs and sensitivities that require careful consideration. Understanding what these dogs should avoid is crucial for their health and well-being. One of the primary concerns is chocolate, which contains theobromine, a substance toxic to dogs. Dark chocolate and baking chocolate are particularly dangerous due to their higher theobromine content. Even small amounts can cause symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, increased thirst, urination, heart rate, and in severe cases, seizures and death.
Grapes and raisins are another significant hazard. The exact toxic substance is unknown, but ingestion can lead to kidney failure. Symptoms may include vomiting, lethargy, and decreased urine production. It is essential to keep these fruits out of reach of small breed dogs.
Onions and garlic, whether raw, cooked, or powdered, contain thiosulfates and disulfides, which can damage dogs' red blood cells and cause anemia. Symptoms may include weakness, lethargy, and pale gums. All forms of onions and garlic should be avoided.
Xylitol, a sugar substitute found in many sugar-free gums, candies, and baked goods, is extremely dangerous. It can cause a rapid and severe drop in a dog's blood sugar, leading to seizures and even death. Symptoms may include weakness, collapse, and seizures. Immediate veterinary attention is necessary if ingestion is suspected.
Macadamia nuts, while not fully understood in terms of toxicity, can cause weakness, depression, vomiting, tremors, and hyperthermia in dogs. Symptoms typically appear within 12 hours of ingestion and can last for 12 to 48 hours.
Avocados contain persin, a toxin that can cause vomiting and diarrhea in dogs. Additionally, the pit of the avocado poses a choking hazard and can cause an obstruction if ingested. It is best to avoid giving avocados to small breed dogs.
Caffeine, found in coffee, tea, and energy drinks, is toxic to dogs. It can cause restlessness, rapid breathing, heart palpitations, and even seizures. Symptoms may include restlessness, rapid breathing, heart palpitations, and seizures. Immediate veterinary care is necessary if ingestion is suspected.
Alcohol, including beer, wine, and liquor, can be toxic to dogs. Even small amounts can cause vomiting, diarrhea, decreased coordination, central nervous system depression, difficulty breathing, tremors, abnormal blood acidity, coma, and even death. Symptoms may include vomiting, diarrhea, decreased coordination, central nervous system depression, difficulty breathing, tremors, abnormal blood acidity, coma, and even death.
Raw meat and fish can contain bacteria such as Salmonella and E. coli, which can cause food poisoning. Additionally, raw fish can contain a parasite that destroys thiamine, an essential B vitamin, leading to neurological symptoms. Cooked meat and fish are safer alternatives, but should be given in moderation and as part of a balanced diet.
Dairy products, while not toxic, can cause digestive upset in some dogs due to lactose intolerance. Symptoms may include vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. It is best to avoid giving dairy products to small breed dogs or to introduce them gradually and in small amounts.
Nuts, particularly walnuts, pecans, and hickory nuts, can cause gastrointestinal upset and obstruction. Symptoms may include vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. It is best to avoid giving nuts to small breed dogs.
Raw eggs can contain Salmonella or E. coli, which can cause food poisoning. Additionally, raw eggs contain an enzyme called avidin that decreases the absorption of biotin (a B vitamin), which can lead to skin and coat problems. Cooked eggs are a safer alternative but should be given in moderation.
Garlic and onion powder, often found in seasonings and marinades, can be just as dangerous as fresh garlic and onions. They contain thiosulfates and disulfides, which can damage dogs' red blood cells and cause anemia. Symptoms may include weakness, lethargy, and pale gums.
Moldy or spoiled food can contain toxins that are harmful to dogs. Symptoms may include vomiting, diarrhea, and neurological symptoms. It is essential to keep spoiled food out of reach of small breed dogs.
Small breed dogs have specific dietary needs and sensitivities that require careful attention. By avoiding these potentially harmful foods, owners can help ensure the health and well-being of their small breed dogs. Always consult with a veterinarian if there is any concern about a dog's diet or if ingestion of a potentially toxic substance is suspected.