What Can Dogs Not Eat? Common Harmful Foods to Your Pup’s Gut Health

As pet parents, we strive to provide the best possible life for our canine friends. However, we often forget that many of the foods we enjoy daily are harmful to our dogs' gut health and can cause serious digestive problems. These foods cause digestive upset, affecting the gut microbiome, the ability to absorb nutrients, and overall health.

This post will guide you through what dogs can’t eat and pinpoint the common foods that are harmful to your pup's gut health. Understanding those risks will enable you to provide better care for your dog's health, especially his or her digestive system.

The Importance of Gut Health in Dogs

Your dog's gut health is very important for his or her well-being. The gut microbiome consists of trillions of beneficial bacteria living in your dog's gut that help regulate digestion, improve nutrient absorption, and optimize immune function. Gut health issues in dogs can affect the entire body, including the coat, skin, mood, and energy levels.

When a dog's gut becomes unbalanced, either from poor diet, stress, or illness, it can lead to very obvious signs of digestive issues, such as diarrhea, bloating, or constipation. Over time, gut imbalance can also weaken your dog's immune system, leaving them open to infections, allergies, itchy skin, and coat problems.

A healthy gut allows your dog to absorb the nutrients needed to stay active and vibrant, while a compromised gut leads to nutrient deficiencies that affect the entire body. That's why it’s important to support your dog's gut health with appropriate nutrition to maintain good digestion and overall well-being.

At Pup Labs, our digestive health products can support your dog's gut health and keep their digestive system running smoothly. Our K9 Belly Bliss, Tummy Essentials Digestive Chews, Gut Health Bundle, and 360 Support Bundle are specially formulated to prevent bad bacteria from infecting your dog and help in the digestion of food.

Common Foods That Can Harm Your Dog’s Gut

Many foods we eat daily can be very harmful to your dog's gut health. While some foods are highly toxic, others might cause digestive distress and even poisoning. Based on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's investigation, here are a few common foods to keep away from your pup's bowl:

• Chocolate: This occasional treat is harmful to dogs because it contains theobromine, which dogs can't metabolize efficiently. Giving your pup chocolate leads to gastrointestinal upset, vomiting, diarrhea, and liver failure in extreme cases. Dark chocolate, white chocolate, and baking chocolate contain high levels of theobromine and are extremely dangerous for dogs.
  
• Onions and Garlic: Thiosulfate compounds found in both onions and garlic can damage the red blood cells of a dog, resulting in anemia. Dogs also experience gastrointestinal problems, such as digestive upset and abdominal pain, when they ingest just a small amount of onion or garlic.
  
• Grapes and Raisins: These fruits are downright dangerous for dogs. Even small amounts can cause kidney issues, vomiting, and diarrhea. Although the substance responsible for poisoning is yet unidentified, the effects turn out to be adverse, and you may need immediate veterinary care to control the symptoms.
  
• Macadamia Nuts: These nuts can cause neurological symptoms, including weakness and tremors, and gastrointestinal problems. Because they're rich in fat, they can also trigger pancreatitis, a condition that causes inflammation of the pancreas and disrupts your dog's digestive system.
  

Foods That Cause Digestive Issues

Some foods cause digestive upset and may lead to more serious gut problems in the long term. These foods are often particularly difficult for dogs to digest or contain high levels of fat that might overwhelm their digestive system.

• Fatty Foods: Foods such as bacon, sausages, and fried foods are rich in fat, which can cause significant issues for a dog's gut health. High-fat diets can lead to pancreatitis, which causes severe abdominal pain, diarrhea, and vomiting. Over time, these foods can also lead to obesity and other related health issues.
  
• Bread Dough: Yeast dough is another food that can be extremely dangerous for dogs. If your dog ingests it, the yeast will continue to rise due to the heat from the digestive system. As a result of this fermentation, the resultant alcohol can be poisonous. Raw dough can also cause a bloated stomach and abdominal pain, so keep it out of your dog's reach.
  
• Raw Meat and Raw Eggs: Feeding your dog raw meat or raw eggs can cause serious digestive issues. Raw meat often carries harmful bacteria such as Salmonella or E. coli, which can cause gastrointestinal infections and food poisoning. Raw eggs contain avidin, which interferes with the absorption of nutrients, and can easily be contaminated by Salmonella.

Dairy Products: Friend or Foe?

Dog owners often reward their pets with dairy products, but this can create problems. Many dogs are lactose intolerant, meaning that their systems can’t digest the sugar in milk. Undigested lactose can cause bloating, diarrhea, gas, and many other gastrointestinal ailments.

While small amounts of plain yogurt are likely safe for most dogs, it's best to avoid regular cheese, milk, and ice cream since they can exacerbate digestive upset and contribute to poor gut health. If you want to give your dog a dairy-based treat, choose lactose-free alternatives.

The Coconut Oil Dilemma

Coconut oil has some potential health benefits for dogs due to its medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which are said to promote healthy digestion. While some coconut oil may be good for dogs, excessive consumption can cause digestive problems. Its rich fat content leads to diarrhea and an upset stomach in most of the dogs, particularly those with sensitive digestive systems.

If you're considering adding coconut oil to your dog’s diet, start with small amounts and monitor their response. Consult with a vet to ensure you’re using the right amount for your dog’s specific needs.

Human Foods Unsafe for Dogs

While it’s tempting to share your meal with your dog, many human foods aren’t safe for canine consumption. According to scientific reports on research by Zafalon et al. (2021), sweet, spicy, and salty foods can all cause serious digestive upset.

• Salty Foods: Chips, green beans, pretzels, and other salty snacks have a negative effect on your dog's digestive system. Dogs that ingest excessive amounts of salt may suffer from dehydration, kidney damage, and gastrointestinal irritation. Excessive salt can lead to much greater problems because it causes complications, such as food poisoning and seizures in dogs.
  
• Spicy Foods: Hot peppers or heavily seasoned foods can irritate your dog’s gastrointestinal tract, causing pain, vomiting, and diarrhea. A dog's stomach is much more sensitive to spice than ours; therefore, it’s best to avoid giving your pup anything spicy or heavily seasoned.
  
• Sugar and Sweets: Sweet foods, mainly those having xylitol, a sugar substitute, are highly toxic to dogs. Xylitol causes an unsafe drop in blood sugar, leading to difficulty breathing, seizures, and even liver failure. Always check the ingredient labels before giving any human food to your dog.
  

How to Improve Your Dog’s Gut Health

You can support your pup's gut health by feeding them a balanced diet tailored to their needs. A balanced diet keeps your dog's digestive system healthy, maintains a good balance of gut bacteria, and prevents infections. Give your dog foods high in protein, low in fat, and fiber-rich to support the digestive system.

In addition to a good diet, consider adding probiotics or digestive enzymes to your dog's routine. The best gut health supplements for dogs are made to support your dog's digestive health, promote a healthy gut microbiome, and prevent gastrointestinal upset. Read our guide on the best probiotic chews for dogs for products that can help maintain a healthy balance of good bacteria in your pup’s digestive system.

Also, ensure that your dog stays hydrated. Adequate hydration supports healthy bowel movements and helps prevent issues like constipation. Dehydration can also cause constipation, leading to distress and abnormal dog poop. To support your pup's digestive health, always ensure they have constant access to fresh water throughout the day. Hydration prevents complications that may require veterinary medicine intervention.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What's the Most Poisonous Thing for a Dog to Eat?

The most poisonous foods for dogs include occasional snacks and treats like chocolate, onions, garlic, grapes, and raisins. These foods can cause serious harm to your dog’s digestive system and gut health. According to a study by Cortinovis et al. (2016) in the Frontiers in Veterinary Science, these foods damage red blood cells and organs like the liver and kidneys. If your dog ingests any of these toxic foods, take them to the vet immediately.

What Is a Silent Killer for Dogs?

Xylitol is an artificial sweetener that can be a silent killer for dogs. It's found in sugar-free products such as gum, candies, and some peanut butters. Xylitol can cause a dangerous drop in blood sugar (hypoglycemia), and, if left untreated, will progress to liver failure and even death. The effects of xylitol are rapid, and your dog may begin showing signs such as labored breathing, lethargy, and vomiting. If your dog eats something containing xylitol, take them to the vet right away. Food allergies and different ingredients, including raw meat or dairy, can also quietly wreak havoc on the gut through food allergies that slowly cause long-term gut health issues.

What Are Common Household Poisons for Dogs?

Many ordinary household substances are toxic to dogs. According to Cortinovis et al. (2016) in the Frontiers in Veterinary Science, these include:

• Essential Oils: Some oils cause gastrointestinal irritation, skin reactions, and even liver damage in dogs.
  
• Alcoholic Beverages: Alcohol causes digestive upset, GI tract irritation, and, in extreme cases, coma or death.
  
• Cleaning Supplies: Products such as bleach, ammonia, and certain detergents can be extremely toxic to your dog's digestive system and organs.
  

Keep such substances well out of your dog’s reach to prevent digestive issues or poisoning.

What Is the 7-Second Rule for Dogs?

The 7-second rule is the amount of time you should wait before correcting your dog's behavior. While training, giving feedback within seven seconds after the behavior is the most effective, as dogs can’t connect the dots between consequences and actions that happen later than that. This helps reinforce positive behaviors and discourage negative ones at the same time. Also, since some treats can cause digestive upset if not properly formulated for the dog's system, using safe dog treats and chews for positive reinforcement supports gut health in dogs.

Conclusion: So, What is Bad for Dog Gut Health?

Your dog's gut health is central to their overall well-being. Bad foods, such as fatty foods, chemical additives, dairy products, or low-quality meals, can promote poor gut health, leading to long-term digestive problems. You can support your dog's gut health with a balanced diet of high-quality, nutrient-rich foods.

Don’t feed your dog table scraps or toxic foods, like chocolate or onions. If you’re unsure which foods are harmful to dogs, consult your veterinarian. Proper care and thoughtful attention to your dog's diet will keep the digestive system in good condition and lead to a long, happy life.

References

• Cortinovis, C., Caloni, F., & Riva, A. (2016). Household food items toxic to dogs and cats. Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 3, Article 20.
  
• Zafalon, R. V. A., et al. (2021). Toxic element levels in ingredients and commercial pet foods. Scientific Reports, 11, Article 9173.
  
• U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2019). Investigation into the potential link between certain diets and canine dilated cardiomyopathy. FDA.