Dangerous foods for dogs and cats to avoid

Below is a chart that shows some of the dangerous foods for dogs that doggy parents should avoid and in some cases limit!

We agree with most of the foods shown on the chart with the exception of Avocado, Garlic and some mushrooms. Read below to find out why.

One other thing you should avoid for your dog or cat

Although marijuana or cannabis is not a food. We thought we should make a mention of the effect that marijuana or cannabis has on dogs and cats. This is due to the fact that with the legalization of marijuana in Canada, weed/ cannabis has become more commonplace in Canada .

Cannabis or marijuana intoxication for dogs is a real problem when people leave around weed edibles in the form of brownies or treats that dogs or cats can eat. In addition, when people dispose off their unfinished butts like they do with cigarettes, dogs can pick them up and have a reaction. Most of the emergency room visits that we hear dog customers having are due to marijuana or weed toxicity.

Marijuana can lead to ataxia (loss of body control) in dogs, excessive drooling, an inability to settle, loss of bladder contents and in severe cases, seizures.

Some foods on this chart are actually great for your dog’s health

Although this is a good quick chart to use to pinpoint dangerous foods, we would clarify that the following foods don’t cause the issues as described:

Avocado does not affect dogs and cats adversely

The persin in avocado does not affect dogs and cats as described.

Avocado pits though could cause blockage if swallowed. Avocados are a great food for your dog because they are high in monounsaturated fat, high in anti-inflammatory phytonutrients and antioxidants.

• • For definitive info on why avocado is actually a good food to feed to dogs and cats, check out Dr. Jean Dodd’s blog on the misconception.  Avocado should not be fed to birds, ruminants, rabbits or horses. 

Garlic is very beneficial for dogs in small doses

The issue has always been one of dosage for dogs. Too much and the chart is right, it can cause the issues described. The actually study, which set of this panic fed “4 dogs were given 1.25 ml of garlic extract/kg of body weight (5 g of whole garlic/kg) intragastrically once a day for 7 days.” What does this mean?

• • It means that for a chihuahua weighing about 4 kg, you would have to feed the dog, 20 g of garlic.  That is the equivalent of 1/2 a bulb of garlic or slightly more than the weight of 1 AA battery. Who in their right mind feeds a chihuahua that much garlic or even eats that much garlic.
  • For a retriever weighing 35 kg, you would have to feed the dog, 175 g of garlic, which is the equivalent of a small apple. Again madness!
  • “However, no dog developed hemolytic anemia.” These were the results from the study.

Not all mushrooms are toxic. Some mushrooms are actually important in improving dog health.

• • There are different types of mushrooms. Some are toxic for humans and dogs alike. However, there are mushrooms now being used in cancer care for dogs and cats. These are known as medicinal mushrooms for dogs and cats. It is however erroneous to label them as medicinal mushrooms for pets as you can use them as part of your routine care for your dog or cat.
  • The medicinal mushrooms for dogs and cats that come to mind from speaking and listening to a few holistic vets include Chaga, Reishi, Shiitake, Maitake and Cordyceps. These mushrooms have an anti-cancer and immune boosting properties. See below for an example of vet approved products made from mushrooms
    • Bixbi Immunity Dog & Cat Antioxidant & Prebiotic Supplement
  • For dogs or cats with cancer, mushrooms form an important component of treatment.

Remember that water can also cause toxicity in your dog if they drink way to much.

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