Wondering what to feed your Frenchie? Does he love chocolate, grapes, or Macadamia nuts? Unfortunately, these treats are toxic to pets and should be kept out of their sight.
As a pet parent, you may want to spoil your furry baby with all sorts of fruits, veggies, and other goodies. But first, make sure they’re safe for him. For example, xylitol—a natural sweetener found in chewing gum and baked goods—may cause severe hypoglycemia, liver failure, and electrolyte imbalances in dogs.
Interested to find out more? Below is a list of poisonous foods for dogs, so you might want to check it out and keep those treats away from your pet.
Xylitol Tops the List of Poisonous Foods for Dogs
As mentioned above, xylitol can be extremely toxic to pets. This sugar alcohol occurs naturally in certain foods, but it’s also available in pill or liquid form. It’s one of the most widely used ingredients in sugar-free chewing gum, toothpaste, and diet products.
Southtowns Animal Hospital warns that xylitol can hide in peanut butter and other treats that dogs love. Many of the foods containing this additive are labeled as “naturally sweetened,” so you should always check the ingredient list.
Xylitol can cause severe poisoning in dogs even when ingested in small amounts. If that happens, your pet may experience nausea, vomiting, lethargy, jaundice, and seizures. These symptoms typically kick in within 30 to 60 minutes after ingestion, but they may develop later in the day, too.
Chocolate Can Be Lethal to Pets
Just like their human parents, dogs love chocolate and other cocoa-based treats. Unfortunately, these foods can be lethal to them.
Caffeine and theobromine, two active compounds in chocolate, are nervous system stimulants. These naturally occurring substances can affect a pet’s brain function and raise his heart rate, causing toxicity.
Cocoa powder, baking chocolate, and dark chocolate are the highest in these compounds. That’s why even a slice of cake can induce mild to severe toxicity, according to a case report.
The primary signs of chocolate poisoning in dogs include:
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Increased heart rate
- Pulmonary and systemic hypertension
- Tremors
- Seizures
- Restlessness
In severe cases, chocolate and cocoa-based foods may cause kidney failure and sudden death. Generally, older dogs and those with existing heart conditions are more likely to experience adverse reactions.
Note that even small amounts of chocolate can cause poisoning in pets. The same goes for chocolate cake, cookies, chocolate ice cream, and other treats containing cocoa.
Macadamia Nuts Release Hydrogen Cyanide
Loaded with protein and healthy fats, Macadamia nuts make a great snack between meals. But just because they are good for you doesn’t mean they’re safe for your furry friend. They’re actually one of the most poisonous foods for French bulldogs and other dog breeds.
These nuts contain hydrogen cyanide, a toxic compound that may cause vomiting, headaches, circulatory problems, and stomach pain. Dogs are more sensitive to their side effects compared to humans and may experience the following:
- Abnormally high body temperature
- Weakness
- Lethargy
- Central nervous system depression
- Fever
- Stiffness
- Tremors
- Loss of balance and coordination
Most symptoms occur within 12 hours of ingestion and require emergency care.
If your Frenchie loves nuts, you can give him cashews, which are perfectly safe. However, note that most nuts are high in fat and can lead to weight gain and pancreatitis when consumed in excess.
Grapes and Raising May Cause Kidney Failure in Dogs
Grapes, raisins, currants, and sultanas are chock-full of antioxidants and other beneficial compounds. But like other foods on our list, they can be fatal to pets.
These fruits may cause renal damage and kidney failure in dogs. Most pets, including French bulldogs, cannot metabolize flavonoids, tannins, and other compounds that occur naturally in grapes. The same goes for grape juice, jellies, and other similar products.
Grape poisoning may cause increased thirst, vomiting, diarrhea, poor appetite, and lethargy. Your furry friend can also become dehydrated and have difficulty urinating. These are all potential signs of renal insufficiency.
If you suspect your dog ate grapes, give him activated charcoal and call an emergency vet. Beware that every second counts.
Onions, Garlic, and Leeks Pose High Toxicity to Pets
Onions, garlic, chives, and leeks belong to the Allium species and can be toxic to dogs. The compounds responsible for their side effects are organosulfoxides.
Crushing or chewing garlic and other plants in the Allium family converts these compounds to sulfur compounds. The latter can irritate your dog’s mouth and stomach, causing digestive distress. Moreover, it can affect his red blood cells, leading to organ damage, arrhythmia, or even death.
All parts of these plants are poisonous to dogs. Onion or garlic powder can cause toxicity as well. These spices are more concentrated than the raw plant, so their side effects tend to be more severe.
Raw Bread Dough Can Cause Bloat in Dogs
Last but not least, keep your furry friend away from raw bread dough. Baked bread is generally safe for pets, but we can’t say the same about raw dough, which contains yeast.
This compound causes the dough to expand in the stomach and may cause bloat, a life-threatening condition. Its symptoms include abdominal distention, weaknesses, increased heart rate, and stomach pain. Bloat is considered a medical emergency.
The ingestion of yeast can also lead to bread dough toxicosis. This condition occurs when ethanol, a byproduct of yeast fermentation, builds up in the digestive tract and enters the bloodstream.
Also, note that baked bread may contain onions, garlic, raisins, and other harmful ingredients. To keep your pet safe, print or bookmark this list of poisonous foods for dogs and check it out as needed.
Make the Best Food Choices for Your Pet
Your Frenchie is more than just a dog. He’s a family member who depends on you to provide him with food, shelter, and affection. It’s your responsibility to keep him safe and healthy.
Our advice is to consult this list of poisonous foods for dogs regularly. Remember, we’re here to answer any questions you may have.
If you’re ready to get a puppy, reach out to our team to discuss your needs. We have a wonderful selection of French bulldog puppies that will melt your heart in an instant!
