Vegetables Dogs Can't Eat

Vegetables Dogs Can’t Eat

As much as we want to view our fellow canine friends as extensions of ourselves, dogs are very different to humans, especially when it comes to their food requirements.

But, it’s easy for us to assume that they can eat similar foods to us - if it’s a vegetable, surely that means it’s healthy for them too, right?

Wrong.

Dogs process foods differently to us. Their difference in size means that some foods can be especially taxing on their system, even if it’s just an innocent onion or potato.

Following on from our last post about all the vegetables they can eat, here is an informative list of the most important vegetables dogs can't eat.

Mushrooms

Source: brenkee

Why mushrooms are bad for dogs: Mushrooms are a fungus, and can upset the lining of your dog’s stomach. Some dogs can have small quantities of mushrooms as long as they are store bought. But wild mushrooms have the potential to be toxic, with some species safe to eat if grown in certain areas, and not in others.

Side effects: Diarrhea is one of the first side effects of gastrointestinal upset, however it can take over a day to see any symptoms. Contact your veterinarian if you suspect your pooch has consumed a wild mushroom and is displaying signs of toxicity.

Onions

Why onions are bad for dogs: Onions are one of the worst foods to feed dogs. They contain thiosulfates, a substance toxic to dogs that destroys red blood cells. Onions can shut down the liver and cause Heinz Body Anaemia in canines. Eaten in large quantities, onions can be seriously toxic. So it’s important to not feed your dog onion in any form, including powder.

Side effects: If your pooch steals a piece of pizza or a bite of your burger, most likely they will be fine (but not always - a smaller dog may react badly to any amount of onion). However, if they have consumed onions in larger quantities, common side effects include loss of appetite and lethargy. Higher amounts consumed include vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and heavy breathing.

If you suspect your dog has eaten onion, monitor them carefully. Make sure you contact a veterinarian if you suspect your pooch has consumed more than a small amount. Onions can be fatal and a detox treatment may be essential.

Source: Meditations

Garlic

Why garlic is bad for dogs: Like other species in the Allium family, garlic for dogs is like dark chocolate for dogs. It is considered poisonous, and contains aliphatic sulfides that can cause Anaemia. Garlic is five times more toxic than onions, and certain breeds are more sensitive to it. Japanese dogs (Akita, Shibu Inu etc) are more susceptible to toxicity.

Side effects: Nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting, exercise intolerance and heavy breathing are just a few of the many side effects of Anaemia. Clinical signs of poisoning may be delayed, so it’s important to call your veterinarian if you suspect your dog has garlic poisoning. 

Raw and Green Potatoes

Why potatoes are bad for dogs: As mentioned in the beginning of this post, the green parts of the skin, the stems, and the shoots are toxic for both humans and dogs.

Side effects: Diarrhea and vomiting. Contact your veterinarian immediately.

The most important piece of advice here is to avoid feeding your dog garlic and onions. Their system is not designed to deal with these vegetables, in any quantity. Fortunately there are many vegetables dogs benefit from. Start with one vegetable at a time, in small amounts, and monitor how they respond. Always consult with a veterinarian if you are unsure!