Some human foods are extremely dangerous for dogs, causing anything from digestive upset to life-threatening poisoning. Understanding what to avoid and why ensures your dog stays healthy, happy, and out of danger. Knowing the signs of toxicity and safe alternatives is key to responsible pet ownership.
Why check out this article?
Our Top 10 things to avoid feeding your dog
Vague Protein Sources – Avoid generic terms like “meat meal” or “animal by-products” that may include low-quality parts with minimal nutritional value. Look for specific named proteins such as chicken, beef, or salmon.
Synthetic Preservatives – Avoid BHA, BHT, and ethoxyquin, which are added to extend shelf life but may pose long-term health risks. Prefer foods preserved with natural antioxidants such as vitamin E or rosemary extract.
Excess Salt – High sodium levels can strain kidneys and the heart. Check the guaranteed analysis and avoid foods with unusually high salt content, especially if your dog has pre-existing health concerns.
Fillers and Low-Value Carbs – Minimise corn, wheat, soy, or other fillers that provide calories without nutritional benefit. Opt for whole grains or vegetables as healthy, digestible carbohydrate sources.
Artificial Colours and Flavours – Synthetic dyes and flavour enhancers provide no nutritional value and may trigger hypersensitivity or hyperactivity in some dogs. Avoid these additives entirely.
Added Sugars and Sweeteners – Steer clear of foods containing sugar, molasses, or xylitol. Sugar contributes to obesity and dental problems, while xylitol is toxic even in small amounts.
Low-Quality By-Products – Ingredients like “poultry by-product meal” or “meat and bone meal” can include undesirable parts, offering calories but little benefit. Always prioritise named, high-quality protein sources.
Unknown or Hydrogenated Fats – Avoid partially hydrogenated oils or unspecified fats, which may harm the heart and promote weight gain. Look for named oils such as fish oil or chicken fat for healthy nutrition.
High-Calorie Food for Sedentary Dogs – Foods formulated for active breeds can overload less active or senior dogs with calories, causing weight gain. Match calorie content to your dog’s lifestyle.
Improper Life-Stage Formula – Feeding a puppy formula to an adult, or a generic adult formula to a senior, may create nutrient imbalances. Always choose foods clearly labelled for your dog’s age and size requirements.
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Summary of this article
Avoid feeding your dog chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, caffeine, alcohol, macadamia nuts, xylitol, and raw dough. If your dog has consumed them, alert Max with ⛨ Emergency
From the experts – Always prioritise named, high-quality ingredients and natural preservatives. Check the guaranteed analysis for protein, fat, and mineral balance. Max can analyse any dog food label for safety, nutritional adequacy, and suitability for your dog’s breed, age, and activity level.
Got questions? Max is hanging out on the right of your display - give him a shout!
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