Dog expert names 3 ‘toxic’ foods your pooches should never eat

Pet nutritionist Laura Crotch-Harvey, MSc BSc (Hons) at Burns Pet Nutrition, shared with Express.co.uk the foods dogs should avoid eating.

While it’s fairly common knowledge dogs shouldn’t nibble on chocolate, did you know that dark chocolate is more dangerous to dogs than white chocolate?

Laura explained: “Dark chocolate is more dangerous than milk or white chocolate since it contains higher levels of theobromine and caffeine.

“If a dog accidentally consumes chocolate, it’s always advisable to consult your vet. The severity of the situation can vary depending on the dog’s size and the amount of chocolate ingested.”

Products that contain an artificial sweetener, such as xylitol, should also be avoided.

Laura clarified that this includes “various items such as ice cream, candy, and some peanut butters”.

These foods are highly “toxic” to your dog, so it’s of the utmost importance that pet pooches do not sneak a bite.

Other foods dogs are better off without include onions, garlic, and raisins, as they are all poisonous to dogs.

If your dog is seen eating any of these foods, it’s best to contact your local vet for the best advice moving forward. 

Are any human foods safe for dogs?

Laura clarified that “some great vegetable options for dogs include carrots, broccoli, green beans, and cucumber”.

She added: “You can offer these vegetables cooked or raw. If you’re adding extras like chicken, be mindful that you may need to reduce their daily food intake to account for this.”

What about pet food?

Laura said: “There is no evidence to suggest that one type of pet food – whether wet, dry, or raw – is superior. As long as it contains high-quality ingredients and meets your dog’s nutritional requirements.”

Laura added: “At Burns, we have a free nutrition advice helpline where we will take into account your dog’s specific needs, such as whether they are a high-energy dog or if they have any allergies, and it is important to consider these factors when choosing a diet for your dog yourself.”