We all know the way to a dog’s heart is through their stomach. As owners, we can’t help but indulge them with our own foods and treats…I mean, who could say no to those puppy eyes? However, not all the foods we love are dog friendly, so if your furry friend likes to eat anything they can get their paws on, it’s important to get to grips with the do’s and don’ts of human foods that won’t agree with them.

Being able to understand what your pup can and can’t eat is vital for their health. Thankfully, Ciara Clarke, In-House Vet at Butternut Box, has shared her helpful insights on what not to feed your pooch, so you can make sure you’re rewarding them with foods that benefit them from the inside.

Onions & Garlic
Even though onions bring so much flavour to any dish, for dogs it’s very different. Vegetables such as onions, leeks, garlic and chives contain a compound which is toxic to dogs. Consuming these taste enhancers can cause tummy issues which could lead to vomiting and diarrhoea. In severe cases, ingestion can lead to red blood cell damage and anaemia. So, next time you’re cooking the weekly spag bol avoid letting them munch on the scraps.

Raw & Cooked Bones
We’ve all heard the term ‘doggy bag,’ a lovely surprise for your pup to feast on after you’ve been out for dinner. However, cooked bones should be avoided, as they are prone to splintering, which can cause damage to a dog’s digestive system through blockages and punctures. So, let’s leave the bones for the compost bin and avoid constipation.

Grapes & Raisins
Raisins can be found in many of our favourite foods, cakes, cereals and biscuits. Sadly, there is little information about the active ingredient within grapes that can cause kidney failure, so for your dog’s sake it’s best to simply avoid them – give them a fruit that will love them back, such as a juicy cranberry or a slice of apple instead.

Chocolate
You may be wondering how such a feel-good snack can cause harm to dogs? Well, cacao seeds (the fruit used to make chocolate) contains theobromine, which dogs can’t metabolise. If ingested by your pooch it can induce sickness, restlessness and seizures. Best to keep them away, giving you the excuse to indulge more or try dog friendly chocolate treats instead.

Dough
Dough can be found at the base of many of our favourite meals. While treating your pooch to the crusts of your lunch can be enjoyed, raw dough must be avoided. If you’re an avid baker, keep your dog out of the kitchen, as the live yeast can expand in warm and moist environments – such as the stomach. This may cause the digestive system to become blocked, which can lead to weakness, bloating and vomiting.

Milk
Don’t worry, they’ll be able to enjoy the odd lick of an ice cream after a long hot walk. However, do avoid giving them high quantities of dairy products, as many dogs are lactose intolerant. Even though milk offers amazing benefits for humans, such as calcium and vitamin D, it’s best to put a lid on it for your pup, as milk can lead to an upset stomach, which is no good for daily belly rubs.

Caffeine
Caffeine might be your go-to pick me up, but it’s not one for dogs. Symptoms of caffeine poisoning aren’t too dissimilar to humans: rapid breathing, elevated heart rate, restlessness and even fits. Let’s leave them to zoom around freely without needing that added buzz!

Moldy Foods
Many of us love treating our pooch to leftovers, however, do avoid tossing them their favourite snack if it’s past the sell by date. Moldy foods are full of different toxins, which if eaten could cause dogs to develop temporary muscle tremors and seizures.

The next time you want to throw your pup the latest leftovers, check if it’s safe for them to munch on them first. If your pooch accidentally has a nibble on any of the foods to avoid, do make sure to contact your vet – just to be on the safe side.

Your dog’s health is important, so make sure you give them the good stuff – with treats that are designed with their diets in mind. Butternut Box has an array of tasty treats to fit your pooches needs, allowing you to spoil them in peace!