Some dog owners like to feed their dogs fruits and vegetables to up the nutrition level of their diet. While dogs are omnivores and don’t mind eating fruit and veggies there are some that are off limits for dogs, even though you might think they’re healthy.
1. Grapes, Raisins & Currants
While grapes and raisins make ideal human snacks it’s not worth the risk of giving your dog irreversible kidney damage. Currants are another small fruit that are toxic for dogs and can also cause vomiting, diarrhea, and renal failure. So don’t share these with your dog, even if he looks at you longingly!
2. Onions & Garlic
Keep your dog out of the kitchen if you’re chopping up onions and garlic. Besides avoiding stinky garlic breath, your dog is better off not having the effects of these veggies if consumed. Symptoms range from lethargy and elevated heart rate to collapsing.
3. Cherries & Apricots
Cherries and apricots look pretty harmless, and the pulp of both is fine for dogs to eat. But since dogs don’t tend to stop at one and eat the whole thing, including the pits, then this is a no no. The pits contain cyanide which is highly toxic and can cause respiratory failure, so keep cherries and apricots well out of your dog’s radar.
4. Rhubarb
If you’ve made a delicious rhubarb pie then of course your dog is going to want some. But since rhubarb depletes calcium and causes renal failure, then he’ll just have to be disappointed and settle for a safe doggy treat instead.
5. Apples
Apple pulp is generally safe for dogs, but don’t feed them the core as, like cherries and apricots, the seeds contain cyanide. If he eats one by accident, then he probably won’t suffer any ill effects but it’s better to be on the safe side and resist.
Some safe fruit & veg options for your dog:
• Broccoli, spinach, and beans • Blueberries • Frozen bananas
• Carrots and capsicums • Strawberries