It is important to know which toxic foods for dogs are common Indian kitchen ingredients because this can literally save the life of your dog. Most toxic foods for dogs are regular kitchen ingredients and many dog owners do not understand their potential danger until it happens.
Toxic Kitchen Ingredients Commonly Used In Indian Cooking
Onion & Garlic
Arguably the most dangerous daily kitchen ingredients that can be used in Indian cooking. Onion & Garlic break down the red blood cells of a dog, causing anemia, even if it happens gradually through consumption of dal tadka, sabzi, and other food containing onion & garlic.
Chocolate
Harmful food because of the presence of theobromine, which is not processed properly by the body of the dog. Even a couple of mouthfuls of chocolate may lead to vomiting, fast heart rate, and even seizures.
Grapes & Raisins
These sweet treats can cause sudden kidney failure and, unfortunately, there’s no safe amount of them for dogs, even in very small doses.
Tea & Coffee (caffeine)
It goes without saying that the impact of caffeine on the dog’s organism is much stronger than its impact on the human one. Thus, not only tea and coffee are bad choices as energy boosters but also deadly foods for your pet.
Spicy & Salty Food
An excessive number of spices and an overabundance of salt will lead to stomach complications and sodium ion poisoning respectively.
Cow’s Milk
Generally, dogs do not tolerate lactose at all and the provision of milk as a treat will result in vomiting and diarrhea.
Xylitol (sugar-free products)
Xylitol is contained in various sugarless candies and chewing gums and will provoke sharp decrease of glucose level.
Symptoms of Food Intoxication You Need to Be Aware Of
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Weakness
- Rapid breathing or heartbeat
- Tremors or convulsions
- Appetite loss
- Pale mucous membranes
How to Help Your Dog if It Ate a Toxic Food
- Keep calm and determine exactly what and how much your dog ate
- Call your vet immediately, even if there are no visible signs of intoxication yet
- Don’t induce vomiting unless a vet told you to do so
- Try to keep packaging or any leftovers for your vet to see
Other Foods That Are Safe for Your Dog to Eat
If you plan to give any type of food to your dog, then you should go for plain cooked chicken, rice, pumpkin, carrots, and plain curd.
Conclusion
Since so many Indian kitchens use these kinds of dangerous foods that could be potentially toxic for dogs, namely onions, garlic, and spices, one should be careful about these products and avoid poisoning the animal accidentally. It takes only a bit more effort on preparing and cleaning the dishes to keep your pet safe. Learn more about building good habits for puppies in our puppy training manual.
If your dog has eaten any of these foods, you should immediately consult with your veterinarian.
