Can I Feed My Dog Onions, Grapes or Raisins?
Common Human Foods That Cause Poisoning In Dogs
Apr 3, 2009
Often onions are fed to dogs by mistake in the left over spaghetti dinner, and poisoning can occur from a single ingestion of a large amount of onions, or from repeated ingestion of small amounts.
Why are Onions Harmful to Dogs?
Onions (and garlic to a lesser degree), contain a compound called thiosulphate, which is toxic to dogs. When dogs suffer from onion toxicity, it is like a poisoning of the blood. They develop haemolytic aneamia (not enough red blood cells), as the onions cause their red blood cells burst.
Symptoms of onion toxicity will not be present immediately. It may take a few days after ingestion for signs to appear.
Symptoms you may see if your dog has consumed onions:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- No interest in food
- Weakened state
- Breathlessness (due to fewer blood cells to carry oxygen around the body)
Why are Grapes and Raisins Toxic to Dogs?
Grape and raisin poisoning has recently (the last few years) emerged as a serious problem for dogs, sometimes causing fatalities. Ingestion of grapes or raisins can result in serious deterioration of condition and death as a result of renal (kidney) failure. Grapes and raisins are not something you may feed your dog outright, but remember that there are raisins in fruitcakes and fruit loaf and other food items.
It is not yet known what the toxic component of grapes and raisins are, and the amount ingested to cause toxicity varies from 10-57grams, depending on the individual dog (size etc). It has been suggested that the yet unknown toxin in grapes and raisins is either not always present, or present in varying amounts.
Symptoms can be seen 6 hours after ingestion.
Symptoms you may see if your dog has consumed grapes or raisins:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Abdominal pain/tenderness
- Lethargy
- Anorexia
Often people like to give their dogs human food treats as a way of spoiling their pet, and because they are one of the family. Some human foods need to be avoided. There are food that aren’t toxic to dogs, so if you enjoy giving your pet a treat of human food occasionally, stick with a small piece of cheese or sausage, or check with your veterinarian as to what is a safe treat. But bear in mind, these are usually considered junk food, and too much could make them gain weight. A good quality dog food diet is all they need, and there are plenty of dog treats available
If you suspect your dog has eaten onions, grapes or raisins, call your veterinarian.
Other human foods that can cause toxicity in dogs:
 |
 |
 |
 |
