As dog owners, we want to give our furry friends the very best care and nutrition. However, some human foods that are perfectly safe for us can be toxic and even deadly for dogs. Two common ingredients that should be avoided are onions and tomatoes. In this post, I'll explain why these foods pose a danger and what symptoms to watch out for if your dog accidentally ingests them.
Onions
Onions contain a substance called thiosulphate which is toxic to dogs. All forms of onion are unsafe - whether they are raw, cooked, or powdered. Even small amounts can cause harm. The thiosulphate causes oxidative damage to your dog's red blood cells, leading to a condition called hemolytic anemia.
Some of the first signs your dog may display after eating onions include:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Loss of appetite
As toxic levels build up in the bloodstream, your dog may exhibit:
- Pale gums
- Rapid breathing
- Urinating less than usual
- Lethargy
- Collapse
Without treatment, hemolytic anemia can become life-threatening. Veterinary care includes intravenous fluids, blood transfusions, and medication. So, if you suspect your dog has consumed onions, seek help right away.
To stay safe, keep all onion types away from your dog. This includes:
- Raw onions
- Cooked onions
- Onion powder
- Dehydrated onions
- Leftovers containing onions
Also beware of onion compounds used for flavoring, such as onion salt, onion soup mixes, and onion extracts. Check all ingredient labels carefully before feeding people food to your pet.
Tomatoes
Tomatoes, along with potato and eggplant belong to the nightshade family of vegetables. The leaves and stems of these plants contain solanine, a glycoalkaloid toxin. The fruit itself has lower levels that are generally safe for humans. However, for dogs, tomatoes should be avoided altogether.
Solanine poisoning can occur if your dog eats:
- Tomato leaves and vines
- Unripe green tomatoes
- Ripe red tomatoes
- Canned or stewed tomatoes
- Leftovers containing tomatoes
Initial symptoms may include:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
- Loss of coordination
- Confusion
- Dilated pupils
As larger amounts are ingested, your dog may exhibit:
- Slow heart rate
- Low blood pressure
- Seizures
- Respiratory paralysis
- Death (in severe cases)
There is no antidote for solanine toxicity. Vets can try to manage symptoms and prevent complications until the toxin leaves the body. Quick treatment greatly improves chances of recovery.
To keep your dog safe, avoid feeding tomatoes in any form. Also ensure there are no tomato plants in your yard or garden that your dog can access and chew. Discard any green tomatoes that fall on the ground before your dog can eat them.
Being aware of what human foods are dangerous for dogs is part of responsible pet ownership. While the odd small scrap of people food likely won't cause harm, onions and tomatoes should be completely off the menu. Check with your vet if you have any other questions about diet and nutrition. With knowledge and caution, you can keep your dog happy, healthy and safe.
I found out late
Unfortunately, I got to know that those two ingredients are toxic to dogs after already feeding our new little puppy with food I made which contained onion and tomatoes.
Immediately after I finished reading about the toxicity of those ingredients to dog, I ran out of my room and went to where the puppy was.
Image is mine
I trashed out what was left and washed the plate clean. After that, I replaced her food with plane white rice, but she doesn't seem to like it and I don't know why.
So far, I have discovered that she likes fish, and vegetables soup. I know she will definitely like meat too, but I can't say for sure because I haven't fed her that yet. Buying a good quantity meat that would be sufficient for the the family is way too expensive nowadays.
Even though I got the information late, I am glad it's not too late. Henceforth, I will be more careful with what I feed my dog with.
Did you learn something from this post? Let's talk it in the comment section.