12 foods you should NEVER feed your boxer!

Boxer loves bowl

Boxer loves bowlIt is very common that every once in a while your boxer will eat people food.  Although these foods can be healthy for people, many are dangerous and sometimes deadly foods for dogs.  Below is an alphabetized list of some dangerous foods your dog should never eat.

If your Boxer (or any dog) does ingest any of these foods, you should immediately contact your vet.

dangerous foods for dogs

Alcohol:  It only takes a little beer, wine, and/or liquor to cause damage to your dog’s liver and brain (similar to humans but on a much greater scale).  Side effects include diarrhea, vomiting, depression of the central nervous system, difficulty breathing, coma, and possibly death.

Avocado: The plant, their seeds/pit, and fruit all contain persin which can be toxic to dogs.

Caffeinated drinks including coffee, tea, soda, etc.:  Again in all forms (i.e. beans, grounds, tea bags, chocolate, cocoa, soda, red bull, medicines, etc.).  Keep in mind that this can be deadly with no cure.  Symptoms include restlessness, heart palpitations, rapid breathing, fits, muscle tremors and death.

Candy and gum:  These foods often contain sweeteners called xylitol which increase the dog’s insulin.  In turn, the blood sugar drops which can cause liver failure, vomiting, and possible seizures.

Chocolate:  Chocolate contains theobromine which is toxic to dogs.  The higher the concentration of chocolate (i.e. dark chocolate, unsweetened cocoa powder, mulch), the greater chance that toxicity will occur. Typical symptoms are abnormal heart rate, tremors, seizures, and death.

Fat Trimmings: Including foods such as bacon and causes pancreatic issues.

Grapes and Raisins:  It can cause kidney failure, vomiting, and lethargic behavior.

Macadamia Nuts:  Again can be fatal and as many as 6 (raw or roasted) can make the dog ill.  The poisoning symptoms include fever, vomiting, hindquarter weakness/failure, muscle tremors and tachycardia (increased heart rate).

Milk and Dairy Products:  Although usually not deadly, they can cause upset stomach, diarrhea, and food allergies, which are usually marked by itchiness.

Onions and Garlic:  Whether it be in the form of powder, raw, cooked or dehydrated, onions and garlic can cause anemia in dogs.  Poisoning can occur if the dog is eating this regularly.  Weakness, vomiting, suppressed appetite, and breathing difficulties are all signs of anemia.

Tomatoes:  Can cause tremors and heart arrhythmias. The plants are the most toxic, but tomatoes themselves are also unsafe.

Yeast Dough: Causes pain in the stomach or intestines when the dough expands and produces gas.

If your dog does ingest any of these dangerous foods, you should immediately contact your vet, emergency clinic, or Animal Poison Control Center.

When calling you should have the following information available:

  • Dogs age and approximate weight
  • Any allergies?
  • What was ingested?
  • Time (or approximate time) of ingestion
  • How much was ingested?
  • The dog’s current symptoms.

ASCPA –Animal Poison Control Center charges a $65 fee for the call: (888) 426-4435