There are many food and snack items commonly fed to dogs which are potentially dangerous to their health. Although illness will not necessarily occur every time they are eaten, problems occur frequently enough to warrant their exclusion from the normal diet.

Cooked Bones
During cooking bones tend to become brittle, inflexible and hard to digest. They are far more likely to break into jagged pieces and can lodge in the pharynx and digestive tract. Pork bones are particularly bad so don't be tempted to give your pet the Christmas ham bone! We recommend raw bones such as lamb off cuts and chicken wings fed on a regular basis for healthy teeth and gums.

Macadamia Nuts
The kernel of the macadamia nut has been found to cause illness in certain dogs. The hind legs become stiff or paralysed and muscle twitches and fever can occur. Although dogs generally recover when treated, they can be very uncomfortable for days.

Chocolate
It contains a certain chemical harmless to humans but likely to cause illness in dogs. Since it is unclear how much needs to be eaten to cause sickness, it is best avoided completely.

Raw Onions
These have been found to cause a type of anaemia in certain dogs. Again, a safe amount is not known so total avoidance is best.

Stone Fruit With Seeds
The seeds of many types of fruit such as peaches, nectarines and avocados often lodge in the small intestine of dogs and may require surgery to remove them. It is quite okay, however, to feed the flesh of fruit and vegetables and they can provide a healthy and low cal alternative to biscuits and fattening treats.

Corn Cobs
The inner husks of corn cobs also frequently cause bowel obstructions in dogs and should never be fed.

Grapes/Sultanas
Can cause kidney failure in certain dogs. Safe amount is not known so avoid altogether.

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