Foods Harmful to Dogs and Safe Dietary Alternatives

Learn about common human foods that are harmful to dogs and discover safe, nutritious alternatives from trusted brands like Royal Canin, Purina, and Hill’s Science Diet. Protect your pet by understanding what to avoid and what foods support their health and wellbeing.

Common Human Foods That Can Harm Dogs

While some human foods like fish and milk are safe for dogs, others can negatively impact their health or trigger allergic reactions. Many pet owners are unaware of these risks and feed their pets from their own plates. To help, we’ve compiled a list of human foods that should be avoided for dogs, including the Chihuahua breed, alongside trusted pet food brands such as Royal Canin® and Purina® that offer nutritious options.

Chocolate
Chocolate is highly toxic to dogs, especially small breeds like Chihuahuas. It contains theobromine, which dogs cannot metabolize effectively.

Symptoms of chocolate poisoning include vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, tremors, or abnormal heart rhythms.

Xylitol (Artificial Sweetener)
Found in gums, candies, mints, and baked goods, xylitol can disrupt a dog’s blood sugar levels when ingested. Smaller dogs are more vulnerable. Common foods containing xylitol include peanut butter, jams, and fruit drinks.

Grapes and Raisins
These tasty treats can cause severe health issues in dogs if consumed in large amounts. Keep grapes and raisins out of reach to prevent accidental ingestion.

Nuts such as Macadamia and Walnuts
While nuts are a popular snack for humans, they can be dangerous for dogs. Eating them can result in symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, lethargy, and elevated body temperature. Macadamia nuts especially can lead to pancreatic inflammation.

Instead of harmful human foods, consider nutritious dog food brands like:

Royal Canin®
Renowned for formulas enriched with proteins, prebiotics, fibers, and omega-3 fatty acids, Royal Canin® offers tailored diets for breeds like Chihuahuas and general nutritional balance.

Purina®
Known for a wide range of wet and dry foods, Purina® provides options suitable for puppies, adult, and senior dogs.

Hill’s Science Diet
Favored by veterinarians, Hill’s Science Diet offers specialized products for common health concerns such as weak bones, sensitive stomachs, or skin conditions.