Are canned tomatoes ok for dogs? My partner cooks up a mix of mince meat and canned tomato (no other ingredients - no salt, no garlic, just mince and canned tomatoes) to use as a base for sauces (he's italian - enough said really..) and when he cooks this my dog just salivates. We were wondering if giving her a few spoons of this mix would be ok? She is on a veterinary diet at the moment, but I spoke to the veterinary nurse when she was put on this diet and she said although it was a complete one way to get her to eat it (she isn't a dog keen on just kibble) I could add anything suitable of around 2-3 tablespoons (tuna, cooked chicken/lamb/liver) just to get a smell going and some extra flavour to attract her to her food (she is a funny girl as she isn't at all keen on chicken or chicken stock, so we tend to use mince pork or lamb, and occasionally beef if it is lean). In addition she gets a tablespoon of bio-yoghurt every other day and on a weekly basis she gets a banana, maybe two apples and a selection of other veg (raw broccoli stalks she loves, but I will give her small amounts of mashed up cooked cauliflower and broccoli). She has good firm poos and doesn't go to the toilet often (two poos a day like clockwork) which is such a change from the problems she was having when she developed an intolerence to Burns.

So, I digress!  :rolleyes: Is mince and canned tomatoes Ok?!

PS - Any comments on her diet would be appreciated. I want to make sure I am getting it right!

I should ass she also gets two pigs ears a week and at bedtime four gravy bone buscuits.

It's never done any of my dogs any harm and they have also enjoyed a traditionally cooked Italian pasta sauce from time to time - have an OH who lived in Italy and could bore for his country on the permitted ingredients! ;)

I saw on a cookery programme recently, that tinned tomatoes are often better than fresh, as they are canned when they are in season, ie, a glut of them, so they taste much better than fresh ones, esp out of season

Ok ok I watch too much tv:rolleyes:

Canned tomatoes are ok for dogs, check they do not contain salt though.

Cooked mince and tomatoes are fine although some dogs that suffer from arthritis may be better off without them............ (the tomatos that is)

What is the link between tomatoes and arthritis?

Also, you are right about the quality of canned tomoatoes. My partner's family are italian farmers from the south. They grow half for themselves and half their crop is for a farming collective where the produce is canned to be sold. The canned goods are from the proper season, whereas out of season tomatoes are just not tolerated in Italy - you eat tomaotes when the crop is at its peak in their season, and what is harvested in excess is turned into sauces or preserved for use all year around. They are amazing the level of self-sufficiency. Although in terms of the grapes, the grapes for the collective are subject to artifical groth products and pesticides to make they of accepable quality for the commercial market, while the grapes the farmers grow for their own wine and consumption is totally untreated - they burn the fields and leave them for a season which improves the quality of the soil, and they encourage insects that live off the pests that damage the crop. It is absolutely amazing, and the best fruit I have ever tasted is pomegranate straight from the tree!

> What is the link between tomatoes and arthritis?

It's not just tomatoes, it's anything from the nightshade family, (including tobacco, potatoes, peppers, aubergines). It doesn't affect everybody with arthritis and there's no scientific backing behind it, just anecdotal evidence from some arthritis sufferers.

By the way, my dog prefers his sardines in tomato sauce. :)

> the best fruit I have ever tasted is pomegranate straight from the tree!

*turns green with envy* I LOVE pomegranates!

Well, she had some minced lamb in tomato and polished off her dinner, so I am well pleased!

Yes, pomegranates! They grow so much: melons, almonds, figs (which are to DIE for, they are so sweet and huge, but not like the watery frozen-in-transit ones you get over here), chillies, prickly pears, grapes... I mean, I could go on. And they use everything. They have so much more respect for produce than we have over here.

My Tansy is a 6 month old JRX and she absolutely adores tinned tomatoes :-). I don't give her too much ....maybe just once a week, sometimes twice. She loves them as you said ...with lamb mince.

Broccoli  is listed as toxic to dogs. I don't know how toxic though.
Apples are okay... but the seeds are toxic over time...  it's good to assume that all fruit stones and seeds are toxic.... I don't know if that includes tomato seeds though.

My young fit healthy BC died last Christmas after stealing and eating some dried mixed fruit which contained raisins. I mention this now just in case you.....like my vets( who I rang straight away but said the mixed fruit was okay... ) aren't aware grapes and sultanas and raisins are sadly very beyond negotiation deadly to dogs. I try to pass this on as much as I can to help prevent other tragedies.

There are lots of lists on the internet with the plants and foods that are known to be toxic... a huge list ...some of them are seemingly harmless foods... I've seen healthy dog biscuits for sale in dog magazines that include all natural ingredients... yep... raisins! So just be very careful.   I've never seen tomatoes listed as toxic though.... but I myself would think it's treally not worth taking any risks especially as so many extra  addatives seem to enter our foods these days and the only way to know for sure is to feed them to  dogs and see what happens... if they are okay than fine... if they are not... well thee is no going back. 

I didn't realise that about Brocoli at all - I will stop giving her that. She NEVER gets grapes or any sultanas/raisins and when she gets apple she leaves the core and just eats the flesh (usually I just cut her slices with no core). I will recheck the lists of toxic foods. The thing is, I do get confused, as on something I read it said garlic was toxic, and yet many people advocate using it so that did stump me.

Garlic is toxic... as are onions and daff bulbs. If your dog eats a whole bulb I think they can be fatal...  there was a dog in a mag a couple of years ago who died after eating an onion.

But garlic is used in small quantities as a natural flea preventative etc....

I think small quantities are okay... you can meet people who say they gave their dogs this or that all theirb life and the dogs were fine. Not long ago top breeders and show folk were saying the about grapes. Grapes have been used as natural healthy treat rewards for many years.  They only become known danger once enough dogs have officially been reported to have died by eating them.  I don't even know if Jacks death has been used as a statistic. Many vets still do not know the grapes and rasins are deadly so just because it is not known or someone thinks it is safe does not mean it is safe. So I keep mine off the garlic!

Me.... well.... I don't trust the old ways! I expect I will be destined now to be a little over cautious about foods because I was always careful about these before and still lost my dog.... that's sods law though.... I know folkls who don't walk their dogs and give chocholate and sweets and fruit scones to their dogs and the dogs are fine! 

Anyway....I  hope you will find the list I posted useful because it includes the health problems or symptoms caused... so eg.  says why broc is listed.

Broccoli is NOT toxic to dogs and in fact is recommended food by all the raw food authors.  It MAY be a problem if fed in excess.

Apples seeds contain cyanide, however for these to be dangerous to us, dogs, horses etc (all of whom eat them with no problems) one would have to consume several hundred kilos of them! :D

Grapes whether fresh or dried as in raisins ARE toxic, however no one knows why.

Tohme, thanks for clarifying that - I was worried I had been feeding her terrible things. I will continue with the brocoli and apples then (apples in particular she loves). Thanks also for the advice on the bananas and bio-yoghurt in a kong, she loves it!

These are listed as toxic... but like I said not as serious poisens.

it is not my own information... I am simply passing it on.  All information is rather take it or leave it....   I will copy the details here...

My dog ate apples... the seeds too... all through his 3 years of life... now he is dead. There is no way of knowing if the seeds contributed to his death or not... but as they are listed and I've lost my best buddy I think myself it's far safer to avoid letting dogs eat them.  Obviously the odd full apple won';t do any harm... but the habbit of eating them masy well nit be wirth the risk.  The kidney can be damaged over time loosing 75% of function and you think your dog is still healthy with high energy and a glossy coat. You only need 1% or more more damage and you are in serious trouble. Each toxin causes wear and tear on these functions. I think this is why some people say the dog ate grapes and was okay and another dog eats them and dies.

My dog was never given any people food and had James Wellbeloved food and treats to eat which are good quality so the apples weakening the kidneys and then the the rasins are I think an explanation as to why a young healthy dog that size died so quickly and couldn't be saved. Or it could just be the rasins on their own... they are obviously very deadly. The only dog the vets had treated with the same severity of symptoms as my BC had had an adder bite... but that dog lived.

My new dogs get nothing that might be a risk to them... just to be on the extra safe side.

Here is a good list. I hope you will find it helpful.  I printed it out and keep it in my dog reference book.


Plants, Fruits & Vegetables Toxic to Dogs
And their symptoms

Amaryllis: vomiting, depression, diarrhea, abdominal pain, hyper salivation, anorexia, tremors

Autumn Crocus: oral irritation, bloody vomiting, diarrhea, shock, multi-organ damage, bone marrow suppression

Creeping Charlie: sweating, drooling

Daffodil, Narcissus: severe gastrointestinal disorders, convulsions, shivering, hypotension, dermatitis, muscular tremors and cardiac arrhythmias

Hyacinth: intense vomiting, diarrhea, occasionally with blood, depression and tremors

Gladiolas, Iris: vomiting occasionally with blood, depression, diarrhea, occasionally with blood, hyper salivation, abdominal pain

Lily of the Valley: ataxia, vomiting, cardiac arrhythmias, death

Tulip: intense vomiting, depression, diarrhea, hyper salivation, in appetence

Australian Nut: depression, hyperthermia, weakness, muscular stiffness, vomiting, tremors, increased heart rate. Only reported in dogs at this time.

Asparagus Fern, Emerald Feather (aka Emerald Fern), Lace Fern, Plumosa Fern: allergic dermatitis with
repeated dermal exposure. Berry ingestion could result in gastric upset (vomiting, abdominal pain, or diarrhea.)

Cyclamen: vomiting, gastrointestinal inflammation, and death.

Hydrangea: vomiting, depression, anorexia, diarrhea, bufodienalides are cardio toxic

Christmas Rose: abdominal pain, vomiting, bloody diarrhea, convulsions, delirium

Foxglove: cardiac arrhythmias, vomiting, diarrhea, convulsions, delirium

Marijuana: prolonged CNS depression, respiratory depression, weakness, ataxia, sedation, sometimes hyper excitation

Morning Glory: seeds may cause hallucination, may cause diarrhea

Nightshade, Tomato Plant: hyper salivation, inaptness, severe gastrointestinal upset, diarrhea, drowsiness, CNS depression, confusion, behavioral change, weakness, dilated pupils, slow heart rate

Glory Lily: oral irritation, bloody vomiting, diarrhea, shock, kidney and liver damage, bone marrow suppression

Day Lily, Orange Day Lily, Asian Lily (liliaceae), Easter Lily, Japanese Show Lily, Red Lily, Rubrum Lily, Stargazer Lily, Tiger Lily, Wood Lily: vomiting, inaptness, lethargy, kidney failure, (Cats are only species known to be affected.)

Heavenly Bamboo shrub: cyanosis, pale mucous membranes, slow heart rate, vomiting, diarrhea, respiratory congestion, seizures, semi-coma, respiratory failure, death

Holly shrub: intense vomiting and diarrhea, depression, also same symptoms as Jerusalem Cherry (see below)
Jerusalem Cherry shrub: gastrointestinal disturbances, possible ulceration of the gastrointestinal system, seizures, depression, respiratory depression, and shock

Mistletoe "American" shrub: gastrointestinal disorders, cardiovascular collapse, dyspnea bradycardia, erratic behavior, hallucinogenic in humans

Oleander shrub: vomiting, diarrhea, cardiac abnormalities, decreased body temperature, death
Precatory Bean shrub: beans are very toxic, especially if broken or chewed. Can see severe vomiting and diarrhea, increased body temperature, lack of coordination, inaptness and death

Cycads, Sago Palm Shrubs: vomiting, melena, icterus, increased thirst, hemorrhagic gastroenteritis, bruising, coagulopathy, liver damage, liver failure, death
Tree Philodendron

Yucca: vomiting, depression, diarrhea, drooling, seizures

Aloe (Aloe Vera): vomiting, depression, diarrhea, anorexia, tremors, change in urine color

Avocado: vomiting, diarrhea, death, inflammation of mammary glands, cardiac failure, respiratory distress, generalized congestion, fluid accumulation around the heart

Buddhist Pine: severe vomiting and diarrhea

Chinaberry Tree: Berries are most toxic. Can see slow heart rate, diarrhea, vomiting, depression, weakness, seizures, and shock

Japanese Yew (aka Yew): sudden death from acute cardiac failure, early signs muscular tremors, dyspnea, and seizures in dogs

Macadamia Nut:
Queensland Nut: depression, hyperthermia, weakness, muscular stiffness, vomiting, tremors, increased heart rate. Only reported in dogs at this time.

Branching Ivy: allergic dermatitis with repeated dermal exposure. Berry ingestion could result in gastric upset (vomiting, abdominal pain or diarrhea)

European Bittersweet: drooling, in appetence, severe gastric upset, drowsiness, lethargy, weakness, dilated pupils, slow heart rate

English Ivy, Glacier Ivy, Hahn's self branching English Ivy, Needlepoint Ivy: (The foliage is more toxic than the berries.) gastrointestinal upset, diarrhea, hyperactivity, breathing difficulty, coma, fever, polydipsia, dilated pupils, muscular weakness, and lack of coordination

American Bittersweet: weakness, convulsions, gastroenteritis (vomiting, diarrhea)
Andromeda Japonica, Azalea, Rhododendron: vomiting, diarrhea, hyper salivation, weakness, coma, hypotension, CNS depression, cardiovascular collapse and death

Bird of Paradise: gastrointestinal disorders such as diarrhea, vomiting, lack of coordination is possible. Deaths in rabbits have been reported

Buckeye: severe gastroenteritis, depression or hyper excitability, dilated pupils, coma

Castor Bean: (beans are very toxic): oral irritation burning of the mouth and throat, increase in thirst, vomiting, diarrhea, kidney failure, convulsions

Clematis: vomiting, diarrhea, oral ulcers, ataxia or vesicant action

Corn Plant (aka Cornstalk Plant), Fiddle-Leaf Philodendron, Florida Beauty, Gold Dust Dracaena, Madagascar Dragon Tree, Ribbon Plant, Red-Margined Dracaena, Striped Dracaena, Warneckei Dracaena: In cats: dilated pupils, breathing difficulty, abdominal pain, increased heart rate. In cats and dogs: vomiting depression, in appetence, drooling, lack of coordination and weakness.

Caladium hortulanum, Calla lily, Ceriman (aka Cutleaf Phiodendron, Charming Diffenbachia, Chinese Evergreen, Cordatum, Devil' Ivy, Dub Crane, Elephant Ears, Fruit Salad Plant, Flamingo Plant, Golden Deiffenbachia, Golden Pothos, Green Gold Nephthysis, Heartleaf Philodendron, Horsehead, Marble Queen, Mauna Loa Peace Lily, Nephthyti, Peace Lity, Philodendron, Hurricane Plant, Lacy Tree, Mexican Breadfruit, Mother-in-Law, Panda, Philodendron Pertusum, Red Emerald, Red Princess, Saddle Lef Philodendron, Poinsettia, Satin Pothos, Scheffiera Tree, Spotted Dumb Cane, Swiss Cheese Plant, Taro Vine, Tropic Snow Dumbcane, Variable, (Dumb Cane) Dieffenbachia, Veriegated Philodendron: oral irritation, intense burning and irritation of the mouth, lips, tongue, excessive drooling, vomiting, difficulty in swallowing

Yellow Jasmine: Convulsions, death

Sweetheart Ivy: gastrointestinal upset, diarrhea, hyperactivity, breathing difficulty, coma, fever, polydipsia, dilated pupils, muscular weakness and lack of coordination

Yesterday/Today/Tomorrow: Depression, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle tremors, convulsions, increase urinations, lack of coordination, hyperthermia
Should your pet eat a substantial part of a toxic plant, rush to your veterinarian as soon as possible. Time can cause a lot of damage. If you can, take the plant or part of it with you for identification.



Known Food Toxins To Dogs
Fruits, Vegetables, Food

Apple, Almond, Apricot, Peach, Wild Cherries, Plum, Balsam Pear, Prunes and similar fruit: Diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, (Stem, Seeds and Leaves) The seeds of most fruits contain cyanide, which is poisonous to dogs as well as humans.

Avocados: The fruit, pit and plant are all toxic. They can cause difficulty breathing and fluid accumulation in the chest, abdomen and heart

Broccoli: reported to be pretty potent gastrointestinal irritant

Cherry: rapid breathing, shock, mouth inflammation, heart rate increase

Chocolate: seizures, coma, hyperactivity, rapid heart beat, tremors, death. Bakers chocolate is the most dangerous. A dog can consume milk chocolate and appear to be fine because it is not as concentrated but is still very dangerous.
* 1 oz per lb of body weight for (2 oz per kg) of body weight for bakers chocolate
* 1 oz per 3 lbs of body weight (1 oz per 1.5 kg body weight) for semi-sweet chocolate
* 1 oz per 9lbs of body weight (1 oz per 4 kg) for bakers chocolate
* Please keep in mind that these are only guidelines, and if you suspect your pet had ingested chocolate, please keep an eye out for ANY signs of poisoning! Every dog reacts differently to quantity.
Coffee/Tea: Drinks/Foods: containing caffeine or sugar may cause many of the same symptoms chocolate causes

(also the coco mulch for the garden is very deadly )

Cooked Bones: uncooked bones should be safe but if they are cooked you should refrain because they deteriorate and easily splinter. Can cause extensive damage to internal organs and passage ways, may times resulting in death.

Mushrooms: acute gastric effects, liver and kidney damage, abdominal pain, nausea, salivation, vomiting

Nutmeg: tremors, seizures and death

Tobacco: nausea, salivation, vomiting, tachycardia (rapid heartbeat)

Onion: (cats are more sensitive), gastrointestinal upset, hemolytic anemia, heinz body anemia, hemogloinria, destroys red blood cells

Grapes, Raisins, Prunes: kidney failure, as little as a single serving of grapes or raisins can kill a dog. It takes anywhere from 9 oz to 2 lbs of grapes and raisins (between .041 and 1.1 oz/kg of body weight), to cause severe vomiting and diarrhea, and possible kidney failure

Salt: excessive intake can cause kidney problems

Raw Eggs- many people feed raw eggs to their dogs but keep in mind that they can contain salmonella. Dogs do have a higher immunity against salmonella poisoning but are not immune and have been reported to get it from uncooked eggs.

"Broccoli: reported to be pretty potent gastrointestinal irritant
"

Reported by WHOM???????????

The value of information depends on its source.

Water is toxic in sufficient amounts.

If garlic was toxic to dogs then I wonder why reputable companies sell preparations of it!?

I think you are confusing kidney function with liver function.

Dogs die from choking on kibble and ALL foods including commercial ones MAY contain salmonella, and other aflatoxins that are not destroyed by heat.

Living is a risk as is running, jumping, eating etc etc etc

You can ignore the information if you like... it is just posted to help those who may be interested in paying attention to it.

I just like to know what is safe and what is not because the vets do not know this... none in my area knew Rasins were dsngerous this time last Christmas... now they do because my dog taught them this new information.... it is up to us to stay informed and up to date.

Like I say...  grapes were perfectly safe for dogs to eat in  1998.

Living is a risk as is running, jumping, eating etc etc etc

yes life has risks..... but it is always wise to know what the the risks are and then we can choose to avoid unnessesary risks if we wish to.

These lists are for those who like me wish to avoid these extra unnessesarry risks.  

When your dog dies from eating something the vet said was okay them and when you rsang the vet saying you were so worried they insisted the dog was fine and not to worry because the food they are was not known  as toxic ( as was the case for rasins and grapes ) then you might find you wish to help save other people and threir dogs from the same fate, and might wish to choose to avoid giving your dogs foods listed on the internet as toxic... or maybe not... asgain up to you. Just Feed these to your dog... or don't.  No problkem to me.

I am not actually interested in arguing this with people because losing Jack caused me too much pain. He was my life,  my joy, my soul.  The information is there for you whu wantt it..... I just pass on a useful and comprehensive list  which I have cross checked with many poisen agencies and find the most useful.  JUst take it or leave it. It's totally up to you. 

THec way this forum works makes it difficult to reply in general because you have to reply to one post and can't post a general reply to the thread as it progresses like most forums.  So my post was not aimed at arguilg with you but to add to the overall information here for people.

Sorry to hear about your dog T, very sad indeed :(

But scaring people by posting broccoli/garlic/toms etc is poisonous isn`t the thing to do. As Thome says, just who is reporting broccoli is toxic.

I could eat fish & choke on a bone, or a peanut etc etc if it didn`t kill me I wouldn`t let it stop me eating them again :)

Just think this whole thing of whats poisonous, what isn`t & who`s an expert & who isn`t is way over the top now & like you no wish to argue the point either. We all have to do what we believe the best for our dogs/animals & I`ll continue to feed them fresh meat/fruit/veg as I believe nothing can beat that kind of food ever & I don`t have to be an expert to know that :)

this is slightly off the topic but do any of you think that dogs know what is toxic to them? 
My dog won't eat grapes, she will carry them around but wont eat them and she definitely prefers the flesh of an apple to the core.  The one thing she tries to eat all the time that is bad for her is chocolate and she can smell a dropped bit in the park from miles away but generally she doesn't go near plants that are poisonous but will eat grass which is ok.

I would not bet money on it, for example dogs do die from eating chocolate, rat poison, antifreeze, ibuprofen, the list is endless, if they had that natural ability they would not have eaten it in the first place would they.

If you have dogs like mine, ANYTHING is considered edible, whether it IS or not! :D

I am currently reading 'Wild Health' by Cindy Engel. It is very interesting and shows that there is significant evidence that a wild animal in its natural surroundings, not only knows what is poisonous, but also how to counteract certain poisions with other plants and how to self medicate on plants, earth etc. Unfortunately the more domesticated the animal and if they are out of the natural environment then the ability becomes reduced. Absolutly fascinating book. Well worth the £8.99.

I would agree with that. My horses know what to eat and what not to eat and are often seen nibbling at various plants that are know to have specific effects on them - nettles for example :D

I have not been trying to scare people... it is just being sensible to know ... that is why the origional question was asked....  I just pass on the information that Broccii is toxic to dogs because I saw it mentioned.... ... and I added to this the list explains what problems the broc causes more fully ... which is not all that terrifying really is it!   So it gives the dog tummy ache or something... it's not the end of the world. It is just useful to know.

In a recent publication of 'Your Dog' there is an article about nute.  In the article it mentions and macadamia nuts but stated it as some people claim but their is no proof.... If you want to prove this scientifically it is easy. You give the dogs and macadamia nuts.  The dog will fit... it will have seziures and go lame.  You will panic and cry to see your dog like this. But the dog will make a few recovery in a couple of days.  To get that information you must have records or know a dog who has eaten the nuts.  Just because the Your Dogs magazines claims it is not proven does not mean it is made up rubbish. 

I really would strongly advise you to print out a copy of the full list and put it in yoyur dog books. Honestly that is very sensible and comprehensive list.... do add the and macadamia nuts to it as well... I remembered to add  the coco mulch. THe list does not contain all dangers but jhelp to know what to look out for if we think the dog has eaten these things or if the dog is sick helps us to think back about what it may have eaten.


I could eat fish & choke on a bone, or a peanut etc etc if it didn`t kill me I wouldn`t let it stop me eating them again

... sorry but you really seem to fail to see how deadly some things are. You seem to be laughing at Jacks death. Last night when I came on here and saw the toxins not being accepted I felt his death abnd you people laughing at me for wanting to save you fronm seeing your dogs die in this way.    Then I read the next post about a dog being permirtted to carry around grapes... and who lokes chocholate. Jack never got anywhere near Chocholate because it is so deadly!

There are a lot of dangers. Jack was three. He never died from the dangers I knew about... he died from what I did not know about.  From what the vets did not know about.  Had I known these dangers he would still be alive.  Had the vet known this he would still be alive.   So don't be so quick to knock knowledge.. it is knowledge that saves lives. I wish to share Knowledge. Knowledge not fear.   Again... take it or leave it. 

Okay...?

Whose next..?

I can't believe the reaction this list has been greeted with!  I am really not only cut open but disgusted!

Many people claim the publicity of this information is now saving lives and suffering.   Each time we pass on the knowledge more lives can be saved. Many people are grateful for that.  Jack and dogs like him who who suffered or died have actually saved many lives.

I am even going to look in on this thread again... people obviously do not want to know and I will not have my dogs death mocked.

No one is laughing at you Tenaj, certainly not me. My girl ate broccoli every day for months, it never did her any harm BUT now being aware that it can it is left up to me to decide whether she ever has it again so for that I thank you.  My mums dog has chocolate, kitkats, every day, drinks tea with sugar and probably lots of other stuff I don't know about :rolleyes: - he's 12. I've tried telling her about the chocolate but it goes on deaf ears. All I'm saying is I know where you are coming from but at the end of the day you can only warn people what you think is right and people will say what they think is right and its up to them/us whether they take notice or not. 

Sorry about Jack, that must have been awful for you.

Dee

Well Tenaj I am not going to laugh at you or condemn you putting up what you put as i believe this forum is here to give out any information they may be relavent. 
As with Spaying and other things there is differing views and both sides should always be shown for someone to then make their own informed choice.
This is not scaremongering it is someone saying what they have seen or heard, and from listening to this and what others do feed thier dogs, we can all make our own decisions on what we feel happy feeding.
I for one am always happy to hear anything which may at sometime help me make a decision.
Also remember as with humans, dogs can react against certain foods that others may not so maybe broccoli is toxic to some dogs and some seem fine with it.

Bev

tenaj, I was not mocking your dogs death as it must have been really tough for you to deal with and I know I will be devestated when my dog dies - particularly if it is in the circumstances you have described.  For the record I do not feed my dog chocolate and the reference to chocolate was in relation to her finding other peoples litter when she is out on walks so I'm not sure how that is mocking your post   In relation to grapes, i discovered that she would not eat them before I knew they were toxic and because of this if she is mooching from me and I'm eating grapes she will take one but not eat it.
I only contributed to the thread as I wondered whether dogs had an inbuilt sense of what they should and should not eat so do not understand why that is offensive to you .  I think it is great that you have provided a list of potential toxins as many people are unaware of what is toxic to different animals - and indeed to humans.  Sorry if I offended you but I still fail to see what was offensive about the post.

i think things have to kept in perspective.  i know certain things like grapes and raisins are really dangerous if eaten in big enough doses, but things like garlic and broccoli and avocado in small amounts i dont think are 'dangerous' as such.  dogs are like poeple when it comes to food.  some may be allergic to things that others are not. some dogs may take bad reactions to things like broccoli, whereas others may not. 

i wonder how many things are branded 'toxic', when in fact, maybe some dogs are just allergic, and we all know that allergic reactions vary greatly in each dog or person. 

nut allergies in people are becomming more and more common and can range from slight upset to the person to death, but peanuts aren't branded as toxic to poeple are they???

i do think most things in moderation (you could say too much of anything is bad.) are ok but obviously, some things are just plain deadly and should be avoided.

but peanuts aren't branded as toxic to poeple are they???

Oh... off topic but I just wanted to comment on the peanuts.  Peanut allergy is very serious because traces of peanut is found in so many foods. People often develop this allergy through over exposure... through build up.  Ideally children should not be given peanuts or peanut butter before the age of 5 or 7... not sure which... because this increases the risk of them becomming allergic later on in life.  This is advise from an allergy consultant. And with red heads even more so. Just a tip to remember. People often think they must be avoided because kids choke... that too but very much also because of the risk of developing allergies. As with  over exposure to wheat at a young age. Many kids become allergic to wheat because wheatabix seems so easy to use as a baby food.

you could say too much of anything is bad
Yes... in food safety that is probably the most important factor to be aware of with our dogs.  

However peanuts are not, in themselves, toxic to humans. Some people have an abnormal reaction to them, just as some people have an abnormal reaction to eggs, or strawberries, or shellfish - but that doesn't mean all of those should be avoided by the rest of the population. (Our local paediatric dietitian recommended peanut butter for children from about 18 months of age - yes, even redheads - and earlier if the parents were raising the child as a vegetarian.) Similarly grapes and raisins seem to be in this category - tragically toxic to certain dogs but others will eat them with no ill-effects. That's not belittling the emotional devastation to the owner of a dog who is one of the unfortunate ones.

The theobromine in chocolate, however, is a different matter - that is hazardous to all dogs, and that's been well-known for decades.

(Our local paediatric dietitian recommended peanut butter for children from about 18 months of age - yes, even redheads

Maybe the Northern England Allergy Centres consultants and your local paediatric dietitians should get together and have a wee chat. ;)

We were told on no account must we give our kids peanuts in any form when they were young because of the risk and deadly severity of developing that allergy ... and especially so because allergies are way more common in red heads. Again... differing opinions... but wise to have both options of information to help  make choices.

I'm sure you'll find this report quoting the Chief Medical Officer of interest.

The theobromine in chocolate, however, is a different matter - that is hazardous to all dogs, and that's been well-known for decades.

Raisins are actually reported to be more deady than chocholate.There is no dispute to this at all.  This is fact. I can not believe you are trying to claim they are not.  They are 100% deadly because they onlycome in the same strength... not diluted down like chocholate.

A dog may eat chocholate or raisins and depending on the quantity and level if kidney function of that dog may just get sick and then seem fine... and the next time he gets these again no problem... and then the third time... the dog damages the kidney beyond repair and dies.  Jusy because a dog is not dead does not mean it has not mean what it ate was not deadly toxic... it just was a lucky dog... but next time...

At Christmas one of my dogs (weighing around 25K) half-inched a small chocolate lollipop, and a few hours later was noticeably twitching, but fortunately didn't fit and next day was back to normal. This same dog has stolen entire bunches of grapes and left only the stalks, and been perfectly well. From asking around my dog-owning family and friends, this seems to be the more common scenario: chocolate bad, grapes okay.

Another of my dogs died of an abnormal reaction to anaesthetic - as tragic and wasteful a death as that of your dog. Although anaesthetic deaths are a known risk in all animals, including humans, nobody suggests that they should be avoided at all costs.

Like us, dogs have different reactions to different things.

Many years ago, my first GSD stole a monster box of Black Magic chocolates. She was a complete "Niven" and stole them from a locked wooden cabinet. We were so naive that we weren't really aware of how dangerous chocolate was for dogs then. Only when we spoke to the Vet to "put our minds at rest" did we realise the potential danger involved. By that time it was too late, she had digested what she had eaten. - No reaction whatsoever. No squits, no vomiting - nothing. I now look back and thank my lucky stars as to how very lucky we were.

My current older boy used to steal grapes and avocados from the fruit bowl. He learnt how to open the larder where the fruit bowl was and then close it again - long story. Suffice to say that when I was alerted to the fact, I stopped it because I knew that grapes in particular were potentially deadly to a dog. Again - he suffered no ill effects.

I feed several foods on the "known toxic list" for example, one being Garlic and on a regular basis. Mainly because I have been feeding it for several years in small regular quantities and it has been very good for them.

I'm certainly not disregarding or making light of what happened to your dog :( It's absolutely tragic.
And I can certainly understand why you are warning other dog owners as to what can happen. Without doubt, I would be the same in your shoes.

Knowledge is a good thing but also, a little knowledge can be a dangerous thing.

Ultimately, people can read your story and learn from it, or they can disregard it, basing their facts upon things that they have been doing for years with absolutely no detriment to their dogs.

One of my dogs was run over and killed last year. I am still very sore and upset about it. I thought that I would be the last person that would be so "irresponsible" for that to happen to. I am now, understandably, even more so, paranoid about dogs and roads.

I hope that I haven't offended you. And I hope, in my long winded way that you understand what I'm trying to say ;)

Very very sorry to lump your post with the other posts. ( :beg for forgiveness!: )   To be honest I was blinded with pain. From the initial replies to my mentioning these I was brought back to a year ago in pain and I could hardly focus on what I was reading or writing in my shock at the reaction to my innocent offering of information. I just cried so much since I found this forum two days ago.... although I've still tried to make cheerful contributions on other threads.  It's taken me an awful  long time to get through this loss because he was still so young and so special.

I have always been a person to read many books before getting any new pet. So with the dogs I have a whole bookcase of books about all aspects of dogs.  I am a dog geek and have been since I was a child. 

I have read all about so many aspects of dogs behaviours, health, training and so on, made myself aware of all the toxins in books and worked out how toxic... because some things give tummy ache or itchy skin, and some kill... to me there is a massive difference.  So I worked out which garden plants to live with and which ones not to risk. Toddler proofed the house and chocolate was treated like bleach... to be kept well  away from dogs and chose to never buy the deadly plain chocolate. If ever I though the dog had eaten something that might do him harm I rang the vet to check. As I did anyway with the mixed fruit.  So I am cautious. Such as each day when my kids go to school I tell them to be careful when they cross the roads. Why take unneeded risks? That is the way I think.

I am a very keep things in perspective type of person and a multi perspective thinker willing to think and learn and change. A dog near me ran into a goal post and it died from it's injuries.  An unpredictable and avoidable accident. These things happen. No matter how careful we are.  We all know that. No one can dispute this or wrap ourselves in cotton wool all our lives.

The breeds of dogs I like are actually high risk. With a leading pet insurance company the BC is one of the  lowest risk for health problems... but the highest risk for accident claims. So with dogs like these you do need to be extra vigilant. It is not wrong to be cautious, vigilant, careful or well informed. It is wise. Then we can relax and get on and enjoy our activities because  we know we've done our best.

In levels of toxidity and decline we saw in Jack ... a portion or more of grapes/raisins = adder bite.

....  but there is no evidence one or two cause problems excpet a theory of build-up, and the milk chocholare almost has very little co co... the list is good to show which chocholate is more harmful. The coco mulch was killing one dog a week in the US when I read up on that last year... not many dogs but a lot if it is your dog.

I think many people hear this or that as urban legands... you hear things through the internet and don't really believe it. I see increasingly im magazines the raisins are fir instance not taken seriously. A dog magazine before Christmas advised  do not give your dog mince pies because they can make your dog fat! It is crazy because it is not a myth when it kills your own dog.    The previous year one magaine had a photo of a pug with a bunch of grapes.  The message is just not getting through.   I bought a brand new big dog encyclopedia recently and as usual chocholate is mentioned even though it is repotrted to be slightly less deadly then grapes/raisins. 

Thanks to you all for your  replies.



 

Tenja,
I feel for you and for your loss of Jack. I can fully understand that you feel justified to be so carefull and you certainly are, to make this list.

If there is any chance at all, no matter how small, that any of these foods have the potential to injure or kill our dogs, then we should be made aware of it. If we are willing take these risks with this knowledge, then that is up to the owner. But to lose a loving and loyal friend and to feel it was perhaps your fault, must be horrific. It must of taken you a long time to compel such a list and I for one thank you for the information you have provided.

Thanks.

The list is one of many I found and I added a little to it. I wasn't wanting to get stuck in the past and  obsessed with raisins but to learn more for the future health of my new dogs.

My biggest safety change has been I crate my dogs now! Crates were not really promoted so much before. We tried to never leave any food out and still try not to  but now, no matter what, they can not steal any food. 

I was so surprised when i hear about the toxicity of grapes a couple of years ago.Grapes have always been alot of my dogs favourite fruits,none of them ever had any ill affects from them. I have heard of a dog who lives on a vineyard and tests the grapes for ripeness for his owner,he has been doing this for years. It just goes to show how very different each dog is. I wonder why some dogs can eat grapes and raisins AND chocolate all of their lives without any ill affects and others only need to have a taste to have devastating consequences. I wish someone could do a study on this and come up with some definative answers!

I also feed raw eggs,garlic and on the odd occasion avocado. I have always fed the first 2 to all of my dogs.Shitake mushrooms,i think it is,have anti cancer properties.

I actually fed mine grapes as 'healthy' trats.  Up untll then I had only read 'books' and I thought it was understood that grapes were good treats. And he often ate apple cores cores.

I suspect it was his exposure to these that reduces his chances of suviving the Christmas straling of a bag of mixed fruit. But you must remember  it is about quantity.

I have not read anything to suggest that a small quantity will kill a dog... but I wouldn't like to suggest small quanity is safe because this is very much unknowns... the build up is my theory... and I was told about an article about show dogs who died and the ionly thing they had in common was thy were given grapes as treats... but I have never found that information to read for myself.

I firmly believe this is deadly to all dogs... but is possibly down to length of exposure to these and  quantity then with all these listed toxins it is most likely  firmly down to quantity. depending on the size and health of the dog.

I have a gut feeling the previous grapes ( and possibly the apple cores ) had already caused Jack some level of harm to his kidneys and that this is why the raisins killed him.  But also when you read up on vet accounts of dealing with raisin poisening they really do not have much chance of suvival or recovering. You will reasd a lot to claim they do... but I think that may be a little reaction of disbelief.

The reason I believe that these are now toxic is simple. I think these food were expensive and not in our homes all that long ago.... and dogs were more frequently kept outside . In fact we have much higher quantities of all types of foods in our homes.  Therefore a dog is more likely to get hold of these foods.

Also... my dog was mostly fed JWB food and treats... he was very healthy and fit and I suspect his ability to digest foods was very very high. Some dogs their guts do not work so well and a lot of food they eat passes straight through them.  This is my weakest theory but it is the only reason I can think of to explain why the peoole I kniw who neglect all aspects of their dogs health and feed chocholate and cakes and scones and very cheap bulk food to their eyernally pooing dogs have dogs who are still alive while my fit entertainingly well trained  healthy well excersised border collie never even saw his saw his 4th birthday.  

I don't think the vets are interested in researching this... 'dog ate raisins and died'... end of story. I don't think this information is being put together and any real attempt to make sense of it is being made. 

BTW... was birthday was yesterday. He would have been 5. For his birthday I ordered him the new cute Good citizen tags and hung them on the Christmas tree we planted in his memory. He was a great friend.