Question: What are the 3 most deadly foods for dogs

Hypothesis: Small amounts of chocolate, xylitol and raisins consumed by a dog can cause mild to severe reactions, even death. 

We called vets and used these links:

 

Foods your dog should never eat. (n.d.). WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/pets/dogs/ss/slideshow-foods-your-dog-should-never-eat

Chocolate toxicity: What should I do if my dog eats chocolate? (n.d.). Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/riney-canine-health-center/canine-health-information/chocolate-toxicity-what-should-i-do-if-my-dog-eats-chocolate#:~:text=Two%20toxic%20components%20to%20dogs,can%20quickly%20lead%20to%20dehydration

Hayes, C. (2024, September 3). Xylitol toxicosis in dogs. Merck Veterinary Manual. https://www.merckvetmanual.com/toxicology/food-hazards/xylitol-toxicosis-in-dogs

Hayes, C. (2024, September 3). Grape, Raisin, and Tamarind (Vitis spp, Tamarindus spp) Toxicosis in Dogs. Merck Veterinary Manual. https://www.merckvetmanual.com/toxicology/food-hazards/grape-raisin-and-tamarind-vitis-spp-tamarindus-spp-toxicosis-in-dogs#Pathogenesis_v3348507

Finlay, F., & Guiton, S. (2005, September 17). Chocolate poisoning. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC1215566/#:~:text=Theobromine%20primarily%20affects%20the%20central,as%20having%20a%20%20diuretic%20effect.

TARTARIC ACID: Overview, uses, side effects, precautions, interactions, dosing and reviews. (n.d.). https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-1687/tartaric-acid

Helpline, P. P. (2022, September 6). ARE RAISINS OK FOR DOGS? Pet Poison Helpline. https://www.petpoisonhelpline.com/pet-tips/are-raisins-ok-for-dogs/#:~:text=Tartaric%20acid%20attacks%20your%20dog's,risk%20of%20poisoning%20concerns%2C%20however

Chocolate poisoning in dogs | VCA Animal Hospitals. (n.d.). Vca. https://vcacanada.com/know-your-pet/chocolate-poisoning-in-dogs#:~:text=Clinical%20signs%20depend%20on%20the,%2C%20muscle%20tremors%2C%20and%20seizures.

Brandwood, J. (2023, December 12). Chocolate Toxicity (why can’t dogs eat chocolate?). After Hours Vet Australia. https://animalemergencyservice.com.au/blog/chocolate-toxicity-dogs/#:~:text=Theobromine%20is%20toxic%20to%20dogs,system%2C%20resulting%20in%20chocolate%20toxicity.

Caffeine toxicity in pets | VCA Canada Animal Hospitals. (n.d.). VcaCanada. https://vcacanada.com/know-your-pet/caffeine-toxicity-in-pets#:~:text=Dogs%20and%20cats%20are%20more,for%2012%20to%2036%20hours.

Hayes, C. (2024b, September 3). Grape, Raisin, and Tamarind (Vitis spp, Tamarindus spp) Toxicosis in Dogs. Merck Veterinary Manual. https://www.merckvetmanual.com/toxicology/food-hazards/grape-raisin-and-tamarind-vitis-spp-tamarindus-spp-toxicosis-in-dogs

Toxic component in grapes and raisins identified! (2024, February 15). ASPCApro. https://www.aspcapro.org/resource/toxic-component-grapes-and-raisins-identified#:~:text=The%20clinical%20signs%2C%20laboratory%20findings%2C%20and%20histopathologic%20lesions%20are%20consistent,and%20the%20likely%20toxic%20component

Artificial Sweetener Toxicity in pets | I-20 Animal Medical Center. (n.d.). I-20 Animal Medical Center. https://www.i20animal.com/services/artificial-sweetener-toxicity-in-pets

PubChem. (n.d.). Theobromine. PubChem. https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Theobromine

PubChem. (n.d.-a). Dinitrochlorobenzene. PubChem. https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/6

Hayes, C. (2024c, September 3). Grape, Raisin, and Tamarind (Vitis spp, Tamarindus spp) Toxicosis in Dogs. Merck Veterinary Manual. https://www.merckvetmanual.com/toxicology/food-hazards/grape-raisin-and-tamarind-vitis-spp-tamarindus-spp-toxicosis-in-dogs

Chocolate toxicity: What should I do if my dog eats chocolate? (n.d.-b). Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/riney-canine-health-center/canine-health-information/chocolate-toxicity-what-should-i-do-if-my-dog-eats-chocolate#:~:text=Treatment%20for%20chocolate%20toxicity%20may,Antinausea%20medications%20and%20GI%20protectants

Xylitol is an artificial sweetener that typically appears as a white, crystalline substance resembling salt or sugar. 

It causes a rapid release of insulin, leading to a dangerous drop in blood sugar levels, called hypoglycemia. This can result in symptoms such as vomiting, shaking, weakness, collapsing, seizures, and, in severe cases, coma or even death.  In high amounts, increased liver enzymes can cause liver failure in about 24 - 48 hours.

 

If your dog consumes xylitol, stay calm and focus on getting them to a vet or animal hospital as quickly as possible. Xylitol can be deadly if ingested at a dose of 0.05 grams per pound of their body weight. 

For example, if a 60 lb pitbull ate 1 grams of xylitol they should be rushed to an animal hospital immediately, if not they could get hypoglycemia, seizures, and possibly liver failure. If a 20 lb Bichon Shih Tzu eats only 1 gram of xylitol you need to take them to a pet hospital as fast as you can because they can die very quickly if not treated right away. It’s better to be safe than sorry and take them if concerned.

Chocolate contains cocoa beans.  These beans contain theobromine and caffeine.

• Theobromine is found in a number of plants and fruits; mostly in cocoa and chocolate.
• Caffeine is also found in a number of plants and fruits such as coffee.

Caffeine’s chemical formula is C8H10N4O2.               Theobromine chemical formula is C7H8N4O2

            

Theobromine is a naturally occurring substance found in the cocoa plant, it is a white or colorless solid. 

If your dog eats chocolate, don’t panic, but think about how much they ate. 

• White chocolate is safe because it doesn’t have cocoa 
• Milk chocolate is less dangerous but can cause problems if your dog eats more than 2.5 ounces, so take them to the vet if that happens.
• Baking chocolate is the most toxic and dangerous in smaller quantities
• Dark chocolate is also quite harmful in smaller quantities

It’s best to keep all chocolate away from your dog.  Use a chocolate toxicity calculator to determine how much chocolate is safe for your dog.

The compound responsible for the toxicity of raisins in dogs is tartaric acid. This acid is not only found in raisins but also in various other fruits, including grapes, apples, cherries, papayas, peaches, pears, and more. When dogs consume these fruits, especially raisins, the tartaric acid can cause serious health issues, including kidney failure.

Tartaric acid is a colorless, odorless organic acid found in various fruits, including grapes and raisins. 

If your dog eats raisins, seek treatment immediately because it is an emergency situation. Take your dog to your local veterinarian or pet hospital. Then depending on the amount of raisins they consumed, the reactions could be mild to severe.  

Be careful, some dogs are sensitive to even small amounts!

There is no safe amount of tartaric acid, or raisins as some dogs may be more sensitive than others. 

The weight of the dog may impact the amount safely eaten, but it is not a guarantee.  

A Chihuahua weighing 5 lbs could experience life-threatening toxicity from consuming as few as 2-4 raisins. But if a 25 lb Beagle ate 2-4 raisins most likely no reactions would occur. 

 

 

 

Raisins, xylitol (artificial sweetener) and chocolate all have different chemicals that are inside of them that makes it so toxic to dogs. 

Xylitol is a sugar substitute most commonly found in medicines such as cough syrup and prescriptions which can lead to vomiting, weakness, hypoglycemia, seizures, and even lead to a coma lasting hours to days. 

The cocoa in chocolate contains caffeine and theobromine, which can lead to heart problems, seizures, or even death. Baking and dark chocolate have the highest levels.  White has the lowest.

Raisins, even in small quantities, can result in kidney failure.  

 

In conclusion, our hypothesis was right. Xylitol, chocolate and raisins are the most deadly foods for dogs.  All have toxic effects to dogs.

The dog’s weight and the amount of each of these substances a dog has eaten does matter.  Dark chocolate, xylitol and raisins are all dangerous for dogs.  Raisins can be dangerous in small quantities even for large dogs that are sensitive.

If you think your dog has eaten any, call the Pet Poison Helpline at 1-800-213-6680 and go to the veteranary hospital quickly.  If you act fast, it’s very likely your dog will be ok.  

 

We called vets and used these links:

 

Foods your dog should never eat. (n.d.). WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/pets/dogs/ss/slideshow-foods-your-dog-should-never-eat

Chocolate toxicity: What should I do if my dog eats chocolate? (n.d.). Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/riney-canine-health-center/canine-health-information/chocolate-toxicity-what-should-i-do-if-my-dog-eats-chocolate#:~:text=Two%20toxic%20components%20to%20dogs,can%20quickly%20lead%20to%20dehydration

Hayes, C. (2024, September 3). Xylitol toxicosis in dogs. Merck Veterinary Manual. https://www.merckvetmanual.com/toxicology/food-hazards/xylitol-toxicosis-in-dogs

Hayes, C. (2024, September 3). Grape, Raisin, and Tamarind (Vitis spp, Tamarindus spp) Toxicosis in Dogs. Merck Veterinary Manual. https://www.merckvetmanual.com/toxicology/food-hazards/grape-raisin-and-tamarind-vitis-spp-tamarindus-spp-toxicosis-in-dogs#Pathogenesis_v3348507

Finlay, F., & Guiton, S. (2005, September 17). Chocolate poisoning. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC1215566/#:~:text=Theobromine%20primarily%20affects%20the%20central,as%20having%20a%20%20diuretic%20effect.

TARTARIC ACID: Overview, uses, side effects, precautions, interactions, dosing and reviews. (n.d.). https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-1687/tartaric-acid

Helpline, P. P. (2022, September 6). ARE RAISINS OK FOR DOGS? Pet Poison Helpline. https://www.petpoisonhelpline.com/pet-tips/are-raisins-ok-for-dogs/#:~:text=Tartaric%20acid%20attacks%20your%20dog's,risk%20of%20poisoning%20concerns%2C%20however

Chocolate poisoning in dogs | VCA Animal Hospitals. (n.d.). Vca. https://vcacanada.com/know-your-pet/chocolate-poisoning-in-dogs#:~:text=Clinical%20signs%20depend%20on%20the,%2C%20muscle%20tremors%2C%20and%20seizures.

Brandwood, J. (2023, December 12). Chocolate Toxicity (why can’t dogs eat chocolate?). After Hours Vet Australia. https://animalemergencyservice.com.au/blog/chocolate-toxicity-dogs/#:~:text=Theobromine%20is%20toxic%20to%20dogs,system%2C%20resulting%20in%20chocolate%20toxicity.

Caffeine toxicity in pets | VCA Canada Animal Hospitals. (n.d.). VcaCanada. https://vcacanada.com/know-your-pet/caffeine-toxicity-in-pets#:~:text=Dogs%20and%20cats%20are%20more,for%2012%20to%2036%20hours.

Hayes, C. (2024b, September 3). Grape, Raisin, and Tamarind (Vitis spp, Tamarindus spp) Toxicosis in Dogs. Merck Veterinary Manual. https://www.merckvetmanual.com/toxicology/food-hazards/grape-raisin-and-tamarind-vitis-spp-tamarindus-spp-toxicosis-in-dogs

Toxic component in grapes and raisins identified! (2024, February 15). ASPCApro. https://www.aspcapro.org/resource/toxic-component-grapes-and-raisins-identified#:~:text=The%20clinical%20signs%2C%20laboratory%20findings%2C%20and%20histopathologic%20lesions%20are%20consistent,and%20the%20likely%20toxic%20component

Artificial Sweetener Toxicity in pets | I-20 Animal Medical Center. (n.d.). I-20 Animal Medical Center. https://www.i20animal.com/services/artificial-sweetener-toxicity-in-pets

PubChem. (n.d.). Theobromine. PubChem. https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Theobromine

PubChem. (n.d.-a). Dinitrochlorobenzene. PubChem. https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/6

Hayes, C. (2024c, September 3). Grape, Raisin, and Tamarind (Vitis spp, Tamarindus spp) Toxicosis in Dogs. Merck Veterinary Manual. https://www.merckvetmanual.com/toxicology/food-hazards/grape-raisin-and-tamarind-vitis-spp-tamarindus-spp-toxicosis-in-dogs

Chocolate toxicity: What should I do if my dog eats chocolate? (n.d.-b). Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/riney-canine-health-center/canine-health-information/chocolate-toxicity-what-should-i-do-if-my-dog-eats-chocolate#:~:text=Treatment%20for%20chocolate%20toxicity%20may,Antinausea%20medications%20and%20GI%20protectants

 

People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pets. (n.d.). ASPCA. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/people-foods-avoid-feeding-your-pets#:~:text=Tartaric%20acid%20is%20the%20toxic,raisins%20to%20your%20canine%20companion.&text=Macadamia%20nuts%20can%20cause%20weakness,tremors%20and%20hyperthermia%20in%20dogs.

 

Xylitol poisoning in dogs | VCA Animal Hospitals. (n.d.). Vca. https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/xylitol-toxicity-in-dogs#:~:text=When%20dogs%20eat%20xylitol%2C%20it,to%202%20hours%20after%20ingestion.

 

Xylitol poisoning in dogs. (n.d.). Small Door Veterinary. https://www.smalldoorvet.com/learning-center/medical/xylitol-poisoning-dogs

 

Phone call with Aspen Animal Hospital                                              Phone call with Trinity Hills 24 Hour Pet Hospital

Phone call with South West Veterinary Hospital                                        Phone call with West Springs Veterinary Hospital

Phone call with  Paramount 24 Hour Animal Hospital                                             Phone call with Signal Hill Animal Clinic

Phone call with  Montgomery Village Veterinary Clinic 

Phone call with  VCA Canada Calgary North Animal Hospital & 24 Hour Emergency Service

Phone call with Westland Veterinary Hospital                                              Phone call with Stoney Trail Veterinary Clinic

Phone call with  Glamorgan Animal Clinic                                               Phone call with Bowmont Animal Hospital

Phone call with VCA Canada Coach Hill Animal Hospital                                               Phone call with Village Vet Animal Clinic

Phone call with  VCA Canada Western Veterinary Specialist and Emergency Centre         Phone call with Alpine 24/7 Pet Hospital

 

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