What dog food to avoid for golden retrievers

A Comprehensive List of Foods Golden Retrievers Should Avoid

If youre the proud owner of a golden retriever, youll want to make sure that youre aware of the foods that are potentially dangerous for them to consume. Its important to know which foods you should avoid feeding your golden retriever to ensure their health and well-being. In this article, well discuss the list of foods that your golden retriever should avoid and provide alternatives that are safe for them to eat. So lets answer the question on your mind.

What Foods Should Golden Retrievers Not Eat?

Contents of article

I. What fruits should Golden Retrievers not eat?II. What vegetables can be unsafe for Golden Retrievers?III. What Nuts should Golden Retrievers avoid?IV. What other foods should Golden Retrievers not eat?V. What to do if your Golden Retriever has eaten toxic food?

Fruits that Golden Retrievers should not eat

Although there are plenty of fruits that you golden can eat, always remember that they are high in sugar, and can cause diarrhea. In addition there are some fruits that are fine to eat, but have seeds or pits that should be avoided, which are included in the list below.

Grapes and Raisins

Grapes and raisins can be toxic to dogs and should be avoided. When ingested, these fruits can cause kidney failure in dogs. Even in small amounts, these fruits can be potentially dangerous and shouldnt be fed to your golden retriever.

The exact reason why grapes and raisins are toxic to dogs is still unknown, however, its thought to be related to the presence of mycotoxins, which can cause kidney damage in dogs.

Theres no way to tell how your dog will react to eating grapes or raisins, so its best to avoid them altogether. If youre looking for a safe and healthy alternative, try blueberrys, or cucumber slices.

Avocados

No, avocados should not be fed to dogs as they contain a substance called persin which can be toxic to your Golden Retriever. In addition, the pit of an avocado can be a choking hazard if ingested, and can cause a blockage in your dogs digestive system.

Cherries

Cherries, including both sweet and sour cherries, can be dangerous for dogs to eat. The stems, leaves, and pits of cherries contain cyanide, which is toxic to dogs and can cause symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, hyperventilation, and in severe cases, coma and death.

Its best to keep cherries and all pits, stems, and leaves out of reach of dogs. If a dog ingests cherry pits, stems, or leaves, seek veterinary care immediately. The flesh of cherries is not toxic to dogs, but it is high in sugar and can cause digestive upset, so it be avoided just to be safe.

Plums

Plums are generally safe for dogs to eat in small amounts as a treat. The flesh of the plum is non-toxic and can provide dogs with vitamins and minerals, but the pit and the plum trees leaves and bark contain cyanide, which is toxic to Golden Retrievers and can cause symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, hyperventilation, and in severe cases, coma and death. Its probably best to avoid all together.

Mangos pits, peach pits, & apple seeds

Dogs should not eat peach pits or mango pits. Both peach and mango pits contain small amounts of cyanide, which is toxic to dogs and can cause symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, hyperventilation, and in severe cases, coma and death.

Its important to remove the pit from peaches and mangos before feeding them to your Golden Retriever, and to keep the pits out of reach. If a dog ingests a peach or mango pit, seek veterinary care immediately.

The flesh of peaches and mangos is generally safe for dogs to eat in moderation as a treat, but it is high in sugar and can cause digestive upset, so it should be given in moderation. As with any new food, its best to introduce peaches and mangos to your dog gradually and in small amounts, and to monitor their reaction. If your dog experiences any symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, or skin irritation after eating peaches or mangos, discontinue feeding them and consult with a veterinarian.

Apple seeds contain a small amount of cyanide, which can be toxic to dogs. However, the amount of cyanide in a small number of apple seeds is not likely to be harmful to dogs. It would take a large amount of apple seeds for the cyanide to reach toxic levels in a dog.

However, its still best to avoid feeding your dog apple seeds and to remove the seeds before giving apples to your dog as a treat. Apple flesh is non-toxic and can provide dogs with vitamins and fiber.

If your dog ingests a small amount of apple seeds, they are unlikely to experience any harmful effects. However, if youre concerned or if your dog ingests a large amount of apple seeds, its best to seek veterinary care.

In general, its important to monitor your dogs reaction to any new food, including apples, and to discontinue feeding them if they experience any symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, or skin irritation. If you have any concerns, its always best to consult with a veterinarian.

Tomatoes

Tomatoes are safe for dogs to eat in moderation. The fruit of the tomato plant (the tomato itself) is non-toxic to dogs, but the leaves and stem of the plant contain solanine, which is toxic to dogs and can cause symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, confusion, and in severe cases, heart and respiratory issues. If your golden retriever has consumed tomato stems or leaves consult with a vet.

If feeding tomatoes to your dog, its important to remove the stem and leaves and only feed the fruit.

Vegetables that not safe for Golden Retrievers to eat

Onions, Garlic, and Chives, Leeks

Onions, garlic, chives, and leeks are members of the Allium family and can be toxic to dogs. The compounds in these foods can damage a dogs red blood cells, leading to anemia. Symptoms of onion and garlic toxicity in dogs can include vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, panting, and abdominal pain. In severe cases, anemia, elevated heart rate, and jaundice may also occur. Consult a veterinarian if your golden has consumed any of these they can guide you on signs to look for and if any action is necessary. This will depend on the amount ingested and symptoms.

Asparagus

Asparagus although has nutrients that are healthy for your golden retriever, its important to cut it into small pieces and to remove any tough or fibrous parts that could be difficult for your dog to digest, and become a choking hazard. Its also important to monitor your dogs reaction to any new food, including asparagus, and to discontinue feeding them if they experience any symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, or skin irritation.

In general, its best to only offer your dog small amounts of asparagus as a treat and to not make it a regular part of their diet

Mushrooms

Not all mushrooms are safe for dogs to eat. Some species of mushrooms contain toxins that can be harmful or even fatal to dogs. Common symptoms of mushroom toxicity in dogs can include vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, seizures, and in severe cases, liver and kidney failure.

Its important to keep dogs away from wild mushrooms, as it can be difficult to determine which species are toxic and which are not.

Nuts that can be harmful for Golden Retrievers

Macadamia Nuts

Macadamia nuts can be toxic to Golden Retrievers and should be avoided. The consumption of even a small amount of macadamia nuts can cause symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, tremors, and increased body temperature in dogs. In severe cases, ingestion of macadamia nuts can cause hind limb weakness, hyperthermia, and even pancreatitis.

Its important to keep macadamia nuts and products containing macadamia nuts, such as baked goods and snacks, out of reach of dogs. If you suspect that your dog has ingested macadamia nuts, its important to seek veterinary care immediately.

Walnuts & Almonds

Its best avoid feeding these to your golden, its true they are not toxic to your dog, however they can become a choking hazard or tough to digest.

Other human food, snacks, spices, and ingestibles that can be harmful to your Golden Retriever

Chocolate

Chocolate is one of the most commonly known foods that is toxic to dogs. Chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine, which can be poisonous for dogs if ingested in large enough quantities. Theobromine and caffeine are both stimulants that can increase the heart rate and cause seizures, vomiting, and even death. Additionally, chocolate can cause pancreatitis and other digestive problems in dogs. Its best to steer clear of giving your sweet golden retriever any type of chocolate and opt for healthier dog-safe treats instead.

Xylitol

Xylitol is a sugar substitute that is found in many foods and products, including certain brands of peanut butter, gum, and baked goods. While it is safe for human consumption, it can be very dangerous for dogs. Xylitol can cause a rapid and dangerous drop in blood sugar levels, resulting in vomiting, disorientation, seizures, and even death. It can also cause liver damage. Its important to always check the label of any food or treat before feeding it to your golden retriever to make sure that it does not contain xylitol. Contact a veterinarian if you think your Golden Retreiver might have ingested Xylitol

Alcohol

Alcohol can be very dangerous for dogs to consume due to its toxic effect. When ingested, alcohol can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, poor coordination, decreased breathing rate, and even death. Alcohol can also cause liver and brain damage, and can lead to long-term health issues. Its important to keep your golden retriever away from any alcoholic beverages and to seek medical help if they have consumed any.

Marijuana

Marijuana can be toxic to dogs. Dogs are more sensitive to the effects of marijuana than humans and can easily ingest it through edibles, plants, or second-hand smoke. When a dog ingests marijuana, it can cause a variety of symptoms including depression, confusion, decreased coordination, sleepiness or excitement, rapid heart rate, low blood pressure, and even coma or death in severe cases.

If you suspect that your dog has ingested marijuana, its important to seek veterinary care immediately. The severity of symptoms and the appropriate treatment will depend on the amount ingested, the size of the dog, and how long ago the ingestion occurred.

In general, its best to keep marijuana and all other drugs out of reach of pets, as they can be dangerous and potentially fatal. If you use marijuana products, make sure to store them in a secure location where your pet cannot access them, and be mindful of any dropped crumbs or residue that might be within their reach.

Fatty, Salty, and Sugary Foods

Fatty foods like pork fate, beef fat, and chicken fat, as well as, bacon grease oil and butter, can cause pancreatitis in dogs. Pancreatitis is a painful condition that can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and even death.

Ice Cream

Ice cream can be a concern. Sugar is not healthy to give to your dog, and some dogs are lactose intolerant, plus some ice cream contains xylitol which is harmful to dogs. There are dog-friendly versions, which might be a better option.

Cinnamon

Cinnamon is safe for dogs to eat in small quantities, but it can be toxic if consumed in large amounts. Cinnamon is a spice that is commonly used in baking and cooking, and it can provide dogs with some health benefits, such as helping to regulate blood sugar levels, improve digestion, and relieve arthritis pain.

However, cinnamon contains a compound called coumarin, which can be toxic to dogs in large amounts. Symptoms of cinnamon toxicity can include vomiting, diarrhea, liver damage, and even death.

If you want to offer cinnamon to your dog, its best to only feed them small amounts as a treat, and to avoid cinnamon-flavored snacks or baked goods that contain large amounts of cinnamon

Always Monitor Your Golden Retrievers Diet

Every pet owner should be aware of the potential harm that certain foods can pose to their pets health. It is especially important for owners of golden retrievers to monitor their diets closely, as these dogs can be particularly sensitive to certain foods. There are a variety of foods that you should avoid feeding your golden retriever, as they can cause a range of digestive issues and other health problems.

Talk to Your Veterinarian for Further Advice

It is always best to seek the advice of a veteranarian if you are unsure of the foods your Golden Retriever should be consuming.

If your dog has ingested one of the mentioned food items that can be toxic, or is exhibiting symptoms that are concerning you should contact a vet for advice as soon as possible. You can contact an online vet who can give you advice in a timely manor. We recommend Vetster for fast consultation, or your local pet hospital.