National: REVEALED: The every day foods that can be deadly for your pet

A pet expert has revealed which diet-friendly food items prove deadly to dogs, as many pet owners have resolved to eat healthier in the new year - and may not know how their new diet will affect their furry friend.

Pet business insurance specialists Protectivity warn that many foods recommended as healthy alternatives to fatty snacks may prove deadly for dogs, including grapes, raisins, macadamia nuts, onions, garlic, xylitol (found in chewing gum), and dairy products. 

Pet owners must brush up on which foods they should and should not share with their pooches - especially given a survey found that almost a quarter (23%) of pet owners planned to share their festive human food with their dog over the festive period. 

The experts said:

“This time of year can be full of hazards for pets as owners juggle festive leftovers and changes to their diet - especially if they resolved to eat healthier in the new year. The best way to prevent accidents is by educating yourself on which items are toxic, keeping them out of the way.”

According to the experts, risky ingredients that may be prominent in a New Year’s diet include: 

• Grapes and raisins - Grapes and raisins are naturally a low-calorie, nutrient-dense, fat-free snack for those aiming to eat healthier, but few people know they are toxic to dogs. Grapes and raisins can cause canine kidney failure, even in small amounts.  
• Macadamia nuts - These can be eaten raw and roasted, proving a popular pre-gym snack for diet-conscious Brits looking for a quick and easy energy boost. However, they can cause weakness, vomiting and hypothermia in dogs. 
• Onions and garlic - Onions and garlic are staples for adding flavour to healthy dishes but are toxic for dogs in all forms (whether powdered, raw, dehydrated, or cooked). They can destroy a dog’s red blood cells and lead to anaemia.  
• Xylitol (chewing gum) - People trying to eat healthier are often encouraged to consume gum to curb cravings, but when consumed by dogs, it can cause a rapid insulin increase that, in turn, can lead to hypoglycaemia. 
• Dairy products - Incorporating healthy dairy into your diet, including yoghurt, low-fat cheese, and milk, is a great source of protein and calcium. However, many dogs are lactose intolerant and will experience digestive problems if they consume dairy. 

As well as identifying the common diet foods to look out for, the experts also reveal which festive leftovers prove dangerous for dogs - including turkey, which can cause pancreatitis due to being difficult for dogs to digest, and Christmas pudding that contains raisins. 

Commenting on the dangers, a Protectivity spokesperson says:

“As well as keeping problem foods out of reach, it’s also key to set boundaries with your dog so that your pet knows what’s expected of them. These boundaries aren’t limited to dog owners but anyone who works around them, such as dog groomers or dog walkers. 

“It can be tempting to indulge our four-legged friends when there’s so much excess food left over from the festive period, but these actions can have dangerous consequences. And while you may be aiming to improve your eating habits this year.

“It’s important to remember that food that is healthy for you isn’t always good for them.”