Meet WNG’s Newest Family Members and Protect Your Golden Retriever From These 9 Toxic Foods

Three month old Molly and Betty are Windy Knoll Golden’s newest females. The progeny of recently retired gentle Patsy and handsome George, these two are full of life and love attention. Inspired by eager puppy curiosity, they like to explore new corners of the farm and meet all of the different animals and people.

Molly and Betty, just like all dogs, can’t seem to resist a free meal. From a tasty handout here to an eager lick there, they love to sample human food. However, a number of human food items are dangerous for your dog. Here is a list of 9 edible items that golden retrievers should NOT eat.

1. Chocolate. Small amounts can cause diarrhea and vomiting while significant amounts can result in seizures or heart failure.
2. Macadamia Nuts. These nuts are poisonous for dogs.
3. Grapes. (raisins/currants) Grapes can trigger liver failure in dogs.
4. Artificial Sweeteners. These ingredients, found in items such as gum and candy, can lead to extremely low blood sugar levels.
5. Caffeine. Products with caffeine including soft drinks/sodas can affect muscular, cardiovascular, and neurological health in your dog.
6. Alcohol. Small volumes of alcohol can cause serious complications.
7. Fruit Seeds. Apple, cherry, plum, peach, and apricot seeds/pits are toxic for most dogs.
8. Avocados. They contain a substance known as persin that causes serious reactions in a dog’s digestive system.
9. Nutmeg and Cinnamon. These common spices/baking ingredients are not safe for dogs.

With reasonable foresight, you can easily keep your dog from these toxic human foods. If you suspect your dog may have eaten or ingested something poisonous, contact your local vet. In an extreme emergency, the Pet Poison Hotline can be consulted immediately for a fee.