Are you a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel owner or do you love this dog? Then you must know that this type of dog loves to eat. So it is very difficult to avoid their wide-eyed stares and begging for food.
But it would not be right to put anything in his mouth out of love or affection. Not all foods that are beneficial and desirable for humans may be good for your beloved dog and may even be very dangerous. So know which are foods bad for Cavalier King Charles properly.
This is the experience of many people. Their dog forcibly snatches food from them and eats it. But then they go to the veterinarian to find out how bad the food is for the dog or what harm it can do to him.
In this article, we will see which foods are bad or unsafe for your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (and also for other dogs). Why they are bad? And if he ever eats these harmful foods, then what you should do as a lover or pet-parent.
Top Foods That Are Bad for Cavalier King Charles
Here is some information about the foods that are harmful or very dangerous for the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.
1. Chocolate – A Big No!
Chocolate is a great food for humans, but it is harmful to dogs. It contains thiobromine, which is very toxic to dogs. If a dog eats even a small amount of it, it can cause vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, or other more serious symptoms.
- Dark chocolate is the most dangerous for your dog. If he ever eats it, contact your veterinarian immediately.
- Milk chocolate is also harmful to dogs, but not as dangerous as dark chocolate.
Safe alternative: You can feed your dog Karo chips as an alternative to chocolate. It’s dog-friendly and sweet.
2. Grapes & Raisins – Kidney Danger
It may sound strange, but grapes and raisins are very dangerous for dogs. They can cause kidney problems in dogs, and even cod liver oil can be a substitute. Cavaliers are no exception. Even if they eat just a few grapes or raisins, they can develop serious symptoms.
Safe alternative: Even if you can’t feed grapes, you can give your dog blueberries or apple slices without the beets. These are beneficial for dogs.
3. Onions & Garlic – Blood Cell Destroyers
Onions and garlic can act as blood-cell destroyers for your cocker spaniel. This is because they contain sulfates that damage red blood cells and lead to anemia in your dog. Watch out for: Hidden garlic in store-bought treats!
Safe flavor boosters: A tiny bit of parsley or basil.
4. Xylitol (Artificial Sweetener) – Silent Killer
It can act as an artificial sweetener and a silent killer. Some foods like sugar-free gum, peanut butter, and some packaged foods contain this stuff. This can cause a rapid spike in insulin, which can lead to problems like heart disease or liver failure.
Pro tip: When buying dog food, especially check the peanut butter level. Always check the level of Chinese peanut butter carefully and choose brands that do not contain any added sugar.
5. Fatty & Fried Foods – Pancreatitis Risk
Fatty and fried foods are very risky for your Charles Spaniel as they can cause infections in his pancreas and other problems related to the pancreas. So when choosing his food, avoid bacon, fried chicken, fatty leftovers, etc. These can trigger pancreatitis problems in your dog.
Symptoms: Vomiting, belly pain, lethargy.
Safe treat: Baked, unseasoned chicken breast.
6. Macadamia Nuts – A Tiny But Mighty Threat
Even small amounts of macadamia nuts can be harmful to your dog. Symptoms may include weakness, vomiting, tremors, and hyperthermia. The exact cause of poisoning is unknown, but the effects can be very severe.
✅ Safe alternative: If you are looking for something similar to macadamia nuts but not as harmful, you can feed your Charles Spaniel regular, unsalted Chinese almonds in moderation.
7. Cooked Bones – Splinter Hazard
Dogs are sometimes given raw bones as a toy, but cooked bones, especially if they are chicken, pork, or similar animal bones, can be fatal to your dog because they can
puncture the inside of your dog’s digestive tract,
causing a dog’s digestive tract to become blocked,
or even choke on food.
Pro tip: If you must feed your dog meat bones, be sure to give them raw bones with a little meat or choose a veterinarian-approved dog dental chew. Never give them cooked or without meat.
8. Alcohol – Even a Sip is Dangerous
A little alcohol is dangerous for a puppy. If you ever give him a sip of beer, wine, or liquor, it can also be very harmful to the dog. Since the Cavalier Charles Spaniel is a small dog, even a small amount of alcohol can cause poisoning. It includes:
- Vomiting
- Disorientation
- Breathing problems
- Coma
✅ Safe “doggy cocktail”: You can feed your dog doggy cocktail as an alternative to alcohol. It is used to keep dogs refreshed. It is actually a frozen bone broth cocktail.
9. Raw Yeast Dough – Expanding Trouble
Raw goat’s milk can cause a variety of stomach problems in your dog. The problems that may occur include:
- Bloating
- Severe pain
- Alcohol poisoning (which is caused by fermentation)
What to do if they eat it?
→ If your dog eats yeast dough, contact your veterinarian without waiting for symptoms.
✅ Safe alternative: If you want to feed your dog an alternative to yeast dough, you can feed small pieces of whole grain bread that has been completely thawed, but do not feed plain, raisins or garlic.
10. Salty Snacks (Chips, Pretzels, Processed Meats) – Sodium Overload
Any salty food is harmful to dogs. Salty chips, pretzels, processed meats, etc., no matter how delicious they are, contain a lot of sodium. This excess sodium can cause various dangers to your dog.
Let’s see what symptoms it may cause.
Excessive thirst & urination
- Sodium ion poisoning
- Seizures or death (in extreme cases)
Watch out for:
- Deli meats (high in salt & preservatives)
- Popcorn (if buttered/salted)
- Fast food fries
✅ Better snack: Unsalted, air-popped popcorn or a slice of plain. There are several foods you can try as alternatives to the chips mentioned above, such as
unsalted air-popped popcorn
or plain turkey breast
Other Dangerous Foods to Avoid
There are also some other foods that you should avoid giving to your dog. For example,
- avocado can cause vomiting in dogs.
- Caffeine, which is found in coffee, is an energy drink, but it is not good for your dog.
- Raw flour is not good for dogs at all. It can cause bloating, pain, or other related problems.
What to do as Precaution?
Dog-Proof Your Kitchen – Keep poisonous foods out of the dog’s reach. Remember, your dog Charlie is very famous for counter surfing.
Educate Family & Friends – If your friends or relatives unknowingly feed your dog something that is not suitable for them, it could be harmful to them. Therefore, make your family and friends aware of dog foot safety.
Stick to Vet-Approved Treats – Whatever food your dog eats, make sure it is approved by a veterinarian. If you have any doubts about a food, do not feed it to your dog. Choose safe alternatives to commercial dog food or homemade dog food.
Know Emergency Steps – If, despite being very careful, your dog experiences any problems after eating poisonous food, seek medical attention immediately. Talk to your veterinarian, or follow his or her advice.
What to Do If Your Dog Eats Something Toxic
- Stay calm Don’t get excited, stay calm and try to figure out exactly how much of the toxic substance your dog has ingested.
- Call your vet or Pet Poison Helpline (888-426-4435).
- Don’t induce vomiting unless instructed. Do not try to force your dog to vomit to get rid of the poison. Some poisons can come back up and cause further harm to your dog.
Final Thoughts
Keeping your beloved pet Cavalier King Charles Spaniel safe means being fully aware of what they eat. Sharing food with dogs is very tempting and interesting. But in some cases it can do more harm than good to the dog. Know which are foods bad for Cavalier King Charles. And always feed your pet dog-safe food.
When buying dog food from outside, read the label carefully and if in doubt, either do not feed the food or ask your veterinarian.
Having a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel at home means having a little fluffy shadow that follows you around in a rhythm. Especially in the kitchen. It’s hard to ignore those big, charming eyes when they’re staring at you or begging for food. But that’s the hard work you have to do.
Only feed your favorite food made especially for him in moderation, then he will remain fit and healthy.
FAQs About Foods Bad for Cavalier King Charles
Can Cavaliers eat cheese?
In small amounts, yes! But too much can cause pancreatitis. Opt for low-fat options like cottage cheese.
Is peanut butter safe for Cavaliers?
Yes, if it’s xylitol-free! Always check the label.
What fruits can Cavaliers eat?
Safe options: blueberries, apples (no seeds), bananas, watermelon (no rind).
Can my dog drink milk?
Some dogs are lactose intolerant, so it’s best to avoid it or give very little.
Are eggs okay for Cavaliers?
Yes! Cooked eggs (scrambled or boiled) are safe and beneficial to dogs.
It’s crucial to be mindful of what we feed our Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, as not all human foods are safe for them. Chocolate, grapes, and even certain nuts can pose serious health risks. Always consult a veterinarian if your dog accidentally consumes something harmful. Being informed can help prevent unnecessary health issues for your beloved pet. Why are some common foods like grapes and chocolate particularly dangerous for dogs?
It’s important to be aware of the foods that can harm your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. Chocolate, grapes, and raisins are particularly dangerous and should be avoided. Fatty and fried foods can also lead to serious health issues like pancreatitis. If your dog accidentally consumes these harmful foods, consult a veterinarian immediately. Why is it that some foods, like chocolate and grapes, which are fine for humans, are so toxic to dogs?