[EvaH (OP)]

Ignacio asks:

The Naked Scientist explained that dogs are not able to process theobromine thus it becomes toxic. I have been told that grapes and garlic are also toxic to dogs but have not found out if this is true. If this is true, why are they toxic?

Can you help?

[axscientist]

Yes, certain amounts of grapes and garlic can pose as threats to a canine's health. Human metabolism and dog metabolism are very different, which means that humans can eat things that dogs cannot, e.g. chocolate, caffeine, grapes, onions, garlic, avocado, macadamia nuts, and alcohol.

Garlic, as well as other members of the allium family, contain thiosulfate. This is not toxic to humans, but it is to dogs. Thiosulfate can cause oxidative damage to red blood cells, which results in hemolytic anemia. Gastrointestinal illness is also a result of canine consumption of too much garlic.

Grapes are highly toxic to dogs. Depending on the dog's size, a single grape could kill or put the animal in serious danger. Ingesting of the grape (in dogs) can cause acute kidney failure. Scientists aren't quite sure what substance in grapes is so toxic to dogs, so I can't give an answer for that.

Hope this helps,
AX