What Foods Are Not Suitable for Pomeranians？

Pomeranians may be small in size, but their curious nature often leads them to sample foods that can be extremely harmful to their health. As responsible pet owners, it’s crucial to understand which common foods pose serious risks to these delicate toy breeds. Their tiny bodies are particularly vulnerable to toxins that might only cause mild discomfort in larger dogs. Below is a comprehensive guide to foods that should never be given to Pomeranians, along with explanations of the specific dangers they present.

Highly Toxic Foods That Can Be Fatal

Chocolate and Caffeine Products contain theobromine and methylxanthines that Pomeranians cannot metabolize effectively. Even small amounts of dark chocolate or baker’s chocolate can cause vomiting, diarrhea, rapid breathing, seizures, and potentially death in these small dogs. The toxic dose is approximately 100-150mg of theobromine per kg of body weight – meaning just one ounce of dark chocolate could poison a 5-pound Pomeranian.

Xylitol (found in sugar-free gum, candies, baked goods, and some peanut butters) triggers rapid insulin release in dogs, leading to dangerously low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) within 10-60 minutes of ingestion. Symptoms include vomiting, loss of coordination, seizures, and liver failure. Even one piece of xylitol-containing gum can be lethal to a Pomeranian.

Grapes and Raisins cause unexplained kidney failure in dogs, with Pomeranians being especially vulnerable due to their small size. The toxic substance remains unidentified, but as little as 0.1 ounce of grapes per pound of body weight can cause acute kidney failure. Early signs include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and decreased urination.

Onions, Garlic, and Related Alliums contain thiosulfate compounds that damage red blood cells, leading to hemolytic anemia. This includes all forms – raw, cooked, powdered, or as ingredients in processed foods. Symptoms may take several days to appear and include weakness, pale gums, rapid breathing, and dark-colored urine.

Foods That Cause Digestive Distress and Other Health Issues

Dairy Products often lead to digestive upset in Pomeranians due to lactose intolerance. While small amounts of plain yogurt or cheese might be tolerated, milk, ice cream, and cream can cause diarrhea, gas, and abdominal pain in these sensitive dogs.

Raw Meat and Fish carry risks of bacterial contamination (salmonella, E. coli) and parasites. Certain fish like salmon can contain parasites that cause “salmon poisoning disease.” Raw eggs contain avidin, which interferes with biotin absorption needed for healthy skin and coat.

Bones – especially cooked bones – can splinter and cause intestinal blockages or perforations. Pomeranians’ small digestive tracts are particularly vulnerable to these sharp fragments. Even raw bones may be too hard for their tiny teeth.

High-Fat Foods like bacon, sausage, fried foods, and fatty meat trimmings can trigger pancreatitis – a painful and potentially life-threatening inflammation of the pancreas. Symptoms include vomiting, abdominal pain, and lethargy.

Salty Snacks in excess can lead to sodium ion poisoning in small breeds. Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, elevated body temperature, seizures, and even death. Avoid giving chips, pretzels, or processed human foods high in sodium.

Cooked Bones and Certain Raw Fish

Cooked bones, especially poultry bones, become brittle and can splinter, causing choking hazards, intestinal blockages, or perforations in Pomeranians’ small digestive tracts. Raw fish, particularly salmon, trout, and other Pacific Northwest fish, may contain parasites that cause “salmon poisoning disease,” characterized by fever, vomiting, diarrhea, and if untreated, death within 14 days. While properly handled and frozen raw fish may be safer, it’s generally best to avoid feeding raw fish to Pomeranians altogether. Small fish bones also pose a choking risk regardless of whether the fish is cooked or raw.

Macadamia Nuts and Other Hazardous Foods

Macadamia nuts contain an unknown toxin that can cause weakness, depression, vomiting, tremors, and hyperthermia in dogs. As few as 2-3 nuts can make a Pomeranian severely ill, with symptoms appearing within 12 hours. Other nuts like walnuts and pecans may contain toxic molds or be difficult to digest. Avocados contain persin, which can cause vomiting and diarrhea, while the large pit presents a choking hazard. Coconut and coconut oil in large amounts may cause stomach upset and diarrhea due to their high fat content. Salty snacks can lead to sodium ion poisoning, with symptoms including excessive thirst, urination, vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, and seizures.

Other Hazardous Substances

Alcohol affects dogs much more severely than humans, with even small amounts potentially causing intoxication, central nervous system depression, difficulty breathing, coma, and death. This includes alcoholic beverages and foods containing alcohol.

Macadamia Nuts contain an unknown toxin that causes weakness, depression, vomiting, tremors, and hyperthermia in dogs. As few as 2-3 nuts can make a Pomeranian severely ill, with symptoms appearing within 12 hours.

Yeast Dough continues to rise in a dog‘s stomach, causing painful bloating and potentially life-threatening gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV). The fermentation process also produces alcohol, leading to alcohol poisoning.

Avocado contains persin, which can cause vomiting and diarrhea in dogs. The large pit also presents a choking hazard for small breeds like Pomeranians.

Coconut Products in large amounts can cause stomach upset due to their high oil content. Coconut water contains potassium levels that may be dangerous for Pomeranians.

Safe Feeding Practices for Pomeranian Owners

To protect your Pomeranian, always:

• Store dangerous foods securely out of reach
• Educate family members and guests about feeding restrictions
• Check ingredient labels for hidden dangers (especially xylitol)
• Keep emergency veterinary contact information handy
• Monitor your dog closely during food preparation and meal
• When in doubt, consult your veterinarian before offering any human food

If you suspect your Pomeranian has ingested something toxic, contact your veterinarian or pet poison control immediately. Prompt treatment often makes the difference between life and death for these small dogs. With proper precautions and education, you can create a safe eating environment that allows your Pomeranian to thrive while avoiding these common but dangerous food hazards.