Common Human Foods You Should Not Feed Your Dog
We've all seen it, the puppy dog eyes that are just begging for a bite but feeding your dog the wrong thing can lead to a vet visit Before you give your pup a treat off of the table make sure it is safe for him to eat.
We will cover:
We've All Heard You Shouldn't Feed A Dog Chocolate But ...
What about other foods? Vegetables fruits, nuts and more can all be included in your dogs diet safely with some exceptions. We've got a list for you to keep in mind and some of these foods you should never feed your dog might surprise you!
Chocolate: The ultimate no-no.
Do you know why that is? Chocolate as well as coffee and things containing caffeine contain naturally occurring substance called methylxanthines. Mild exposure can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and extreme thirst. However, serious symptoms including seizures or even death can occur if your dog ingests 1 oz of chocolate for every pound he weighs. Dogs love sweets so make sure you keep yours up and out of reach.
Sweeteners
And while we're talking about sugar, there's a sugar substitute you should definitely keep away from your dog, Xylitol. In dogs this can result in insulin release which can lead to liver damage and seizures.
Alliums
Garlic, onions and chives are great flavor boosters when you're cooking but they can wreak havoc on your dog. The Allium family of plants, which also includes leeks, contain sulfur-containing compounds that can cause a serious form of anemia resulting is stomach upset, respiratory distress, heart rate changes and even be fatal.
Surprising Things Your Dog Shouldn't Eat
Milk & Dairy
Especially when raw, dairy can cause stomach issues for dogs as well as inflammation in the pancreas. The exception is using plain Greek yogurt in homemade baked treats for dogs or mixed with peanut butter for a frozen treat.
Raw Eggs
Aside from Salmonella and E.coli, raw eggs also have an enzyme that can cause dogs to not absorb B vitamins efficiently and lead to skin and coat problems.
Avocado
There is an oily toxin found in avocados called persin that causes vomiting and diarrhea in dogs. The avocado seeds also pose a choking hazard to your pup so it is a good idea to just keep your dog away from this superfood.
Raw Bread Dough
Aside from the other raw ingredients, raw bread dough can begin to ferment in your dogs digestive system leading to intoxication and the risk of alcohol poisoning.
The Maybe List
Coconut & Coconut Oil
In small amounts, coconut flakes in a baked treat, a teaspoon of coconut oil in their dinner, can be beneficial. Coconut water is high in potassium which can offset the electrolyte balance in your dog leading to problems with their heart or kidneys.
Citrus
An occasional orange slice aren't likely to harm your dog but frequently eating citrus can cause problems with their digestion and central nervous system due to the essential oil in these fruits.
So, What Foods CAN My Dog Eat?
Healthy Dog Treat Alternatives
No matter how pleadingly your doggo looks at you as you're eating that piece of chocolate or pizza, you'll be better off not giving in. And so will they. So if you want some inspiration of dog safe treats to spoil your pet (in moderation) here are a few suggestions:
Frozen treats made from a combination of a safe nut butter (Check of Xylitol) and mashed fruits like bananas or canned pumpkin can be made in silicone trays for hot weather.
A small bowl of oatmeal, made with water or home made broth made with meat/bones only and a handful of frozen veggies can be a nice warm treat after a winter walk.
Fresh veggies like green beans, an occasional carrot or apple slices are also great options.
Meats, cooked plain, can be a great topper for their regular food to make a meal feel like a treat,
Cooked eggs such as scrambled, can also be a great treat once cooled.
