In our last post, we covered extensively common fruits and veggies that are both beneficial and harmful to your dog. In today’s post, we will take a look at other foods that seem harmless but can cause health issues for your dog.
Being a good dog owner takes a lot of responsibility, it is just like taking care of a kid! With The Vet Set, we can make things less complicated by coming to you! Schedule anything from DAA2P vaccinations to a weight management consultation. Join us in today’s post as we look at additional foods to keep your dog away from.
Foods You Should Never Give Your Dog
There are varying opinions of the human foods you should and shouldn’t give your dog, but all vets agree that there are some you should completely avoid.
Chocolate – Dogs should never eat chocolate, no matter who tells you it is safe. Chocolate contains a compound called methylxanthines and it speeds up their metabolic processes. A small amount will stimulate their bowels, while large amounts will cause irregular heartbeats, seizures, and possible death. If your dog accidentally consumes chocolate, ensure you call your emergency vet immediately.
Cinnamon – This naturally sweet spice should be avoided. Cinnamon has properties that can make your dog very uncomfortable by irritating the inside of their mouths. It is also known to lower blood sugar, and in a dog, this leads to heart rate issues, vomiting, diarrhea, and potential liver disease.
Garlic – If it is a part of the allium family (garlic, onions, leeks, and chives) it should be avoided. That being said, garlic is five times more toxic than all of the other allium family members. Garlic can cause anemia, an increased heart rate, collapsing, and weakness. If your dog gets a bit of garlic, be sure to visit the vet. Even if your dog seems fine, garlic has a delayed effect and won’t manifest right after consumption.
Ice cream – This dairy delight is not good for dogs. Most dogs have a sensitivity to dairy, and combined with its high sugar content, this spells a night of cleaning up after them! If you want to give your dog a frozen treat, try instead, freezing chunks of fruit.
Macadamia nuts – These nuts are one of the most poisonous foods for dogs to eat! They are a part of the Proteaceae family that causes vomiting, an inability to walk, an increased temperature, and extreme fatigue.
Beer – Every once in a while, someone gives a beer to a dog, so is it harmful? Yes, beer is harmful to dogs. Hops, which is a primary ingredient in beer, are highly toxic to dogs.
Foods You Can Treat Your Dog With
Eggs – As long as the eggs are fully cooked, they are great for dogs to eat. They are a good source of protein and contain beneficial vitamins and minerals to help them maintain a healthy coat.
Fish – Dogs love fish and they are safe for them to eat! Fish contains healthy fats and calcium to keep your dog healthy. Remember to always cook the fish and remove any larger bones that can pose a choking hazard. Keep fish a treat and limit it to once or twice per week.
Peanuts and peanut butter – This is a timeless treat for dogs that provides protein and healthy fats. The best kind of peanut butter for your dog is one where there is no sugar or salt added — just peanuts.
Popcorn – This is a fun snack, great for throwing up in the air and having your dog catch! Make sure the popcorn is fully cooled and there are no unpopped kernels that can cause a choking hazard.
Pork – Pork is a great protein option for dogs, but does contain more calories than other meats. It is also known to be a good choice for dogs who have food sensitivities because it is less likely to cause a histamine response.
Turkey – Turkey is another good protein option for dogs, but always it is plain and has any excess fat and skin removed before giving it to your dog. If the turkey comes straight from the carcass, be sure to remove the bones. Bones can splinter in digestion and result in tears or blockages.
Wheat/grains – This food group gets a bad reputation because it is what composes a majority of dog foods on the market — dogs can eat grains, but they don’t need too many. Too many grains can lead to weight gain in dogs, which is why they should be limited. Wheat and grains, in small quantities, are great for dogs if they don’t have any sensitivity to them. Bread with peanut butter is a great treat or snack, or corn mixed with a little bit of chicken.
Cottage cheese – Some dogs have more trouble digesting lactose in dairy products, so ensure your dog doesn’t have a sensitivity before feeding it to them. Cottage cheese is a very versatile treat, and owners will often put it in a kong dog toy mixed with peanut butter, and then freeze it for a something that is both a puzzle and a treat for your dog!
Food can be helpful or harmful to your dog, and, it is critical as a responsible dog owner to know which foods those are. Chocolate and macadamia nuts? Not so much. Turkey and popcorn? Perfectly safe! Have fun with your pooch and reward them with delicious treats that don’t harm their health.
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