The third and final part of our Dog Nutrition Tips blog series is about what NOT to feed your dog.
We covered already the essentials of dog nutrition (Part 1), and how much you should be feeding your dog (Part 2). But what about what is harmful for your dog if eaten?
What You Shouldn't Feed Your Dog
Dog’s bodies are different than human bodies, and certain foods just aren’t compatible with your dog. Some of these foods cause gastro-intestinal distress, and some are downright poisonous to your dog - healthy and tasty as they may be to you!
So as a concerned dog owner, be aware that not everything human's eat can be given to your pup. Keep these in mind, and watch out to not let these land on the floor for your dog to scoop up.
List Of Foods That Are Bad For Dogs
Here is what to avoid for dogs:
Xylitol - this non-sugar sweetener can be found in some candy, toothpaste, baked goods, and diet foods as a sugar replacement. Warning - this is poisonous for your dog. It can cause hypoglycemia (lowered blood sugar level) which can result in liver failure and blood clotting disorders.
Onions, garlic, and chives - The onion family is toxic to dogs and can cause gastrointestinal irritation and red blood cell damage.
Chocolate - despite this being a delicious human treat, it is poisonous for dogs. It contains a stimulant called theobromine (dark chocolate contains more of this than regular chocolate, although both contain it), which is toxic and can cause kidney failure in dogs.
Macadamia nuts - these contain a toxin that can affect your dog’s muscles and nervous system.
Corn on the cob - corn can be digest by dogs, but not the cob - dont give your dog this!
Avocado - These are toxic dogs as they contain a substance poisonous for dogs called Persin, which can cause vomiting and diarrhea.
Alcohol - This is bad for dogs, not only due to intoxication (the same as humans), but in addition to that can cause sickness, diarrhea, and even central nervous system damage. They are a lot more sensitive to alcohol than humans, so just don’t give any to your dog.
Grapes or raisins - While a common food for humans, grapes (or raisins) can cause severe liver damage or kidney failure in dogs, and are toxic, believe it or not, so don’t feed your dogs these.
Chicken/Poultry Bones or Cooked Bones - Chicken or poultry bones and cooked bones, can break into pieces and get stuck in your dog’s throat and gut and cause extreme pain and constipation for your dog. Uncooked pork or cow bones are great for dogs, have healthy benefits and a long lasting treat. But avoid cooked bones which can become brittle.
Coffee, tea, and other caffeine - Caffeine can be fatal, so watch out for your dog eating coffee grounds or drinking coffee or tea. Keep your dog away from colas and energy drinks that can contain this ingredient.
Pits of fruits such as peaches and plums - These can cause blockage in your dogs intestines and that can be a serious complication. People know not to eat these seeds, your dog may not, so just be sure not to let your dog scoop up the peach pit on the floor!
Salt - This is not poisonous, and is actually required for your dogs diet, but believe it or not dogs can’t taste it, and get their salt requirements from the food they eat, so don’t give extra salt to them, or give too much salty foods. It isnt a problem if you give salty food, just give extra water for your dog, but realize they can’t watch how much salt they are eating like humans can. Having too much salt can lead to other complications if not moderated.
Takeaway tip:
Stick to your dog’s normal dog food and dog treats and you are okay. Lean meats, vegetables such as sweet potato pumpkin, rice, carrots and potatoes are ok (check out our sweet potato treats which are super healthy and dogs love), plus fruits tend to be ok (in moderation and watch the seeds & pits). Avoid giving your dog table scraps or human food as treats, which may unknowingly contain a toxic substance as above. Definitely do not give your dog any sweets, which may contain chocolate or xylitol (there’s just about nothing healthy for a dog when it comes to human sweets anyways). So, give your dog the treats that are healthy for him/her that they can safely enjoy!
