Is Your Food Safe For Your Dog?
As dog lovers, we tend to be very kind, large-hearted people. Sometimes a little too much, we’d say. We share our homes and our lives with our little babies, but should you also share your favourite foods with them? What harm will come, you may ask. Well, the possibilities are many.
Many of our daily foods, like fruits and vegetables, that we digest very easily, can be detrimental to your dog’s health. Animals metabolize foods differently than us, which means that our favorite food could cause physical and behavioral problems for your furry pal. They can make your dog sick and could even prove fatal. Depending on the food and the breed, they could experience seizures, vomiting, breathing difficulties, and more.
Additionally, if your dog gets used to eating your juicy, tasty food every day, they will start growing averse to their own food which will probably have a lot more nutrients that are necessary for them. That will become a habit hard to break. Plus with their cute eyes and little paws, saying ‘no’ to them might just become more difficult for you.
On the other hand, there are some foods that can be beneficial for them - their joints, immunity, heart and overall body. The idea is to find that balance and also know which foods are a strict no-no for them.
Here is a list of foods that you should definitely keep far, far away from them.
1. Coffee, or any other caffeinated beverages - Dogs are more sensitive to caffeine than humans are. So, ingestion of moderate amounts of coffee grounds or tea bags can easily harm small dogs, sometimes even fatally.
2. Chocolates of any kind - Chocolate contains a toxic substance called methylxanthines, which are stimulants that can stop a dog’s metabolic process. Even a little bit of it can cause diarrhea and vomiting. A large amount can cause seizures or even death. Keep away ice cream, too! They aren’t gonna help them either.
3. Onions and garlic - Onions and garlic are part of the Allium family, which is extremely toxic to dogs. It can create anemia in dogs, and cause side effects like elevated heart rate, and collapse.
4. Grapes and raisins - Grape and raisin toxicity is well known in dogs. No matter what breed, or what quantity of raisins and grapes, do not give them any of it.
5. Almonds and other nuts - Almonds may not be toxic to dogs, but they can block the esophagus or even tear the windpipe if not chewed completely.
6. Meat and poultry that is uncooked - All raw meat or egg has the risk of containing bacteria like salmonella and listeria, which can prove harmful for your pet’s overall gut health and may cause major digestion issues.
If your dog does end up eating any of this, the best thing to do is to take them to your veterinarian immediately. Also remember, stick to pet foods and keep the risks of food toxicity away from them completely.