Just about every dog owner feeds their dog table scraps at some time or another. And who hasn’t slipped their dog a tasty tidbit under the table during dinner?
While food from the family table may generally be suitable, there are some foods that humans can eat, that will make your dog sick. The main reason is digestive differences between us.
And even though your dog may gobble up whatever he or she can, it’s vital that certain foods never be given.
Here are some of the most dangerous foods to avoid giving your dog.
Chocolate is a great treat, but there’s good reason why dog chocolates are made. Yummy human chocolate contains theobromine, a natural compound in cocoa bean. Theobromine stimulates the heart and is a diuretic. If you give your dog human chocolate, he or she will probably pass a lot of urine later due to the diuretic effect, and this can lead to dehydration. The theobromine will also cause an irregular or fast heartbeat, which could be fatal, especially for older or overweight dogs. Cooking chocolate and cocoa powder contain much more theobromine than milk chocolate, and are extremely toxic for dogs. Even chocolate biscuits and cake can be harmful because of cooking chocolate as an ingredient.
A sweet alternative is a special dog chocolate you can buy at most supermarkets, or plain carob from supermarkets or health food stores. Carob is from the legume family, and is considered safe for dogs although it contains traces of theobromine. Purchasing specially dog-branded carob treats or making your own with carob you know has no added theobromine, is the safest option if you want to give your dog sweets.
Coffee contains caffeine and is even more harmful to dogs in small amounts than to humans in larger amounts. So, chocolate is out again, and any caffeine-based drink should be kept away from your dog.
Cooked bones of any type are potential killers as they can splinter easily and cause choking in the throat, or damage to the stomach lining. Many dog owners insist that larger meaty bones cooked in a slow cooker for example are safe, as the bones retain moisture. However, any type of cooking will dry out the bone shell to a certain extent. Is it worth the risk?
Grapes, raisins and sultanas damage dogs’ kidneys and can cause renal failure. Vets don’t know why this is so, but the prognosis is very poor for any dog who eats grapes, raisins or sultanas. Small dogs are at the greatest risk because of their low body weight. Vets say a couple of grapes may not cause problems, but a box or handful will.
Onions and garlic whether they’re cooked or raw, contain certain sulfoxides and disulfides which can cause anemia in dogs by damaging red blood cells. Simply put, the dog’s red blood cells burst while circulating through the body, the dog’s urine will become stained with blood, and he or she will become breathless. Even foods like leftover pizza, and any takeaway or prepared foods with onion or garlic in them, are toxic for dogs. Many puppies are fed commercial baby food while being weaned. Do be very careful there are no onions or garlic in the mix, if you’re considering baby food for your pup.
Apart from being an obvious choking hazard, nuts are also a no food for dogs. The fungus that attacks the outsides of walnut shells when they become wet (from sprinklers or rain) can have serious consequences for dogs. Signs of walnut are trembling, vomiting, drooling, no appetite or energy and yellow eyes or gums. Some dogs may have blood in their vomit or stools.
Macadamia nuts affect muscles and the digestive and nervous systems.
Tomatoes contain an alkaloid called tomatine, which causes problems in animals and also in many people. They also contain Tomatoes also contain atropine, which can cause tremors, dilated pupils, and irregular heartbeats.
Mushrooms cause can cause vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, liver and kidney damage, convulsions, coma, or death.
Avocados contain persin which damages heart and lung tissue in many animals, including dogs. If you think your dog has eaten avocado, watch for breathing problems, a swollen abdomen, and vomiting, Vets don’t know how much avocado a dog needs to eat before the signs of poisoning become apparent.
Never ever give your dog apple seeds, or pits from plums, peaches, pears, apricots or cherries, They all contain cyanide, which can build up in the system over time and lead to death.
Dogs have issues with digesting most large pieces of cooked or raw vegetables. Although dogs need vitamins and minerals from vegetables, as carnivores, their systems are equipped to digest the partially-digested stomach contents of prey and not whole vegetables themselves.
Fat trimmings are self explanatory, as they can lead to obesity.
And lastly, all dairy products are best given sparingly, as most adult dogs are lactose intolerant.
Michelle Aleksandrovics is a long-time dog owner with many years’ grassroots experience with different breeds of dogs. Her expertise is based on what works for you and your dog. Michelle believes that having a basic understanding of a dog’s pack instincts and establishing yourself as a benevolent leader who cares for the pack/family are keys to a healthy and happy life together. You can read more real-life information at http://www.lovemydogcare.com.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michelle_Aleksandrovics
http://EzineArticles.com/?Dangerous-Dog-Food—Whats-Good-For-You-Can-Kill-Your-Dog&id=5096339
