If you have a pet that’s just like family, then you might like to share everything with them, including your bed and food. However, many studies show that certain foods that we eat, which include nutritious items as well, may be extremely harmful and poisonous for your canine companion. This is mostly because dogs have a different digestive system from humans. Thus, some foods that are safe for us to eat can be dangerous for dogs. Continue reading to learn more about the food types that unsafe for your furry friend:
Chocolate
Chocolate definitely tops the list as the most dangerous human food for dogs. Chocolates contain an ingredient called theobromine, which is toxic for dogs. It is found in high content in dark and baking chocolates.
Feeding your dog chocolate can make them vomit, overly thirsty or they may even get diarrhea. In some cases, your dog may also experience abnormal heart rhythms, tremors, seizures, which can result in its death. So, keep chocolates away from your four-legged friend.
Grapes and Raisins
Research shows that feeding dogs grapes or raisins can expose them to the danger of kidney failure. Dogs that already have underlying health issues are at a high risk of experiencing kidney failure if they are fed grapes or raisins. Therefore, keep grapes and raisins away from your pet.
Macadamia Nuts
Macadamia nuts may be delicious, but they are super unsafe for dogs. Within just 12 hours of ingestion of these nuts, your dog can suffer from tremors, vomiting, depression, weakness and high body temperature.
Salty Foods
Salty foods are a big no for dogs. Food sources with high-salt content can cause sodium ion poisoning in dogs, along with excessive urination and thirst. Other symptoms may include high body temperature, seizures, vomiting, diarrhea and bloating. Simply stated, salt is fatal for pups and dogs.
Onions and Garlic
As much as humans love to toss in onions and garlic in their cuisines, these two food sources are unsafe for dogs. Although a small dose may not be harmful, large doses of garlic and onions should be avoided. Consumption of onions and garlic in high quantities can destroy their red blood cells, thereby putting them at the risk of anemia. After consuming garlic and onions in large quantities, your dog may also experience problems like vomiting, bad breath and breathlessness.
Dairy Products
How many times have you spilled the milk and whistled your dog to clean it up or slipped in a piece of cheese in their mouth while enjoying it yourself? Well, the truth of the matter is that dogs can process dairy products made from cow’s milk. They lack the enzyme that is needed to break down milk sugar. Also, some dogs have lactose intolerance.
Therefore, giving dairy products like cow’s milk or cheese to your dog can cause them to vomit and develop gastrointestinal diseases. Furthermore, the high-fat content can put them at the risk of developing pancreatitis. Pancreatitis is a condition in which the pancreas becomes inflamed. In some situations, it can also be fatal. So, if you love your pet and want them to be safe, then don’t feed them dairy products made from cow’s milk.
Corn on the Cob
This may seem like a healthy table scrap for dogs, but it is quite unsafe for your four-legged friend. Corn on the cob can cause digestion issues among dogs. In fact, if your dog swallows large chunks of cob, it can lead to intestinal blockage due to its size and shape. The intestinal blockage can result in loss of appetite, absence of feces and abdominal discomfort.
Undercooked or Raw Meat, Bones and Eggs
Whether it is meat, eggs or bones, if they are raw or undercooked, they should not be given to dogs as these foods contain bacteria like salmonella and E.coli. These bacteria are dangerous for both dogs and humans. Besides this, raw eggs also contain an enzyme known as avidin. This enzyme decreases the absorption of biotin, which can put your furry friend to skin and coat problems.
Also, feeding dogs raw bones can often make them choke on bones and get lodged in or puncture their digestive tract.
Xylitol
Used as an artificial sweetener in sugar-free gums, candies, baked goods and even toothpaste, Xylitol is dangerous for dogs as it can cause insulin release, which can further lead to liver failure and hypoglycemia. Initial signs of damage and toxicity include loss of coordination, vomiting and laziness. Signs can also progress to seizures. Xylitol is also linked to fatal acute liver diseases and blood clotting disorders in dogs.
Yeast Dough
Feeding pizza made from yeast dough can cause gas to accumulate in the digestive system of your pet. This condition is extremely painful and can result in bloating of the stomach.
Alcohol
Alcoholic products and beverages are unsafe for dogs. Feeding them these products can lead to decreased coordination, central nervous system depression, tremors, difficulty in breathing, abnormal blood acidity and even death.
So, avoid feeding these food types to your furry friend. Give them dog food or human food that is safe for them to eat, such as carrots, apples, white rice, chicken and blueberries. However, before you feed them anything from your plate, do find out whether it is safe for your dog or not.
Other ways to ensure a happy and healthy dog is to make sure that they are kept clean. Give them regular baths, brush their teeth and make sure to cut their nails. If you can’t do it on your own, then benefit from our pet grooming services. Our experienced pet groomers can help keep your furry friend clean and healthy.
