Even though your dog is part of the family when it comes to meals, it is best to treat his meals differently, there are a number of foods dogs should stay away from. It is not hard to identify the foods you shouldn’t feed your dog and it is just as important to practice having those foods sealed and out of reach. Make sure to talk to everyone in the family, especially kids, about it. Here is a list of some of the foods that are bad for dogs:
-Macadamia Nuts
This might cause vomiting, weakness and hypothermia. Macadamia nuts are often found in cookies or candy.
-Onions
Onions might cause gastrointestinal irritation when eaten in large quantities,
-Raw Meat and Eggs
The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) both advise against feeding your dog a raw diet including uncooked meat and raw eggs, definitely a big no-no.
-Chocolate
It can cause vomiting, diarrhea and in some cases death, dark chocolate and baking chocolate have a high percentage of theobromine which is extremely toxic for dogs.
-Foods with Xylitol
This is an artificial sweetener commonly used in sugar-free products like candy and gum. If your dog happens to eat any food with xylitol it might lead to liver failure.
This list mentions a few of the most common foods that dogs shouldn’t eat, that might be dangerous for their health. When in doubt if a food is safe or not sure about what not to feed your dog don’t hesitate to ask your veterinarian.
Contact your veterinarian immediately if you think your dog ate something dangerous. It is a good idea to have the number of a 24-hour emergency animal hospital just in case your veterinarian is not available.
You can use dog treats and snacks as a safe alternative to human foods or table scraps.
1. American Veterinary Medical Association: “Raw or undercooked animal-source protein in cat and dog diets.”
2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: “Q&A: Salmonella outbreak.”