The first step to ensuring your dog stays healthy and happy is to ensure he's eating the right food – and the right balance of nutrients. Generally, you should choose high-quality dog food from reputable manufacturers and buy it fresh when possible. However, some foods you should never feed your dog, especially if they aren't explicitly labeled as dog food or contain ingredients you can't pronounce.
Here are five of the worst foods that can hurt your dog.
There are plenty of tasty treats that you can share with your dog, but there are also some foods you should avoid feeding them. Some foods are toxic to dogs and will harm or even kill them, while others can cause behavior problems or lead to health problems.
Chocolate
It's no surprise that chocolate is not suitable for dogs, but it's important to remember just how bad it can be. Chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine, which can be toxic to dogs. Symptoms of chocolate poisoning in dogs can include vomiting, diarrhea, increased thirst, rapid breathing, irregular heartbeat, seizures, and even death. So it's essential to ensure your pup never gets paws on any chocolate. Even if your dog looks begging for some, it's best to stick to treats specially made for dogs. Many healthy options are available for your pup, so you don't have to worry about giving them something unhealthy or dangerous.
Grapes and raisins
Regarding dangerous foods for your canine companion, grapes and raisins are near the top of the list. Although the exact cause is unknown, eating grapes or raisins can cause sudden and severe kidney failure in dogs. Eating just a few can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and dehydration. Contact your veterinarian immediately. It's best to keep grapes and raisins away from your pup at all times to prevent potential health risks.
Onions and garlic
It may surprise you that onions and garlic are two of the worst foods you can feed your dog. While these vegetables are a popular addition to many dishes, they can be incredibly toxic to dogs. Onions and garlic contain sulfoxides and disulfides, compounds that cause red blood cells to rupture and break down, resulting in anemia. These compounds can also damage your dog's liver and kidneys when eaten large enough.
Signs of onion or garlic toxicity in your pup include vomiting, diarrhea, depression, difficulty breathing, lethargy, and pale gums. Contact your veterinarian immediately if your dog has ingested many of these vegetables.
It's best to eliminate onions and garlic from your pup's diet. If you cook meals containing either of these vegetables, ensure they are cooked thoroughly before feeding them to your dog. Also, double-check labels on store-bought food, as these ingredients can sometimes be hidden.
Nuts
When it comes to feeding your pup, an Important thing to remember is that not all foods suit them. Some of them can be downright dangerous. One such food group that should be avoided is nuts.
Another issue with nuts is that they are high in fat and can cause severe digestive problems such as pancreatitis or an upset stomach.
It is best to avoid giving your dog any nuts at all. However, if you want a tasty snack for your pup, try offering treats made for dogs or fruits and vegetables instead.
Sugary foods
When feeding your pup, it's essential to be mindful of what you give them. While people may enjoy sugary treats, they can be incredibly dangerous for dogs. Too much sugar can cause obesity, dental issues, and even diabetes.
Avoid the following five sugary foods when it comes to feeding your pup:
- Candy – Most candy is made with artificial sweeteners and other ingredients that are not good for dogs. Even worse, chocolate is incredibly toxic for dogs and should be avoided.
- Soda – Soda is loaded with sugar and other chemicals that can be very dangerous for dogs. Not only can it lead to weight gain and diabetes, but caffeine can also be toxic for dogs.
- Ice Cream – Ice cream is a treat that humans enjoy but can be very dangerous for dogs. Not only is it packed with sugar, but the dairy in ice cream can also cause digestive upset in many dogs.
- Syrup – Syrups, such as those used on pancakes, are loaded with sugar and are not healthy for your pup. The high sugar levels can cause many of the same issues as candy and soda.
- Fruit Juice – While some fruits may be okay for dogs in moderation, fruit juice can be very dangerous. Not only does it contain a high sugar level, but the acids in many juices can also damage their teeth.
Humans can enjoy almost any food we want, no matter how unhealthy it may be for us. Sure, we pay the price in the long run with things like heart disease, diabetes, and cancer, but we make that choice knowing what the consequences will be (even if they take years to show up). Unfortunately, dogs don't have that luxury — they can't make decisions based on health or longevity. So when you give your dog human food, you're forcing them to pay for the health consequences you decided to overlook.
