We share many things with our dogs. We relax, exercise, and even sleep with them. However, we should not share our food with them. Giving them bits of our dinners and desserts can cause our pets to become obese, develop allergies, or become sick. Although it is tempting to fill our dog’s plate with our leftover dinner, it is not a wise decision.
Feeding your best friend food specially prepared for dogs, such as Iams dog food, ensures that they get the nutrients that they need is the better and safer option. Check with your veterinarian for suggestions for the most healthy dog treats. Your dog will be healthier and happier. Here are seven foods that you should avoid giving your dog:
1. Onions
While tasty, they contain disulfides and thiosulphates, which are toxic to dogs and cats. These substances damage your pet’s red blood cells. If your pet has ingested this food, they may vomit, have abdominal pain, and diarrhea in a day or so. Several days later, your pet may be breathless, have pale gums, or display other symptoms of anemia. A small amount can cause your pet to become very sick. Avoid giving foods that have onions, such as pizza and burgers.
2. Avocado
Avocados are a healthy choice for us, but not for our dogs. They contain persin, which can cause your pup to vomit and have diarrhea. All parts of the plant have this substance so give your dog a healthy treat instead.
3. Grapes and raisins
Grapes and raisins are healthy snacks for us. For many dogs, however, it is toxic, causing kidney damage and possibly sudden kidney failure. It is unknown what substance is the culprit or why some dogs have a more severe reaction than others. If your dog has grape toxicity symptoms, including vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, dehydration, or abdominal pain, contact a veterinarian as soon as possible.
4. Dairy products
For many dogs, foods like milk, cheese, and ice cream can cause diarrhea, vomiting, and gas. Like people, many pups are lactose intolerant and get an upset tummy. To help your pet avoid abdominal distress, skip the dairy.
5. Chocolate
While this food is a delicious treat for us, you should not share it with your dog. It has theobromine, a substance that increases blood flow to the brain. Because dogs have difficulty metabolizing this compound, it can cause them to become sick or sometimes die. How sick your dog will become depends on the amount eaten by your pet, the type, and your dog’s size. Unsweetened baking chocolate will have a greater effect than other types. Share the couch with Fido, not the candy.
6. Meat with bones
In general, bones are likely to splinter and injure your dog. They can snap and poke into the stomach or intestine, causing an infection. Choking is another hazard when you give bones to your dog. Ask your veterinarian for recommendations for safer chew treats.
7. Garlic
Garlic can be harmful to dogs. The compounds in this plant damage red blood cells and cause anemia. If your dog has eaten this, they may appear lazy, weak, and have pale gums. It has the same effect whether it is eaten raw or cooked.
