What Kind Of Human Foods Can Dogs Eat
We all feed our dogs a little human food from time to time. When those puppy dog eyes are looking up at you at the table or while youre cooking, its hard to resist. These kinds of scraps really arent the best treats for our dogs and should be limited. The fact of the matter is that there are a lot of additives and other ingredients in these foods that arent good for our canines. And, overeating certain human foods can lead to obesity in our dogs.
On the other hand, a lot of owners have taken to feeding their furry companions homemade dog food. There are a number of reasons this can be a good option for your pet. If you are considering feeding your dog human food over traditional dog food, what foods does your dog need and what foods are unhealthy for him?
Our Guide To Fruit And Vegetables Which Are Toxic For Dogs
1. Grapes and raisins
The first on our list has to be raisins and grapes. A small amount of this innocuous little fruit so common in our homes can cause irreversible kidney damage and failure quite quickly, depending on the size of dog that ingests them. If your dog eats some or your suspect they have, get them to the vets straightaway.
2. Avocados
There is some debate about avocados but as a rule of thumb it is best to avoid giving any part of this fruit to your dog including the stone in the middle and the skin. They can cause breathing problems, sickness and diarrhoea.
3. Pips, seeds and stones
Tempting as it is to throw your dog an apple core, the pips, seeds and stones from fruits such as apples, cherries, plums, peaches etc. contain cyanide and can be extremely harmful to your dog and even prove fatal.
4. Mushrooms
Whilst your ordinary mushrooms that you use in cooking should be ok, wild mushrooms can be very poisonous but also one of those things that dogs forage around for whilst out walking. Symptoms vary according to the mushroom but include the usual diarrhoea, vomiting, restlessness and if you suspect your dog has eaten wild mushrooms or is behaving unusually, get them to the vets.
5. Nuts
6. Unripe tomatoes
7. Onions and garlic
8. Nutmeg
Not necessarily something that will be lying around your home in large quantities but something to be aware of. Nutmeg can cause tremors, seizures and even death in dogs so just make sure your dog doesnt get hold of any.
Is Your Dog A Senior
While senior dogs may have lower caloric requirements than young dogs, and therefore may eat less than they used to, marked weight loss or a refusal to eat is not normal and can indicate serious underlying health conditions.
These can include, but are not limited to:
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Dental disease
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Stomach upset
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Cancer
Cognitive decline, mobility issues, or vision loss can also cause a dog to not eat if they are unable to find or get to their food bowl. It is important for senior dogs to have a feeding routine, that the food bowl remain in the same area of the house so that they know where to find it, and that they have a rug or yoga mat to stand on while eating to avoid slipping or having trouble standing on hard floors.
If your senior dog has gone longer than 24 hours without eating, they should see their veterinarian for a thorough physical examination and possible diagnostics to investigate the cause of their loss of appetite.
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What Dog Foods Are Killing Dogs
If you read about a recent FDA statement regarding grain-free dog food, please visit the links below for more detailed information.
It is important to note that they still have not found any evidence to say the dog food brands in their report directly cause these reported DCM cases.
Here is a direct link to the FDAs investigation and their current findings.
At this time, there have been no recalls made on these brands products since the FDAs findings are still inconclusive.
Champion Pet Foods, makers of Acana and Orijen, have updated their FAQs to address this topic which you can find here.
We always recommend consulting with your vet about your pups specific dietary needs.
Just like human food, there is no one size fits all option for dogs either.
Other Foods Harmful To Dogs
Dairy products can upset your dogs digestive system and cause diarrhea as well as food allergies. Ingestion of just a few macadamia nuts can cause weakness, paralysis and lack of coordination. Avocados contain persin, which can cause mild stomach upset in dogs. The bones in meat, chicken and fish can also be very hazardous to your dog. They can splinter and stick in the throat, break teeth or cut the intestines.
If you are unsure if you can feed a food to your dog, always consult your veterinarian first. As a general rule of thumb it is best to avoid feeding your dog human food anyways. While it can be hard to ignore those puppy dog eyes looking at you at the dinner table, feeding your dog can often result in weight gain among other more serious issues. To keep your dog out of harms way, it is best to stick to a diet of food specifically formulated to meet your dogs nutritional needs.
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What Will My Vet Recommend
If your dog is presented to the vet with constipation, shell want to do a thorough review of the history to work out the reason. Your veterinarian will review their medical history to decide which diagnostics to pursue in looking for the root cause of constipation.
The vet will perform a full physical examination and may include x-ray images to better view any potential obstructions. In some cases, laboratory analysis of the blood and urine will be recommended to check for systemic problems.
Veterinary treatment of constipation can range from recommending a simple dietary change to full gastrointestinal surgery. Thankfully, veterinarians also have access to a range of clinical-grade laxatives they may recommend depending on the cause of constipation. Fluid therapy may also be used with other treatments to ensure proper hydration.
Raw Meat Fish And Eggs
This one is a subject of controversy, as many vets are seeing health benefits from their patients switching to raw meat diets, including healthier skin and coats, cleaner teeth, and easier digestion. Some vets recommend cooking raw food to kill off bacteria and parasites that can be harmful to dogs. The majority of vets and the FDA still discourage feeding raw meat to dogs, and salmonella and e. coli infections do happen in canines. Most of these infections happen to dogs whose immune systems are already compromised, but it may be hard to tell if your dogs immune system is completely healthy. Raw eggs have enzymes that can cause skin conditions in dogs, and raw fish can hide parasites that cause fatal diseases. There are risks to a raw diet that you need to weigh against the benefits before you decide to try it. These risks can be reduced through freezing and proper preparation, but you need to learn how to properly handle raw food before you feed it to your dog.
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Can Dogs Eat Lean Meat
Lean meat includes the white, boneless meat from chicken or turkey and has had excessive fat removed. It provides a tasty treat for your dog and serves as a great source of protein. If feeding chicken and turkey, remove the fatty skin and cook or boil the meat without seasoning. Learn more about feeding turkey to dogs.
Keep Your Dog On A Healthy Diet
Choosing to raise a dog is a big responsibility. Just as with a child, youve welcomed another living being into your household and family. We probably dont have to tell you to take care of your dog, but your dog will have very different needs from your child regarding food.
Ask your veterinarian what kind of food would be best for your dog, given your dogs size, age, and any special health needs. That way, you know what your dog can eat, and youre less likely to have any food-related issues.
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Raw Or Undercooked Meat
Raw meat can contain Escherichia coli and Salmonella, which are types of bacteria that can cause food poisoning in dogs and humans. Cooking the meat properly kills the bacteria.
In recent years, certain manufacturers have promoted the benefits of raw meat for dogs, and some boutique products contain it.
It is important to understand that raw meat diets pose health risks to dogs and may not provide a complete nutritional balance.
Is Your Dog Diabetic
If your dog is diabetic and will not eat, this could be an indication that something is seriously wrong. Ask your veterinarian what they recommend doing if your dog wont eat at the time of your dogs diagnosis.
As a general rule, dogs should not be given as insulin if they arent eating, as this can cause dangerously low hypoglycemia. If your veterinarian advised you to give a half dose of insulin if your dog skips one meal, do so, but alert your veterinarian immediately if your dog skips another meal.
If your diabetic dog skips a meal, is lethargic, nonresponsive, or vomiting or having diarrhea, they should be seen by a veterinarian immediately, as this could be an indication of hypoglycemia or diabetic ketoacidosis, both of which are life-threatening if not treated right away.
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Gentle Giants Canine Nutrition Chicken
Gentle Giants have produced a chicken-based dry budget dog food that is packed with vitamins and minerals. It uses twelve whole fruits and vegetables including beets, tomatoes, blueberries, cranberries, spinach, celery, and apples.
This means that your dog will not only be enjoying a flavor sensation, they will also be absorbing Vitamin A, Vitamin B 12, and Vitamin C from natural sources. These aim to foster good immune health in your dog. We are a little disappointed in this formula’s protein and fat content.
Containing only 22% protein, this food falls below the average amount in this price bracket. Still, this will adequately meet the nutritional needs of your dog and support their muscles and bones.
This formula has been designed for dog’s with sensitive stomachs, so it might be a good idea to try this if your pet is having digestive trouble with standard canine food.
Whilst, it isn’t really competitive with premium foods, Gentle Giants will be more than adequate for pet parents on a tight budget.
Worst Dog Treats: Sportmix Wholesomes Biscuits
Sportmix biscuit treats are on the list of dog food brands to avoid because it is made of unwanted dry leftovers and includes preservatives and fats harmful to dogs.
If we estimate the products meat content, it shows that it contains about 24% protein content, 13% fat, and about 54% carbohydrates.
After analyzing these numbers, it is clear this is a poor choice and is just a bit above average compared to other high-quality dog foods.
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Human Food Safety For Dogs
Almonds:No, dogs shouldnt eat almonds. Almonds may not necessarily be toxic to dogs like macadamia nuts are, but they can block the esophagus or even tear the windpipe if not chewed completely. Salted almonds are especially dangerous because they can increase water retention, which is potentially fatal to dogs prone to heart disease.
Bread: Yes, dogs can eat bread. Small amounts of plain bread wont hurt your dog, but it also wont provide any health benefits either. It has no nutritional value and can really pack on the carbohydrates and calories, just like in people. Homemade breads are a better option than store-bought, as bread from the grocery store typically contains unnecessary preservatives, but its best to avoid it altogether.
Cashews: Yes, dogs can eat cashews. Cashews are OK for dogs, but only a few at a time. Theyve got calcium, magnesium, antioxidants, and proteins, but while these nuts contain less fat than others, too many can lead to weight gain and other fat-related conditions. A few cashews make a nice treat, but only if theyre unsalted.
Cheese: Yes, dogs can eat cheese in small to moderate quantities. As long as your dog isnt lactose intolerant, which is rare, but still possible in canines, cheese can be a great treat. Many kinds of cheese can be high in fat, so go for lower-fat varieties like cottage cheese or mozzarella. Many dogs enjoy their very own dog-specific Himalayan dog chew made of dried cheese .
Dog Poison Emergency Tips
Its good to know the list of bad food for dogs, but that doesnt mean youll be able to protect your dog from getting into trouble all of the time. If you suspect your dog has ingested a harmful food or substance, contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center immediately. The APCC is available 24/7 at 888-426-4435. A $65 consultation may apply.
Also, be sure to stay calm and never try to treat your dog without professional advice. You could injure your dog or get hurt yourself. Even the most loving dog can act out when in pain, scared, or upset. Depending on the situation, your vet may need to perform diagnostic tests, induce vomiting, administer fluids through an IV, or prescribe medications. Hospitalization may also be necessary in more severe cases.
While these treatments can get expensive, you can get help managing the costs with an ASPCA Pet Health Insurance plan. Get a quote for your dog now. This way, if you ever come home to find a ripped open box of raisins and a dog with an upset tummy, you can at least rest easy knowing that youll have help covering the medical bills.
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What Dogs Are At Risk
Dogs of any breed, shape, or size are at risk for ingesting something harmful. However, some dogs may be more prone to eating things they shouldnt based on their personalities. While all dogs need to be protected from bad foods and toxic substances, dogs who are super curious or love to put things in their mouths may need closer supervision.
Faqs Regarding General Dog Nutrition
- What is the best vet recommended dog food? The truth is, there is no real consensus among vets on which food is the best. This is because all dogs are different and unique. There is no one catch-all formula that would be perfect for any dog. We would, therefore, recommend searching for a well-regarded food that is high in protein and fat, and that your dog likes the taste of!
- What foods should dogs avoid? There are more foods that dogs should avoid than could ever be listed here. Some common human foods that are poisonous to dogs are chocolate, caffeine, onions, garlic, and sweetcorn. Check with a veterinary website before you feed your dog anything that isn’t marketed as canine food.
- Is Grain Free Dog Food Really Better? Dogs have been found to have trouble digesting grains and therefore grain-free foods can help aid digestion. A grain-free diet for your dog will also mean that you are likely buying formulas with higher levels of vegetables, fiber, and proteins. This will help the development of your dog’s coat and skin, as well as provide your dog with more energy. A grain-free diet has however recently been linked to a small increase in canine heart disease.
- What dog foods are causing heart problems? The FDA has recently begun to investigate how grain-free canine formulas might increase the risk of canine heart disease. It’s still too early to come to any major conclusions, but we will keep an eye out on this story as it develops.
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Can Dogs Eat Yeast
Just like yeast rises in bread, it will also expand and rise within your pups tummy. Make sure they dont get any yeast. While mild cases will cause gas, lots of farting, and discomfort, too much yeast could rupture their stomach and intestines. Yeast dough is also dangerous because as it ferments and rises, it releases lots of ethanol into your dogs bloodstream, which causes alcohol poisoning.
Find out whether dogs can eat bread safely our experts examine everything from banana bread to rye.
Can Dogs Eat Chocolate
Chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine, which speed the heart rate and stimulate the nervous system. The type of chocolate, the amount your dog ingested, and your dogs weight will determine how sick your dog may become.
Ingesting too much theobromine and caffeine in chocolate may result in vomiting, diarrhea, restlessness, increased urination, tremors, elevated heart rate, seizures, and death. Typically, the darker the chocolate, the more dangerous it is for dogs.
Below is a list of the most to least risky chocolate for dogs:
- Cocoa powder
- White chocolate
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Can Dogs Eat Pineapples
Pineapple is safe for your dog to eat. It has many vitamins and minerals, which can help boost your dogs immune system and digestive health. However, pineapple is high in sugar, so moderation is key. If youd like to learn more about safely giving your dog pineapple, read our can dogs eat pineapple article.
Can Dogs Eat Raw Meat & Fish
Raw meat and fish can become contaminated with bacteria, such as E. coli, which can cause food poisoning. Additionally, some fish can contain a parasite that causes fish disease or salmon poisoning disease .
Symptoms of food poisoning include vomiting, fever, and enlarged lymph nodes. Cooked, unseasoned fish is perfectly fine because the cooking process kills the parasites. Be sure to remove all bones to avoid choking or internal organ risks.
Feeding raw meat is not recommended because there is a risk of food-borne disease for the dog, as well as the person preparing the food. Although raw diets for dogs are increasing in popularity, organizations like the FDA and American Veterinary Medical Association advise against feeding them.
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