What Not To Feed a Dog

This is the perfect article for you if you have just adopted a puppy, want to adjust your dog’s diet or just want to know what you can and cannot feed your dog. Whether you are an experienced Pet Mom or Pet Dad or a first time pet-parent, this article is a good reference for the most common foods you should and should never feed a dog.

Chocolate and sugar-based products

Your dog should avoid sugary foods such as candy, cookies, chocolate, caramel, candy corn, and similar products. Some people may believe that dogs can have a sweet treat here and there, but it’s best to be safe than sorry when it comes to sugary foods in any form for your dog. It’s recommended to avoid giving any chocolate to dogs as it can cause organ failure or death if consumed in high doses or over time.

Raw meat and eggs

While sharing your steak with your pup may be tempting, keep in mind that both raw meat and eggs can contain salmonella. For starters, salmonella can seriously affect your pet’s immune system. In the worst-case scenario, it can make dogs seriously ill and even cause death.

A dog that consumes raw meat or eggs can get infected with salmonella and may experience diarrhea, vomiting, fever, and dehydration if they are not treated promptly. If left untreated for too long, the dog could develop septicemia (blood poisoning), leading to death.

Onions and garlic

Many foods can be toxic for pets. When it comes to things you should not feed a dog, onions and garlic are particularly harmful. These veggies can cause anemia and liver damage.

It’s important to note that dogs are more sensitive than humans to the toxins in onions and garlic. These foods are one of the reasons you should consider pet-proofing your home. A lot of our food is cooked with these ingredients, so make sure not to get any on your hands before feeding your dog. Dogs can have vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, lethargy, weakness, or even collapse after ingesting onions or garlic.

Milk and dairy products

While it’s tempting to share the love with your pup, the truth is that many people’s foods aren’t suitable for dogs. Dairy products such as cheese and ice cream can cause stomach upset in some dogs. Other pets may be unable to tolerate lactose or whey – the two main components of dairy products. Even if your dog has no adverse reaction to milk and cheese, you shouldn’t get them in large quantities because they contain high levels of fat and salt that aren’t ideal for canine nutrition. Consult your veterinarian first if you want to give your pet some animal-based protein (like eggs).

Raisins and grapes

You can feed a dog plenty of fruits, and they’re perfectly safe. However, raisings and grapes are not one of them. Raisins and grapes are toxic to dogs – they can cause acute kidney failure. According to the ASPCA (https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/people-foods-avoid-feeding-your-pets), “The exact cause is unknown, but it is believed that certain compounds in the fruit interact with a dog’s system in a way that causes renal (kidney) dysfunction.”

Macadamia nuts (and nuts in general)

Macadamia nuts are a common ingredient in many dog treats, but they can be toxic to dogs. Like other nuts, macadamia nuts are high in fat and can cause pancreatitis or an allergic reaction if your dog has an allergy to them. The reaction can be severe and could require emergency treatment. If you want to keep your pet healthy and safe, you should never give it this type of food. Macadamia nuts may result in vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach upset.

Salt and other spices

Not only can salt and other spices be toxic to dogs, but they can also cause digestive problems. A dog eating too much salt may get diarrhea or vomit. Excessive amounts of certain spices – like nutmeg, cinnamon, and garlic – can lead to liver damage. Other spices have been linked to kidney failure, while some have been known to cause seizures in dogs.

Remember that every dog is different, so you may have to try some of these foods before finding out which one works for your pup. You must track how your pet reacts to know what not to feed a dog and what is acceptable. Also, it’s essential to always consult with your vet before introducing new food into your dog’s diet.