Sharing snacks with your pup might seem harmless, but some everyday foods are actually big no-nos for dogs. You’d be surprised at what can make them sick! It’s important to be aware of what’s safe and what’s not when it comes to feeding your best friend. Knowing what these foods are is important to keep your pup healthy and avoid any unwanted and expensive trips to the vet.
Cooked Bones
Cooked bones might seem like a treat fit for a king, but they can splinter and cause serious issues from choking to intestinal damage. Safer alternatives like specially made chew toys or bones can keep your dog munching happily and healthily.
Excessively Salty Foods
Excessively salty foods can be very dangerous for dogs, leading to sodium ion poisoning with symptoms such as vomiting and dehydration. It is best to keep their snacks low-sodium with plain cooked pumpkin or carrots and save the salty treats for yourself.
Alcohol
Alcohol’s effects on dogs are severe, leading to everything from nausea to serious health risks like coma or even death. Always keep alcoholic beverages out of their reach and ensure they only have access to fresh water.
Xylitol
Xylitol, found in sugar-free products, can cause a significant drop in your dog’s blood sugar and even lead to liver failure. Always check labels for this sweetener and choose dog-specific treats that are safe and tasty.
Onions
Onions are highly toxic to dogs, causing everything from upset stomachs to dangerous anemia. Instead of sharing your onion-laden foods, offer your dog safer vegetables like carrots or cucumbers.
Macadamia Nuts
Macadamia nuts can cause severe reactions in dogs, including weakness and tremors. Avoid giving these nuts to your pet and opt for dog-safe treats or vegetables instead.
Grapes and Raisins
Grapes and raisins pose a serious risk of kidney failure in dogs, even in small amounts. Substitute these potentially deadly snacks with dog-approved fruits like bananas or apples (without seeds).
Garlic
Garlic can damage red blood cells in dogs and lead to anemia. Instead of letting them sample your garlicky meals, stick to pet-safe herbs to enhance their food.
Chocolate
Chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine, both of which are toxic to dogs. Symptoms can range from mild stomach upset to severe issues like seizures. Keep chocolate for human consumption and offer carob snacks to your dog instead.
Fruit Pits
Fruit pits are not just choking hazards; they contain cyanide, which is extremely harmful to dogs. Stick to safer fruit slices like apples (without seeds) or blueberries as treats for your dog.
Supercharge Your Dog’s Kibble With These 8 Flavorful Toppings
Dinnertime with your furry friend can be a bit…well, bland. Kibble on its own gets repetitive, and let’s face it, we all get tired of eating the same thing every day. We’ve got some super simple and pawsome ideas to add some excitement to your dog’s meals. These toppers are easy to add, nutritious, and most importantly, delicious! Turn mealtime into a tail-wagging fiesta for your pup.
Read it Here: Supercharge Your Dog’s Kibble With These 8 Flavorful Toppings
10 Foods That Act As A Natural Toothbrush For Your Dog
If your dog despises the toothbrush like most do, your life is about to get a lot easier. Keeping your pup’s teeth clean can be as simple as giving them one of these 10 foods. These foods act as a natural option for tooth cleaning and most will be something your dog will be eager to chomp away at. Ditch the daily brushing fight and make both of your lives easier with this list!
See Them Here: 10 Foods That Act As A Natural Toothbrush For Your Dog
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Gina Matsoukas is an AP syndicated writer. She is the founder, photographer and recipe developer of Running to the Kitchen — a food website focused on providing healthy, wholesome recipes using fresh and seasonal ingredients. Her work has been featured in numerous media outlets both digital and print, including MSN, Huffington post, Buzzfeed, Women’s Health and Food Network.
