There is so much emphasis on healthy eating lately and more of us are now focusing more closely on the diets of our pets. The trend in healthy eating has led pet food manufacturers to increase their offerings of all-natural kibble, gourmet canned foods made from human-grade ingredients and even raw diets. Many of us are now cooking for our pets and that can be both healthy and economical.
While many of us enjoy giving our people food leftovers to our pets, I thought it would be a good idea to run down the list that many of us are now familiar with, the taboo list of foods that can harm dogs.
grapes and raisins can harm dog's kidneys
avocados; the fruit, pit and plant are all toxic to dogs
fruit pits from cherries and peaches contain trace amounts of cyanide which is harmful to people and dogs
raw eggs can cause salmonella poisoning in dogs, best to lightly scramble them for your dog
mushrooms, never let your dog chew on yard mushrooms
coffee and coffee grounds contain caffeine that is harmful to dogs
chocolate can cause seizures, coma or death. Dark chocolate is the most harmful
onions can destroy red blood cells and cause anemia
animal fats, excessive amounts can cause pancreatitic issues
macadamia nuts can cause muscle damage and weakness
This is not a complete list, but this shows many of the commonly thought to be "harmless" human foods. I know that my own dog has played "catch the macadamia nut" with me on a few occasions and I have certainly given my dogs some little round raw meatballs with egg. Not to mention a few oatmeal cookies with raisins. Spread the word and make sure to call your vet for concerns or advice.
On the other hand, here are a few of the GOOD vegetables that are nutritious and healthy for your dog. Since dogs have shorter digestive tracks, I would suggest puree form: green beans, yams, carrots. Rice and whole grains in small amounts are safe as well. I like to use small amounts of plain yogurt or cottage cheese. Everything in moderation - that goes for the dogs too! Check out the link below for more information.
While many of us enjoy giving our people food leftovers to our pets, I thought it would be a good idea to run down the list that many of us are now familiar with, the taboo list of foods that can harm dogs.
grapes and raisins can harm dog's kidneys
avocados; the fruit, pit and plant are all toxic to dogs
fruit pits from cherries and peaches contain trace amounts of cyanide which is harmful to people and dogs
raw eggs can cause salmonella poisoning in dogs, best to lightly scramble them for your dog
mushrooms, never let your dog chew on yard mushrooms
coffee and coffee grounds contain caffeine that is harmful to dogs
chocolate can cause seizures, coma or death. Dark chocolate is the most harmful
onions can destroy red blood cells and cause anemia
animal fats, excessive amounts can cause pancreatitic issues
macadamia nuts can cause muscle damage and weakness
This is not a complete list, but this shows many of the commonly thought to be "harmless" human foods. I know that my own dog has played "catch the macadamia nut" with me on a few occasions and I have certainly given my dogs some little round raw meatballs with egg. Not to mention a few oatmeal cookies with raisins. Spread the word and make sure to call your vet for concerns or advice.
On the other hand, here are a few of the GOOD vegetables that are nutritious and healthy for your dog. Since dogs have shorter digestive tracks, I would suggest puree form: green beans, yams, carrots. Rice and whole grains in small amounts are safe as well. I like to use small amounts of plain yogurt or cottage cheese. Everything in moderation - that goes for the dogs too! Check out the link below for more information.
