Being conscientious pet owners requires careful consideration of what we offer our beloved canine companions. While the act of sharing meals might feel like a way to express affection, it’s essential to recognize that certain foods can pose risks to dogs. In this article, we’ll explore five foods that should never find their way into your dog’s bowl to ensure their overall well-being. Let’s delve into the reasons behind these restrictions, providing a clearer from science on why your dog shouldn’t eat these. While your dog may eagerly anticipate “people food” from your dinner table, not all items are safe for sharing. Despite the temptation, it’s crucial to be aware of common foods and drinks that can be harmful or even fatal for dogs so without further a do here is 5 foods your dog should never eat.
1. Chocolate
Dogs and chocolate don’t mix well because chocolate has things like theobromine and caffeine that can be harmful to them. A study in the Journal of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care says eating chocolate can make dogs restless or cause more serious problems. Theobromine, a chemical in chocolate similar to caffeine, is tough for dogs (and cats) to break down compared to humans. So, it’s safer to keep chocolate away from your pets to avoid any health issues.
In One American Study on the effect of chocolate ingestion in dogs there was 44 clinical reactions to the chocolate you can read here.
2. Onions and Garlic:
Every part of onion and garlic plants is harmful to dogs. Even dried onions and garlic, commonly used in cooking, are toxic. When these ingredients are dried, more of the harmful substances are concentrated in smaller amounts. Keep in mind that many broths, baby foods, and soups include onions and garlic. Before sharing any of these with your dogs, make sure to carefully read the ingredient lists to ensure their safety.
3. Grapes
The ASPCA Poison Control Center (APCC) figured out why grapes, raisins, and sultanas are bad for dogs after a 20-year mystery. It turns out that tartaric acid in grapes causes issues like vomiting, diarrhea, excessive thirst, and kidney damage. Some dogs may only feel a little sick, while others could face serious kidney problems. The amount of tartaric acid varies in grapes, raisins, and sultanas based on the type of grape, where it was grown, and how ripe it is. This discovery helps us understand and protect our dogs better.
Here Is the results of the 20 year mystery on why grapes are toxic for dogs.
4. Mushrooms
It’s safer to be cautious and not give your dog mushrooms. Mushrooms have toxins that can lead to kidney and liver failure, vomiting, diarrhea, hallucination, and harm to red blood cells. Even some white mushrooms might be okay, it’s better to pick a different treat for your dog just to be on the safe side.
5. Xylitol
Xylitol is harmful to dogs because it causes a rapid insulin release, leading to a dangerous drop in blood sugar levels. This can result in seizures, weakness, and even liver damage. Even small amounts are toxic, so keep products containing xylitol away from your dog and seek immediate veterinary attention if ingestion is suspected.
For more information watch the following video on Xyitol from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration
As we shared these are 5 foods your dog should never eat and to make life a bit more simpler for you. It’s no all bad news though we have crafted a selection of the best dog foods on the market below for you to be able to take great care of your dog and have them living a long and healthy life.
When choosing the right dog food you really have to make sure that it is safe and quality that is why we recommend Raw Paws Pet Food as their goal is to make it practical, affordable, and accessible for you, as a pet parent, to provide your pet with ready-to-serve raw pet food, formulated in a blend that is as natural as possible, just meat, bone, and organ! Below is a selection of some of the best sellers.
- Meaty Lamb Bones for Dogs (Bundle Deal)
- Price: $83.99
- Thin 6-inch Bully Sticks (Bundle Deal)
- Price: $59.99
- Compressed Rawhide Chew Pack for Large Dogs
- Price: $49.99
- Beef Marrow Bones for Dogs - Split, 2-inch - 8 ct
- Price: $29.99
- Meaty Beef Bones for Dogs, 2 lbs
- Price: $23.99
- Humanely Raised
- Human Grade Meats
- No Hormones
- No GMO’s
- Grass-fed & Finished, Organic when possible
- No Antibiotics
We also have a selection of dog food products on our store front here.
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