As dog-lovers, who of us hasn’t tossed Fido a scrap or two when we’re eating? Those big watery eyes are hard to say no to. And yet, sometimes it’s necessary. Some foods just aren’t good for dogs and can even harm them.
Knowing which treats and morsels to keep away from your canine buddy can help ensure he stays strong and healthy. Here, a veterinarian lists 6 types of foods you should never feed your dog.
Fatty, Sugary, Salty, and High-Protein Foods
As much as Fido may want a few french fries, a piece of steak, or some of your dessert, these foods aren’t good for him:
Salty treats can cause electrolyte imbalances, which regulate his muscle function and help keep him hydrated.
Your dog’s digestive system doesn’t process fatty and high-protein foods that well, which can cause digestive problems and even lead to pancreatitis and liver dysfunction.
Sweets are bad for you and your canine, alike. And feeding him chocolate can actually kill him.
Nuts
Nuts may seem like they’d be healthy for your dog but they actually have a really high-fat content. Besides that, the small size of nuts makes them an easy choking hazard for your dog. Macadamia nuts, in particular, are very poisonous to dogs so never, ever feed them to Fido.
Dairy Products
While dairy products may have an abundance of calcium-boosting properties, your dog’s digestive system isn’t equipped to digest dairy. Eating dairy can place him at risk of becoming lactose intolerance, not to mention the bouts of gas, abdominal pain, and diarrhea.
Alcohol
Alcohol has the same harmful effects on dogs as on humans, and then some. Since a dog’s body is so much smaller than a human’s,
alcohol can cause serious health problems. This is especially true for smaller dogs. Breathing problems, diarrhea, vomiting, coma, and even death can result if your dog has just a single swallow of alcohol.
Raw Eggs
Cooked eggs go down well for Fido. Raw eggs, not so much. This is because raw eggs contain an enzyme that interferes with your dog’s ability to digest biotin, a B vitamin. This can cause digestive problems, skin problems, and an unhealthy coat.
If you have more questions about foods you shouldn’t feed your dog or you suspect he’s eaten something harmful, please don’t hesitate to call us today.