A List Of Foods That Healthy Dogs Should Not Be Fed

You can feed a dog just about anything, and odds are, the dog will eat it up without thinking twice. This is a cause of concern for pet owners, as there are many types of foods that will do damage to the health of a dog. It's important to learn which foods should be avoided to keep dogs healthy.

Even some raw vegetables can be bad for a dog. Garlic is an example of something that is natural but still very harmful when consumed for the dog. Garlic salt, garlic powder, and anything made with such ingredients should never be given to a dog. Otherwise the dog will face problems with anemia, where the red blood cells become under attack. Given the severity of the situation, even small amounts should be avoided.

If raw foods such as onion and garlic can cause harm, then of course artificial foods and sweeteners can too! Xylitol is an example of an artificial sweetener that has been known to induce liver failure in dogs when consumed. Xylitol is found in a variety of consumer products, but is easily spotted on the ingredients list for those that want to know what they can feed their dog.

Dairy products and dogs do not mix very well. There are some dogs that are able to "stomach" dairy products, but not every dog has the proper digestive system to take care of the enzymes in most dairy products. This includes milk, sour cream, cheese, and products derived from any of these products. If you notice your dog has diarrhea, it's possible the problem is with dairy.

Caffeine is one all pet owners should remember. Caffeine can be found in chocolate, coffee, and many types of drinks such as soda. Caffeine will speed up the heart rate of the dog and cause problems to the nervous system. This is why it is urgent that dogs never be fed chocolate, even though the caffeine in chocolate is often just a small amount. Dogs given caffeine will often observe severe heart problems and jitters.

A dog needs a well balanced diet. Sometimes you shouldn't focus so much on what you can't feed your dog, and instead stick to the basics. Keep the protein, fat, and carbohydrates levels proportional to what your dog needs. Every dog is different, and some breeds need more nutrition than others. A dog handbook is sure to help you out.

Final Thoughts

Feeding a dog is a science. You have to show responsibility in caring for your dog, and brush up on other foods that you should not feed to him or her. Otherwise you may cause unintentional harm to your dog, and in some cases, could face actual legal charges.

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