More than once we have given in to the sweet looks of our dogs while we are eating and shared some of the dish with them. However, we do not know the risks involved in this practice, especially with some foods that are not suitable for dogs. Learn more about it so you don’t make any more mistakes in your pet’s diet.
In the dog food market we find different types of food: dry, wet, croquettes and snacks made from a combination of chicken, meat and vegetables, in short, a diet very similar to ours, or so we believe.
For this reason, many people assume that there is no problem if they share their daily food with the dogs. But, this is not entirely true, as there are some restrictions and foods of our consumption that harm the digestive system of domestic animals.
No condiments
One of the major concerns of veterinarians is the progressive increase of cases of obesity and digestive problems in animals, especially due to the excessive consumption of saturated fats, typical of human foods.
If we check the list of forbidden foods for dogs we are surprised to see that salt, onion, garlic and other ingredients used to season meat and other foods are in the first positions. This is because in a natural environment the dogs would not have access to a high consumption of salt, so it is recommended to avoid it.
Onions and garlic are foods that contain thiosulfate, an inorganic compound that dogs cannot process and causes vomiting, diarrhea, gastrointestinal problems, and even anemia because it destroys red blood cells
Consequently, it is best to avoid giving dogs any food that has been prepared with garlic and onion, even though these ingredients are used daily for our meals, remember that the canine metabolism is totally different from ours, as it lacks the enzyme that processes thiosulfate.
Chocolate and dairy
Some may think that a sweet snack for your pet won’t affect them at all, but the truth is that sharing a bit of chocolate with your dog is more dangerous than it seems.
In chocolate, there are chemical compounds called theobromine and methylxanthine that are not processed by the dog’s body and become a potent toxin that accumulates in the dog’s bloodstream.
The consequences of chocolate consumption in these pets lead to vomiting, diarrhea, accelerated heart rate, tremors, convulsions and even a state of coma, which is lethal for the dog.
Milk, on the other hand, is not suitable for dogs either, even though many people assume that after being taken away from their mothers, puppies need to replace mother’s milk and offer them regular milk. Well, you should know that most dogs are lactose intolerant because they also don’t have the enzyme needed to metabolize the sugar present in dairy products, which causes diarrhea, vomiting and other gastrointestinal ailments.
Giving lactose-free milk diluted in water can be an alternative if you notice that your pet likes to drink milk, however it is more appropriate to consult your vet to see if he recommends it.
Alcohol and yeast
Alcohol affects the brain function of dogs, to the risk of inducing them into a coma and the imminent danger of making their blood acidic. Even if the dog accidentally takes small amounts this can lead to difficulty breathing, reduced coordination, diarrhea and tremors. So be very careful not to leave any leftover alcoholic beverages behind after a house party.
As for the yeast, we must be careful in the preparation of homemade breads to prevent dogs from having access to the raw dough, because active yeast also releases alcohol levels while it is growing. In this way, the warm and moist environment of the canine intestine is ideal for the yeast, so the dough continues to expand and prevents the blood from flowing to the heart, which would generate an abdominal expansion with pain and much discomfort.
The list goes on
The main veterinary associations in America and Europe have extensive lists of ingredients that should be avoided in the dogs’ diet and that, due to lack of knowledge, we believe are totally harmless. So, to avoid accidents or making your pet sick you need to do a little more research or consult your vet.
Many fruits such as grapes, raisins, macadamia nuts, avocado, among other foods can be toxic to your pet, so don’t risk sharing your snacks with him, instead, better research the best dog food and, if you want to give him a treat, make sure it’s specially designed so he can assimilate it without complications.
Now, as for the foods allowed for your pet we can mention apples, as long as the seeds are completely removed. Unsalted, raw peanut butter is an excellent source of protein and natural fat, as well as vitamin B and E.
Also, a boiled egg is another way to increase your pet’s protein intake and does not cause any digestive upset. However, if your dog has been having stomach problems, you can serve him cooked oats because they are rich in soluble fibre and do not need to be sweetened or flavored as you would for your own consumption.
In the category of vegetables suitable for dogs are carrots, pumpkin and corn because they are low in calories and provide a lot of fiber. Remember to offer these cooked foods without any seasoning.
With this list of allowed and not allowed products for dogs, we do not intend to replace their feeding with specialized food to cover the nutritional and metabolic needs of your pet according to their age, size and breed. These are just suggestions to give you an idea of the foods that can harm him and those that are safe for him.
The most important thing in any case is to follow your vet’s recommendation and give him the diet he recommends for the benefit of your dog, the good performance of his physical activities and his health.
