Dogs may be part of our families due to their closeness to us or their friendly nature that makes us involve them in most of our family activities which may include eating or outdoor feasting events. However, many people seem to ignore the fact that dogs are biologically very different from us and their digestive systems are also different. These differences make sharing human foods with them very risky especially when there is no veterinary approval. In order to ensure that you don’t repeat the mistakes others have made before, we have compiled a list of what should not be included in your dog’s diet.
- Cheese
Cheese contains lactose which could be toxic to your dog. However, cheese can be fed to dogs but in small quantities to prevent them from experiencing poisoning. We recommend keeping the cheese from your pet’s reach in order to prevent it from feeding itself on the same which could lead to overfeeding on lactose leading to poisoning.
- Chocolate
Chocolate is a well-known toxic food for dogs. Chocolate contains methylxanthines, which are stimulants that stop a dog’s metabolic process or ignite diarrhea or vomiting. A large amount can cause seizures, irregular heart function, and even death.
- Alcohol
Alcohol is not only toxic to humans but also bad for dogs. Alcoholic beverages and food products can cause vomiting, diarrhea, decreased coordination, depression of the central nervous system, difficulty breathing, tremors, and even death. We caution feeding your dog with anything that contains alcohol however small the amount is.
- Spices Like Cinnamon, Garlic, and Chives
Some spices contain harmful chemicals which could lead to intoxication and poisoning. Cinnamon and its oils can irritate the inside of dogs’ mouths, making them uncomfortable and sick. On the other hand, garlic and chives can cause red blood cell damage and anemia.
- Yeast Dough
Yeast dough or too much bread can lead to an accumulation of gas in the stomach of your dog causing constipation or bloating and making your stomach potentially twist, becoming a life-threatening emergency. Moreover, yeast produces ethanol as a by-product which could be poisonous.
Conclusion
Sharing food with dogs is fun and good for bonding. However, some foods are poisonous and could lead to fatal cases. The list we have provided above should not make it to your dog’s menu.
References: APSCA, AKC, VeterinaryEmergencyGroup
