Foods You Can't & Can Feed Your Dog

Un-Healthy Foods You Can't Feed Your Dog

Although your puppy may really want some of your food it is best to stick to feeding only products made for dogs specifically. Here is a list of things to especially avoid giving your pet. If you believe that your puppy may have gotten into any of these items please be sure to contact us as soon as possible.

Alcohol – Even small amounts of alcohol can cause significant central nervous system depression.

Avocado – While a great treat and healthy snack for humans, the avocado is not so much for dogs. Avocado is high in fat, so although it is not necessarily toxic, it can cause stomach upset and diarrhea. The pit also poses as a choking hazard. 

Chocolate, Coffee, Caffeine – All of these contain a substance called methylxanthines, which can cause vomiting, diarrhea, hyperactivity, abnormal heart rhythms, seizures, and even death. White and milk chocolate contain lower levels than dark chocolate, but even a small dose can be toxic. Don't worry though, your pet can still enjoy a puppuccino every once and a while! 

Citrus – Citrus fruits, especially the peels and seeds, have high levels of citric acid which can irritate the stomach lining.

Coconut Oil – Coconut oil is high in fat, which can cause stomach upset and diarrhea, as well as be a source of unnecessary calories. Vegetable based omega 3s like coconut oil are poorly absorbed by dogs. Animal-based products, such as fish oil, are much more bioavailable and helpful when recommended for issues like dry skin.

Grapes and Raisins – Even just a few grapes or raisins can cause kidney failure in some dogs. 

Milk and dairy – Adult dogs do not have large amounts of the lactase enzyme needed to digest milk. Excessive dairy products can cause vomiting or diarrhea.

Nuts, especially Macadamias – Any nut can pose a choking or intestinal obstruction hazard, and the fats can cause upset stomach and diarrhea. Macadamias are toxic and can cause weakness, depression, tremors, and hyperthermia.

Onions, Garlic, Chives – These can cause stomach upset and damage to red blood cells, sometimes leading to significant anemia.

Raw Meat – Although raw meat might seem appealing to your pet, today’s processed meats are not the same as fresh prey in the wild. Any raw meat could contain dangerous levels of salmonella and e. coli, and there is no nutritional advantage to feeding raw meat overcooked.

Xylitol – Many human products labeled as sugar-free are sweetened with xylitol, which can cause excessive insulin release in dogs leading to dangerously low blood sugar and liver damage. Symptoms include lethargy, vomiting, and sometimes seizures. Products which commonly contain xylitol include chewing gum, toothpaste, candy, and baked goods, although any product labeled as “sugar-free” should be avoided.

Healthy Foods You Can Feed Your Dog

Some foods are a great snack or quick treat to reward your furry friend for good behavior. Here's a quick list of some foods that are safe to give your furry family member.  

Apples - Apples are a healthy and sweet alternative to many other high-calorie dog treats. Make sure to remove the core and seeds before you feed your dog raw apples, as the core can pose as a choking hazard and the seeds contain toxic substances in high doses. Unsweetened applesauce is also a great ingredient to make homemade dog treats with! While this option may not be as low-calorie as just an apple, it's a fun alternative and something new for your furry friend to enjoy. 

Carrots - On top of being a great source of much-needed nutrients such as Vitamin A, Potassium, and Fiber, carrots are also a healthy and low-calorie alternative to dog biscuits and other treats. They can provide an excellent alternative to plastic chew toys when frozen, can aid in dental health and are a great way to aid in teething discomfort in young puppies. 

Celery - Much like carrots, celery can be used as a low-calorie weight-loss treat. It is an excellent source of fiber, vitamin A, C, and K, potassium and much more. As an added bonus, it may also help freshen up your pet's breath! 

Cooked Green Beans - As long as they are not raw, salted, or combined with any other seasonings such as garlic and onions, green beans are another healthy snack your dogs may enjoy. Green beans are full of vitamins such as B6, A, C, and K, and are low in calories. Like a lot of other veggies, they provide a healthy alternative to dog biscuits and most dogs really seem to enjoy them! 

Unsalted Pretzels - Believe it or not, unsalted pretzels are a safe treat your dog probably will enjoy. If you don't have unsalted pretzels maybe don't feed them to your dog. Too much salt can cause salt poisoning, which can damage the kidneys. 

Peanut Butter - While Peanut Butter isn't going to be a low-calorie treat option, dogs seem to love the stuff. Make sure it does NOT contain Xylitol, an artificial sweetener. Peanut Butter is a great way to distract your furry friend while doing nail trims, baths, or even grooming! Our Pet Care Staff actually recommends smearing some peanut butter on your bathtub walls to help keep your pet calm and distracted for baths. 

Pumpkin - Pumpkin is a great treat and helps aid in digestive activity and regulates intestinal motility. On top of the digestive bonus, it is known to help maintain blood sugar at a healthy level, aid in insulin control, disease prevention, increased energy, and improved mood! It's also a great source of vitamin A and natural antioxidants, supports the immune system and promotes cardiovascular health. A small scoop of pure pumpkin puree with their meals is a great way to switch up your dog's dinner routine and get all those added benefits of pumpkins! Make sure you do NOT give your pet pumpkin pie filling. The added spices are a sure fire way to upset your pet's stomach and negate the amazing benefits that pumpkins can bring. 

There are lots of foods that are good for your pet as well as some that can cause serious problems. If you ever have any questions about nutrition, food safety, or overall diet for your pet, please contact us! We are always here to help you make the best decisions for both you and your pet! 

Want to try your hand at some homemade dog treats?

Check out our blogs 7 Home Made Treats You Can Give Your Pup and 5 Cool Dog Treats to Make This Summer.