Taking care of a dog is a big responsibility. You have to know which foods your dog can and can’t eat to keep him healthy. There are plenty of foods your dog can eat, and there are also a few foods your dog should avoid. Some foods are highly toxic and can even kill your dog. If your dog is accidentally eating something toxic, you should take him to a veterinarian as soon as possible.
Some dogs are allergic to dairy products. You should never give your dog milk. The high fat content can cause acute pancreatitis, and other complications. You should also avoid giving your dog cheese. Some cheeses contain a toxin that can be harmful in large doses. Xylitol, an artificial sweetener, is used in many food and household items, and it can be dangerous for your dog.
Some fruit and vegetables are safe to eat in moderate amounts, and some are not. Some fruits, like strawberries, are very high in natural sugar, so they present a choking hazard. If you want to give your dog a snack, a fruit like pineapple is a great choice. Fresh pineapple is a good source of vitamins and minerals, and it is very easy to digest. If you are feeding your dog fresh pineapple, remove the skin before serving.
Some plant foods are excellent sources of healthy carbs and hydrating fiber. Some plants also have protein. For example, broccoli is a good source of vitamins and is a low-calorie vegetable. It is also safe for your dog to eat in small quantities. However, it is not safe to feed your dog the whole stalk, as it may get stuck in his throat or intestines.
Some herbs are toxic to your dog. Some herbs are part of the Allium family, which contains sulfoxides, isothiocyanates, and disulfides. These compounds can damage the red blood cells, causing anemia, and they can even lead to seizures. Similarly, garlic is also a toxin that can be harmful to your pet. It can also cause diarrhea and vomiting.
Many people don’t realize that certain plants are toxic to dogs. For example, berries are a good source of vitamin C, but they are also packed with sulfoxides, which can irritate the digestive tract. The seeds and pits of apples, watermelon, and plums are all poisonous. While the apple flesh is generally safe for your dog, the seeds can be a choking hazard.
Some fruits, such as grapes and pears, are cyanide-tainted. This toxin can cause a variety of adverse effects, including diarrhea, vomiting, coma, and even death. You should not feed your dog any grapes or pears, but you can feed your dog other types of fruit.
Cucumbers are a very low-calorie snack, and they contain minerals and vitamins. They are a good choice for overweight dogs. If you are giving your dog cucumbers, cut them into bite-sized pieces to prevent choking. The avocado is another fruit that is a good choice, but the pit is not.
