5 Foods You Should Never Feed Your Dog

As dog-lovers, who among us hasn’t tossed Fido a scrap or two when we’re eating? It’s hard to say no to those big watery eyes, but sometimes it’s necessary. Some foods just aren’t good for dogs and may even harm them. Knowing which morsels and treats to keep away from your canine buddy can help ensure he stays healthy. Here, a veterinarian lists six types of foods to never feed to your dog. 

1. Salty, Fatty, Sugary, and High-Protein Foods 

As much as Fido may love french fries, a piece of steak, or some of your dessert, these foods can hurt him. 

• Salty treats throw off your dog’s electrolytes, which regulate his muscle function and help keep him hydrated. 
• Your dog’s digestive system doesn’t process high-protein and fatty foods that well, which can cause digestive problems and even lead to liver and pancreatitis dysfunction. 
• Sweets are just as bad for your canine companion as they are for you and feeding him chocolate can actually kill him.

2. Nuts

Nuts may seem like a healthy treat to feed your dog, but they actually have a high-fat content. Besides that, the compact size of nuts makes them a real choking hazard for your dog. Macadamia nuts, in particular, are highly poisonous to dogs so never feed them to Fido. 

3. Dairy Products

Dairy products may have an abundance of calcium-boosting properties, but your dog’s digestive system can’t handle dairy products of any kind. Eating dairy may place him at risk of developing lactose intolerance, not to mention the bouts of gas, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.

4. Alcohol

Alcohol has the same harmful effects on dogs as on humans. One big difference to keep in mind though is, even in small quantities, alcohol can cause serious health problems since a dog’s body is much smaller than a human’s. This is especially true for small canines. Breathing problems, vomiting, diarrhea, coma, and even death can result if your dog has just a single swallow of alcohol.

5. Raw Eggs

Cooked eggs are good for Fido (in moderation, of course). Raw eggs aren’t. This is because raw eggs contain an enzyme that can interfere with your dog’s ability to digest a B vitamin called biotin. This can lead to digestive problems, skin problems, and an unhealthy coat. 

If you have more questions or suspect your dog has eaten something harmful, please don’t hesitate to call us today.