Avoid feeding these toxic foods to your dog

If you are a dog owner, I am sure that you love to feed your dog the occasional treat. While treats are often an important part of pet ownership, and even an effective tool in training, it is important to take care when feeding any sort of treat, especially if it is human food. Though dogs are man’s best friends, they have delicate digestive systems, much different than man himself. Learn what types to avoid feeding your dog to keep him happy and healthy.

Though it may seem unlikely, many dogs cannot digest large portions of dairy products. You probably will not find that the occasional bite of cheese hurts your dog, but be careful to feed it only in moderation. Avoid feeding your dog any quantity of cow’s milk. Your canine companion is only equipped to digest milk from his mother. Maintain your dog’s digestive healthy by keeping him away from cheese, milk and other dairy products.

While you may put onions on your burgers and in your meat dishes, do not offer your dog the same. Large amounts of onions in your dog’s system effects his red blood cells, ultimately causing anemia. Anemia occurs in the body when the red blood cell count drops too low. If your dog accidentally snags a bite of onion, he will probably survive. But too many onions, and he could face serious health consequences.

While we are on the topic of flavor and seasoning, let us discuss salt and sugar. Once again, most people enjoy a dash of salt or a spoonful of sugar in their meals and snacks. While your dog may act as though he too enjoys these specialties, his body is not able to process these additives. Do not add sugar or salt to your dog’s meals or treats, and avoid feeding him tidbits of foods that contain them.

Chocolate is perhaps the most poisonous food to dogs. In moderate to large amounts, it can cause seizures, heart complications, tremors and ultimately death. Even in the most minute amounts, chocolate causes severe vomiting and diarrhea. Always, always keep any kind of chocolate far out of your dog’s reach.

Other toxic foods to dogs include walnuts, raisins, grapes and Macadamia nuts. Protect your dog’s health and well-being by keeping these foods, and most other table foods, out of his body.