Any dog owner can attest that it can be difficult to say “no” to those big brown eyes as they peer up into your lap as you eat dinner or when you watch a movie with a bowl of snacks. Dogs are social animals, and research suggests that begging for human kibble is their way of saying they want to be like you.
When you enjoy your slice of pizza or piece of cheesecake, your dog can pick up your “happiness,” and he or she wants to indulge, too. They aren’t trying to be annoying; they simply want to experience your joy. As much as many dog owners like to cater to every need and want, there are times when it’s necessary to say “no” and sharing human food is one of those times.
At Wapiti Labs, where we provide elk velvet antler supplements and chews, we know the importance of good pet health. There are few things in the world more pressing than your dog’s flourishing, and sometimes it can be challenging to find the right information to live by when it comes to a pet’s diet. So stick around to learn a few tips on what not to feed your dog. Some of these foods may surprise you…
1. NUTS
A dish of mixed nuts, sitting on the table, may look like a tantalizing treat to your pup, but you should avoid giving him or her a taste. While all types of nuts, particularly those covered in chocolate, can be hazardous to a dog’s health, macadamia nuts are the most dangerous nut to consume. Your dog could experience weakness, swollen limbs, tremors and permanent damage to digestive, nervous, and muscle systems.
2. GRAPES AND RAISINS
Grapes and raisins are one of those convenient foods that you can just pop a few in your mouth, and be on your way and if your dog helped him or herself to a bunch, there’s a good chance you wouldn’t notice. Eating just a small amount of grapes or raisins can cause severe damage to your dog’s liver or kidneys.
3. PITTED FRUITS
Some fruits, like apple slices (without the seeds) and bananas, are acceptable to share with your dog but pitted fruits like peaches, plums, and persimmons are dangerous. Not only are pitted fruits a choking hazard if your pup decides to chew on the hard seed, but the pits also contain amygdalin (a cyanide and sugar compound) turns into hydrogen cyanide (HCN) when metabolized and can be fatal.
4. ONIONS
Onions and onion powder can add flavor to any dish and are a perfect accompaniment to a sandwich or salad, but your dog should never eat them. Whether your dog eats a raw or sauteed onion, he or she could sustain permanent damage to red blood cells.
5. YEAST (OR DOUGH)
If you’ve ever made homemade bread or cinnamon rolls and left the dough to rise, you may have noticed your dog sniffing around. If your dog eats dough or yeast on its own, it will continue to rise in his or her stomach. While a tiny bit of dough may cause a lot of gas and discomfort, too much could cause a rupture in their stomach and intestines.
6. CANDY (YES, THAT INCLUDES CHOCOLATE)
We like candy, so why wouldn’t our four-legged friends like to have a taste? Some of our favorite sweets get their sweetness from a sugar alcohol called xylitol. Xylitol appears in a variety of products from toothpaste to peanut butter and while it’s safe for humans, it’s deadly to dogs. If your dog eats a product with xylitol, he or she could suffer low blood sugar, seizures, liver failure, and even death.
7. ALCOHOL
Keeping your dog away from alcoholic beverages may be a “no-brainer,” but it is still worth a mention. Think about how alcohol can affect you when you’ve had too much and now think about your dog who weighs just a fraction of your weight. While we’ve all heard stories of a dog who loved to drink beer with its owner, alcohol can cause damage to your dog’s liver and brain.
8. COFFEE
Coffee, caffeinated drinks, and even chocolate are particularly problematic because the methylxanthines, found in cacao seeds, can cause some serious health issues in dogs from diarrhea, seizures, abnormal heart rhythm, and even death.
IF YOU SUSPECT FOOD POISONING
Anyone who lives with a dog knows that they are smart animals and can be tricky and stealthy. Even when you are careful, your dog may eat toxic food without you noticing. If your dog unexpectedly has diarrhea, vomits, or even starts to have a seizure, call the vet right away as it’s better to be overly cautious than just waiting it out.
ENOUGH OF WHAT THEY CAN’T HAVE – SUPPLEMENTS TO BOOST YOUR DOG’S WELLBEING
At Wapiti Labs, our velvet antler supplements derive from elks raised in a stress- and pollution-free environment, making them naturally derived and safe for your dog or cat. Some of our products include herbal supplements for your dog’s chest health, mobility and joint supplements, and supplements specifically tailored for the wellbeing of older pets.
Stick around and have a look at our catalog or connect with our office using the online form.
