Many people ask me what to feed their pups, whats good and what isn't.
This blog isn't about dog food but more focused on what human food your pet can have and what you should or need to avoid.
Your dog is your dog and your home is your home, how you raise your family is down to you but we all need to do it responsibly. Your dog is a member of your family but is still a canine (as much as we often treat them like humans), our dogs have very different needs when it comes to food.
While many human foods are fine for your dog others are potentially dangerous and unsafe.
Rule of thumb is that you should avoid feeding your pup anything that isn't recommended by your vet because not all breeds are the same so take care when feeding from your plate.
I'm not going to go into begging at the table or eating scraps from your plate, as mentioned before I only want to help you to know what food is ok and what isn't.
Here is a list of foods which your dog can eat in MODERATION!
Meat and Fish- As long as your dog has no allergy to red meat or white meat (Poultry - Chicken or Turkey with the fatty skin removed) then lean meat provides your dog with a tasty treat which is also a good source of protein. Make sure you remove all bones and excessive fat and that you are sure your meat is fresh and not contaminated with bacteria which causes food poisoning. Fish can contain a parasite that causes fish disease or salmon poisoning disease. Cooked fish is good for your dog and the cooking process kills the parasite but again remember to remove all the bones to avoid choking or internal organ risks.
Eggs - Cooked eggs are an excellent source of protein and contain many vitamins. Cooked is recommended over raw due to salmonella and biotin deficiency.
Fruit your dog can have;
Apples (no seeds)
Bananas
Blackberries
Blueberries
Cantaloupe
Cranberries
Mangos
Oranges
Peaches
Pears (no seeds)
Pineapples
Rasperries
Strawberries
Watermelon (no seeds)
The seeds should be removed, seeds contain trace amounts of arsenic which is poisonous.
Vegetables are a great healthy alternative treats and snacks.
Vegetables your dogs can digest;
Broccoli
Brussels Sprouts
Carrots
Celery
Cucumber
Green Beans
Peas
Potatoes (only cooked)
Spinach
Sweet potatoes
Fresh is better, stay away from canned or picked because they contain too much salt.
White Rice - Vets will often suggest you feed your dog boiled white rice when they are poorly because it can firm up stools and nourish a dog that it ill, this is often paired with boiled chicken.
What not to give your dog;
Alcohol - can cause lack of coordination, weak breathing and abnormal acidity which could cause a coma or death.
As mentioned Fruit seeds especially Apples - They contain a natural chemical called amygdalin which releases cyanide when digested.
Avocados contain Persin which causes diarrhoea, vomiting and heart congestion. The pit is the most dangerous not only for the poison but also as it could cause choking.
Cat Food - Cat proteins are too high for a dog so it can cause an upset tummy or Pancreatitis.
Chewing gum, Toothpaste, mouthwash, or Sweets - Sweets contain too much sugar but often Xylitol which is toxic to dogs and can cause vomiting, seizures, loss of coordination and liver failure.
Chocolate - Theobromine and caffeine speed up the heart rate and stimulate the nervous system. This causes vomiting, Diarrhea, Restlessness, increased urination, tremors, elevated heart rate, seizures and death.
Coffee Rea and other Caffeine - Caffeine can cause mild to severe hyperactivity, restlessness, vomiting, elevated heart rate and blood pressure, tremors, seizures and death. It's extremely dangerous and can take effect with in 1-2 hours.
Cooked Bones - Cooked bones can easily splinter, raw bones are much safer.
Corn on the cob - Corn in moderation is fine for dogs but they can get over excited and swallow the cob which may cause choking or intestinal blockage which is possibly fatal to your dog.
Fat Trimmings - Cooked and uncooked fat trimmings can cause pancreatitis.
Garlic, Chives and Onions - Garlic can be used in tiny amounts as a flea treatment but it is related to the onion. Onions are toxic to dogs, cooked or raw, containing disulphides and sulfoxides which kill dogs red blood cell count, causing anaemia.
Grapes and Raisins - Even a small amount can cause vomiting and even death from kidney failure.
Hops - toxic to a dog they can cause increased heart rate, fever and even death.
Liver - avoid too much liver as it contains a lot of vitamin A which can effect your pups muscles and bones.
Macadamia Nuts - even a small amount can be lethal.
Milk and Dairy products - Beware of smelly farts and diarrhea, dairy causes digestive problems and can trigger food allergies.
Rhubarb - contains oxalates which can cause diarrhea, seizures and even death.
Sugar - sugar, sugary foods, and corn syrup can lead to dental issues, obesity and even diabetes.
Yeast - too much could rupture your dogs tummy or intestines just like yeast rises in bread it rises inside your pup and as it ferments and rises it makes alcohol which can lead to alcohol poisoning.
Also don't give your dog mouldy old food bacteria in spoiled foods contains all sort of dangerous toxins. Make sure your know what is in your left overs (take out bones, and toxic foods). Know whats in your snacks before you share, for example crisps often contain garlic or onion powder and some biscuits have raisins.
Spoiling our dogs feels good but make sure you know what your spoiling them with because it's always better to be safe than sorry!