Dogs are known for their ability to eat just about anything their owners give to them- but that doesn’t mean that the food you give them can’t hurt them. There are some types of foods that can harm your canine either immediately or over the course of several days or weeks.

Even some raw vegetables can be bad for a dog. Garlic is an example of something that is natural but still very harmful when consumed for the dog. Garlic salt, garlic powder, and anything made with such ingredients should never be given to a dog. Otherwise the dog will face problems with anemia, where the red blood cells become under attack. Given the severity of the situation, even small amounts should be avoided.

If raw foods such as onion and garlic can cause harm, then of course artificial foods and sweeteners can too! Xylitol is an example of an artificial sweetener that has been known to induce liver failure in dogs when consumed. Xylitol is found in a variety of consumer products, but is easily spotted on the ingredients list for those that want to know what they can feed their dog.

Sometimes problems such as diarrhea can be a result of feeding your dog dairy products, whether it be milk or foods prepared with mentioned dairy products. Not every dog has the ability to break down the enzymes that are in milk. As a result, the dairy is passed through the digestive system and will cause problems for the dog as long as dairy remains in the diet.

One of the biggest wrongs that pet owners could engage in would be to give a dog caffeine or chocolate. Chocolate is known to have caffeine in it, and the caffeine can quickly cause nervous system problems and heart problems. Caffeine may also speed up the heart of the dog, which could cause a serious problem if the dog gets worked up and uses the extra energy to run around. No chocolate or caffeine at all should ever be given to a dog.

Overall, you must look after your dog and the diet he or she eats. Even feeding a dog table scraps is a poor choice, as dogs need a well-balanced diet to stay healthy. This is also why it is bad for a dog to eat cat food, which some dogs do, as cat food is usually higher in protein and fats than what a dog actually needs in his or her diet.

Closing Comments

Patience in learning what your dog can handle is key. Always research the food you are giving your dog before actually feeding the dog. It’s always best to stay safe rather than have a dog with severe health problems. Dogs are a man’s best friend, and should be treated as such.

Learn more on Flint River Ranch Dog Food and Flint River Ranch Pet Food.