Dog Nutrition - Five Human Foods You Should Never Feed Your Dog

Dog nutrition use to consist of giving our dogs whatever it was we hadn't eaten by the end of the day. I remember scraping all our plates into one bowl, and putting that down for the dogs each evening. Sure, we all know not to give the dog chicken bones, but other than that, it was pretty much anything goes. But times have changed, and so has the way we feed our dogs. Now we know that many foods we eat can be bad for our dogs - and some can be down right deadly!

Dog Nutrition - Don't Feed Your Dog Chocolate

This one is probably the best known on this list, but it bears repeating. Chocolate can kill your dog. Even a small amount is enough to kill a toy breed. Chocolate is also toxic to cats and ferrets. Always be careful to store candies out of the reach of curious pets.

Dog Nutrition - Don't Feed Your Dog Caffeine

Caffeine is something most people don't think of as something they would offer their pet, but leaving a cup of coffee or glass of soda where your pet can reach it can be deadly mistake.

Dog Nutrition - Don't Feed Your Dog Grapes or Raisins

While scientists haven't yet figured out why, it has been shown that grapes and raisins are indeed deadly for dogs. A small amount can cause acute renal failure (their kidneys shut down) leading to the death of the dog.

Dog Nutrition - Don't Feed Your Dog Onions

Onions can also be harmful to your pet. They contain a chemical which can cause the red blood cells in your dog's blood to burst, leading to anemia. Fortunately, this is one case where the effects can be reversed if caught in time. But the best advice is to not give your dog any thing with onion on it or in it - including the last slice of that left-over pizza.

Dog Nutrition - Don't Feed Your Dog Apple Seeds

I know a lot of people who toss their dog their apple core after they finish eating the apple. However, it turns out that apple seeds contain a small amount of arsenic - the same thing found in rat poison. While the seeds of one apple probably aren't enough to hurt your dog, the effect over time can make your dog sick or lead to its death. Best advice is to not let your dog eat apple cores with seeds.

One last tip - if you believe your dog may have eaten any food that it shouldn't have, you should immediate call or visit your veterinarian. The effects of eating a poisonous food can often be reversed or minimized if treated in time. Waiting to see if your dog will be OK can be a fatal mistake.

Sources:
Dr. Wendy Wallner, DVM, Warning! Onions are Toxic to Your Dog!, The Boxer Map
Foods Potentially Poisonous to Pets, Humane Society of the United States, HSUS.org