Foods Not Fit for Dogs

Pet owners had a wake-up call when pet food products turned out to be contaminated last year. Like folks who make their own baby foods, pet owners turned to their own pantry in order to keep their pets safe. What many people do not realize is that many foods that are safe for human consumption are quite deadly to dogs. Some human foods contain toxins or specialized additives which can cause liver damage and internal bleeding in dogs. Here are my top 13 picks of foods to avoid feeding your dog taken from the Humane Society, Animal Companions and other pet-friendly sources.

1. Chocolate - dogs love the smell of candies and vanilla, but this is very toxic to dogs. A better alternative would be fat-free peanut butter flavored milkbones or vitabones.

2. Garlic - contrary to the old wive's tale of keeping your dog flea-free, this ingredient is toxic to your pet. Only use additives which are veternarian approved and sold by reputable pet food outlets.

3. Onions - when you have the urge to sneak a piece of hamburger or sirloin strip to your dog, make sure there are no little pieces of onion hiding on them. These are undigestible with small dogs and causes liver damage. It also causes bloody eyes and bowel movements.

4. Raisins (and Grapes) are also not good. The secret ingredients that make good wine are toxic to dogs.

5. Coffee and Tea because of the caffeine. They can burn the mouth and the grounds do not digest.

6. Alcohol of any kind given to a pet is animal cruelty and may actually be punishable by law.

7. Raw eggs, fish, dairy milk (lactose) and other raw foods may contain Salmonella and thus food poisoning.

8. Sugar free products like cereal, cookies and baked goods because they contain Xylitol, deadly to dogs.

9. Yeast-based dough. Donuts and breads thoroughly cooked are ok, but watch out for high-yeast foods. They can cause expansion of gases within the stomach and rupturing of the colon.

10. Fatty foods like lamb chops and thick bacon. The grease causes havoc in the stomach and intestines.

11. Pits, seeds (like Sesame) and nuts of any kind are all a bad idea. Watch for hidden pits in peaches, olives and other common foods.

12. Some bones which splinter, chip and other hard to break-down treats like pig's ears and greenies. Small dogs especially get small parts caught inside their stomachs. These also can cause pancreatitis.

13. Mushrooms and other foods containing molds like blue cheese.

Finally, to not give human medications like aspirin to your dog before consulting with your vet. Liquid Pepto Bismal in small doses given with an eye-dropper may be OK for some. A better alternative would be pectin-based natural foods like apple juice.