Dogs have different metabolism as for humans and others kinds of animals. Some foods and spices which are edible for us might be harmful for them. Some foods may cause only little digestive upset, where other may cause severe damage or even death of the dog. The following foods should be avoided when feeding your dog, these are:

• Chocolate – It contains theobromine, a kind of derivative that can make your dog vomit and have diarrhea. It can also cause excessive urination that will result to great thirst and seizures. It can cause hyperactiveness that will result to abnormal heartbeat that can lead to death. Negative effects of this food depend on the amount of dosage taken, size of the dog, and type of chocolate eaten.

• Coffee – We all know that coffee contains large amount of caffeine, it is also a kind of derivative just like chocolates. It has similar side effects to dogs when eaten.

• Alcohol – This kind of drink can have the same effect to dogs as to humans; the difference is that the dogs are much smaller and more vulnerable to intoxication. It can also cause vomiting, lack of coordination, diarrhea, poor breathing, abnormal blood acidity, coma and death.

• Garlic, onions and chives in all forms – Whether these foods are cooked or raw, it is still bad for dogs. This kind of food contains thiosulphate, which can irritate the gastrointestinal tract of dogs. High dose of this element can trigger big damage on the red blood cells after a few days. It is also called as hemolytic anemia.

• Macadamia nuts – It can cause locomotors difficulty like weakness, panting, swollen limbs and tremors because it contain s an unknown toxins. Commonly, this can be found on biscuits and other kind of bread. Be careful when feeding with your dogs.

• Raisins and grapes – The substance that affects dogs when eating this kind of food is not yet known but it can lead to kidney failure. This can be found on bread, cakes and other cookies.

• Avocado – It can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and heart congestion. The substance responsible for this kind of effect is called Persin.

• Yeast – It refers to yeast or dough that is not yet cooked. This yeast may rise inside the dog’s stomach and may result to painful bloating and rapture of the stomach and intestine.

• Raw meat and eggs – These foods are very harmful not only to dogs but also to human as well. It may contain contagious organism such as Salmonella and E. coli.

• Bones – It can cause choking or it can be break apart and harm the stomach.

Be careful and check on what your dogs are eating. Many of these harmful foods are hidden in cookies, bread, and other processed foods. Ensure that your dog will only eat a balance meal and research for suitable foods for your dogs. Make a regular visit to your local veterinary clinic to make sure that you dog are always in good shape. Avoid a snack that comes from the human table.

Jonathan Pitts

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