My Boston Terrier, Tallulah, shares every meal with me. She has the big puppy eyes look down pat! Most dogs sit next to the table and look lovingly up at you until you give them a little bite to eat. Unfortunately, most pet owners are not always aware that many table foods can be dangerous and even deadly to their four-legged friend.Everyone feeds human food to dogs sometimes and it is easy to see why. We treat our pets like members of our family, but often the food we eat hurts their digestive systems. Before you toss your pooch that leftover food, read over this list of safe and unsafe human foods for your dog.
What is safe?
Most healthy foods that are good for us are relatively good for dogs. However, it is important to research what you can feed your pooch before you do it. What started out as something healthy for a dog (like ground beef or grilled chicken) can instantly be made poisonous with the addition of certain oils, wines or onions. If you cannot say no to that adorable face staring up at you from the floor as you eat, check out these human foods deemed safe by the ASPCA and Modern Dog Magazine.
- Peanut butter. This is a great source of added protein and fiber for your pooch and a tablespoon on dry food is a surefire way to get them to eat it.Make sure to choose an all-natural peanut butter that does not contain theingredient Xylitol as it can be dangerous for pets.
- Yogurt. This provides a great source of protein for dogs (especially Greek yogurt). Make sure to avoid brands high in sugar and preservatives.
- Lean proteins (period) (like chicken, turkey and beef). Most of these meats are found in your pet's dry and wet foods anyway and are filled with healthy fats and proteins dogs need to maintain a healthy weight and energy level.
- Salmon. The omega-3 fatty acids are good for your dog's coat and skin health and provide him with a healthy source of protein.
- Pumpkin and sweet potatoes. Pumpkins and sweet potatoes are a great source of beta carotene
and vitamin A and help keep your pup's digestive system on track. - Rice and pasta. Plain or whole wheat pastas are a good source of energy for your dog. Just avoid feeding them fatty or acidic sauces.
- Apples. This dog favorite is a great healthy snack and is a great sources of vitamins A and C.
- Peas and green beans. Peas and green beans are a great way to infuse your dog’s food with healthy, low-calorie nutrients. Peas provide extra potassium and the green beans are great sources of vitamins C and K.
What is not safe?
Unless you live under a rock, you know thatchocolate and cocoa are completely off limits. However, that is not the only favorite snack of yours that could poison your dog. Other everyday items, like onions and grapes could also really sicken, or kill, your best friend. Check out this list of the most poisonous foods, provided byWebmd For Pets.Be sure you keep them far away from your dog's curious snout. These poisonous foods are bad for all dogs, but are even more extreme for smaller breeds, like Shih Tzus, Yorkies, Chihuahuas and teacup breeds.
- Chocolate and cocoa. The toxicity in this sweet treat lies in the the obromine, or toxic agent. Just one bite can cause a dog to vomit or have diarrhea. It can also cause abnormal heart rhythm, tremors, seizures and death.
- Grapes. Keep these popular fruits away from your pooch, especially if your pooch is older or sick.Something in the grapes is known to cause kidney disease in most breeds.
- Avocados. This fruit contains persin, which is known to cause vomiting and diarrhea in dogs.
- Onions and garlic. These flavor enhancers need to be kept far away from your dog. Large volumes of these vegetables and herbs can cause gastrointestinal irritation and red blood cell damage, which can lead to anemia.
- Alcohol. Feeding your pet beer or wine isn't funny, it could be deadly. Just a drop can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, central nervous system depression, difficulty breathing and even death. The effects are even worse in smaller breeds.
- Milk and dairy products. Just one slice of cheese will not kill your pet, but excessive dairy will likely negatively disrupt their digestive system, since dogs don't have as much of the lactose breaking enzyme that humans do.
- Coffee. Just a sip of coffee or caffeine can lead to restlessness, heart palpitations and bleeding, while a large dosage can be fatal.
- Gum. Xylitol, the sweetener found in gum and candy, can lead to liver failure and hypoglycemia. In addition, a dog's digestive system cannot break down gum the way humans do and the sticky substance can block up their system, which can quickly lead to death.