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Homemade Dog Food Dangers

Table Foods That Harm Dogs

Oct 19, 2007 Joy Butler

Good nutrition for us does not always mean good for our dogs. Many foods, including grapes, walnuts, and milk can be dangerous for canines.

In the wake of recent pet food recalls, many dog owners have resorted to cooking for their dogs. A homemade diet is one way to know exactly what you are feeding your best friend. However, not all human foods are good for dogs. If you are cooking for your dog or just sharing a snack, make sure he’s not getting something that can cause illness or death.

Alcohol can cause breathing difficulties, abnormal blood acidity, coma and death in dogs. At parties, don’t let anyone offer your dog a ‘drink.’

Avocadoes contain persin which can cause digestive upsets and heart problems.

Bones may splinter and puncture or obstruct the digestive tract.

Broccoli in large amounts can cause illness in dogs.

Chocolate, coffee and tea all contain stimulants that cause abnormal heartbeat, seizures and death in dogs. Chocolate is especially dangerous for dogs.

Corn on the cob is dangerous. Even though the corn will be digested, chunks of cob may obstruct the digestive tract

Grapes and raisins contain an unknown substance that causes kidney failure in dogs.

Liver in large amounts can cause Vitamin A toxicity.

Macadamia nuts contain an unidentified toxin that causes weakness, tremors, panting and swelling in the legs.

Walnuts may have a fungus or mold which causes drooling, jaundice, lack of coordination, and vomiting.

Milk is difficult for some dogs to digest effectively, which leads to G.I. upsets.

Mushrooms and molds can be toxic to dogs. Some varieties are more toxic than others.

Nutmeg is a seasoning that causes tremors, seizures, and death in dogs.

Onions and garlic, both cooked and raw, contain thiosulphate which can cause digestive upsets, hemolytic anemia, and death. Onions contain more of the toxin than garlic does.

Raw egg whites contain avidin which causes B vitamin deficiency, skin problems and skeletal deformities Raw eggs can also harbor salmonella or e.coli.

Raw fish, especially salmon, may contain parasites that are dangerous for dogs.

Seeds and fruit pits can cause choking or intestinal blockages and some contain cyanide which is toxic to dogs.

Xylitol causes an insulin reaction in dogs which can lead to liver failure within a few days. It’s found in many candies, gums, toothpastes, and pastries.

Greasy, fatty table scraps can cause pancreatitis in dogs. Pancreatitis is an inflammation of the pancreas caused when too much digestive enzyme is produced. Affected dogs may have bloody vomit or diarrhea and suffer dehydration and even death.

Snacks shared with your dog need to be checked for hidden ingredients. Some foods such as cookies, gravies, and even some baby foods, can contain chocolate, nuts, onions, excessive salt or sugar, or other items dangerous for dogs. Keeping garbage cans secured is a good idea too.

Pennies are another danger to dogs worth mentioning. Those dated after 1981 are made from zinc with a thin copper coating. A dog swallowing just one of these pennies can suffer damage to red blood cells and kidney failure, due to zinc poisoning.

If you suspect your dog has consumed something toxic, call your vet right away. Hesitation can prove fatal.

Most doting dog owners, especially children, love to share snacks with their best friend but these should be healthful foods, approved by a veterinarian. A little awareness and caution can prevent a tragedy.

Source :

AskAboutCoins.com

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Homemade Dog Food

Homemade Dog Food Recipes

Homemade Dog Biscuits

Homemade Dog Food Treats

Homemade Frozen Dog Treats

Slentron: Weight Loss Drug for Dogs

The copyright of the article Homemade Dog Food Dangers in Dogs is owned by Joy Butler. Permission to republish Homemade Dog Food Dangers in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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Comments

Sep 10, 2009 6:22 PM
Guest :
I think you forgot to mention a huge one-KIBBLE.
Jan 14, 2010 8:42 PM
Guest :
This article offers valuable health saving advice for pet owners. I have read about foods to avoid based on the dog's breed. I used two books, one by Dr. Pitcairn's Complete Guide to Natural Health.... The other book is by Earl Mindell's Nutrition & Health....
Jan 18, 2010 2:25 PM
Guest :
Really? Raw Eggs are bad? That runs counter to EVERYTHING else I've read.

Excellent information though on the whole.
Jan 21, 2010 10:22 PM
Guest :
good info overall, somethings I never thought about, like walnuts and macadamia. But really who feeds their dogs pennies, even if they were made before the 80's. I give my dogs fresh garlic with there food minced through a garlic press, they like it and it is a natural antibiotic. Even though garlic is in the onion family it contains no where near the amount of thiosulphate that onions do and because a "serving" is much smaller I don't think you have the same worry, but my dogs are all large and giant breed dogs I don't think that I would so readily give it to a toy breed. I also give my dogs raw eggs sometimes with the shells crushed up, they love it and have NEVER had any issues with vitamin deffenceicy. I also give my dogs corn cobs to destroy, not the halved ones, they have never had any problems passing them when the time comes. Of course every dog is different and mine are very large dogs with very large teeth. I think trial and error and a lot of research are in order for anyone making their own dog food, it took me about a year of re search to switch my dogs to natural food instead of kibble.
Jan 23, 2010 4:55 PM
Guest :
Great detailed article telling me what I needed to know about WHAT NOT TO FEED MY DOG. Thanks!
Jan 28, 2010 7:19 PM
Guest :
Very Helpfull, thank you. Is it ok if i make a big batch of pet food for the month with cooked rice, and mashed peas carrots, n then freeze it?
Feb 4, 2010 9:51 PM
Guest :
I think that it's important to note that avidin, in raw egg whites, only binds to the B vitamin biotin, and doesn't cause any other B vitamin deficiency and that that binding affinity goes away when the protein (avidin) is denatured through the cooking process. This same effect happens in humans as well. Luckily, egg yolks are one of the best sources of biotin! Just make sure to cook the egg white well.
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