What Foods Can I Share With My Dog?
As a dog owner, I know dogs are curious creatures. Sometimes their curiosity can get them into trouble. As a responsible pet owner, you might ask yourself, “What foods can I share with my dog?” Below is a guide to foods your dog can and can’t eat.
My dog Ruthie loves bananas! I can’t eat a banana without sharing a few slices. The same goes for watermelon. She also loves sugar snap peas. If I make eggs, she gets a little scrambled egg (with no seasoning). While I’m not a vet and don’t want to share veterinary advice, I am careful about how much I feed her. Even foods that are okay can upset a dog’s stomach if they eat too much of it.
Most people know chocolate is bad for dogs. But did you know that the darker the chocolate (healthiest for people), the worse it is for your dog?
According to Doc Jess on vetexplainspets.com,
“The worst chocolate for dogs is dark chocolate. This type of chocolate contains higher levels of theobromine, a stimulant that is toxic to dogs. Theobromine can cause a variety of symptoms in dogs, including vomiting, diarrhea, rapid breathing, muscle tremors, and even seizures. In severe cases, chocolate poisoning can be fatal. Trends related to chocolate toxicity in dogs have been on the rise in recent years. With the increasing popularity of dark chocolate and gourmet chocolate products, more dogs are at risk of ingesting toxic amounts of chocolate.”
Don’t leave food unattended when there are dogs around. Most will not hesitate to grab something from a plate, especially if no one is looking. Kids often drop food while eating. Be sure to keep an eye on your dog or put them in another room while kids eat.
We love our dogs and wouldn’t want anything bad to happen to them. Keeping them from eating dangerous foods is part of the obligation of being a pet owner.
That being said, if your dog has eaten something you think is harmful, don’t hesitate! Contact your veterinarian or pet ER as soon as possible. Another option is to contact the Animal Poison Helpline. Your pet’s life could be on the line.
Cook delicious treats for your dog with this book full of amazing recipes: Homemade Dog Treats.
Read more about dog health and care here.