Pawsome Tails: Your dog and the dangers of human food

Our dogs inevitably become a loving member of our families, we love to cuddle them and give them treats, and the temptation to share our human food with them, thinking that it is a treat, often does our dog more harm than we think. The fact is that our dogs should be treated as a member of a family that suffers from allergies. Just as you would not give a child who is allergic to shellfish any fish, regardless of whether you would think the child is missing out, so we also have to treat our pets, knowing that certain human food simply is not good for them, and can have dire consequences.

We might sometimes not see the direct consequences of giving our dogs human food, but the truth is that it affects them internally and often by the time we do pick up that something is wrong, it may already be too late.

Here are some foods to avoid giving your dog:

Grapes and raisins

Even the smallest amount of grapes and raisins can cause acute kidney failure in dogs. Studies have shown that a toxic dose is as low as 32g of grapes and 11-30g of raisins. This means that dogs that weigh only 2kg can become very ill after consuming as little as 10 grapes.

Onions and garlic

These food substances cause irreversible damage to a dog’s red blood cells and their capacity to carry oxygen. Consumption causes oxidative changes to the cells, causing them to burst and inevitably result in dogs dying from anaemia (low red blood cell count) and oxygen deprivation. Garlic also causes a drop in blood pressure.

Chocolate, coffee and caffeine

These products all contain two methylxanthine compounds, namely caffeine and theobromine. The higher the concentration of pure cocoa, the more dangerous the product is for an animal. Unsweetened baking chocolate and dark chocolate is the most dangerous and as little as 6g of this kind of chocolate can be lethal for a dog.

Xylitol

Xylitol, an artificial sweetener, is found in most sugar-free sweets, cooldrinks, gum and even some baked goods.

Alcohol and raw bread dough

Even the smallest amounts of alcohol found in drinks and products such as raw bread dough are poisonous to pets. Products such as these contain ethanol, causing alcohol intoxication. Alcohol intoxication can cause the failure of the organ systems and even be fatal. Yeast in raw bread dough can cause expansion of the stomach, resulting in tissue damage and difficulty in breathing. Symptoms of intoxication include disorientation, vomiting, high blood pressure, restlessness, excessive panting, muscle tremors and seizures.

Pets should be taken to their nearest vet immediately where they should be monitored until they are fully recovered if they ingest any of these foods.

Other harmful foods:

Our pets’ digestive systems are very sensitive and any dairy product can cause diarrhoea as well as other allergies, like itching. Macadamia nuts, even in small amounts, can cause lack of coordination, general weakness and even paralysis. Avocados can cause stomach upset because it contains persin. Persin is a fungicidal toxin, an oil-soluble compound structurally similar to a fatty acid. Found in the ripe pulp of an avocado, it is generally considered harmless to humans. However, when persin is consumed by pets it is toxic and dangerous.

Meat, chicken or fish bones are just as dangerous for pets, as they can splinter and stick in the throat, break teeth or cut intestines.

Monitor your dog’s salt intake, as too much salt, can be harmful, causing salt poisoning or water deprivation.

Foods that are good for your dog:

Carrots

Cooked and raw carrots are safe for your pets to eat; they are a good source of fibre, minerals and vitamins and are low in calories.

Eggs

While you should avoid feeding your dog raw eggs, cooked eggs are perfectly safe and nutritional for your dog.

Apples

Apples are high in fibre, which may benefit your dog’s digestive system; they also aid in keeping your dog’s teeth clean and provide a significant amount of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. However, you should always remove the seeds before feeding apples to your dog, as the seeds contain cyanide, a chemical that can be poisonous in large amounts.

Chicken

Chicken is an excellent source of protein; you can feed your dog chicken on its own or combine it with dry kibbles. However, you should always remove chicken from the bone before feeding your dog, as chicken bones pose a chocking hazard and may puncture your dog’s digestive tract. Never feed your dog raw chicken in order to prevent salmonella infection.

Rice

Rice is easy digestible and may relieve an upset stomach.

Peanut butter

Peanut butter is healthy and safe for your dog to eat in moderate amounts. Since it is high in calories and fat, it may lead to weight gain. If you do decide to feed your dog peanut butter, feed it the plain, unsalted kind.

Here’s a quick look at what other human foods your dog can eat and which ones should be eaten in moderation:

Can eat:

Salmon

Blueberries

Pineapple

Blackberries

Oatmeal

Mango

Bananas

Strawberries

Oranges

In moderation:

Cheese

Popcorn

Bread

Tomatoes

Broccoli

Sweet potatoes

Coconut

Watermelon

The bottom line

It is best to avoid feeding your pet human food. While you may think you are giving your dog a treat, you may, in fact, rather be causing your pet much damage, as mentioned above. Always consult with your vet first, and remember, there are plenty pet-specific treats that you can feed your beloved furry friend, readily available at pet stores, grocery stores and at your local vet. Even if a food is deemed safe for dogs to eat, remember to always feed your dog in moderation, as too much fruit can also be the cause for an upset stomach. All dogs are different and while some may tolerate a certain food, another may experience adverse effects.

At the end of the day it’s easy to keep your pet in optimal health by feeding them pet-approved foods. Vinkel and Koljander have only ever eaten pet-approved foods and their absolute favourite – apples.

The added benefit of this is that they have never begged for food from the table, or have given me those puppy eyes none of us can say no to while I eat my dinner. They are happy and healthy and they do not lack anything in their diet, and I know I am protecting them from any negative effects the wrong kind of food can have on them.

That’s it for this week, from me, Vinkel and Koljander. Paw five! Woof!