Blog Foods to Avoid for a Healthy Dog

Keeping your pet healthy and happy are two responsibilities that every pet owner has once they bring home a pooch. Your pet requires your love, attention and food–of course. You may want to give him or her a treat sometimes for good behavior after a trip to Very Important Paws. However, certain foods are more of a threat than a treat to your pup.

Here are a few Foods to Avoid for a Healthy Dog:
• Chocolate– is highly toxic to your dog no matter how big or small he or she is. Every type of chocolate including white chocolate has theobromine in it, which can lead vomiting, diarrhea or becoming extremely thirsty. In more serious cases, your pup may experience abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmia) or seizures. Tremors are also a possibility, and the most serious consequence is death. Dark chocolate, unsweetened baking chocolate and chocolate mulch are the worst kinds of chocolate for dogs. To be safe while you’re baking brownies, keep your dog out of the kitchen.

• Dairy products– may be very healthy for you and your family to consume, but for your dog – they may not be the best treat option. Milk and products may cause diarrhea or upset stomach, even if it’s only a few licks of ice cream from your local ice cream shop.

• Deep Fried Foods– Large quantities of deep-fried foods aren’t good for you, and they’re not good for your pets either. Consuming too many fatty foods leads to pancreatitis in canines. Don’t forget that dogs can also develop hyperlipidemia, which is more commonly known as high cholesterol.

• Avocados– You’re probably aware of all the health benefits of avocados and they’re amazing for your skin, but they won’t help your pooch’s skin nor any other part of your pets’ health. They contain a poison to canines; this substance is a fungicidal toxin that contributes to vomiting, diarrhea and even heart congestion.

Other goods that aren’t healthy for your puppy or full-grown dog are:
• Onions
• Raw fish
• Raisins
• Cat food
• Grapes
• Caffeinated foods
• Nutmeg
• Onion powder
• Potato peels
• Sugar in large quantities can cause diabetes, obesity and problems with your dog’s teeth.
• Sugar substitutes aren’t healthy either since they may contain xylitol, which can contribute to liver failure, low glucose levels (low blood sugar), seizures or even death in small amounts.
The best treats to give your dog are ones especially made for him or her; however, if you want to let your pet indulge in people food, stick to cooked whole meats without salt, seasonings or other additives.

Very Important Paws offers a wide selection of gourmet cookies and treats that are safe and delicious for your dog!