More Foods NOT to Give Your Dog

After writing my post last week about people food that you shouldn’t give your dog, I thought it would be helpful to lest a few more. Oh yeah, and I also felt a little bad for condemning those who feed their dog people food – so, I wanted to clarify my position on that. I do think it’s irresponsible to feed your dog random scraps from the table. On the other hand, it can actually be very healthy to feed your dog a diet of the right “people” foods. For example, boiled chicken and rice are recommended for your canine friends, and they both are probably better than the “dog food” you buy at the store. So, for those of you who are trying to do the right thing by feeding your dog “people food,” I wanted to share a few more of those foods you need to avoid.

Artificial sweeteners: These contain xylitol and can cause low blood sugar, which can result in vomiting and weakness. Large amounts can cause liver failure.
Bones: Don't give your dog bones from your meal. Yes, dogs like bones, but they cann splinter and cause obstructions in or lacerations to a dog’s digestive system.
Grapes, raisins and currants: These contain a toxin that is damaging to a dog’s kidneys.
Macadamia nuts: These contain a toxin that can damage a dog's digestive, nervous and muscular systems.
Milk and dairy products: Large amounts of dairy can give a dog diarrhea or other stomach ailments.
Garlic and onions (raw, cooked or powdered): These can contain sulfoxides and disulfides. These can damage red blood cells and cause anemia.
Raw eggs: Raw eggs may contain Salmonella, and they contain an enzyme that decreases the absorption of biotin, which can cause hair and skin problems.
Raw meat: Raw meat may contain bacteria such as E. Coli and Salmonella.

If your dog has eaten these foods, he or she may appear tired, listless or weak. He or she may also vomit, have diarrhea, or a rapid heart-rate. If your dog exhibits these systems and has recently ingested these foods, it’s a good idea to call the veterinarian.