Can fat make dogs sick

Be Careful with These 5 Foods That Make Dogs Sick

Be Careful with These 5 Foods That Make Dogs Sick

Dogs can eat many human foods safely, however, there are some foods that can cause problems. Some pet owners only become aware of this after their dog ingests one of these foods and ends up in the veterinary emergency room.

Below we will review 5 foods that can cause problems in dogs.

Three Human Foods that Make Dogs Sick

There are several human foods that can make dogs sick. Many of you are aware of some such as chocolate but others like the ones below you may not be aware.

1. Grapes and Raisins It came as a complete surprise to many veterinarians when it was discovered that grapes and raisins are toxic to some dogs. Which dogs can be affected and the toxic components are still unknown. Ingestion of as little as one or two grapes or raisins can cause kidney failure in dogs.

Signs of toxicity include lack of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, lethargy and increased or decreased thirst or urination. Learn more in this article Grape and Raisin Toxicity.

1. Macadamia Nuts These wonderful and delicious nuts are toxic to dogs. Macadamia nuts are found in chocolates, cookies, and candies. Signs of toxicity can begin in 10 to 12 hours after ingestion and vary from mild to severe.

Symptoms include a weakness that is often more severe in the rear legs, lethargy, diarrhea, vomiting, fever, and/or tremors. Most dogs improve in one to two days with treatment.

1. Peanut Butter, Gum and Other Xylitol Containing Foods Many foods and human products are sweetened with xylitol. This includes gum, pastries, candy, toothpaste, and mints just to name a few. Certain formulations of peanut butter are sweetened with xylitol. Some of these foods are created for people with diabetics. Ingestion of xylitol causes a release of insulin that leads to low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and liver failure in some dogs. Prevent exposure by taking time to read ingredient labels on peanut butter jars and low-calorie foods to ensure that you avoid the active ingredient xylitol if you plan to give any of these foods to your dog or after accidental exposure. Another common cause of contact is from dogs that get into a purse that contains chewing gum or mints.

Signs of xylitol toxicity may include weakness, lethargy, and incoordination as the blood sugar falls. Progressive weakness, vomiting, and lack of appetite develop as liver damage occurs. Learn more about Xylitol Toxicity in Dogs.

An important thing to know is what dogs can eat as well as what they cant. Learn about the safety and risks of many different human foods. Go to: The Ultimate Guide to What Dogs Cant Eat.

Two Pet Foods that Can Make Dogs Sick

1. Raw Foods Some people believe that raw meat diets are healthier. This is controversial. There are definitely some benefits to feeding a raw meat diet however some raw diets are not nutritionally balanced and can be contaminated with dangerous bacteria. Learn more about the pros and cons of raw food diets.
2. Rawhides Rawhides are made from the inner layer of hide and are given as a common treat to dogs. Dangers associated with rawhide include contamination with chemicals or dangerous bacteria as well as provide a risk for choking (INSERT LINK TO PILLAR JUNE 2019). Some dogs will swallow large prices that are difficult to digest and become lodged in their esophagus. The Good and Bad of Rawhides.

Safe Treats for Dogs

The best treat for your dog is low in calories and makes up less than 10% of your dogs daily calorie consumption. If your dog has dietary restrictions, discuss giving any new food or treat with your vet. All treats given should be appropriate for your dogs size. Big pieces should be cut up so a dog does not choke.

Safe and healthy treats you may give your dog include:

• Vegetables small pieces of cooked or raw cleaned cut green beans, carrots or peas.
• Rice cake or air-popped popcorn are good low-calorie treats.
• A small amount of canned dog food of the same brand and flavor as the dry dog food you are feeding.
• A few kibbles of your dogs regular food.

Prevention of Toxicities in Dogs

The best way to prevent these food toxicities is to prevent exposure to toxic items. Here are some tips:

• Do not feed your dog human foods. That is the best way to prevent exposure.
• Encourage your company not to give your dog food or treats without your permission. Dogs are commonly given foods and treats during holiday parties or picnics.
• Keep cupboards closed, purses out of reach and closed, and food sealed out of reach on countertops.
• Pay special attention during holiday parties where grapes are at the table or in fruit baskets.
• Consider putting your dog in a room during parities where well-meaning guests wont feed your dog a treat.
• Feed a high-quality AAFCO approved food to your dog.
• If you suspect that your pet has eaten or potentially ingested a toxic food, please contact your veterinarian or local veterinary emergency clinic immediately.

Additional Articles that May be of Interest About Foods that Make Dogs Sick:

Can Dogs Eat Turkey?

Thanksgiving, for most families in the United States, is all about the turkey. Hours go into the roasting and basting of the bird, and once the Thanksgiving feast is over, there are turkey sandwiches, turkey soup, and turkey casseroles to make. With all of that leftover turkey, what about sharing some with our dogs, whether slipped surreptitiously under the table, or on a Thanksgiving plate of their own?

But can dogs eat turkey? Is turkey good for dogs? Are any risks to feeding dogs turkey? Well walk through everything you need to know about turkey for dogs, from the benefits to the risks.

Can Dogs Eat Turkey?

Whether or not dogs can eat turkey depends on how the turkey is cooked. Turkey is not inherently toxic to dogs. Its used as an ingredient in many commercial dog foods, and is rich in protein, riboflavin, and phosphorous. When turkey is cooked plainin other words, without added salt, fat, or seasoningsturkey can be a wholesome part of a homemade dog food diet under the guidance of your veterinarian.

That said, the turkey we eat on Thanksgiving platters is rarely cooked plain. We rub our birds with butter or oil, and season them with all sorts of combinations of salt, pepper, herbs, and spices. Many cooks opt to stuff their turkey with onions, garlic, apples, carrots, celery, mushrooms, and more. To people eating the meal, all of these flavors, aromas, and textures can be delicious. For our dogs, some of these seemingly healthy ingredients can actually be toxic (ie, onions). Even if some common Thanksgiving ingredients arent exactly toxic to dogs, they can still be a recipe for unpleasant digestive upset or pancreatitis. (And just so theres no confusion: onions are toxic to dogs.)

How to Safely Feed Your Dog Turkey

If you decide to feed your dog turkey, keep these tips in mind.

• Remove turkey skin: Too much fat (from the skin itself, plus whatever butter or oil was used for roasting or frying) and seasonings are dangerous for dogs. High fat content can cause pancreatitis, while all the extra spices and seasonings can irritate your dogs stomach.
• Only feed your dog turkey meat: Pick through whatever meat portion youre offering your dog to ensure none of the roasting aromatics are mixed in. Onions are toxic to dogs, and garlic can be toxic in large quantities.
• Feed your dog small portions of turkey meat: Talk to your vet about adding occasional food scraps into your dogs diet before deciding to feed them turkey, especially if your dog has a preexisting health condition, like diabetes. Keeping portions small, and more like a treat, helps healthy dogs avoid any stomach upset from eating different foods than theyre used to.
• No cooked turkey bones: Make sure whatever portion of turkey you decide to feed your dog contains just meat, and that there are no cooked turkey bones mixed in or still attached.

Can Dogs Eat Turkey Bones?

Cooked poultry bones are brittle. This, combined with their smaller size, makes them very dangerous for dogs. Veterinarians caution against feeding dogs cooked bones of any kind, including poultry bones, as they can cause the following problems:

• Mouth and tongue injuries
• Obstruction of the throat or intestinal tract
• Choking
• Possibly piercing stomach and intestine lining
• Constipation
• Rectal bleeding from sharp bone fragments
• Blockages that require emergency surgery

Some dog owners will choose to feed their dogs raw meaty bones as part of their diet, and in consultation with their vet. Raw turkey necks are a common choice for this purpose, but any raw meaty bone carries with it a risk of exposure to bacteria like salmonella. Talk with your vet about using raw meaty turkey bones for your dog to learn more about possible risks and benefits.

What If I Dont Want to Share Turkey With My Dog?

Theres no rule that says you have to share turkey with your dog on Thanksgiving (or on any day!). In fact, many dog owners spend lots of time and effort making sure their dogs dont beg at the table, or they specifically dont share food from their own plates. But if you choose to give turkey to your dog, there are safe ways to do so. (Be sure your dinner guests are aware of your preferences, as well.)

If youd like to include your dog in your Thanksgiving Day festivities without worrying about human food rules, you can always opt to give your dog a turkey drumstick-shaped chew toy, a turkey-shaped treat dispensing toy, turkey tendon dog chews, or even a celebratory plate of Thanksgiving Dinner canned dog food.

The Verdict on Turkey for Dogs

Yes, you can feed your dog turkey safely, as long as you follow the above guidelines. However, feeding table scraps to dogs on a regular basis can lead to a dog thats obese, which causes a host of problems, including diabetes, hypertension, and joint stress. If your dog has an upset stomach after eating turkey, consult your vet and consider an over-the-counter dog diarrhea treatment.

If you have more questions, talk with your vet about how to safely feed turkey to your dog.

Can Dogs Eat Cheese?

Yes, dogs can eat cheese. In fact, cheese is often a great training tool, especially for puppies. Butshoulddogs eat cheese?While some dogs can eat cheese, and most dogs love it, many dogs can be intolerant of cheese. Even for dogs that are able to tolerate cheese, it is probably best fed in moderation.

Benefits of Cheese

Cheese contains protein, calcium, vitamin A, essential fatty acids, and B-complex vitamins. Most dogs love cheese, and trainers often use it for treat-motivated dogs. This snack is also a good way to conceal pills for dogs that require medication.

Feeding Cheese Safely to Your Dog

While cheese can be safe to feed to your dog, there are some things to remember. Cheese is high in fat, and feeding too much to your dog regularly can cause weight gain and lead to obesity. Even more problematic, it could lead to pancreatitis, a serious and potentially fatal illness in dogs. In addition to the problems presented by the high-fat content, some cheeses contain herbs or other products that are toxic to dogs, such as garlic, onions, and chives.

Therefore, its better to feed your dog low-fat cheeses, like mozzarella, cottage cheese, or a soft goat cheese. Cottage cheese is lower in fat and sodium than other cheeses, helping reduce the risk of obesity. Cottage cheese is also lower in lactose, thus reducing the likelihood of intestinal upset.

Lactose Intolerance in Dogs

Not all dogs digest cheese well, and while cheese contains little lactose when compared to whole milk, dogs with severe cases of lactose intolerance may have adverse reactions to cheese, even in small quantities. Observe your dog closely for signs of intestinal upset after feeding cheese for the first time, andconsult your veterinarian with any questions you may have about adding cheese to your dogs diet.