6 Foods That Must Not Be Fed To Dogs

Online, March 27, 2011 (Newswire.com) - Dairy Products

Small amounts of dairy products are not problematic for most dogs, however some canines are very intolerant of even small quantities of milk and cheese. Often cottage cheese and yogurt are more easily tolerated for a pet, but even these need to be provided in moderation and with other fats, proteins and small amounts of carbohydrates. Remember that dairy products provide no fiber, and often contribute to very loose stool and digestive problems such as gas.

Chocolate

Dogs absolutely love the taste of chocolate, as do most people. Owners need to be aware that giving a dog that decadent treat may, in fact, cause serious problems including the possibility of death in some sensitive dogs. In most cases small and toy breeds are most likely to have a severe reaction, but even a large breed, if enough chocolate is consumed, can have serious reactions. Since it is impossible to know until the reaction if the dog has a problem or not avoiding any type of chocolate consumption is the best option.

Yeast and Uncooked Dough

Bread, rolls, buns and any other yeast type of dough is very problematic for dogs. Once consumed it begins to rise in the stomach, creating blockages and excessive gas that become trapped in the stomach. This results in a situation similar to bloat, which is life threatening in dogs. Since most dogs won't have access to uncooked bread dough this is an easy one to keep away from your pet.

Sugar and Artificial Sweeteners

Sugar causes dental problems with dogs, just like it does with people. Dogs can also develop diabetes, which is a serious and lifelong condition that needs to be constantly managed. Artificial sweeteners will also accumulate in the dog's body and can result in neurological problems and other health related issues. It is best to avoid feeding any type of refined sugars to a dog. Fresh fruits are a good sweet choice and most dogs love apples and pears. Be sure to avoid grapes and raisins, they can cause a life threatening reaction in some dogs.

Large Quantities of Fats

Dogs that are feed really fatty meats, either raw or cooked, can develop problems with their digestive system, particularly with the pancreas. Pancreatitis is linked to the development of diabetes as well as the common symptoms of general digestive problems. However, whole body infections as well as arrhythmias in the heart and total system failures can occur if the condition becomes severe. Feeding appropriate levels of fat is important, but it should not form a large part of any dog's daily diet.

As you can tell from the information above, these foods can have devastating effects on your dog's health and should be removed from your dog's diet immediately.

Source: PedigreeDogs

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