Since this site is all about healthy alternatives for making dog treats at home, the following are great reminders to all of us for some everyday foods & preservatives to avoid giving your best friend.
- Alcohol
- A dog’s kidneys are not meant to process beer, wine, or alcohol of any kind. It can cause vomiting, diarrhea, coordination problems, breathing problems, coma, and in extreme cases, death.
- Xylitol
- Candy, some baked goods, and some diet foods use an artificial sweetener called xylitol. Dogs can have a hard time digesting foods with xylitol. It can cause a drop in blood sugar(hypoglycemia), seizures, liver failure or even death.
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- Macadamia nuts
- These can cause vomiting, muscle weakness, fever and depression in dogs.
- Macadamia nuts
- Caffeine (coffee, tea, chocolate, energy drinks)
- Dogs can be very sensitive to caffeine – more so than you or I. If your dog sneaks a lap out of your coffee cup, they should be fine, but if they ingest large amounts, pay close attention to fast breathing or restlessness.
- Chocolate
- Besides the caffeine effects noted above, chocolate contains theobromine. Dogs process this very slowly and it can build up to toxic levels in their system. This can result in diarrhea & vomiting.
- Grapes & raisins
- These are very toxic to your dog! Ingestion of even a small amount can cause vomiting, sluggishness and can result in acute kidney failure.
- Onions & Garlic
- Your dog can usually handle small amounts, but they have an effect on red blood cells, causing anemia. Eating a lot can cause poisoning resulting in weakness, vomiting, and breathing problems.
- Fat trimmings & bones
- Be careful when giving your dog these items. Bones can splinter and cause cuts in their digestive system. Fat trimmed from meat can cause pancreatitis in dogs.
- Milk & Dairy products (yes, ice cream too)
- Many dogs will not have a problem digesting milk & dairy products, but if your pup has a hard time processing lactose, dairy products could result in gas, diarrhea or vomiting.
- Salt
- Too much salt can cause sodium ion poisoning. Symptoms could include vomiting, diarrhea, depression, tremors, high temperature, and seizures.
- Sweet & sugary foods
- Sugar can have the same effects on dogs as it does on us. Weight gain, rotten teeth and can even lead to diabetes.
It’s so tempting to give your dog people food. Those sad eyes and faces are always looking up at you while you eat, hoping for a moment of weakness on your part!
When you make your own dog treats at home, you can always have a treat on hand to give them when those puppy dog eyes get to be too much. By baking pet treats yourself, you will have a clear conscience that you’re giving them only the best healthy & natural options since you know exactly what went into them.