What can dogs eat

Before dog food was typical to find on shop shelves, it was normal to feed the dog leftover food. Some people still do, and there is nothing wrong with that. However, many people are not aware of the things they should not feed their dog.

Knowing what is good for your dog's digestion system is important, but even more so, it is essential to know what can cause harm to your dog's digestion.

The safe foods

Not all dogs react the same way to all foods, and it is not uncommon for a dog to pass gas when something new is introduced to their diets. And even though some foods might be relatively safe to eat, it doesn't mean your dog will take advantage of the nutrients in them.

Bread

Dogs can safely eat bread without causing them too much harm. However, it should not be a big part of their diet, but it contains no nutritional value. On the contrary, in large doses, bread consumption can lead to overweight and diabetes, as it has many sugar and carbs. The gluten can also cause a bit of a distressed bowel, leading to some really smelly farts.

Carrot

Carrots are safe and sound for a dog to eat. It even contains valuable nutrition, and it can be consumed both cooked and raw. Carrots are an excellent replacement for dog treats if you seek to trim some fat off your dog. The vegetable contains few calories, is rich in fibre, and has many valuable minerals and vitamins.

Blueberries

Blueberries are also a safe alternative for dogs. They contain a lot of valuable nutrition and can work as a replacement for dog treats. The berries are full of antioxidants, fibre, minerals, vitamins and is nothing but good for your dog. However, you should not feed your dog anything but blueberries. It still needs other foods.

Oranges

If you want to provide your dog with a healthy reward, then oranges can be a good option. They contain a lot of valuable nutrition and only a few calories. However, keep in mind that too much orange could cause a bit of a 'fart-o-rama', as the acidity in the orange can upset a dog's stomach if it overeats.

Pineapple

Dogs can safely eat small amounts of pineapple. The fruits natural acidity could cause a distressed bowel if it overconsumed. With the right doses, the pineapple will provide valuable minerals, vitamins and fibre.

Strawberries

Your dog can safely consume strawberries. They contain loads of valuable nutrition. It is rich in antioxidants, fibre and vitamins.

Celery

Don't exaggerate your dog's celery consumption. However, in small doses, this can be a low calory reward snack rich in fibre, vitamins and minerals.

Banana

There is nothing wrong with providing your dog with bananas. The berry is rich in vitamins, minerals and is high in fibre.

Potato

Boiled potatoes can safely be consumed. Raw potatoes are poisonous to dogs. The raw potato contains solanine, which can be lethal to dogs.

Boiled potatoes are fine, but are high in carbs, so don't exaggerate.

Cheese

Some cheese is fine; however, it is high in fats and lactose, leading to an overweight and fart-full dog. If your dog is lactose intolerant, then cheese is a big no-no.

Small amounts of cheese are key.

Eggs

Your dog can safely eat cooked eggs. Raw eggs can contain salmonella, so refrain from that.

Eggs are high in protein, which is good for your dog. But remember, eggs are also high in cholesterol, so do not exaggerate for your dog's artilleries sake.

Fish

Fish is probably one of the better things you can feed your dog. It contains healthy fats and amino acids; it is rich in proteins and vitamins. Pick out the biggest and sharpest bones, but tiny soft bones can still be safely consumed. The bones are rich in calcium too.

Ham

Ham can be consumed in small doses. It often contains a lot of salt and fat, which isn't great for your dog. However, small amounts are fine.

Milk

For mist dogs, drinking milk is fine unless they are lactose intolerant. Make sure to pay attention to how your dog reacts after consuming milk. Farting and diarrhoea mean that you should stop feeding your dog things that contain lactose.

Shrimp

It will be unproblematic for a dog to eat shrimp as long as they are boiled and peeled. Shrimp contain a lot of antioxidants, vitamin B-12, is low on carbs, fats and calories.

Mushrooms

Mushrooms are generally healthy for dogs. Just make sure you do not feed it anything that would also be poisonous to humans. Mushrooms contain a lot of healthy antioxidants, minerals and are low on carbs and fats.

Popcorn

Popcorn can safely be consumed by dogs. Do not exaggerate the amount, and refrain from feeding them salted or buttered popcorn, it will make it unhealthy.

Foods your dog cannot eat

Raisins

Due to toxic substances found in both grapes and raisins, dogs should not eat this. The substances are harmful to the dog's organs and can, among other things, lead to kidney failure.

Onions/ garlic

Onions may look innocent, taste good, and are healthy for us, but the reality is different for dogs. This vegetable contains a toxic substance called n-propyl disulphide, which the researchers believe damages the dog's red blood cells that transport the blood efficiently around the body. The result can then be that the dog becomes limp and weak, loses appetite and in some cases faints. If this condition develops far enough, the dog may need blood transfusions. The advice not to let the dog eat onions also applies to garlic.

Chocolate

Even in small amounts, chocolate can be very harmful to the dog's health. This is due to the stimulant's theobromine and caffeine, which dogs cannot digest. Dark chocolate is more dangerous than lighter chocolate, but the dog should not have either.

Dehydration, vomiting and diarrhoea can be symptoms of chocolate poisoning. If the dog has ingested large enough amounts, internal bleeding, uncontrolled muscle contractions, epileptic seizures, and death can occur in the worst case.

Salt

Small amounts of salt are not considered dangerous for dogs. However, suppose a dog ingests large quantities, such as eating from the salt container you forgot on the table after dinner. In that case, the dog can become severely dehydrated.

Suppose you know that your dog has eaten a lot of salt and it starts vomiting, has diarrhoea, tremors or has a higher body temperature. In that case, you should contact your veterinarian immediately.

In the worst case, the dog may die as a result of high salt intake. One of the first signs of excessive salt intake is that the dog drinks a lot and often.

Ice cream

Even if your four-legged friend does not die of ice cream, it is recommended not to give it to the dog any way as it can have negative health consequences. First, many dogs are lactose intolerant and will then have stomach problems when consuming ice. Secondly, ice cream contains a lot of sugar, which is not good for dogs.

Bubble gum

It is entirely harmless to humans but potentially life-threatening for dogs - you should never give your dog bubble gum. Chewing gum contains xylitol, a substance that can cause liver failure.

Even small amounts can be harmful. Be aware of the following symptoms if your dog has eaten chewing gum: lethargy, vomiting, lack of coordination or cramps.

Macadamia nuts

By ingesting such nuts, the dog can be poisoned. Be aware of symptoms such as lethargy, vomiting, depression and problems regulating body temperature. These symptoms usually appear after 12-48 hours after ingestion. Even small amounts are enough to harm the dog!

Alcohol

Few dogs knowingly and willingly want to drink alcohol, but sometimes it happens anyway. As you probably thought beforehand, alcohol can be very harmful to the dog.

Even though alcohol affects the brain and liver in the same way in dogs as in humans, dog organs are tiny compared to our organs. Therefore smaller amounts are needed before the problems occur. Alcohol poisoning in dogs can manifest itself through the dog having difficulty breathing, vomiting or collapsing. In addition, these symptoms may also occur:

- Drowsiness

- Lack of coordination

- Drooling

- Swellings

- Weakness

How much alcohol is needed before it becomes life-threatening for the dog depends on several variables, including its size and weight and age and any underlying diseases. In any case, never serve your dog alcohol, and you should make sure that it does not get into it by accident.