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Last Updated: October 29th, 2023
If you are looking for the answer to the question “What can my dog eat?” and even more importantly “What can’t my dog eat?”, we got the answers.
Navigating your dog’s nutrition can sometimes feel overwhelming. With an abundance of food choices, understanding what nourishes and what harms is essential. This guide aims to illuminate the paths of dietary wellness for your beloved dog, providing a comprehensive list of foods that embrace and enhance their well-being and those that pose threats to their health.
From chicken to turkey, and beef to selected fish, providing a variety of lean, cooked, and unseasoned meats ensures a rich supply of essential proteins and amino acids. Organ meats like liver, kidney, and heart can also be incorporated in moderation for a diverse protein profile.
Fruits such as apples, bananas, blueberries, and watermelon, offer refreshing bursts of antioxidants, vitamins, and hydration. Ensure seeds and pits are removed to prevent any choking hazards.
Veggies like carrots, cucumbers, green beans, and sweet potatoes are fantastic, nutrient-dense options. They supply vitamins, fiber, and are overall powerhouse ingredients for a balanced diet.
Rice, pasta, quinoa, and oatmeal are excellent grain choices. When cooked and offered plain, they are easy on your dog’s stomach and are a great energy sources.
Incorporate variety with extras like plain popcorn, chia seeds, coconut, and seaweed/nori, to give a delightful and unexpected twist to your dog’s meal.
*Each dog is an individual with unique dietary needs and preferences. Introducing foods gradually and observing any reactions ensures that the new additions are well-received by your dog’s system.
Grapes, raisins, cherries, and avocado are among the fruits that can cause various complications such as kidney failure or vomiting. Onions, garlic, and chives can cause gastrointestinal distress and harm red blood cells.
Chocolate, xylitol, and cinnamon are poisonous to dogs and can lead to various symptoms ranging from vomiting to liver failure. Ensure sweets like gum and candies, especially those containing artificial sweeteners like xylitol, are kept out of reach.
Alcohol, coffee, tea, and any beverage containing caffeine can have disastrous effects, causing vomiting, diarrhea, and even death.
Raw eggs, raw meat, and bacon should be avoided due to the risk of salmonella or other bacterial infections. If you still choose to feed your dog a raw diet, PDSA suggests to always choose a commercially prepared one. This is because commercial suppliers must take precautions to make sure all pet food is packaged correctly to certain hygiene standards, which is especially important with raw food. Companies making complete pet foods will also have to make sure that foods will contain everything your pet needs to stay healthy.
Some other foods and additives to avoid include salt, mushrooms, cooked bones, and fruit pits. Even certain human vitamins and fat trimmings can be dangerous.
Creating a wholesome and safe diet for your dog is a monumental step towards a vibrant, healthy, and happy life. This extensive list is a tool to guide, enhance, and safeguard your dog’s nutritional journey. Knowledge, vigilance, and a sprinkling of culinary experimenting will ensure that your dog thrives. Remember, always consult a veterinarian when in doubt or introducing a new food to your dog’s diet, especially if they have already existing conditions and allergies.
The purrfect life for your furry friend.
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