Dogs are often treated like members of the family, their well-being regarded as nearly as important as that of one’s partner or children. But good nutrition is essential to maintain a dog’s physical and mental health, so it’s vital that you educate yourself about what is best for your four-legged friend.

For some pet owners, commercial dog food _ instant wet, dry or canned _ is the most convenient option since it doesn’t require preparation or cooking and it tends to make canine faeces more solid and thus easier to manage.

But some owners give their canine companions the exact same food as they eat themselves. if it’s good for humans it must be good for dogs, right? Wrong! think again. Your dog is not a human being and its nutritional needs are different. Food that is healthy for you may not be at all suitable for your dog, and sometimes could even put its life at risk. and what is best for one dog, may not be appropriate for another.

The following are things you should not feed your beloved pet under any circumstances.

- no chicken or fish bones. Never feed your dog bones from chicken or fish _ or similar items like shrimp tails _ because these can get stuck in the throat _ necessitating an emergency trip to the nearest vet _ and often have sharp edges that can slice into the oesophagus. While bones are indeed rich in calcium, an essential ingredients in your dog’s diet, it is far safer to supply this by giving your dog the occasional bowl of milk or some calcium tablets.

- no onion and garlic. These can make dogs (and cats) very sick because they contain a poisonous substance called thiosulphate which at toxic levels can cause haemolytic anaemia, where the animal’s red blood cells burst.

- no chocolate. Some owners think of this as a treat to reward their pet, but it is a proven scientific fact that chocolate is poisonous for dogs and can sometimes even cause a fatal reaction. why? Chocolate contains two substances which are toxic for dogs: caffeine and theobromine. Symptoms vary depending on the quantity eaten. the most common effects are restlessness, increased urination, rapid heart rate, asthmatic attacks, bloating, gastro-intestinal distress, severe thirst and increased body temperature. It has been reported that as little as 400mg of theobromine can be toxic if ingested by a dog weighing below 5kg. Dogs are hypersensitive to theobromine because, unlike many other animals, they are unable to excrete it rapidly from their systems. Commercial brands of sweetened chocolate contain approximately 1.5mg of theobromine per cubic centimetre (cc) while unsweetened varieties can have as much as 13mg/cc.

The best thing to do if your dog is exhibiting symptoms of chocolate toxicity is to induce vomiting. But, prior to doing that, give your veterinarian a ring and ask for advice on what steps to take; he or she will make recommendations based on the severity of the animal’s reaction.

- no wine, beer, spirits or foods containing alcohol. Alcohol is poisonous for dogs. Common symptoms of toxicity include diarrhoea, vomiting, decreased rate of breathing and decreased heart rate. This can progress to loss of consciousness, coma and even death.

- no instant baby food. This generally contains onions which, as noted earlier, are poisonous for dogs.

- no mushrooms. Some types of mushroom can be very dangerous for dogs and can result in the death of your pooch within a few days of ingestion.

COFFEE OR TEA?

Like chocolate, coffee and tea contain caffeine which can cause dogs to exhibit symptoms like rapid breathing, increased heart rate, excitement, muscle tremors and seizures.

ARE NUTS GOOD FOR DOGS?

Surprisingly, many types (macadamias, almonds, walnuts, etc) are actually considered dangerous. Macadamias (whether raw, roasted or processed into spread), in particular, are known to be toxic and can cause problems for canine nervous systems, digestive organs and muscles. even low levels of aflatoxin contamination from nuts can be extremely toxic for dogs.

IS IT OKAY TO GIVE MY DOG MILK OR DAIRY PRODUCE?

Some dogs have no difficulty digesting dairy products. however, others experience acute intestinal distress like gas, diarrhoea or vomiting. Keep in mind that most dogs do not have the specific enzyme needed to digest nutrients found in milk like lactose. Avoid if at all possible.

IS CITRUS OIL POISONOUS FOR DOGS?

The oil of some citrus fruits (especially lemon and lime) is toxic for dogs.

IS IT TRUE THAT RAISINS AND GRAPES CAN BE BAD FOR DOGS?

Yes, both have been linked to kidney failure in dogs. They should be avoided just to be one the safe side.

CAN I GIVE MY DOG VITAMINS?

Vitamin supplements taken by people should never be given to dogs. They may contain vitamins in too high a concentration for canine systems to absorb, resulting in serious damage to a dog’s digestive system, kidneys and liver.

CAN I FEED CAT FOOD TO MY DOG?

Dogs and cats have different dietary needs and should be fed the appropriate pet food. Dogs should not be given cat food because it is too fatty and does not provide all the essential nutrients a healthy dog needs.

CAN I GIVE MY DOG FATTY OR SUGARY SNACKS?

Owners should be aware that all high-fat food, sugary snacks and fatty leftovers are actually very dangerous for dogs. Painful and potentially life-threatening diseases caused by a high fat intake include obesity, diabetes and oral health problems.

Your dog trusts you 100% and it is your responsibility to ensure that it does not ingest anything that could harm its health.

This article was based on text suppled by the team at Taling Chan Animal Hospital which can be contacted by phoning 02-887-8321/3.

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