We all know that dogs can be voracious and not very picky eaters. It sometime seems like they eat their food without even tasting it first. Well, as amusing as it can sometimes be to watch them scarf down things like kitchen scraps, etc, we need to be discriminating about what they eat even if they are not. Below are some foods that are not only unhealthy for your dog to eat, some may even be fatal.
- Antifreeze: We know that anti-freeze is not food but your dog might not. Anti-freeze has a sweet odor that can entice dogs to lap it up off the ground or garage floor. This can be very fatal to your dog. In fact, experts say that as little as 50ml of anti-freeze can prove fatal to a small dog (22lbs).
- Corn on the Cob: While small amounts of corn are okay, and in fact healthy for a dog, the cob is not. The cob poses a chocking habit as it can block a dog’s intestine and this can lead to death.
- Grapes & raisins: Oddly enough, grapes and raisins can cause kidney failure in dogs in even small amounts. The early symptoms of grape or raisin poisoning in dogs is vomiting, low energy and depression.
- Chocolate: We really should have started our list with chocolate. Chocolate contains Theobromine which, while not harmful to humans, is toxic for dogs. Chocolate in even small amounts can cause a dog to vomit, have diarrhea, and become overly thirsty. In larger amounts it can cause abnormal heart rhythms, seizures, tremors, or death. Bottom-line: Don’t share chocolate treats with your dog!
- Bacon and fatty meats: You heard right. High fat foods like bacon are unhealthy for dogs. For one thing it can cause pancreatitis and for another the high sodium content they contain can lead to bloating. Feed your dog – and while you’re at it yourself – leaner cuts of meat.
- Garlic and onions: Aside from causing your dog to have bad breath, these two related foods can actually destroy a dog’s red blood cells. This can in turn lead to anemia.
- Raw meat & fish: Dogs will quickly scarf up uncooked meats as most owners know. However, uncooked meats can contain bacteria that can be harmful to dogs (and humans). Also, fish has fine bones that dogs can choke on.
In short, we have to use discretion in what we feed our pets since they do not know better. Your English cream golden retrievers can thrive if given a healthy diet. White golden retrievers can also be a special addition to any family.
