Dangerous Dog Food: Protecting Your Furry Companion's Health

Hello dog lovers! Today we are embarking on an important mission: to protect our faithful pooches from the hidden dangers in our kitchens. Often, we unknowingly share foods that are perfectly safe for us, but can have devastating consequences for the health of our beloved canines. In this article, we'll reveal the harmful foods you should avoid at all costs to ensure a healthy and happy life for your loyal furry companion. Join us on this journey of knowledge and responsibility!

Chocolate: the poisonous temptation

Chocolate, that sweet treat that makes us smile, is our dogs' number one enemy. It contains substances such as theobromine and caffeine, which are highly toxic to them. It may be a guilty pleasure for us, but it can be a nightmare for our dogs.

The effects of chocolate on dogs can vary depending on the type and amount ingested. Symptoms can include vomiting, diarrhoea, restlessness, increased heart rate and even seizures. In extreme cases, it can be fatal. So next time you want to enjoy a piece of chocolate, make sure it is out of reach of your furry friend.

Grapes and sultanas: tiny but deadly

Grapes and sultanas are delicious fruits for us, but for dogs they are pure poison. Although the exact reason is not fully understood, it is clear that these fruits can cause kidney failure in dogs.

Even a small amount of grapes or sultanas can have serious consequences for your dog's health. Symptoms may include vomiting, diarrhoea, weakness and lethargy. If you suspect that your dog has eaten any of these fruits, it is essential that you take your dog to the vet immediately.

Onions and garlic: tasty but dangerous spices

Onions and garlic are two seasonings that we often use in our food to give it an irresistible taste. But for our dogs, these ingredients are toxic and can cause serious health problems.

Both contain compounds that damage a dog's red blood cells, which can lead to anaemia. Symptoms can include weakness, lethargy, loss of appetite and difficulty breathing. Avoid sharing dishes containing onion or garlic with your dog, and always check food labels before giving them to your dog.

Avocado: a delicious danger

Avocados are known for being creamy and delicious, but they also contain a substance called persin, which can be toxic to dogs. Although the effects can vary depending on the amount and type of avocado eaten, it is best not to take the risk.

Symptoms of avocado poisoning in dogs can include gastrointestinal distress, vomiting and breathing difficulties. Keep avocado out of your dog's reach and avoid giving him guacamole or any other dish containing avocado.

Junk food - better in the bin than in your dog's mouth

Junk food is a temptation for many of us, but for our dogs it is a health hazard. Foods high in fat, salt and sugar can have a devastating effect on a dog's body.

Frequent consumption of junk food can lead to digestive problems, obesity, heart disease and diabetes in dogs. So next time you're tempted to share a bite of your burger or chips with your furry friend, resist the temptation and opt for a healthier option!

Alcohol: no place in your dog's life

It's easy to think that sharing a glass of beer or wine with your dog is harmless and fun, but the truth is that alcohol is extremely dangerous for them.

Alcohol can severely affect a dog's central nervous system, causing vomiting, diarrhoea, difficulty breathing, lethargy and even death. Keep all alcoholic drinks out of your dog's reach and make sure you never drink a drop.

Baked bones: more than just a dangerous toy

Baked bones may seem like a fun toy for our dogs, but in reality they can be a threat to their health. As baked bones cook, they become more brittle and can splinter easily.

If your dog ingests a splintered bone, it can cause serious injury to his mouth, throat or even digestive system. Choose safe, chewable toys and avoid giving them cooked bones to protect their wellbeing.

Artificial sweeteners - a sweet poison

Some artificial sweeteners, such as xylitol, are safe for humans but can be poisonous to dogs. Xylitol is commonly found in sugar-free products such as chewing gum, sweets and processed foods.

Ingestion of xylitol can cause a massive release of insulin in your dog's body, which can lead to a rapid drop in blood sugar known as hypoglycaemia. Symptoms can include vomiting, weakness, seizures and even coma. Keep any products containing xylitol out of your dog's reach and check labels carefully before feeding.

Caffeine: more than a cup of energy

Like chocolate, caffeine is another substance that can be harmful to dogs. It can cause similar symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhoea, increased heart rate and even seizures.

Avoid leaving your dog near caffeinated drinks such as coffee, tea or energy drinks, and make sure you keep all caffeinated products out of his reach.

Barley and ethyl alcohol: toxic ingredients

Barley and ethyl alcohol are ingredients commonly used in the production of beer and other alcoholic products. Both are highly toxic to dogs.

Ethyl alcohol can cause the same negative effects as mentioned above, such as vomiting, diarrhoea and breathing difficulties. Meanwhile, barley can cause gastrointestinal problems such as bloating and intestinal obstruction. Keep your dog away from alcoholic drinks and avoid all foods containing barley.

Dairy: intolerance at the snout

While the image of a dog drinking milk may seem endearing, many dogs are intolerant to dairy products, particularly lactose. Lactose is the sugar found in milk and can be difficult for dogs to digest.

Consuming dairy products can cause digestive problems such as vomiting, diarrhoea and upset stomach. If you want to treat your dog to ice cream or cheese, make sure it is specially formulated for dogs and does not contain lactose.

Yeast products: dangerous fermentation

Yeast-containing products can be dangerous for dogs. When yeast comes into contact with the moisture and heat of a dog's stomach, it can continue to ferment and release gas.

The result can be bloating and gastrointestinal distress, which can be extremely painful and even life-threatening for your dog. Avoid giving him products containing yeast and make sure they are out of his reach.

Flavours and spices: dangerous tastes

Some flavourings and spices used in cooking can be poisonous to dogs. These include peppermint oil, nutmeg oil and citrus oil.

Ingestion of these products can cause symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhoea, weakness and respiratory problems. Avoid giving your dog food containing these ingredients and keep them out of reach.

Raw chicken or turkey liver - a risk of poisoning

Raw chicken or turkey liver can contain high levels of vitamin A, which can be harmful to dogs if consumed in excess.

Excess vitamin A can affect a dog's bones and muscles, causing weakness, pain and joint problems. Cook liver thoroughly before feeding it to your dog to avoid the risk of poisoning.

Sugar and high-fat foods: a sweet health trap

Sugar and high-fat foods are temptations that should be avoided for our dogs. Excessive sugar consumption can lead to dental problems and an increased risk of obesity and diabetes.

On the other hand, high-fat foods can cause digestive problems and an increased risk of pancreatitis, an inflammation of the pancreas that can be dangerous to your dog's health. Choose a balanced diet, free from harmful sugars and fats, to protect the health of your loyal companion.

Moulded food: dangerous for everyone!

Mouldy food can be harmful to both humans and dogs. Mould produces toxins that can cause digestive problems and illness in dogs.

Never feed your dog mouldy food and make sure you store the right food to prevent mould growth.

The importance of prevention and responsible care