Food Do(n'ts)

There is a lot of speculation on what is OK for our babies and what isn't. Everyone feels they know their baby and to an extent it is true. But more often than not we feed them things that we didn't know were really bad for them. A lot of times, despite what we think we know, we are under-educated. We go off what we know and what we have learned and what we grew up seeing. I was the same way, I have had animals all my life. Cats, Dogs, Rabbits, Snakes, Fish, Turtles, even a hermit crab. I always wanted to grow up to be a veterinarian, have a farm, and lots of land to rescue animals. My dream didn't work out that way, they hardly ever do. But I did become a Vet Assistant, and I learned that a lot of what I THOUGHT I knew wasn't even half of it and a lot of it was wrong.

The holidays are upon us, and so our babies are going to want to participate, in the eating portion at least. This list goes for everyday but ESPECIALLY important to remember during the holidays. Be sure if you have company you let them know to not feed your babies before asking if it's ok. Let them know the potential dangers that some of these food can have.

Dairy: Despite our childhood growing up watching cats drink milk in just about every cartoon ever, this is actually bad for them. A lot of dogs and cats are lactose Intolerant. More so in cats than dogs. As our babies grow, their abilities to digest dairy increases causing the lactose allergy. Unless you know for a fact that your animal doesn't have this type of allergy, it's best to not even take that chance. Allergic reactions are uncomfortable for humans, imagine how it is for an animal who can't tell you what's going on.

Chocolate: This is actually well known among pet owners, but you'd be surprised still at the numbers who didn't know. There is an ingredient inside chocolate called theobromine which is extremely toxic to our babies. It can cause vomiting, diarrhea, heart arrhythmias (an irregular heartbeat), and seizures, which can be very fatal. The darker the chocolate and the smaller the dog, the greater the risk of fatality.

Fatty Foods (Fat trimmings, HAM, bacon, greasy hamburgers, and fried foods): These foods aren't necessarily toxic for our babies, but that doesn't make them any more safer. They can cause health issues such as pancreatitis, gastrointestinal, and liver issues.

Bones: Again, despite watching dogs chewing on bones in cartoons, they make special kinds just for dogs. Cooked bones are more likely to splinter which can tear of digestive organs and cause internal bleeding. If your baby likes bones, buy him some from your local pet store. (I don't recommend the rawhide from personal experiences but it's still better than a chicken bone or the holiday turkey/ham bone.)

Onions, Garlic, Chives, & Shallots: There is an ingredient found in these called thiosulphate. This can damage your pet’s red blood cells and cause anemia.

Nuts: Some can cause seizures, lethargy, vomiting, or even loss of muscle control. Macadamia nuts are the worst for our babies. Not to mention nuts are high in fat and salt which can cause a number of health issues as well.

Raw Eggs: I was on a site the other day and someone was seriously telling another person to put raw egg in their baby's dog food to help with skin issues. Would you eat raw egg? I would hope not. Raw eggs can cause biotin deficiency which is BAD for our babies' skin and fur. While on the other hand COOKED eggs if eaten in moderation are beneficial for a dog's diet.

Raw Fish: Again with the RAW word. If you wouldn't eat it raw for health reasons, more often than not common sense should tell you the same for your babies. While raw fish isn't toxic it could potentially have bacteria that can lead to food poisoning. Upstream fish can also carry a parasite that can cause "fish disease" aka Salmon poisoning. So be careful you fishers who like to take your canine companions with you. Dogs are the only animals susceptible to this disease. Symptoms typically appear 6 days after ingestion and they include vomiting, lack of appetite, fever, diarrhea, weakness, swollen lymph nodes, and dehydration. If left untreated the baby can die about 14 days after ingestion.

Raw Potatoes: These contain several ingredients than can be toxic, while mashed potatoes or any cooked potatoes are perfectly safe. (Just watch any other ingredients you add.)

Salt: While in small doses, like snagging a chip that fell on the floor or if your child sneaks him a piece of dinner (depending on the food itself) that has salt on it, is fine. It's large quantities of salt that can cause salt poisoning which can lead to neurological problems such as swelling of the brain and even seizures. So if you take your baby to the beach be sure to monitor any water intake as these tend to be the highest causes of salt poisoning.

Mushrooms: Typically the ones you find out in your yard are harmless. If you are unsure then remove them from your yard as best you can. Store bought on the other hand are extremely dangerous. Just a few bites can cause seizing and vomiting.

Avocados: More so the seed than the fruit itself. The seed can become lodged in your baby's throat, so be cautious with this fruit around.

Grapes and Raisins: The smallest amounts can result in lethargy, shivers, and a decreased appetite. Higher amounts can cause kidney failure and even death.

Cherries: The ripe parts around the seeds are harmless. However, the non-pulp parts contain cyanide. Symptoms of cyanide poisoning are dilated pupils, trouble breathing, and in higher doses shock and even death.

**Beware of fruits with pits. The pits can become lodged in the throat or intestines. Particularly take heed of peach pits and plums as they too contain cyanide. (Please note the rest of the peach is perfectly safe.)

Asparagus: While it's not toxic, it's pointless. It's too tough for our babies to chew and when you cook it it loses its nutrition. (So why do we eat it? That's a very good question.)

Alcohol: Again, this should be a common sense thing. But more often than not a lot of people, particularly men find it fun to have a "drinking buddy." As you know, like people, it can cause drowsiness, vomiting, and loss of mobility control. Can also cause respiratory failure and even death. **Note mouthwash and fermented foods that contain alcohol can cause alcohol poisoning as well.

Caffeine: Again, another thing most owners know. It can cause damage to their nervous system, heart, and other organs. Coffee, tea, soda, ice cream, and medications (unless prescribed by their vet) should be off-limits.

Yeast: This can cause your baby's stomach to expand causing organs to become deformed and even tear. Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, and bloating.

Rhubarb: Found mostly in jams and jellies, it is bad for your babies' kidneys and other digestive organs.

Nutmeg: Can Cause tremors or even seizures.

Xylitol: A sugar substitute mostly found in sugarless foods, candies, vitamins, mouthwash, and even some peanut butters. This can cause your baby's insulin to spike.

Foods that are safe to give your babies are: Cooked Meats, fruits and vegetables not listed above, oatmeal, rice, pasta, and even peanut butter. As long as they don't contain any of the above ingredients you are good to go.

If there is any specific food you have questions about, ask your veterinarian. They care for your babies' safety and health. So no matter how stupid the question may seem, ask. Always better to be safe than sorry. If you don't want to ask your vet and you are unsure the best route is to just steer clear. Happy holidays.

Watch for more informative pieces on pets health and safety to come soon.