ADVANTAGEOUS VS HAZARDOUS FOODS

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Written By: Gabby Reed (Founder & Head trainer of WBCS).

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I am a dog owner guilty of sharing human food with my dog, and I do not shame those of you that do the same. However, I do this because I am properly educated on which foods are safe, and which can be harmful. So I wanted to share some snacks I do and do not share with my dog Wish, and why that is! 

Before reading this blog, feel free to do further research additional to my findings, but understand that hazardous foods may affect each dog differently, and some are serious enough to result in heart failure, emergency health decline, and even death. That being said, health precautions from food are vastly different in how they affect humans vs dogs. 

Be open to educating yourself even further about K9 nutrition and diet enhancements because it is proven that a dog's diet is a life changing practice. I hope the safe and fun new snack ideas enlighten you to try new things with your dog, but be sure to merge them to any new foods safely and very gradually. 

ADVANTAGEOUS FOODS

1. Blueberries: Rich in antioxidants, iron, and multiple beneficial vitamins.

2. Pumpkin: Great for digestion due to high fiber content, and full of healthy nutrients.

3. Celery/Cucumber/Carrot: All are great low calorie options for rehydration and make a good toothbrush if fed frozen.

4. Apples: Great source of Vitamins A and C, as well as fiber. Great snack for senior dogs.

5. Turkey: Rich in protein, riboflavin, and phosphorus, great ingredient for a meal.

6. Chicken: Great source of protein that strengthens and maintains muscles in dogs.

7. Brussel Sprouts: Loaded with nutrients and antioxidants, feed in low moderation to prevent gas.

8. Watermelon: Full of vitamins, potassium, and great for rehydration.

9. Cantaloupe: High in nutrients, low in calories, and good for hydration, just feed in moderation because it is high in sugar.

10. Beef: Gently cooked and lean, this meat is a great source of protein, and minerals.

HAZARDOUS FOODS

1. Grapes/raisins: Extremely toxic to dogs and can lead to kidney failure. 

2. Allium Vegetables (Onion, Garlic, Chives, etc): Poisonous to dogs and cats causing red blood cells to rupture. 

3. Avocado: Contains Persin, which causes diarrhea and vomiting in dogs. 

4. Dark Chocolate: Contains caffeine and theobromine which is very toxic to dogs.

5. Cherries: Contain Cyanide which is toxic to dogs and can cause oxygen loss in blood cells.

6. Caffeine: Dogs are so sensitive to caffeine they can develop caffeine poisoning with little consumption. 

7. Tomatoes: Contain Solanine in the stem region, a substance toxic to dogs. 

8. Mushrooms: Wild mushrooms can be so toxic they might lead to death in dogs.

9. Xylitol: A sugar substitute toxic to dogs, typically found in gum and can lead to sickness.

10. Nuts: Have the potential to wreak havoc on the digestive system. If you feed peanut butter, use a low sugar, more natural version.