Don't make these mistakes when feeding your dog! 

Now I know that gazing into those dewy puppy eyes can be just irresistible and sometimes you just  can’t help feeding our dogs the same foods we eat, thinking what’s safe for us humans so it’s also safe for our dogs right? However, this assumption can lead to serious health problems for your pup and may even be fatal in some cases.

To keep your fur baby healthy, steer clear of these harmful foods and consider incorporating gut-friendly alternatives that support your pup’s digestion and overall well-being.

We’ll cover some quick tips on what to do if your dog accidentally eats something they shouldn’t.

 

Top 5 Foods You Must Never Feed Your Dog

1. Grapes and Raisins

   • Even small amounts of grapes or raisins can lead to kidney failure in dogs. While the exact toxin is unknown, the effects are serious and potentially fatal. Keep these fruits far away from curious noses!
   • Some examples of foods that contain raisins could be raisin toast, Christmas pudding cakes and desserts. Keep these foods away from bench tops that are within reach of your dog.

1. Chocolate

• Whether it’s milk, dark, or white chocolate, this sweet treat contains theobromine and caffeine, which are toxic to dogs. Symptoms of chocolate poisoning include vomiting, diarrhoea, restlessness, seizures, and, in severe cases, death. Remember our dogs don’t have the ability to process these, and sometimes chocolates can contain other preservatives that can be harmful to our dogs too.

2. Bacon, Ham, and Other Fatty Meats

• Foods high in fat can cause pancreatitis in dogs. Additionally, their high sodium content can lead to dehydration, upset stomachs, and even life-threatening bloat.

3. Garlic and Onions

• These common kitchen staples can damage your dog’s red blood cells, causing anaemia. Large doses or regular exposure can lead to poisoning, characterized by weakness, vomiting, and loss of appetite.
• Garlic and onions can be hidden in various foods we cook so just to be safe, don’t sneak food under the table.

4. Xylitol

• This artificial sweetener, found in gum, lollies, cereals, ice creams and some baked goods, can cause a rapid insulin release, leading to hypoglycaemia, liver failure, or worse. Even a small amount is extremely dangerous.

 

Gut-Friendly Foods for Dogs

While it’s essential to avoid harmful foods, there are plenty of gut-friendly options that can promote healthy digestion and support your dog’s overall health. Here are some of our favourite canine-approved choices we feed our dogs. We’ve included some quick tips and listed their benefits.

1. Pumpkin

• Benefits: Packed with fibre, pumpkin aids in digestion and helps alleviate both diarrhoea and constipation. It’s also rich in vitamins A, C, and E, which support immunity and skin health. Pumpkin is also a great source of fibre and can be eaten raw or cooked. They can even eat the pumpkin skin which is packed with nutrients and where all the fibre lives.
• Quick Recipe: Mix 1-2 tablespoons of plain, cooked pumpkin into your dog’s regular food as a digestive boost.

1. Bone Broth

My absolute favourite staple that we feed our dogs daily!

• Benefits: Rich in collagen, glucosamine, and essential minerals like calcium and magnesium, bone broth supports gut lining health, joint care, hydration and much more!
• Quick Recipe: Simmer beef or chicken bones with water and a splash of apple cider vinegar for 12-24 hours. Strain and serve cooled broth as a topper to meals or a standalone treat.

Summer tip: Fill some ice cubes with bone broth and freeze up for some summer treats. You can even fill their water bowls with these bone broth cubes to cool their water bowls and give it a little flavour.

3. Probiotic Yogurt

Probiotics are incredible for our dogs as well as us humans.

• Benefits: Contains live cultures that promote a healthy gut microbiome. It’s also a good source of calcium and protein for strong bones and muscles.
• Quick Recipe: Serve a small dollop of plain, unsweetened yogurt as a treat or mix it with fresh fruits like blueberries for added nutrients.
• Summer tip: again, you can fill some ice cube containers with some yoghurt and blueberries to give your pup some delicious probiotic treats.

4. Blueberries

• Benefits: These antioxidant-rich fruits are loaded with vitamins C and K, which support immunity and bone health. They’re also a natural source of fibre for digestion.
• Quick Recipe: Mash a handful of blueberries and mix them into yogurt or freeze them for a refreshing snack.

5. Sweet Potatoes

Another staple and cheap to use

• Benefits: High in dietary fibre, sweet potatoes aid digestion and are a great source of vitamins A, B6, and C, as well as manganese for energy metabolism.
• Quick Recipe: Steam or bake sweet potatoes, mash them, and mix with a small amount of cooked chicken or turkey for a nutritious meal. Alternatively, you can cut them into chips strips and dehydrate them with a little coconut oil and store in a tight lid jar for dog treats.
• Quick Tip: Sweet potatoes can be eaten raw as well!

 

What to Do If Your Dog Eats Harmful Foods

Accidents happen! If your dog accidently consumes something harmful, don’t panic, here are some tips to keep in mind:

1. Stay Calm

• Panicking won’t help your dog. Assess the situation and gather details about what and how much they ate.

2. Contact Your Vet

• Call your veterinarian or a pet poison hotline immediately for advice. Be ready to provide details like your dog’s weight, age, and the amount ingested.

3. Monitor Symptoms

• Keep an eye out for symptoms like vomiting, diarrhoea, lethargy, or changes in behaviour. Even if your dog seems fine initially, symptoms can develop over time.

4. Keep some natural supplements to support their liver and gut

• Once you’ve had the all clear from your vet and your dog is back safe at home, look at some supplements to support and restore their gut health and liver by using some gut friendly supplements, we feed our dogs Canine Ceuticals milk thistle and gut restore.

Milk Thistle is great for a healthy liver, gallbladder & digestive function.

 

Keep Your Pup Safe and Healthy

Avoiding harmful foods and incorporating gut-friendly options into your dog’s diet can make a world of difference in their health. Always consult your veterinarian before making major dietary changes, and keep a list of toxic foods on your phone or fridge handy to ensure your furry friend stays happy and healthy.

Try out some of the gut-friendly recipes mentioned here and watch your pup thrive! A well-balanced diet isn’t just for humans—our four-legged family members deserve it too!

 For some incredible gut friendly and immune support products, check out our range we support. Your dog will love you for it!