There are many things you can put in your dog’s food, but there are also things that you should definitely not feed them. These foods have a lot of negative effects on your dog’s health, so keep these tips in mind the next time you go to buy food for your pet.
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Tortillas
There are several reasons why dogs should not eat tortillas. They are high in calories, contain unhealthy ingredients, and are not good for your dog’s health.
Typical ingredients of tortillas include corn and flour. Typically, people eat them as wraps and spreads.
Although these are safe for most dogs, some can have a reaction to them. The common culprits include sodium, sugar, and additives. These additives can cause stomach upset, which can lead to dehydration, kidney failure, and even seizures.
Tortilla chips are also packed with salt and unhealthy colorings. While they are less dangerous than whole tortillas, they do contain a lot of fat. A high calorie diet can lead to obesity and other health problems.
Avocados
Avocados are a popular health food among humans, but they aren’t always safe for dogs. In fact, some say avocados are toxic to dogs. However, there are ways to prepare these fruits in a way that is safe for your dog to consume. Ultimately, you need to make sure that you give your pet only the flesh of the avocado and nothing else.
Avocados are a good source of antioxidants, vitamins, and healthy fats. The benefits of avocados for pets include skin and coat health. They can also boost your pet’s immune system, increase energy, and help with weight management.
Macadamia nuts
Macadamia nuts, also known as Queensland nuts, are a popular snack. However, they can be dangerous to dogs. These nuts have high fat content and can cause digestive blockage. This can result in gastrointestinal problems such as vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.
If you think your dog has eaten macadamia nuts, get them to a veterinarian immediately. The veterinarian can administer activated charcoal to speed up the digestion of the nuts. He or she may also prescribe anti-sickness medication, fluids, and pain relievers.
In some cases, macadamia nut poisoning may result in pancreatitis. This is a serious condition that causes pain and vomiting in dogs.
Grass trimmed from meat
Grass trimmed from meat is something dogs should not eat. This is a matter of health and safety. A dog’s digestive tract is already stressed by the sheer volume of food it has to process. Adding more food to the mix could exacerbate the situation. If you must feed your pooch a grassy snack, make sure it is treated with care and has fresh water on hand.
Grass is a good source of micronutrients, such as phosphorus and thiamine. It can be poisonous to a dog if it is sprayed with pesticides. Using a non-toxic fertilizer may be your best bet.
Chocolate
Chocolate is a common treat for children and dogs, but it can be dangerous. Chocolate contains an alkaloid called theobromine, which can cause serious health problems in dogs.
Theobromine is similar to caffeine and acts as a stimulant. It also has a diuretic effect. A dog cannot process theobromine well, so it can build up in their system. When it reaches this level, it can cause vomiting and diarrhea, as well as abdominal pain.
In addition to theobromine, chocolate can contain other ingredients that are dangerous to dogs. These include caffeine, xylitol, and artificial sweeteners.
Lentils
There are several reasons why lentils are good for dogs. They’re low in calories, high in fiber and protein, and can help dogs feel full for longer. Lentils also contain minerals like iron and manganese.
One cup of cooked lentils contains 230 calories, 16 grams of fiber, and 18 grams of protein. They’re also a good source of phosphorus, zinc, and copper.
However, if you give your dog too much lentils, it may cause digestive upset. You can avoid this by cooking your dog’s lentils properly. It’s important to follow the directions on the bag.
Mistletoe berries
Mistletoe berries are one of the most common gifts that people give their children at Christmas. However, they are toxic to animals. The berries are loaded with harmful chemicals and alkaloids that can cause vomiting and diarrhea.
When a pet ingests mistletoe, it can suffer from gastrointestinal irritation and low blood pressure. Acute cases of mistletoe poisoning are sometimes fatal.
Depending on the amount of mistletoe consumed, the symptoms can vary. Dogs that ingest large amounts of mistletoe may have low blood pressure, seizures, and abdominal pain.
If your dog has consumed mistletoe, contact your veterinarian immediately. They will run tests to determine the cause and to help treat your pet. Your vet will also check your pet’s heart rate and temperature.
