Human Foods That Are Toxic to Dogs

Many of you may know this, but I thought I would share it anyways. Here is a list of toxic human food and reasons why they are harmful to your pet. I think the one to really remember is the grapes and the raisins, because for the longest time I did not know they were harmful and I used to give these as treats to some of my past family dogs.

1. Onions (Both onions and garlic contain the toxic ingredient Thiosulphate. But onions are more of a danger. Many dog biscuits contain *small* amounts of garlic – garlic contains less of this toxin so huge amounts would need to be consumed to be toxic. And, by the way, this poison builds up the system – it can be toxic in one large dose – or with repeated consumption of small amounts.)
2. Chocolate (Chocolate contains Theobromine, a compound that is a cardiac stimulant and a diuretic. This can be fatal to dogs.)
3. Grapes (Grapes are dangerous because of an unknown substance which is toxic to dogs – affects canine’s kidneys)
4. Raisins (See above.)
5. Most Fruit Pits and Seeds (Contain Cyanogenic Glycosides resulting in cyanide poisoning – though the fruit itself is OK.)
6. Macadamia Nuts (Macadamia nuts contain an unknown substance that is toxic to dogs.)
7. Bones (Most bones should *not* be given (especially chicken bones) because they can splinter and cause laceration of the digestive system and/or become lodged in your pet’s throat – so they also pose a choking hazard.)
8. Potato Peelings and Green Potatoes (Contain Oxalates, which can affect the digestive, nervous, and urinary systems.)
9. Rhubarb leaves (See above.)
10. Green parts of Tomatoes or Green Potatoes (Contain oxalates, which can affect the digestive, nervous, and urinary systems.)
11. Yeast Dough (Yeast Dough can produce gas and swell in your pet’s stomach – leading to rupture of the digestive system)
12. Moldy or Spoiled Food (I think this goes without saying.)
13. Nutmeg (Nutmeg can cause tremors, seizures, and central nervous system damage.)
14. Avocado (All parts of the avocado and avocado tree are toxic to dogs.)
15. Alcoholic Beverages and Coffee
16. Fatty Foods
I guess my question is "If these are fatal to dogs then why can humans eat them?"

Charlie on A Diet

So Charlie has been on a diet in hopes that he can shed a pound or two. (he has already lost half of a pound since August 1 so way to go).

Here is what I have done for Charlie so he sticks to his diet

1. No more table scraps (he still gets healthy human food as treats like carrots and sweet potatoes)

2. Feed him on a schedule

This has worked wonders for Charlie and my sanity. He now eats at 9 am and 6 pm. My vet said I can put a spoonful of sweet potatoes on top to help his GI track and keep all things moving and he loves the sweet potatoes. He actually will eat his dog food finally.

3. Exercise

He already gets a fair amount of exercise cause he goes everywhere with me and I try to walk lots of places, but I have kicked up his walking routine and try to get my butt out of bed at 7 am to walk him and our other dog Jack with my husband.

I guess diet and exercise really does work. I guess no cookie diets for me.

Frosty Bones

I was at the grocery store and these were 50% off, so I think they came to like $2 for a box of 4, and I figured 'hey why not' and bought 2 boxes for the dogs to try out. I realize it says it is for Senior Dogs, but that is just cause they have glucosamine for their joints and other healthy things. They also make daily vitamin, odor control, organic, and healthy coat formulas.

Here is their website, and they have now changed their name to Freezy Bones instead of Frosty Bones, but it is the same company.

Needless to say, They Love Them.

Check out that tongue.

Here is what is inside the Senior Formula

Vitamins: Glucosamine, Chondroitin, Calcium, Riboflavin, Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM)

INGREDIENTS

Purified water, natural chicken flavor, carboxymethyl cellulose, citric acid, glucosamine hydrochloride (glucosamine), chondroitin sulfate (chondroitin), calcium sulfate (calcium), riboflavin, potassium sorbate (a preservative), sodium benzoate (a preservative).