Toxic & Recommended Dog Foods

Toxic Foods For Your Dog

 

 

  • 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 in the system – it can be toxic in one large dose – or with repeated consumption of small amounts.)

  • Chocolate  (Chocolate contains Theobromine, a compound that is a cardiac stimulant and a diuretic.  This can be fatal to dogs.)

  • Grapes & Raisins  (Grapes are dangerous because of an unknown substance which is toxic to dogs – affects canines kidneys)

  • Most Fruit Pits and Seeds  (Contain Cyanogenic Glycosides resulting in cyanide poisoning – though the fruit itself is OK.  Ex:  apple seeds, cherry pits, peach pits)

  • Macadamia Nuts  (Macadamia nuts contain an unknown substance that is toxic to dogs.)

  • 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.)

  • Potato Peelings, Green parts of Tomatoes or Green Potatoes  (Contain Oxalate’s, which can affect the digestive, nervous, and urinary systems.)

  • Rhubarb leaves

  • Broccoli  (Broccoli is only toxic in large quantities.)

  • Yeast Dough  (Yeast Dough can produce gas and swell in your pet’s stomach – leading to rupture of the digestive system)

  • Beer/Wine/Alcohol of any kind  (Alcohol of any kind could lead to coma or even death.)

  • Human Vitamins  (Human Vitamins, especially those containing iron, can cause damage to the lining of the digestive system as well as cause kidney and liver damage.)

  • Persimmons  (Persimmons can cause intestinal blockage.)

  • Raw Eggs and Raw Fish  (Raw eggs and some raw fish can cause Salmonella poisoning.)

  • Salt, Baking Soda, Baking Powder  (In large amounts these can cause an electrolyte imbalance – and severe electrolyte imbalances can lead to muscle spasm or even congestive heart failure.)

  • Mushrooms  (Mushrooms many contain toxins which could cause liver and kidney damage.)

  • Sugar-Free Foods  (Sugar-free foods containing Xylitol have been found to cause liver failure in some dogs.)

  • Nutmeg  (Nutmeg can cause tremors, seizures, and central nervous system damage.)

  • Avocado  (All parts of the avocado and avocado tree are toxic to dogs.)

  • Mustard Seeds

  • Tea (Caffeine)

  • Walnuts

There may be other foods that your dog can not consume; so always ask your vet when you are unsure.

At K-9 Lifesavers, we believe that proper nutrition is key to keeping your best friend healthy and happy for years to come.  We highly recommend that you choose a quality food with healthy, wholesome ingredients to keep your new dog in optimal health.  It is important that the pet food industry is the primary outlet for human by-products, which are allowed to be used in pet foods.  Many of these ingredients are, at best, scary.  It’s not always easy to determine which pet foods are actually “healthy” for your dog.  By looking for a few key ingredients and avoiding several others, you can help ensure a long and happy life for your dog.

 

Recommended Foods

 

 

INGREDIENTS TO LOOK FOR:

 

Named meat or fish

(chicken, turkey, lamb, beef, herring, etc.)

 

AND

 

Concentrated named meat proteins

(chicken meal, turkey meal, lamb meal, herring meal, etc.)

 

 

 

 

Protein

(Should be the first ingredients listed)

INGREDIENTS TO AVOID:

 

Unnamed food ingredients

(poultry by-products, meat and bone meal)

 

AND

 

Protein fillers

(corn gluten meal, wheat gluten, egg product meal)

Whole grains and starches

(brown rice, barley, sweet potatoes)

 

Fresh, whole fruits and vegetables

(whole potoes, carrots, tomatoes, alfalfa, apples, etc.)

 

 

Carbs and Veggies

Carb overload

(refined flours, wheat, mill runs, brewer’s rice)

 

Processed fruits and vegetables

(dehydrated potatoes, tomato pumice, alfalfa meal)

Named fats from quality sources

(chicken fat, lamb fat, sunflower oil, herring oil, etc.)

 

Natural preservatives

(mixed tocopherois, Vitamin E)

 

Fats and oils

Fats from non- specific sources

(animal fat, poultry fat, vegetable oil)

 

Synthetic preservatives

(BHA, BHT, ethoxyquin)

Antioxidants

(Vitamin A, C and E)

 

Chelated minerals

(iron proteinate, manganese proteinate, etc.)

 

Vitamins, Minerals, Supplements

Coloring

(caramel color, FD&C colors)