Protecting Your Pet
Dogs are considered a part of the family, so it's important to know how to prevent accidental poisoning and other serious health issues by carefully selecting a dog's diet. Thankfully, there are great options for fresh, healthy dog foods. The Farmer’s Dog and Ollie both offer fresh, human-grade dog food with personalized plans. The Farmer’s Dog focuses on simplicity and whole-food ingredients, while Ollie includes more variety and superfoods. Ollie offers more flexible portions, while The Farmer’s Dog emphasizes minimal processing and clean nutrition.
Now, let's look at ten dangerous foods dogs should never eat and explore several companies that specialize in fresh dog food.
10 Dangerous Foods Dogs Should Never Eat
1. Chocolate
Chocolate is infamous for its toxicity to dogs. It contains theobromine and caffeine, both of which are stimulants that dogs process very slowly. Even a small amount can cause symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, increased heart rate and, in severe cases, seizures or even death.
2. Alcohol
Alcohol is extremely toxic to dogs, even in small amounts. It can depress the central nervous system, leading to weakness, vomiting, lack of coordination and respiratory distress. Ingesting alcohol may also result in coma or death because of its rapid interference with the dog's vital bodily functions.
3. Citrus Fruits
While small amounts of citrus fruits might not be lethal, they contain compounds that can upset a dog's stomach and cause gastrointestinal distress. The essential oils and psoralens (found in the peel) can be irritating and may lead to vomiting or diarrhea.
4. Avocados
Avocados contain a substance called persin, which can be toxic to dogs in large amounts. While some dogs can handle small bits of avocado, the risk of pancreatitis and gastrointestinal upset is significant. Persin is mainly concentrated in the pit and the skin, but the fruit flesh can also pose risks if fed excessively.
5. Onions
Onions contain compounds that can damage a dog’s red blood cells, potentially leading to hemolytic anemia. Both raw and cooked onions are dangerous, as well as onion powder found in many processed foods. Dogs may not necessarily exhibit symptoms immediately, but prolonged exposure or a large dose can result in weakness, lethargy and even organ failure in severe cases.
6. Grapes
Grapes and raisins have been linked to sudden kidney failure in dogs and even small amounts can be dangerous. The exact substance causing this toxic reaction remains unidentified, which is why avoiding grapes entirely is recommended. Symptoms to watch for include vomiting, lethargy and a noticeable decrease in appetite.
7. Dairy Products
While some dogs tolerate dairy better than others, many are lactose intolerant. Dairy products can cause stomach upset, including diarrhea and vomiting. The inability to properly digest lactose means that even a small serving of milk or cheese can lead to discomfort or more severe gastrointestinal issues.
8. Nuts
Some nuts can be particularly hazardous to dogs. For instance, macadamia nuts are known to cause symptoms like weakness, tremors and hyperthermia. Other types of nuts, due to their high fat content, can lead to pancreatitis if consumed in large quantities. Additionally, nuts pose a choking risk and may cause obstructions in the digestive tract.
9. Coconuts
Coconuts can cause gastrointestinal distress due to their high fiber and fat content. While coconut meat isn’t as toxic as some other fruits, overconsumption can lead to upset stomachs, diarrhea and weight gain.
10. Raw/Undercooked Meat
Raw or undercooked meat poses a risk of bacterial infections such as Salmonella and E. coli, which can be dangerous not only to dogs but also to their human families. Cooking meat thoroughly helps eliminate harmful bacteria, making it a safer option for your pet’s diet.
Companies Providing Fresh Dog Food
If you want to ensure that you are providing the best possible diet for your pet, then check out these companies that provide fresh dog food options.
The Farmer's Dog
The Farmer's Dog specializes in freshly made, human-grade meals for dogs that are tailored to their specific nutritional needs. Their recipes are created by veterinary nutritionists and prepared in USDA kitchens under strict quality standards.
Ollie
Ollie offers fresh, human-quality dog food delivered directly to your door. Each recipe is formulated with the help of animal nutrition experts and uses high-quality proteins and vegetables. The meals are designed to meet the unique life-stage and dietary requirements of your dog.
JustFoodForDogs
JustFoodForDogs is dedicated to providing freshly prepared meals that mimic a home-cooked diet for dogs. Emphasizing whole, unprocessed ingredients, their recipes are tailored to meet individual dietary needs and preferences, including custom meal plans for dogs with special health concerns.
Nom Nom
Nom Nom creates fresh, ready-to-serve dog food using human-grade ingredients, pre-portioned by experts to ensure each meal is nutritionally balanced. Their approach focuses on convenience without sacrificing quality. Nom Nom’s meal plans are tailored to your dog's specific profile, taking into account breed, age, weight and activity level.
PetPlate
PetPlate delivers freshly cooked, nutritionally complete meals for dogs directly to your door. Their meals are formulated under the supervision of veterinarians and made with only human-grade ingredients. PetPlate offers options that cater to a range of dietary needs and preferences.
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