Why not feed your dog human food?
The physiological differences between dogs and humans mean that we have quite different nutritional requirements, e.g. our daily protein requirements are quite different. In an adult human, it is approximately 0.9 g/kg body weight and in a dog it is 2.2 – 2.5 g/kg body weight. The daily menu should take into account the species nutritional requirements of the four-legged dog. Feeding a dog food that has been eaten by humans rarely fully meets its nutrient requirements and risks causing nutritional deficiencies, so it is a much better idea to feed your pet ready-made wet or dry food that has been formulated to meet its nutritional needs. In addition, the rate and type of biochemical processes in humans and dogs are different. Sometimes foods that are completely neutral for humans are dangerous poisons for dogs.
What foods should you not give to your dog?
Xylitol – if diabetics are sitting at the Christmas table, there may also be a cake with this popular sweetener on it. This substance is very dangerous for dogs, as their body reacts to it completely differently from ours. In humans, no insulin is released after ingestion, while in dogs, the hormone is produced very quickly, causing a rapid drop in blood sugar – hypoglycaemia. Apathy, salivation, and uncoordinated movements – these are dangerous symptoms of xylitol poisoning.
Yeast cake – the consumption of Christmas baby is fortunately not very dangerous, but the excess of simple carbohydrates contained in it can cause the bacterial flora to start fermenting it, causing unpleasant bloating in the dog. An enlarged stomach, putting pressure on the diaphragm, can make it difficult for the animal to breathe. An additional problem is the sultanas added to the dough, which are highly toxic to the dog and can lead to very dangerous kidney failure.
Milk and dairy products – some dogs cannot tolerate milk. Its consumption causes diarrhoea in them. This is an extremely troublesome ailment, especially if you are planning a holiday trip.
Raw eggs – consumption of raw eggs risks salmonella poisoning. In addition, the avidin contained in raw egg whites breaks down vitamin H, or biotin, which has a beneficial effect on the appearance of the coat. In larger quantities, this substance can weaken and worsen the coat. To get rid of this compound – simply boil an egg.
Salty foods – salt in the right amount is necessary for your dog, but in excess is harmful. It is unlikely that a dog would want to eat salt alone, but there is a lot of salt in human foods, especially cheese, crunchy snacks and cold cuts. Salt poisoning manifests as increased salivation, thirst, frequent urination and diarrhoea.
Alcohol – this causes vomiting, diarrhoea, dehydration and the classic symptoms of alcohol intoxication in dogs – imbalance, wobbly gait and hyperactivity. In higher amounts, it can cause serious liver damage. Fortunately, dogs are usually not at all keen on spirits.
Citrus – the intense smell of oranges, lemons or limes is an irritant rather than appetising to most dogs, so they tend to stay away from them. These fruits have a choleretic effect, so can cause vomiting. Some sources report that consuming them in large quantities can lead to a drop in blood pressure and hypothermia. It is worth knowing that citrus, like in humans, often causes allergies in pets.
Chocolate – an ingredient in half of all Christmas cakes. The theobromine contained in it accelerates the heart rate of the dog. In a dose exceeding 150 mg/kg of its body weight, it is dangerous. Poisoning with this substance can even lead to a heart attack or internal bleeding.
Onions and garlic – these vegetables are also hard for the dog to digest, and in addition, dangerous disulphides are formed during their digestion. These compounds cause the breakdown of red blood cells, which can lead to hypoxia. It is dangerous to eat onions weighing more than just 0.5% of your pet’s body weight.
Safe treats
If you want to spoil your pet a little over the holidays – treat him with a special snack. Just remember to serve your dog’s treats in moderation, according to the instructions on the label. It’s an extra meal for your pet, so to burn off the extra calories – give him a long walk.
