Safe and Dangerous Foods for Dogs & Cats

Many foods that are healthy for us could be included in your pet food including organic or grass fed, preferably locally grown:

GOOD

Meats – chicken, turkey, rabbit, duck, goose, bison.

Fish – salmon, cod, trout, catfish, tuna, mackerel, sardines.

Eggs – chicken, duck, goose, quail.

Dairy – Goats milk and cheeses, cottage cheese, yogurt .

Vegetables – celery, carrots, sweet potatoes, zucchini, squash, pumpkin, green beans,  peas, yams, potatoes, broccoli, spinach.

Fruits – blueberries, apples ( no seeds),  pears, bananas, mangoes.

Some cereal grains – in a special conditions, limited amount or barley, oats, rice

BAD

Some foods should not be fed to dogs and cats. These foods can be toxic or could cause a gastrointestinal upsets.
Common foods to avoid ( not a complete list).

Alcohol – liver can not metabolize alcohol.

Avocado – contains Persin, toxic to dogs, should check with vet.

Chocolate – Theobromine in cocoa beans, can negatively affects the central nervous system and even in a small amount can be lethal.

Citrus – can cause an upset stomach, a section is usually ok.

Grapes and Raisins –  toxic component of grapes and raisins has not yet been determine, but it can cause renal failure.  Many unknown factors so it is safer to avoid them.

Grease – large amount can cause diarrhea.  Some amount  can be desirable in a  special diets , but not  too much

Onions – the oils in onions contain an antioxidant  that can cause anemia, vomiting, lethargy, rapid breathing, and heart murmurs.

Rawhide – loaded with toxins and preservatives.  Can cause an obstruction in the intestines.  Pigs ears also have the same problem.

Seasoned meats – usually chemically preserved with salt and spices that undesirable for dogs and can give a dog an upset stomach.

Soy -it is technically a complete protein but dogs and cats do not readily digest it.  Can cause gas and bloating.

Sugar – has no nutritional value and can cause a spike in blood sugar followed by crash.

Wheat – any form ( wheat, wheat flour, germs middlings or bran) of it is hard for pets to digest and it tends to cause allergy problems in dogs.

Refine white flour.

Spices – can cause stomach ache and better to avoid spicy foods.

If you suspect that your pet ate something you think is dangerous, you should call your veterinarian or per poison control center (888) 426-4435 or check the sources near you.  There is also an I-phone app. ( pet poisons).  Some symptoms can include gas, vomiting and diarrhea.