So, you're ready to start giving your cat or dog some real food instead of processed commercial food? Awesome - a healthy diet is the fundamental basis for a healthy animal (or person)! Be careful, though, to avoid the following ingredients that can be dangerous: Onions, onion powder, chives: can lead to gastrointestinal irritation, damage to red blood cells, and severe anemia; all types should be avoided (raw, cooked, dehydrated,powdered, etc). Cats are more susceptible than dogs, but it can be toxic for both.(Garlic is often well-tolerated by cats and dogs; use sparingly at first to determine ifthere is a sensitivity) 2. Grapes and raisins:can cause kidney failure in dogs, although only certain dogs are affected. 3. Uncooked yeast dough:can expand in your pet's stomach, causing pain and possibly rupture of the intestines. 4. Left over bones:can splinter and cause damage to internal organs; may also be a choking hazard. Raw bones are safer as they don't tend to splinter - but, always supervise carefully. 5. Foods with high salt or fat content: excessive fats can cause upset stomach and potentially inflame the pancreas (pancreatitis). Salty foods can cause sodium iontoxicosis, and lead to hypertension. 6. Chocolate and coffee: chocolate and coffee contains methlxanthines, and can cause vomiting, diarrhea, panting, excessive thirst and urination, hyperactivity, tremors,seizures, and potentially death in pets. The higher the cocoa percentage, the moredangerous the chocolate is, making dark chocolate more toxic than milk or whitechocolate. All these products can cause vomiting, diarrhea and even death. 7. Sugarless candies sweetened with xylitol: can cause liver damage and death in more vulnerable dogs. This sweetener is in candy, gum, toothpaste and sugar-free cookies. 8.Macademia nuts:can cause weakness, vomiting, tremors, and hyperthermia in dogs. We've seen some information regarding avocadoes, but the research didn't support not using the flesh of this fruit; however, be aware that the other parts of the avocado (leaves, skin, pit) do contain a potentially toxic compound. As you can imagine, though, any animal can be allergic or sensitive to a number of ingredients; so always observe your animal carefully whenever adding to his or her diet. A reminder that all the information on this website, and in this blog, are not intended to diagnose or treat an animal. It's important that you work closely with your veterinarian when making any change to your animal's health protocol. In future posts, we'll be featuring some easy to make recipes, and sources for ideas on home cooked meals for your loved ones! (Your dogs and cats, that is) Sources: |
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Categoriesbody work for animalsdiet and nutrition herbal therapy holistic/natural health skin and coat care Testimonials
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