19/12/2024
It's that time of year when the unchecked lists of dangerous food for dogs are doing the rounds!๐
๐What we do know...๐
There's very few foods that are known to be toxic to dogs, some we don't know the safe level of and some are a physical risk.
Some examples are just silly like alcohol!
Here's a brief overview! ๐
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/18KRygUWaZ/
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Including ones that the internet says are not safe.
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Your dog's digestive system was made by Mother Nature to consume a raw predominantly meat-based diet, this has been studied in reference to specific bacteria in the digestive system to process this kind of diet. The dogs digestive system is also shorter than a humans, so food isn't sitting around for long periods that risks food poisoning.
However, dogs fed on a kibble diet have a lack of diversity in their gut flora so do not always handle change very well, it can give them an upset tummy so it's important to start slowly or even transition to cooked first and then later try raw if that's your goal. A digestive enzyme and probiotic is something we recommend kibble-fed dogs are given during their transition to real food. You can learn more about how to slowly add new food to your dog's diet here:
https://www.freshfoodtribe.com/general-information
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When introducing oils and fats, do so slowly to give your dog;s body an opportunity to get used to it.
Start by giving 1/4 teaspoon daily to small dogs or 1 tablespoon (15 mL) daily to big dogs and gradually increase the amount. If your dog tolerates it well after 2 weeks, increase the dose to 1 teaspoon (5ml) per 4.5 kg of body weight. This is just a guideline, you'll find what works for your dog by experimentation.
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I sh$t you not! Whilst the internet and Vet sites are full of outdated information about this wonderful healthy fat food, it's absolutely safe to feed! Give your dog the same parts that you eat for a boost of vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin B6, potassium, magnesium, and folate!
Avocado is rich in healthy fast, so introduce slowly. You can read more about Avocado and the study that says it's ok here:
https://www.freshfoodtribe.com/avocado
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Eggs are so awesome! They are a complete protein just like meat so you can use them in the same way i.e. every day or just add one here and there. Growing up, my Dad always added Eggs to our dogs bowl for a nice shiny coat because they're rich in linoleic acid and fat-soluble vitamins like Vitamin A.
Jump on Facebook Market Place or Gumtree to find local Hens, Goats and Quail eggs for your dogs! Quail eggs are a great size for small dogs!
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Low in calories but high in fiber, vitamin C, and vitamin K. Blueberries are one of the top antioxidant foods! Squish them vs feeding them whole otherwise, your dog may p**p them out whole!
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Another healthy food that is demonised and is safe for dogs, even pet food companies use this amazing ingredient. People started to demonise Garlic after people mis-understood a study. Learn more here: https://www.balanced-canine.com/post/garlic-the-confusion-about-safety
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โ This is a no-go food for dogs that often in yummy human foods and sauces so be sure to check ingredient labels before you give your dog left overs or sauces. Many people will say that they give their dogs left overs with onions all the time without issue and there will be the other person who says it nearly killed their dog - we recommend erring on the side of caution.
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โ People are often surprised to hear that grapes are a no-go for dogs because they feed them to their dogs and have not had an issue - grapes are one of those foods that will be dangerous for some dogs and not for others and that includes the dried varieties: sultanas, currants, and raisins
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All nuts are safe for dogs except Macadamia and there's a grey area with black walnuts due to mould potential.
To prepare nuts for dogs, either grind them down or soak them and then smoosh/grind, this will make them safe and bioavailable.
Nuts are rich in healthy fats, so introduce them slowly.
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I'm not sure why this one ended up in people's minds as a no-go!
They are especially high in lycopene, a plant compound linked to improved heart health & cancer prevention.
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Finely chop/blend to make them bioavailable due to their skins.
These guys are very high in Vitamin C and the red capsicum has the highest vitamin C content among most fruits and vegetables!
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โ Same as onion.
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Whilst this would make you sick, just like our comments above with raw meat, your dog's body is geared to handling this.
Now, in saying this, there was a condition called Polyradiculoneuritis that was linked to chicken, more-so chicken necks if you go by what a lot of Vets say, you can read more about that here: https://www.freshfoodtribe.com/apn
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โ These can be brittle and splinter which could cause digestive tract injury and blockages.
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+ fresh
Oily fish is recommended to be fed 2-3 times per week for omega-3 content. The likes of Salmon, Kippers, Mackerel & Sardines in springwater or olive oil are good go to's. Avoid ones in tomato sauce due to the high sugar content and ones in "oil" to avoid cheap highly refined seed oils.
Tuna is higher in heavy metals so an every now addition will generally be okay but we recommend a supplement that contains chlorella such as Canine Ceuricals super greens to help detox heavy metals.
