11/24/2021
As a season of gathering is upon us during which an abundance of rich foods will fill our homes, Board Certified Veterinary Nutritionists® at Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University share advice on what you should and should not feed your dogs.
WHAT TO AVOID:
• Rich, fatty foods like turkey skin or meats/vegetables cooked in oil, which can cause vomiting or pancreatitis.
• Meat with bones, fatty meats, and too much meat.
• Chocolate, which can be toxic, causing everything from GI upset and tremors, to seizures and potentially death.
• Xylitol sugar substitute, which is extremely toxic to dogs and can cause severe, very low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and/or severe liver failure and even death.
• Meat with bones, which can cause an obstruction in the intestines.
• Raisins/Grapes, which can cause kidney failure/kidney disease in dogs.
• Garlic and onion, which can cause blood problems.
• Macadamia nuts, which can cause weakness in the back legs, vomiting and diarrhea.
FINE IN MODERATION:
Some dogs have sensitive stomachs and shouldn’t have any sudden changes in food that might result in vomiting or loose stools. If your dog doesn’t have any medical conditions, they can have up to 10% of their daily calories from treats (including some human foods).
• White meat turkey breast (40 calories per ounce).
• Washed vegetables, except garlic and onions.
• Washed baby carrots, cooked and raw (plain, 4-5 calories each).
• Washed green beans, cooked and raw (plain, 2 calories each).
• Sweet potatoes, cooked.
• Apples (chopped and plain, no core, 30 calories in four ounces).
• Pumpkin (plain).
• Banana.
• Oranges.
• Strawberries and blueberries.
• Melon.
ADDITIONAL TIPS:
• Make sure to fasten all waste receptacles—dogs can be experts at getting into places/things they aren’t supposed to.
• Talk with visiting family members about what your dogs can and can’t have, especially young children.
If your dog has any medical issues, please talk to your veterinarian about what treats are safe for your dog.
If you suspect your dog has potential toxicity from ingesting a food item of concern, call your veterinarian or ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.
[image shows pictures of leaves and pumpkins]
