5 Common Foods to NEVER feed your dog

I come from a family with a lot of heart, and we celebrate and show love for each other by sharing food. Feeding each other is just as loving as sharing a warm hug. I know that I can’t be the only one guilty of transferring this onto my pets – a nibble off of the corner of my toast, a little splash of milk from my coffee. But there are so many foods that you need to steer well-clear from, many that you may not even realise. Important note: These aren’t the ONLY dangerous foods, just the ones we see most often.

Let’s jump in;

Grapes

This one is a real mystery. Some dogs are definitely more sensitive than others, I have known many people who feed grapes as a treat to their dog without an obvious issue. And I know other dogs who have had only a small number of grapes and deteriorated into kidney failure. Even one grape can be enough. We don’t know how and why grapes do this, what we do know is – steer clear!

Corn Cobs

Ok – so this one is not toxic but is a huge risk of causing an intestinal obstruction. That means surgical removal. I see this often enough that it is worthy of the list. They are often fed to dogs to help ‘clean their teeth’ but are often swallowed whole. Corn – yes! Corn cobs – no, no, no!

Sausages

Let’s stick sausages together with bacon and mince, they’re all in this category for the same reason. Whilst they are not toxic to dogs, all of these products are very high in fat. A small but high-fat meal, like a sausage off the barbie, is enough to trigger severe inflammation of the pancreas. Pancreatitis is incredibly painful, requiring lots of time spent in the hospital, and when severe enough – can be fatal. Stick away from offering your pet any fatty human meals. 

Raw Chicken

For the same reasons that you would not eat raw chicken, do not feed it to your dog and cat. A high percentage of human-grade raw chicken (60 – 100%) is contaminated with salmonella. That’s why you’ve got to cook it! Not only can your pet get sick, but watch out; if they have a raw chicken meal then give you a kiss on the face, or a lick on the hand, because BAM! Now you have salmonella, too. Why risk it? 

Imported Jerky Treats

Occasionally imported pet jerky treats (often chicken, or duck – usually from China) are associated with cases of a rare kidney condition known as Fanconi syndrome. It’s another reason to support our Aussie businesses, and keep their foothold in the industry with high-quality products.

Still not sure? Have more questions? Give us a call, or book an appointment online, let’s get to the bottom of it!

Dr. Vicky Wade

Veterinarian