Most pet owners don’t know that their refrigerators are likely
to contain
common human treats that can kill or severely
harm their pets!
While for pet owners the passing holiday season means overeating
and an expanded waistline, for our pets, being overindulged with
too many table scraps could result in a fatal outcome.
Recently, the ASPCA ran a report on toxic foods for
pets, and for most of us, the foods that can hurt your
pet are a shocking surprise.
To ensure your pet’s health and safety, take a look at some
foods that can be harmful:
Chocolate—This delicious treat is made with
cocoa beans, which contain a chemical called theobromine
that is toxic to dogs. Keep this in mind, especially on
Valentine's Day!
Grapes—While the exact reason why they are
harmful is unknown, they have been linked to cases of acute
kidney failure.
Cocoa mulch—The bean shells of cocoa, which
are a by-product of chocolate, are used as mulch for
landscaping. Many people are unaware that the toxic
chemical theobromine is present in this type of mulch that
is often ingested by curious pets.
Fatty foods—Fats are difficult for a dog to
digest and can overtax the pancreas, leading to potentially
fatal pancreatitis.
Nuts—The high phosphorus content in nuts is
linked to the formation of bladder stones. Macadamia nuts in
particular are especially harmful.
Onions—Studies show that onions as well as
onion powder can prompt hemolytic anemia in dogs.
Potatoes—Though rare, the toxin solanine
can be found in a potato’s green sprouts and skins. Potatoes
should therefore be cooked and mashed in order to be safe
for your pet’s consumption.
Artificial sweeteners—Consuming large
amounts of these synthetics can lead to an abrupt drop in
blood sugar levels, causing symptoms such as depression,
loss of coordination, and seizures. In as little as 30
minutes, signs of toxicity can become apparent, and
immediate veterinary treatment is necessary.
Turkey—The consumption of turkey skin is
linked to acute pancreatis most likely caused by its high
fat content.
Other foods listed by the ASPCA as harmful:
- Alcoholic beverages
- Avocado (the only "fatty" member of the vegetable
family)
- Coffee (all forms of coffee)
- Moldy or spoiled foods
- Salt
- Yeast dough
- Garlic
To help counteract any internal damage that may have been caused
from these foods, consider supplementing your pet’s diet
with natural remedies to restore health.
PetAlive
Digestive Support is a great detoxifying agent which soothes
gastric mucus membranes and inflammation, while also relieving
symptoms of chronic digestive disorders and conditions.
PetAlive
DetoxPlus also works to purify the blood and eliminate
toxins, and can be very effective for systemic recovery after
illness.
Information:
Dog Food Comparisons
Premium Healthy Dog Food
PetAlive.com - Natural Remedies
