Feeding your dog part of your own snack or meal can feel totally harmless.

You're just wanting to share with him and to keep him happy after all! Unfortunately, not only does feeding your dog human food have a negative effect on his behavior, but it also can be dangerous depending on what you're giving him. There is a fairly long list of not-safe foods for dogs that you should not be feeding your pets in La Porte, TX. These foods range from poisonous to uncomfortable in their effects but should still not be given out.

Before we go into a list of foods that you shouldn't feed your pets, know that it isn't comprehensive. Just because it isn't listed, does not mean it's safe. There will be a shortlist at the end of safe human foods, but they should also be given in small amounts and with restraint. There is a reason for safe food for dogs. It's tailored to their needs, which are different than ours. That being said, let's get into what not to feed your pet in La Porte, TX!

Foods That Are Not Safe Food for Dogs in La Porte, TX

Meat, Eggs, Bones, and Fat

The first food you should not give to your pets is raw or undercooked meat, eggs, bones, or fat trimmings. Raw meat and raw eggs can contain Salmonella and E. coli which are just as harmful to your pets as they are to you. Bones are dangerous as they can splinter off and harm your pet. Fat trimmings are known to cause pancreatitis in dogs as well. Eggs can be eaten when cooked and are a good treat for a source of protein. Do not cook them in fat and be aware that in some dogs, they can cause some pretty terrible gas.

Alcohol and Tobacco

Alcohol and tobacco are two things you never want your pet to get ahold of. Alcohol has the same effect on pets as it does on humans, but ten-fold. It can cause vomiting, diarrhea, impaired coordination, tremors, coma, and even death. The nicotine in tobacco can be lethal to dogs and symptoms will show up within an hour of ingestion. If your pet consumes either of these, call your veterinarian in La Porte, TX at (281) 471-6834 for immediate assistance.

Chocolate, Coffee, and Caffeine

Chocolate, coffee, and caffeine should also be kept away from your pets. These all have methylxanthines in them which is poisonous to pets. It can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, excessive thirst and urination, abnormal heart rhythm, seizures, and in some cases death. Your pet does not need morning coffee to start the day like you do and should never be given chocolate as a treat.

Grapes and Raisins

Grapes and raisins are another toxic food to pets. We actually don't know what substance in them triggers the reaction, but they are known to cause kidney failure and should be avoided.

Different Nuts

Almonds, pecans, walnuts, and macadamia nuts should not be fed to pets. Almonds, pecans, and walnuts have high levels of fat and oil which can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, or even pancreatitis. Macadamia nuts specifically cause depression, vomiting, tremors, weakness, and hyperthermia. These symptoms will usually show up about 12 hours after ingestion.

Onions and Garlic

Another group of foods to keep away from pets is onions, garlic, and chives. These are actually more harmful in cats but can cause problems for dogs as well. They cause gastrointestinal irritation and red blood cell damage.

Fruit

Stone fruit like persimmons, peaches, and plums should not be given whole to your pet. Slices of the actual fruit are safe, but the pit is very dangerous. For one, they can block your dog's intestines. Plum and peach pits also have cyanide, a highly poisonous substance. The same goes for avocado. The pit can be choked on. Additionally, avocado should not be given to birds, rabbits, donkeys, horses, or ruminant animals. It causes cardiovascular damage in birds and swollen heads in ruminants.

Apple seeds are also extremely toxic to pets. They have amygdalin which releases cyanide when ingested. If too much gets into the bloodstream, it can cause serious damage. And, if you have a small dog, it won't take much.

Yeast

For those of you that bake regularly in La Porte, TX, do not give your pets any yeast or yeast dough. It will rise and expand in your pet's tummy causing bloat, gas, and discomfort. If you give them too much it can even rupture their stomach or intestines. Another issue is that it can ferment and lead to alcohol poisoning.

Sugar and Salt

One substance to avoid that's in many foods is xylitol. It's a sugar alcohol that's commonly found in candy, gum, baked goods, and other sugary processed foods. It's highly toxic to dogs and can lead to seizures, liver failure, and death. Make sure you read the labels of your processed snacks and keep all sugary treats out of reach.

On the same note as xylitol, you really shouldn't feed your pet any sugary or salty treats. These aren't really even good for humans and your pets certainly shouldn't eat them. Salty snack foods like chips or pretzels cause vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, seizures, and occasionally death. Sugary snacks cause periodontal disease, obesity, and diabetes.

Corn

In a similar way to the stone fruit and bones, corn on the cob should not be fed to your pets but especially your dog. Giving him a little amount of corn is ok, but just make sure to take it off the cob. Otherwise, he could choke, or chunks of the cob could cause intestinal blockage or damage.

Foods That Are Safe for Dogs in La Porte, TX

If you're insistent on giving your pets some human treats in La Porte, TX there are a few good options. Peanut butter is a great source of protein and can be used inside chew toys like the Kong to keep your dog occupied. Cooked eggs (without cheese or other fat) are also a good source of protein and are healthy when fed occasionally. Make sure to talk to your vet before you feed any human foods and discuss what the safe food for dogs is and how it keeps begging behavior at bay. Overall, if you aren't sure if your pet can eat it, don't feed it to them. Give them a treat appropriate to their species.