People Food: Do’s and Don’ts for sharing your plate with your canine

There are a host of foods that may wet your appetite, but leave your dog in pain and possibly in the veterinary hospital. We’ve separated human foods into categories of dos and don’ts. Read on to keep your pup from swallowing something he shouldn’t.

Dos

Meat: This is the main ingredient for a dog’s diet. Stick to lean meats like chicken, turkey, roast steak or lean ground beef and avoid serving your dog animal fat. Vegetables: Dogs, like us, are omnivores. They can safely eat carrots, green beans, cucumbers, zucchinis, lettuces, bell peppers, celery, and spinach. You can also try steaming broccoli, asparagus, cauliflower, and sweet potatoes. Many of these vegetables give dogs the same benefits as they do humans. Make sure to cut them up into bit-sized chunks! Grains: Your pooch can occasionally have pasta and rice, as long as it’s plain and cooked. Keep your pet away from any sauces or accouterments you may enjoy on a bowl of spaghetti. Fruit: Bananas, apples, cantaloupe, watermelon, blueberries, oranges are fair game as long as you remove all seeds, rinds and peels. Do speak with your vet before adding something new into your pet’s diet. Remember that puppies, seniors, and dogs with certain health conditions have special nutritional needs. Do limit the amount of human food your dog enjoys. In general, dogs should at maximum get 5-10 percent of their daily intake from human food.

Don'ts

While the optimum diet for your canine will vary based off his breed and age, this particular list of don’ts will not. Here are the top human foods NEVER to feed your dog: Avocados: This fruit contains persin, a substance that is toxic for dogs in large amounts and can cause vomiting and diarrhea. Alcohol: It has the same effect on a dog’s liver and brain as it does on humans, but is more potent for canines. Just a bit can be life threatening. Onions and Garlic: These odorous vegetables can damage a dog’s red blood cells and cause anemia. While one bite won’t kill him, avoid feeding your dog large amounts or smaller amounts regularly. Grapes and Raisins: These sweet treats cause kidney failure in dogs. Be careful, just a few grapes can make a dog ill. Peaches, Plums and Persimmons: The problem with these three is in the pits. The center of these fruits contains poisonous components if ingested by a dog, assuming he doesn’t choke on them first. Sweets: As much as you may love them, your dog’s stomach will not. Keep your dog away from candy, gum, chocolate (all kinds), baked goods, ice cream and other milk-based products. Avoid the temptation to share even one bite, as just a few licks can cause your dog to vomit or develop allergies. Caffeine: If it revs you up, chances are it can be fatal for your dog. Dogs should not be served tea, coffee (including beans and grounds), colas, or energy drinks. Raw/Fatty/Salty/Spoiled: If you wouldn’t eat it, neither should your dog. Keep your pup away from all raw meats, eggs, and fish as well as fatty cuts, gristle and any small bones that he may swallow. Also resist the temptation to share a bowl of pretzels or popcorn with your dog, as overconsumption of salt can cause dehydration and lead to sodium ion poisoning. No matter how cautious you are it is possible your dog can find and swallow something he shouldn't. The best any dog lover can do is keep dangerous foods off counter tops and leave pantry doors closed. It’s also smart to write down the number of your vet and the Animal Poison Control Center-- (888) 426-4435–- just in case.