Human food for dogs

Monday May 25th, 2009

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Question:

Which foods are bad for dogs?

answered by Jamie Wolf

Answer:

Many foods that are just fine for us humans can be very bad for dogs. Their digestive tracts are much shorter than ours, so in most cases, human food is not physiologically appropriate for dogs. I recommend that you avoid feeding your dog any "people food" and instead, get her on a healthy, sound dog diet. This means foods made of real meat, devoid of corn, wheat, and artificial preservatives.

Additionally, it's important to strictly avoid the following: chocolate, caffeine, macadamia nuts, raisins and grapes (in large quantities), mushrooms, and onions. The list goes on, so if you've discovered your dog has eaten a food you're not sure about, call your veterinarian.

The main thing is to find a holistic dog food program (including treats) and stick to it. You'll be surprised that most holistic dog foods actually cost less than many
commercial brands since they don't add cheap fillers your dog simply doesn't need or utilize. In the end, you feed less, your dog eliminates less, and it costs less. And best of all, you have a happy, healthy dog.

Jamie Wolf, a lifelong animal advocate, is the founder of PetLover Central, a high-end, dog day care center in Boca Raton, Florida.

Read more about Jamie Wolf in the DogTime expert center...
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Anonymous User

I had a dog that would eat her dog food and some of our people food and take a Flinstone Milti vitamain as well and she lived to be 16 yrs before we had to put her down with cancer. But I see no harm in feeling your dog some not a lot cause then they will gain weight and get lazy, but my new lil dog she wont eat dog food I tried to get her to eat it, and she gives me a look like Now.... why don't you eat this stuff and tell me how much you think it taste good! So I give her whatever I eat with the exception of the things I know are not good for her. She eats lots of green vegs, carrotts, loves apples, pears, oranges, pineapple, strawberries, peaches, applesause, Ice cream but no chocolates, yogurt, she loves a salad with tomatoes in it, and once she ate a pickle, and I was shocked! however I look at it this way, if its good for me and I know whats not good for her as for the bad people foods so I don't let her have them, she has turkey hot dogs in her treat ball, she has when its hot I take some beef or chicken bouillion and freeze them in ice trays for on very hot days. those are like popcicles she thinks she is getting a treat, and I deluite it with half water cause they can be salty so its better that I do that for her. and she loves no sugar juice so I freeze them too, good way to treat your pooch on hot days. You can make your own ideas for your pet to have good healthy meals, but she also walks with me 3 to 4 times a day rain or shine, or snow! we go out and walk for about 20 to 30 mins. That way she wont gain the weight and she feels better going. So do I when we get home we are tired after lol, But I don't think its going to harm your animal if you eat it then it can't be all that bad for them! And yes there made differently then we are, but still think about it? Would you eat there dog food??? I tried it and oh no way!!! my lil fur baby gets whatever she wants, cause there life span is so short, so why not spoil them! After all they love you unconditionally, and they don't care what you look like! So long as they are loved thats all that matters to them and that they get fed! hahaha Deborah

over 1 year ago by Anonymous

Anonymous User

hi .i believe all comercial dog food is bad for pets if you do find (1) u still find products only sudable for a chicken or duck to eat i have been cooking for my golden for 5 yrs and i love it she has salads, cooked vegies and i make her a good healthy hot-dish 2-3 a wk.i believe dogs should be living longer then they should and that is do to the food we are feeding them..

almost 2 years ago by Anonymous

Anonymous User

i always get a chuckle out of people saying not to give dogs "people food". I'm sure if any intelligent person out there were to stop and think... Hmm what were dogs eating before kibble? That's right! People food! And guess what?! Dogs are not extinct! Kibble is what is so not natural. You can't tell me that dogs were made to eat processed cereal. Veggies and other people foods are great for dogs and owners who feed their dogs good table scraps have very healthy dogs. Please people, don't put all your trust in "experts" who say illogical thing. Use your brain. Think about it... Kibble has only been around for ages decades.... Dogs have been around for thousands of years eating natural foods, not cereal.

about 2 years ago by Anonymous

Anonymous User

Hi all Becka wrote avoid all raw vegs; My pup has been chewing on mini carrots since she was 6 months, she's now 16 months. Yes it does not get digested mostly but has not affected her, she enjoys the chewing & in my opion carrots are better then processed rawhide! 2nd - Read the ingredents from your holistic/natural food packages. They CONTAIN vegies! Stop being a hipocrit! People like Jamie Wolf say all people food are bad for dogs; but vets recomend boiled ground beef and/or cottage cheese for upset stomaches & direia of dogs! Are these Vets psychos? or just misguided professionals. Come on live in reality! Strawberries can kill some humans; FDA & you dog people do not put strawberries on the toxic list for humans!!! BE CONSISTANT!!!!! Z-James

over 2 years ago by Anonymous

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