Dangerous foods for doggies

Foods that you thought were sensible for your doggie may turn out to be harmful instead. Have a read at the list below (source: PetEducation) to learn more:

• Baby food - Can result in nutritional deficiencies, if fed in large amounts.
• Bones from fish, poultry, or other meat sources - Can cause obstruction or laceration of the digestive system.
• Cat food - Generally too high in protein and fats.
• Chocolate, coffee, tea, and other caffeine - Contain caffeine, theobromine, or theophylline, which can be toxic and affect the heart and nervous systems.
• Citrus oil extracts - Can cause vomiting.
• Fat trimmings - Can cause pancreatitis.
• Grapes and raisins - Contain an unknown toxin, which can damage the kidneys. There have been no problems associated with grape seed extract.
• Human vitamin supplements containing iron - Can damage the lining of the digestive system and be toxic to the other organs including the liver and kidneys.
• Liver in large amounts - Can cause Vitamin A toxicity, which affects muscles and bones.
• Macadamia nuts - Contain an unknown toxin, which can affect the digestive and nervous systems and muscle.
• Milk and other dairy products - Some adult dogs and cats do not have sufficient amounts of the enzyme lactase, which breaks down the lactose in milk. This can result in diarrhea. Lactose-free milk products are available for pets.
• Mushrooms - Can contain toxins, which may affect multiple systems in the body, cause shock, and result in death.
• Onions and garlic (raw, cooked, or powder) - Contain sulfoxides and disulfides, which can damage red blood cells and cause anaemia. Cats are more susceptible than dogs. Garlic is less toxic than onions.
• Persimmons - Seeds can cause intestinal obstruction and enteritis.
• Raw eggs - Contain an enzyme called avidin, which decreases the absorption of biotin (a B vitamin). This can lead to skin and hair coat problems. Raw eggs may also contain Salmonella.
• Raw fish - Can result in a thiamine (a B vitamin) deficiency leading to loss of appetite, seizures, and in severe cases, death. More common if raw fish is fed regularly.
• Salt in large amounts - May lead to electrolyte imbalances.
• Sugary foods - Can lead to obesity, dental problems, and possibly diabetes mellitus.
• Yeast dough - Can expand and produce gas in the digestive system, causing pain and possible rupture of the stomach or intestines.