That is the million dollar question and one you should always consider when giving your dog treats and snacks. Sometimes it is hard to resist those puppy dog eyes and all the drooling but there are certain items that you need to say a hard NO to. We all know that chocolate is bad for dogs, that has long been ingrained in our minds. Did you know Avocado is also toxic to dogs as it contains Persin and can cause vomiting or diarrhea in dogs. Macadamia Nuts, Cinnamon, Grapes and Raisins are also on the NO list. One that you may not realize is the chemical Xylitol, it is found in sugar free gum and candies. It can cause your dogs blood sugar to drop and cause liver failure and eventually seizures. It goes without saying that Alcohol is definitely a hard NO. Onions and Garlic both dehydrated, powdered and raw can kill the dogs red blood cells and cause anemia. You can find full list of "Bad Foods" at your vet and on the American Kennel Club Website. So what foods are ok? Here is a list of some of our favorites, we use a lot of these in our treats and to feed our dog as well. Carrots, Green Beans, Cheese, Breads, Honey, Coconut (meat and milk - just not the outside shell), Peanut Butter (make sure it does not contain Xylitol), Sweet Potatoes, Salmon, Fish (fully cooked and deboned), Yogurt, Pumpkin, Parsley, Asparagus, Broccoli, Zucchini, Kale. Meats are ok too but they should be cooked and deboned and have fat trimmed away to avoid choking pancreatitis. This is just a small list and it is always best to give foods in moderation. Our dog Wilson loves carrots, but he also wants them steamed not raw and of course we indulge his quirky pallet. These are just suggestions and by no means should take the place of the advice of your veterinarian.
