No-go's for your dog: what you should stay away from when feeding!

For most people, dogs are not just pets, but also an integral part of the family. And if you love your dog, you naturally only want the best for it. This also means that you should pay attention to what your four-legged friend eats. Because who hasn't experienced it? You drop something tasty on the floor and your furry friend is there. Many everyday foods that are absolutely safe for us humans can be very dangerous or, in the worst case, even fatal for your dog. In this blog post, we explain when you should withstand your darling's begging looks and inform you about which foods your dog should definitely not eat.

Why are some foods dangerous for dogs?

Dogs have a different metabolism than humans. What is a tasty snack for us can cause serious health problems for dogs. This means that they cannot break down and digest certain substances or can only do so very poorly. In addition to allergic reactions, acute poisoning can also occur. Since some foods that are harmless or even healthy for us can cause serious health problems for dogs, it is particularly important that you keep an eye on what your dog gets in its bowl.

Which fruits and vegetables are dogs not allowed to eat?

• Grapes and raisins can cause kidney failure in dogs.
• All stone fruits (e.g. nectarines, cherries or plums): If your dog swallows the stones, it can lead to intestinal blockage or poisoning from the hydrogen cyanide contained in the stones. If you want to feed fruit with stones, you should definitely remove them completely.
• Raw potatoes, tomatoes or eggplant (cooked, these vegetables are safe)
• Onions and garlic (neither cooked, fried nor raw)
• Raw beans and other legumes. Uncooked, these are harmful to both humans and dogs and can lead to gastrointestinal problems.
• Avocados contain persin, which has a toxic effect on dogs, unlike humans. There is also another danger due to the avocado pit.

If you want to treat your dog to sweet fruit, you should pay particular attention to one thing, regardless of the type of fruit: always feed small portions to avoid digestive problems such as diarrhea. You should also be cautious when feeding fruit because of the high fructose content.

Here are some other sources of danger:

• Chocolate: Chocolate contains theobromine, an ingredient that dogs cannot digest. Even small amounts can lead to severe digestive problems or even seizures. Particular caution is required with dark chocolate with a high cocoa content, as this contains even larger amounts of theobromine than milk chocolate.
• Alcohol: Any form of alcohol is taboo for your dog without exception. Alcohol has a much greater effect on your dog's small body than on us humans. Even in small quantities, the consumption of alcohol can lead to serious poisoning and even result in the death of your four-legged friend.
• Foods containing caffeine: As a dog owner, you should definitely stay away from coffee, cola or energy drinks. Black or green tea can also have a negative effect on your four-legged friend's health. These foods have a particular effect on your dog's nervous system, but can also have a strong effect on the heart or digestion.
• Sweeteners: The consumption of sweeteners such as xylitol leads to hypoglycemia in dogs within a very short time and can even reach life-threatening proportions.
• Bones: Bones are often associated with a safe chew. However, cooked bones can splinter and cause injuries to the gastrointestinal tract or even in your dog's mouth. Raw bones can be safer, but must be large enough to prevent swallowing or splintering. Chewable roots are a safe and vegan alternative. Your four-legged friend can eat no animal byproducts and is at the same time exposed to a lower risk of injury. Curious? Your dog will receive a free chewable root in our Vutter! trial package .

First Aid in an Emergency

If your dog has eaten one of these foods, it is essential to act quickly. Especially if you notice the first symptoms of illness, contact your veterinarian or the nearest animal clinic immediately. The faster your dog is treated, the better he can be helped.

You should look out for these symptoms in an emergency:

• Vomiting, diarrhea or other gastrointestinal complaints
• cramps and pain
• trembling or restlessness
• fever
• other atypical behavior or paralysis symptoms

The best way to protect your dog from these dangers is prevention. Keep dangerous foods out of reach if possible. It can also be beneficial to inform all household members or visitors about the risks of certain foods so that no toxic foods are left lying around and can end up in your four-legged friend's mouth.