IT is important that all dog owners know what to feed, and more importantly what not to feed their pets. Some food that may have been recommended or commonly fed in the past may not actually be suitable to for dogs.

Here is a list of the main food you should avoid feeding your dog, as well as some tasty healthy treats for your dog to try.

Chocolate

It is widely known that you should not feed your dog chocolate. Chocolate is poisonous for dogs because it contains an ingredient called theobromine. This is found in all types of chocolate but dark chocolate and unsweetened baking chocolate have the highest levels of theobromine. Theobromine mainly affects the heart, gut, kidneys and central nervous system of the dog. Poisoning will occur between four and 24 hours after your dog has eaten chocolate. You may see vomiting, diarrhoea, restlessness, hyperactivity and seizures.

Caffeine

Just like chocolate, caffeine is a stimulant. A small amount of tea or coffee is unlikely to cause any harm, but if your dog ingests large quantities of caffeine in the form of tea bags or coffee beans it can be fatal. Symptoms of caffeine poisoning include restlessness, rapid breathing, heart palpitations and bleeding.

Onions and garlic

Eating onions or garlic can cause stomach and gut irritation and lead to red blood cell damage and anaemia. Onions are particularly toxic to dogs and often signs of poisoning only show a few days after your dog has eaten the vegetable.

Mouldy foods

You wouldn’t eat mouldy or gone-off food yourself so why feed it to your dog? Mouldy foods such as bread or dairy products contain lots of toxins and bacteria that could make your dog very ill. It is important to dispose of rotten food carefully and make sure you keep your food waste bin well out of your dog’s reach.

Raw eggs

Raw eggs are often fed to dogs to help promote a healthy shiny coat. However you should avoid feeding raw eggs regularly. Feeding raw eggs can cause poisoning from bacteria such as Salmonella or E. coli.

If your dog eats harmful food and you think it has been poisoned, take them to your vet immediately. It is a good idea to know your dog’s weight and make note of what food and how much they ate. All of this information will help your vet when treating your dog.

Peanut butter

A spoon of unsalted peanut butter is a great source of protein as well as being packed with vitamins and minerals.

Apple

Apple slices are a great refreshing treat for your dog. They can even help clean their teeth and freshen their breath.

Cooked eggs

While raw eggs can be dangerous for dogs, cooked eggs are a great source of protein and are easily digested.

Cheese

As long as your dog isn’t lactose intolerant, cheese is a great treat for dogs as it is high in calcium and protein.

Chicken

Chicken is a great treat as long as it is unseasoned. It is a source of protein and the Omega-6 fatty acids help improve their skin and coat health. Be careful to check for bones before feeding.