The post 6 Everyday Foods That Could Be Shortening Your Dog’s Life appeared first on A-Z Animals.

Dogs are a part of the family, and many owners let them enjoy some human food from time to time. However, just because a food is deemed healthy for a person does not mean it is necessarily healthy for our four-legged friend. In fact, there are six everyday foods that could be shortening your dog’s life. Knowing which foods are safe can make all the difference in your pup’s longevity.

Foods More Harmful to Dogs Than Owners Realize

Dog owners want the best for their dogs. They also like to give them table food as a token of their deep affection. However, not all human food is the same, and some of it can be more harmful to dogs than people realize.

According to Dr. Sara Ochoa, a practicing veterinarian based in California, there are a variety of human foods that can be problematic for dogs. Some that tend to be unknown to dog owners include:

Dr. Ochoa states that the side effects of consuming these foods are “obesity, pancreatitis, and dental issues in dogs.” Additionally, health conditions such as liver failure, vomiting, diarrhea, intestinal blockages, and more can occur.

“Over time, these conditions can indeed shorten a dog’s life,” Dr. Ochoa tells A-Z Animals. In an effort to give our dogs the best chance to live a long and full life, we should avoid offering these foods whenever possible.

What Foods Are Toxic to Dogs?

While some foods are harmful to a dog’s health, other foods are downright toxic. These foods should be avoided entirely, as they can do worse than make dogs sick. They can lead to death.

The foods that dogs should never be fed include:

In addition to these foods, others that are known to cause health problems include avocados, macadamia nuts, and alcohol. These foods should be avoided as well, given that seizures, liver failure, and intestinal failure can result.

Healthy Human Food Alternatives for Dogs

Given that seemingly “healthy foods” can actually be harmful to dogs, many pet owners can be left wondering if they should give their dogs any human food at all. Fortunately, for those who want to indulge their furry friend occasionally, there are healthy alternatives dogs can enjoy.

“Consider offering lean meats, vegetables like carrots and green beans, and fruits such as apples (without seeds) as healthier alternatives,” Dr. Ochoa, who has over 10 years of experience as a veterinarian, explains to A-Z Animals. “These options provide essential nutrients without the added fats and sugars.”

By giving dogs these options, they not only get a delicious treat but also avoid potential health side effects. Of course, even these healthier treats should be given in moderation, Dr. Ochoa notes, to keep dogs in tip-top shape.

Puppies and older dogs have different nutritional requirements and sensitivities. For instance, older dogs might be more prone to weight gain and should have a diet lower in calories.

Dr. Sara Ochoa, a practicing veterinarian based in California

Does a Dog’s Age Play a Role in How Human Foods Affect Them?

Puppies, adult dogs, and senior dogs all have different nutritional needs. Consequently, just because a human food posed no problem at one stage of a dog’s life does not mean it will continue to be harmless throughout the dog’s lifetime.

According to Dr. Ochoa, “age does play a role” in how well dogs can digest human food.

“Puppies and older dogs have different nutritional requirements and sensitivities. For instance, older dogs might be more prone to weight gain and should have a diet lower in calories.”

Does this mean that human food automatically becomes off-limits to older dogs? No. But it does mean it may need to be given in smaller quantities to reduce weight gain, one of the factors that leads to a shorter lifespan for a dog.

When it is Time to See a Vet

When it comes to dogs, not all human food is created equal. Even if food is considered a “healthy alternative,” anything not fed in moderation can lead to serious health consequences that will require veterinary attention. Unfortunately, not everyone recognizes the warning signs that their dog is being fed too many human foods and likely shortening their life in the process.

With fresh food touted as the gold standard in dog diets, many pet owners have taken matters into their own hands and are making meals from scratch for their dogs. According to Dr. Ochoa, while this can be healthy, it is also necessary to make sure the diet is balanced.

“For those feeding dogs only human food, it’s crucial to ensure a balanced diet,” Dr. Ochoa explains. “This means including a variety of proteins, carbohydrates, and fats, along with vitamins and minerals.”

Dr. Ochoa continues, saying, “If you notice any signs of digestive upset, lethargy, or weight gain, it’s a good idea to consult with a vet. These could be signs that the diet isn’t quite right.”

Dogs can live a very healthy, long life by consuming human food. However, just because food is deemed nutritional for people does not mean it is healthy for dogs. Therefore, remember to feed in moderation and if there are any questions, do not hesitate to reach out to a veterinarian for assistance.

The post 6 Everyday Foods That Could Be Shortening Your Dog’s Life appeared first on A-Z Animals.