Which foods are safe for my dog?
We hear so many things about foods that are poisonous, safe or are just not good for our dogs. So I am going to put the foods I know that are 'SAFE' foods I know to be 'UNSAFE' and foods that can be fed 'OCCASSIONALLY'
After working in the pet industry for over 30 years you can imagine the stories and nightmares I have heard about feeding different types of food to all sorts of exotic and popular pets.
One thing I have learnt is to never feed your dogs or cats the same meals as you eat. Dogs need a very different diet to us and although they may love what you are eating for dinner, you really aren't doing them any favours at all.
My beliefs after listening to all my suppliers and seeing the benefits in different foods from my customers is that like us we are all different, our dogs are the very much the same, some have intolerants, some sensitive skins and stomachs and some dogs also have allergies, but whatever you dogs special needs are we have always managed to satisfy your dogs needs with one of our brands, of which the majority are natural and wholesome.
We do not stock commercial brands like Pedigree Chum or Purina as we do not believe that these brands are as good or as healthy as the more natural products we have to offer. I always try to explain to my customers that although these products look like they are cheaper that its not always the case and by buying a better quality food with a higher meat content would actually mean you wouldn't have to feed you dog as much, the expression 'less is more' comes to mind.
We tend to forget where our dogs originated from, they may have been domesticated for many many years but they still are very closely related to their ancestors. This means they are very much carnivores and therefore rely heavily on higher meat based food. A lot of cheaper dog foods you will find are packed full of cereals to enable the manufacturer to maintain a lower price. Now I have never seen a Wolf or Wild Dog hunting for maize.
So when we come to our lists of Safe, Unsafe and Occasional foods the 'Safe' and 'Occasional' foods should only take up a small proportion of your dogs dietary needs or given in treats.
SAFE FOODS
- Carrots
- Eggs (cooked)
- Chicken
- Beef
- Pork
- Turkey
- Pineapple
- Watermelon
- Corn
- Peas
- Green Bean
- Oatmeal
- Apples (no seeds)
- Sweet Potato
- Mango
- Banana
- Celery
- Brown Rice
- Cucumbers
FOODS THAT CAN BE GIVEN IN MODERATION
- Peanut Butter (dog version)
- Cheese
- Cashews
- Almonds
- Cottage Cheese
- Yogurt
- Bread
- Broccoli
- Coconut
- Honey
- Pitted Cherries
- Quinoa
- Tuna
- Cooked Pasta
- Asparagus
- White Rice
- Plain Popcorn
NOT SUITABLE OR SAFE
- Grapes
- Raisins
- Chocolate
- Macadamia Nuts
- Onions
- Tomatoes
- Lemons
- Limes
- Gapefruit
- Ice Cream
- Sugary Treats
- Salty Snacks
- Chives
- Rhubarb
- Xylitol
There are most likely a lot more we could add to these lists but these are the most common ones known to me.
If you would like anymore information on what to or not to feed your pet or you have any nutritional or feeding enquiries please do not hesitate to contact us.
I really hope this has been helpful
Gavin
