Are There Foods Dogs Should Avoid?

Those dog owner's that pay attention to the foods dogs should avoid will have fewer health problems to deal with. If you get your dog into the habit of eating leftovers from your dinner table every night you aren't doing them any favors. There are too many of them that are on the list of foods dogs should avoid. Even the seasonings for your foods such as salt are very bad for them to digest. When your dog has too much salt intake they will have other issues out of balance. The most common problem is that they will end up with high blood pressure. As a result their heart will have to work harder to complete the functions of the body.

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It is a common thought that dogs can benefit from being given some raw foods. However, they are included in the list of foods dogs should avoid. Don't offer them raw eggs or fish because they are often linked to poisoning. The result of this is that the body won't have enough Vitamin B. The biggest problems occur when such dogs are given these types of foods on a regular basis. It can cause some serious health concerns for them including seizures, excessive shedding, and losing weight.

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Potatoes are high on the list of foods dogs should avoid. Most people don't realize this because they are relatively healthy for humans to consume. However, potatoes are very hard for a dog to digest. When they are given them on a regular basis it can result in them not being able to break down their food properly for digestion. They can also end up with chronic infections relating to the urinary tract. If you are in the habit of giving your dog foods you are going to throw out from the refrigerator don't do it. They may become sick from bacteria that has grown on the food.

We all love sugary snacks, so it can be natural to assume your dog will too. Many of them like these items, but they are foods dogs should avoid. They are known to slow down the metabolism for your pet and that can result in them becoming overweight. The sugar can result in dental problems as well due to it settling on the teeth and breaking them down.

Individual dogs react differently to foods as well. When you observe the eating habits of yours, there may be foods dogs should avoid that you recognize. Just like people, dogs can have an allergic reaction to certain ingredients found in foods. Your veterinarian can also help you to identify problem foods that you will want to keep away from them.

It is natural to want to spoil your dog, but giving them foods dogs should avoid isn't a good way to do it. In the long run you will do them more harm than good. Make sure you understand what a good diet is for your particular dog. There may be plenty of foods dogs should avoid that they enjoy, but you need to be responsible enough to not offer them. This will allow your dog to be as healthy as possible.

Are There Foods Dogs Should Avoid?

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Recovering From an Upset Stomach? Eat (And Avoid) These Foods

I don't know about you, but having the stomach flu is one of the worst common "sicknesses" I can think of. Whether you are paying tribute to the porcelain god from one end or the other (or both), a stomach flu bug or a bout of food poisoning is enough to make you never want to eat again ... EVER. Luckily there are some foods to get you on the way to your old self in no time. Keep reading for the foods to eat (and the ones to avoid) when recovering from a stomach bug.

dog food for sensitive stomachs

1. Peppermint

Dog Food For Sensitive Stomachs

If you have an upset stomach, peppermint tea will help ease your nausea and can also quell your upset stomach. The peppermint you choose should not be too sugary and is best consumed in a tea form. Peppermint tea is one of the most soothing foods for an upset stomach and will calm your nausea in no time. Peppermint tea is also ideal for women who are suffering from morning sickness as it does not have any negative side effects but is very effective for squashing nausea.

2. Ginger

Another food that is excellent for your digestive system and can quell nausea is ginger. Ginger is also loaded with antioxidants and is good for your entire body. You can eat ginger raw or you can also use it in meals. If you are suffering from nausea, you can drink ginger tea as this, like peppermint tea, can keep you from getting sick.

3. Rice

Rice is easy on your system and is an ideal food for someone who is getting back into eating solid foods after being sick. Rice is filling but is also a light meal and is easy to digest. Rice can be made with chicken broth as a remedy for curing a cold and as a simple way to get some bland food into your stomach.

4. Crackers

Eating crackers is another way that you can help ease your way back into solid foods if you have been sick and have not been on solid foods for some time. Crackers are often recommended for pregnant women who experience morning sickness. Just make sure you choose crackers that are low in sodium and free of unhealthy fats.

5. Bananas

Bananas are easy to digest and are often one of the first foods given to babies (who simply by their young nature have sensitive stomachs). Like rice, bananas are filling without upsetting your stomach. Bananas are also one of the best foods for an upset stomach as they are not heavy, but do provide you with needed nutrients that you may have lost when sick (such as potassium).

When you have an upset stomach, you will want to avoid these foods:

1. Dairy

Eating dairy after an upset stomach may seem like a way to calm down the stomach, but usually produces an opposite effect. Cheese is very binding and may cause constipation, while milk may cause (or worsen) diarrhea.

2. Caffeine

Caffeine (such as that contained in drinks like coffee or tea, or in chocolate) is hard on your stomach to begin with, so you for sure don't want to jump right into these drinks/food when recovering from a troubled tummy. Once you're back on your feet you can go back to your morning cup of java or give in to your chocolate cravings. Until then - hold off.

3. Spicy Foods

Much like caffeine, spicy foods can wreak havoc on your stomach in a normal situation, much less when you're already sick. If you're a fan of Mexican, Italian, Asian, or Indian fare, you should definitely stay away for at least a few days. You'll enjoy those foods much more when you're back to your healthy self!

4. Nuts

Nuts are hard to digest for certain people and although they are good for you, they can disturb your digestive tract even more if it is already in distress. Stay away from nuts when you are suffering from a stomach bug.

5. Tomatoes

The lycopene in tomatoes is a tremendous nutrient that you should be getting on a regular basis, but the acidity in this fruit can aggravate an already upset tum. Save your tomatoes and tomato-based foods for when you're fully recovered!

Don't let the stomach flu (or food poisoning, or morning sickness) get you down! By getting the "good" foods and avoiding the "bad" you can recover safely and quickly (and with fewer trips to the bathroom).

Recovering From an Upset Stomach? Eat (And Avoid) These Foods

Dog Food For Sensitive Stomachs