Why Humans Should Not Feed Their Dogs Human Food

American obesity is not only a problem for humans but also for dogs. Families

have trouble denying table scraps to their best friend, especially when they are in the

habit of doing it. Feeding a dog table scraps can not only quickly lead to obesity and

behavioral issues, but it can also impair the dog's health depending on the types of

food given to the pet. Even though there are a number of foods safe for dogs to

consume, there are even more human foods that can negatively affect a hound's

health. Most families do not do enough research on what foods are unsafe for a dog to

eat. Americans love their canines and want to reward them with table scraps, but

although it may seem …show more content…
Almonds and macadamia nuts are extremely dangerous. If an almond is not

properly swallowed in a dog’s mouth, it can block the esophagus or tear the windpipe

making it difficult for a dog to breathe. Macadamia nuts are one of the most poisonous

and threatening foods when it comes to dogs. The nut can lead to vomiting, increased

body temperature, inability to walk, and lethargy (AKC Staff 3). Garlic, part of

the Allium family, is extremely toxic for dogs. Garlic causes “…pale gums, elevated

heart rate, weakness, and collapsing” (AKC Staff 3). Then there is “Xylitol an ingredient

in gum that is also commonly found in baked goods, toothpaste and vitamins." This

sweetener puts dogs at risk for liver damage, low blood pressure, and even death

(Moss 1).

Chocolate is another substance that a dog should never ingest. Chocolate

contains methylxanthines, which can stop a dog's metabolic process. The occasional

chocolate chip may not cause a threat, but different types of chocolate are more life

threatening than others. Dark chocolate and bakers chocolate are the most …show more content…
This is due to the high concentration of fat in chocolate.

Pancreatitis is a slow killer while excessive amounts of chocolate can evoke instant

death. Some of the signs that may indicate a dog has chocolate poisoning are

vomiting and diarrhea (“When Coco Gets Into the Cocoa” 2). Large amounts of

chocolate can cause seizures, death, and heart problems. In fact, dogs can actually

obtain chocolate poisoning from chocolate wrappers.

Some may also want to be generous to their dogs during the holiday season,

and give their canine part of the holiday meal or a dessert. However, the holidays are

the most expensive time of year for dog owners who decide to feed their pet a loving

treat. Taking a risk will cause way more trouble considering the hospital bills.

“Vomiting, the most common holiday-related health issue, led to an average bill of

$279” (Johnson 2). Hospital bills add up quickly. Resisting the desire to feed a dog

part of a holiday meal will insure that there will be no emergency hospital calls.

In the end, it is never a good idea to feed one's best friend table scraps. Many

owners are tempted, because they have unconditional love for their fuzzy friends;