Are Table Scraps Actually That Bad for Dogs? – Animals | HowStuffWorks

It’s equally dangerous to think that grabbing a dog food recipe off the internet will give your dog all the nutrition he’ll need to thrive. Feeding dogs a single ingredient or a combination of ground beef and rice, for example, could induce a calcium deficiency. And if your dog has undiagnosed diabetes, giving him rice (a carbohydrate) could affect his blood sugar. Liver is healthy, right? Not for a dog. It can cause vitamin A toxicity in large amounts, depending on the size of the dog.

Dogs require specific dietary nutrient concentrations based on each life stage — puppy through adulthood. The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) publishes recommended dog (and cat) nutrient profiles for adult maintenance and reproduction and The National Research Council (NRC) publishes the nutrient profiles for dogs at various life stages.

Pet owners think they’re giving their dogs a treat when they give “just one,” but did you know that grapes and raisins contain an unknown substance that is toxic to dogs and can cause kidney damage? Chocolate is a definite no-no. It contains theobromine and caffeine — chemicals that dogs cannot metabolize. It can cause vomiting, diarrhea, even seizures and heart failure if the dog has eaten a large enough quantity.

In addition to grapes, raisins and chocolate, there are many other foods dogs should never eat and the American Kennel Club (AKC) keeps a comprehensive list. If you’re thinking that fruits and vegetables might be the best options for feeding your dog, the AKC also maintains a list of those that dogs can and can’t eat.

For pet owners insistent on making their own dog food, it’s important to follow the directions explicitly and use high-quality ingredients. Steer clear of untrained internet “experts” and generic recipes. The AKC recommends consulting with a veterinary nutritionist for recipes or tips on how to successfully prepare dog food at home.

If you suspect your dog has eaten chocolate (or any other substance) call your vet or the Pet Poison Helpline: (855) 213-6680 or (855) 764-7661 (note that a $75 incident fee applies).