Hidden Dangers
Introduction
DRBC hopes this guide helps you and your dog to a longer, happier, and healthier life. The information presented is meant to be a guide as you look for the proper nutritional program for your pet. The best program begins and remains with your veterinarian. Always include them in your discussion on diet or any other changes to your pets’ lifestyle. Be sure to make that discussion a part of your semi-annual veterinary visits.
DRBC has developed a dietary approach aimed at sound health and long life. The building blocks of this program can be found by using the menu below.
In This Section:
Toxic Foods
The following foods can upset the digestive system or in some cases, death. And remember, it is not OK to ‘try’ these out to see if your dog falls into this category. You will both suffer in the long run from the attempt.
- ♥ Lamb
- ♥ Pork
- ♥ Anything Fried
- ♥ Eggs
- ♥ Milk [includes ice cream and most dairy]
- ♥ Chocolate
- ♥ Grapes, Raisins, Prunes, Plums, and Cherries
Dog Dishes
A hidden danger? Count on it. Doxie owners ask us about the ‘best’ dish almost as often as they ask us about the best foods. Dishes make our hidden danger list because of the bacteria they can harbor leading to GI upset and pancretitis among other problems.
Pros and Cons by Dish Type
| Dish Type | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Plastic | Lightweight, colorful, many sizes, and types available. | Easily chewed. Shards can lead to the vet’s office for surgery. |
| Metal | Vets and kennels use them. | Dent, can break teeth and rust. While this works well for vets and kennels, it gets a thumbs down from DRBC. |
| Ceramic | Heavy, colorful, many sizes, and types available. Most like people dishes. | Breakable. Didn’t you see that coming? |
The Best
Ceramic. Most dishes have weight to keep them from sliding across the floor. Should it chip or ding, it will be thrown away and replaced quickly. Most owners think nothing about cleaning it with their own dishes daily.
The Worst
Any dish that is not washed daily. Washed, not rinsed. This is how bacteria begin.
Can Lids/Food Stored in Cans
Another great bacteria source, this gets a big thumbs down from DRBC. Unused food should be placed in a clean storage container. Refrigeration will slow the growth of the bacteria that can thrive in cans and can lids, but will not kill it. The simple step of moving can leftovers to a plastic container reduces the risk of GI upset and pancreatitis. It is only one extra step; isn’t it worth it? And really, what came out of a can? Phooey.
NOTE: Nutrition is part of the overall wellness plan you should discuss with your veterinarian. The information contained in this website and on this page specifically represents that of the DRBC organization. All of our decisions on diet are discussed with our veterinarians on a routine basis.