Certain people foods are bad for your dog, not just for health reasons but also from a behavioral point of view. Problems caused by feeding dangerous people food range from slight hyperactivity to potentially fatal digestive problems. If you’re ever unsure of what you can and can’t feed Lucky, do nothing. Even foods that are good for humans can make Lucky crazy or very sick.
Foods Containing Sugar
Dogs are not evolved to digest and process sugar. It does not occur in any form in the natural canine diet. Therefore feeding your dog any food containing sugar, such as candy or confectionery is a bad idea. While a little sugar is likely to seriously harm your dog, it will alter his behavior for the worst. The sugar will give your dog a spike in energy, causing hyperactivity. Depending on the dog, its size and the amount of sugar eaten, this may manifest as slight restlessness to full-on, climbing up the walls hyper behavior.
Foods Containing Too Many Carbs
Dogs need carbohydrates, but feeding a dog a human meal, such as burger and fries, which is high in carbohydrates, puts him at risk of unbalanced, crazy behavior. If your dog has too many carbs, he’ll most likely have a brief period of heightened energy, followed by a “crash,” where is lethargic and possible irritable. Offset this by taking him for a long walk so he can burn off the excess energy steadily.
Foods Containing Theobromine
Theobromine, an ingredient of chocolate, is fine for humans, but in sufficient doses can be fatal to a dog. This is not to say that if your dog snaffles a mouthful of chocolate cake from the trash that he’s a goner, but if he’s left alone with a box of chocs, he may ingest sufficient amounts for it to prove fatal. Even small amounts of theorbromine can cause poisoning, which will lead to hyperactivity, followed by a very upset stomach. Keep all chocolate out of reach and feed only dog-safe chocolate treats that contain no theobromine.
Foods Containing Mycotoxin
Grapes and raisins are fine for humans--in fact, they’re good for us. This is why some dog owners don’t think twice about allowing their dog to have the same. But grapes and raisins contain mycotoxin, which can make your dog sick. Excessive drinking, excessive urinating and general hyperactive craziness will follow if your dog ingests a sufficient volume of grapes or raisins.
Foods Containing Macadamia Nuts
Many cookies and cakes contain macadamia nuts and these nuts are no good for your dog. It’s unlikely that one macadamia cookie will send your dog to the emergency room, but it can result in drastically unusual behavior, such as depression, tremors and hypothermia.
Always check with your veterinarian before changing your pet’s diet, medication, or physical activity routines. This information is not a substitute for a vet’s opinion.
References
Writer Bio
Simon Foden has been a freelance writer and editor since 1999. He began his writing career after graduating with a Bachelors of Arts degree in music from Salford University. He has contributed to and written for various magazines including "K9 Magazine" and "Pet Friendly Magazine." He has also written for Dogmagazine.net.