As a caregiver, you know that taking care of a pet, particularly a dog, goes beyond feeding and grooming. It involves understanding their dietary needs and knowing what food can upset their stomachs, leading to diarrhea. This article will explore five common types of food that can cause diarrhea in dogs.
1. Dairy Products
Just like some humans, many dogs are lactose intolerant. This means that their bodies cannot properly digest lactose, the sugar found in milk and other dairy products. Consuming dairy can lead to diarrhea, bloating, and other gastrointestinal problems in dogs.
Here’s a table showing common dairy products and their lactose content:
| Dairy Product | Lactose Content (%) |
|---|---|
| Milk | 4.8 |
| Cheese | 0.1-3.7 |
| Yogurt | 3.2-4.5 |
If you’ve noticed that your dog has diarrhea after consuming dairy products, it’s best to avoid them altogether.
2. Fatty Foods
Your dog might find that piece of bacon or fried chicken irresistible, but fatty foods can cause pancreatitis in dogs, an inflammation of the pancreas that often results in diarrhea.
Here are some fatty foods to avoid:
- Fried foods
- Bacon
- Sausages
- Butter
- Fatty cuts of meat
3. Spicy Foods
Spicy foods can wreak havoc on a dog’s digestive system. Dogs don’t have the same tolerance for spicy foods as humans do. Consuming spicy foods can lead to diarrhea, vomiting, and even ulcers in dogs.
4. Sweeteners
Xylitol, a sweetener often found in sugar-free foods, can lead to rapid insulin release in dogs. This can cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), liver failure, seizures, and diarrhea.
Always check the ingredient list of any food you give your dog to ensure it doesn’t contain xylitol.
5. Certain Fruits and Vegetables
While some fruits and vegetables are safe for dogs to eat, others can cause diarrhea. For example, grapes and raisins can cause kidney failure in dogs, leading to diarrhea. Onions and garlic can also cause gastrointestinal upset and anemia in dogs.
Here are some fruits and vegetables to avoid:
- Grapes and raisins
- Onions and garlic
- Avocados
- Cherries
- Mushrooms
FAQ
Q: Can I give my dog milk?
A: Many dogs are lactose intolerant, so it’s best to avoid giving them milk.
Q: What should I do if my dog has diarrhea?
A: If your dog has diarrhea, make sure they’re hydrated. If it persists, consult a vet.
Q: Are all fruits and vegetables safe for dogs?
A: No, some like grapes, raisins, onions, and garlic can cause diarrhea in dogs.
Q: Can dogs eat spicy foods?
A: Spicy foods can cause diarrhea and other digestive issues in dogs, so it’s best to avoid them.
Q: Is xylitol harmful to dogs?
A: Yes, xylitol can lead to hypoglycemia, liver failure, seizures, and diarrhea in dogs.
