Dogs are known for their ability to eat just about anything their owners give to them- but that doesn't mean that the food you give them can't hurt them. There are some types of foods that can harm your canine either immediately or over the course of several days or weeks.

Even some raw vegetables can be bad for a dog. Garlic is an example of something that is natural but still very harmful when consumed by a dog. Garlic salt, garlic powder and anything made with such ingredients should never be given to a dog. Otherwise the dog will face problems with anemia where the red blood cells come under attack. Given the severity of the situation, even small amounts should be avoided.

Xylitol is an artificial sweetener that can also harm your dog. You find xylitol in most types of gum as its' artificial sweetener. It is also the main ingredient in alternative sugar substitutes. The sweetener can cause liver failure if eaten in moderate quantities, so it's best to avoid your dog eating it even in small amounts.

Dairy products and dogs do not mix very well. There are some dogs that are able to "stomach" dairy products, but not every dog has the proper digestive system to take care of the enzymes in most dairy products. This includes milk, sour cream, cheese and products derived from any of these products. If you notice your dog has diarrhea, it's possible the problem is with dairy.

One of the biggest wrongs that pet owners could engage in would be to give a dog caffeine or chocolate. Chocolate is known to have caffeine in it, and the caffeine can quickly cause nervous system problems and heart problems. Caffeine may also speed up the heart of the dog, which could cause a serious problem if the dog gets worked up and uses the extra energy to run around. No chocolate or caffeine at all should ever be given to a dog.

Overall, you must look after your dog and the diet he or she eats. Even feeding a dog table scraps is a poor choice as dogs need a well-balanced diet to stay healthy. This is also why it is bad for a dog to eat cat food, which some dogs do, as cat food is usually higher in protein and fats than what a dog actually needs in his or her diet.

Feeding a dog is a science. You have to show responsibility in caring for your dog otherwise you may cause unintentional harm.

Learn more onthis subject through these links:  Flint River Ranch Dog Food and Flint River Ranch Pet Food.

Debbie Foster is the owner of Pet Beds Unlimited and an avid animal lover. You’ll find a wide selection of quality pet beds, dog crates, dog carriers, dog pens, cat beds, cat carriers, small dog beds, large dog beds, pet strollers and more at http://petbedsunlimited.com.