Proof The Bible Is True

1.Xylitol — Xylitol (or “birch sugar”) is a natural sweetener that is highly toxic to pets, and it’s being found in an ever-growing list of consumer products because it’s as sweet as sucrose, but with only two-thirds the calories of sugar. It’s less expensive than other sugar substitutes, in some cases tastes better, and causes little if any insulin release in humans.

Just a few years ago, xylitol could be found in less than a hundred products in the U.S. Today it can be found in a wide range of health and beauty products, food products, over-the-counter drugs and supplements, and prescription medications.

You should be aware of any product in your home containing xylitol, and especially anything you might consider offering to your dog (or cat). You can find a comprehensive list of products containing xylitol here.

2.Caffeine — Most people are aware that chocolate is toxic to pets. Chocolate contains substances known as methylxanthines, which include not only theobromine but also caffeine. Both theobromine and caffeine stimulate the central nervous system and heart muscle. They also relax smooth muscles, especially the bronchial muscles, and increase production of urine by the kidneys.

If your dog (or much less likely, your cat) manages to sneak a sip or two of your coffee in the morning, it’s unlikely to make him sick. However, the consumption of coffee grounds, black or green tea bags or caffeine-containing diet pills or painkillers (even just one or two) could be deadly in small dogs. Depending on the amount ingested, symptoms may be mild, such as slight restlessness and minimally elevated heart rate, to deadly.

If you suspect your pet may have consumed something with caffeine, seek emergency veterinary care immediately. Vomiting may be induced and activated charcoal may be given to help with decontamination. Supportive care (e.g., intravenous fluids and medications to stabilize heart rate and blood pressure) may also be required depending on your pet’s symptoms.

3.Chocolate — Chocolate is made from the roasted seeds of the Theobroma cacao or cocoa tree. The seeds have certain properties that can be toxic for pets, including caffeine and theobromine (see above), which are naturally occurring stimulants.

Studies show dogs are especially sensitive to theobromine compared to other domestic animals. This is because they metabolize the substance very slowly, which means it stays in the bloodstream for an unusually long time.

Even small amounts of chocolate can cause adverse reactions in pets, and the darker the chocolate, the more theobromine it contains. Baker’s chocolate, semisweet chocolate, cocoa powder, and gourmet dark chocolates are more dangerous than milk chocolate. Other sources include chewable flavored multivitamins, baked goods, chocolate-covered espresso beans, and cocoa bean mulch.

Though not commonly seen, the worst of the worst is dry cocoa powder, which contains the highest amount of theobromine per ounce — 800 milligrams per ounce versus Baker’s chocolate at 450 milligrams per ounce.

4.Onions and other plants containing allium — Plants of the genus allium, which includes onions, chives, garlic, and leeks, make some pets sick (there have even been fatalities), while others don’t seem affected. Symptoms of allium poisoning can occur a?day or several days after ingestion, depending on the amount eaten.

The toxic compounds in allium plants are organosulfoxides. When chewed, organosulfoxides convert to a mixture of sulfur compounds that can damage red blood cells. According to LiveScience:

“If [a] dog or cat ingests even just a piece of an onion (specifically, 5?grams of onion per kilogram of body weight for cats, or 15 to 30?grams per kg for dogs), it can cause dangerous changes to their blood.”¹

Garlic can cause changes in blood parameters when fed in excessive quantities (much more than pets would naturally eat) or if it is given in a garlic supplement (which I never recommend). Dogs can healthfully consume ¼ teaspoon of freshly chopped garlic per 15 pounds of body weight and reap substantial health benefits, just don’t go overboard. Watch my Facebook live about garlic dosing and toxicity urban legends here.

5.Grapes and raisins — In 2016, I interviewed Melissa Gardner, an intelligence specialist with the FBI and a former military intelligence officer, who offered a very interesting and plausible theory to explain why grapes and raisins, once safe to feed pets, are now toxic. She believes that fluoride-based pesticides used on grapevines could be to blame.

According to studies, grapes, raisins, sultanas, and currants – both raw and cooked – can cause kidney failure in dogs. However, not all dogs have the same reaction to these foods. For example, one study examined 180 cases of dogs who ate grapes and related fruits and reported that some dogs showed no symptoms after eating 2 pounds of raisins, while others died after eating just a handful.

This information seems to support Gardner’s theory that it’s the way the fruits are cultivated, rather than the fruits themselves, that render them toxic.

Unfortunately, based on what Gardner uncovered during her investigation and what other researchers have discovered concerning tartaric acid levels, we can’t assume organic raisins or grapes are safe, either so my recommendation is to avoid feeding grapes, raisins, and related fruits to your pet.

6.Alcohol — Alcohol (ethanol) poisoning typically occurs when a pet (typically a dog) samples an alcoholic beverage. Toxicity has also occurred in dogs who ate rotten apples, sloe (blackthorn) berries, and uncooked bread and pizza dough, all of which contain alcohol. Other potential sources of ethanol include paint and varnish, certain medications, perfume/cologne, mouthwash, and certain types of antifreeze.

Just as with humans, when a pet ingests alcohol, it is quickly absorbed from the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and reaches the brain. Symptoms develop within a short period of time, and include depression, loss of coordination, lethargy, sedation, increased body temperature, dangerously slow breathing, and coma.

7.Macadamia nuts — Macadamia nuts are the only nuts pets should steer clear of, as they can cause profound GI upset, even in very small amounts. And although a specific toxin has not been identified, symptoms of ingestion can occur within 12 hours and can include hind-limb weakness, vomiting, stiffness and loss of coordination, trembling, fever, abdominal pain, and pale mucous membranes.

8.Bread dough — Most bread dough contains yeast, and when exposed to a warm, anaerobic environment (like the oven or the inside of your furry family member), the enzymes in the yeast convert the sugar in the dough to ethanol (alcohol) and carbon dioxide. The carbon dioxide is what makes the dough rise, and the ethanol serves to flavor the bread as it evaporates during the process of baking.

There are two concerns for a pet that has eaten bread dough. One, there’s a large mass of dough in the stomach that is continuing to rise, which can not only make your pet uncomfortable, but can also potentially rupture his stomach or bowel. Two, the warm environment of the stomach promotes ongoing fermentation of the alcohol in the dough, which can result in ethanol toxicosis.

9.Cooked bones — Cooked bones are dangerous to dogs and cats because they tend to splinter. Most veterinarians have performed surgery to remove shards, splinters and blockages from animal companions who were given or scavenged cooked bones. Tragically, some cases prove fatal.

With that said, it’s important to note that your dog’s ancestors and counterparts in the wild have been eating raw bones forever. Canines in their natural habitat eat prey, including the meat, organs, bones, and intestinal contents. In fact, your pet has a biological requirement for the nutrients found in bone marrow and the bones themselves.

Dogs also love to chew raw bones for the yummy taste, the mental stimulation, and because all that gnawing is great exercise for the muscles of the jaw. So play it safe, and offer your dog only raw bones — either edible bones and/or recreational bones.

10.Sugary, salty, fatty, and processed people foods — Table scraps from holiday meals aren’t necessarily bad for your pet, depending on what the meal consists of and what ingredients are used. For example, cooked meat (without added condiments or seasonings) is fine for dogs and cats. Veggies, cooked or raw (no flavorings or additives of any kind) are also fine to share (just no onions).

Examples of people food you’ll want to avoid giving your pet include all fried foods, dressing (stuffing) and pasta; processed or sugary foods; bread, rolls, and all desserts. Also, it’s best to blend a small portion of safe people food in with your pet’s regular food and offer it at her usual mealtime.

You can also use your healthy human leftovers as training treats throughout the day. To avoid begging behaviors, don’t feed your pets from your plate at the table, or in the kitchen during meal preparation or cleanup.

1.Apples — Apples contain powerful antioxidants and vitamin C. Serve apple slices to your pet, but never the core or seeds.

2.Asparagus — Asparagus is an excellent source of vitamin K, A, B1, B2, C and E, along with the folate, iron, copper, fiber, manganese and potassium, but above all, microbiome-building prebiotic fiber!

3.Blueberries — Fresh or frozen, blueberries are loaded with phytochemicals, and their deep blue hue is the result of anthocyanidins, which are powerful antioxidants. Blueberries are also a good source of healthy fiber, manganese, and vitamins C and E.

Blueberries are available all year and make great training treats for dogs. A good rule of thumb is 2-4 blueberries as treats for every 10 pounds of dog a day. Replacing one of the processed treats you feed each day with fresh or frozen blueberries is a great way to increase antioxidants in your pet’s diet.

4.Broccoli — Broccoli supports detoxification processes in your pet’s body; contains healthy fiber to aid digestion; is rich in beneficial nutrients like potassium, calcium, protein and vitamin C; has anti-inflammatory properties; supports eye health; helps repair skin damage; and supports heart health.

I always prefer local organic produce, however, conventionally grown broccoli is one of the cleanest (most pesticide-free) foods you can buy, so eat up! Your pet may prefer broccoli steamed, although many dogs eat florets fresh without a problem. Chopped broccoli stems make great detox treats, too.

5.Carrots — Carrots are low in calories and high in fiber, phytonutrients and vitamins. Many dogs enjoy snacking on a fresh crunchy carrot, and some will even eat the green tops. One mini carrot can be sliced into thin rings yielding 4-6 training treats

6.Cucumber — This crunchy veggie offers pets a low-calorie way to stay hydrated, as they’re mostly water. Cucumbers also contain cucurbitacin, which has anticancer, anti-atherosclerotic and antidiabetic potential.

7.Kefir — Plain organic kefir is high in calcium and protein, but also provides more beneficial “good” gut bacteria than yogurt. Kefir is easy to make at home and makes an excellent topper for any pet food or served off a lick mat.

8.Fermented vegetables — Fermented foods are potent detoxifiers and contain very high levels of probiotics and vitamin. Beneficial gut bacteria provided by probiotics break down and eliminate heavy metals and other toxins from the body and perform a number of other important functions.

Adding 1-3 teaspoons of fermented veggies to your pet’s food each day (depending on body weight) is a great way to offer food-based probiotics and natural nutrients. Find out more about this powerhouse addition to your pet’s diet.

9.Green beans — Fresh, locally grown green beans are a source of vitamins A, C, and K. They also provide calcium, copper, fiber, folic acid, iron, niacin, manganese, potassium, riboflavin, and thiamin, as well as beta carotene. One chopped green bean yields 3-4 bite sized training treats, a perfect low-calorie reward for overweight dogs.

10.Kale — This dark green cruciferous vegetable is loaded with vitamins (especially vitamins K, A and C), iron, and antioxidants. It helps with liver detoxification and also has anti-inflammatory properties. Add 1-3 tablespoons of minced or chopped kale (raw or steamed) to your pet’s food, depending on body weight, as a great source of fiber, nutrients, and whole food antioxidants.