by Rhonda Buffington

Created on: December 10, 2009   Last Updated: September 30, 2010

There will always be different opinions on what homemade dog foods should be avoided, as well as the best way to feed a dog. Some pet owners feed commercial kibble; others feed their dog homemade meals. While others may feed their dog both.

There are thousands of websites recommending dog owners to avoid this food or that food, but we really don't know how accurate any of that information is. Reading information from several people can be a tremendous help but you should also check with your vet if you are in doubt.

Dogs can have allergies. What is toxic for one dog may not be toxic to another. The same as a human. For example: if you are not allergic to wasps and you get stung by one, it will hurt. However, if your friend gets stung, and he or she is allergic, it can be deadly.

Below are some of the most common foods that various websites suggest you avoid feeding your furry friend:

Brewers Yeast

Brewers yeast is one that you will often find on websites to avoid giving to your dog, saying it causes bloat and could kill your dog. However, many dog owners use brewers yeast, along with garlic, for a natural flea deterrent.

Chocolate

Chocolate contains caffeine and is another food that is recommended to avoid. Carob is supposed to be safe and many dog owners will use carob to make dog treats.

Garlic

One pet owner will say garlic helped with fleas, another may say it made the fleas worse. And others may say it can cause death.

Grapes

Grapes and raisins are always on the list that we should avoid feeding our dogs, it's reported that grapes can cause renal failure in dogs.

Meat

Should it be cooked, raw or completely avoided? Many pet owners feel that giving their furry friend raw meat can cause parasites in their dog. Juliette de Bairacli Levy says in her book “The Complete Herbal Handbook for the Dog and Cat” that all flesh foods should be given in their raw state only. Personally, I rarely give raw meat. But there our other pet owners who only feed raw meat.

Nuts

Nuts are not supposed to be given because they can lead to bladder stones. Some reports state that some nuts are okay.

Onions

It has been reported that onions can trigger hemolytic anemia in dogs.

All things considered, if you have any doubts you should contact your veterinarian before taking any chances. 

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