During Christmas holidays the house is filled with yummy food and sweet treats are a temptation for our dogs as they are for us.
Especially at Christmas time, then, the dog’s diet must be kept under control. Chocolate and cakes can be harmful to Fido, so let’s keep an eye on him.
The basics of dog nutrition
A dog’s diet must be varied and balanced. The right diet affects his health. The food and dosage given to the dog vary according to his growth stage and size.
As a general rule, however, your dog’s diet should consist of 50% animal protein and 50% vegetables and carbohydrates. These nutrients can be found in dog food, which is the preferred choice of many pet parents. If, on the other hand, you choose to feed your dog at home, it is not advisable to give him your leftovers. Food for humans is bad for dogs, especially if it is sweet.
Foods not recommended for feeding dogs
Foods that are not recommended for feeding dogs include sugary foods such as fruit, which should be eaten in small doses, and sweets. The consumption of such foods could lead to health issues such as vomiting and diarrhoea or to serious illnesses such as diabetes.
Why can’t my dog eat Christmas Panettone?
Christmas Panettone is delicious, but dangerous for your dog. It contains fats and sugars that are bad for your dog’s body. Panettone in particular should be avoided because of the presence of sultanas. If grapes are not recommended for your dog’s diet because they are too sugary, sultanas are even toxic for most dogs.
For the same reason, chocolate Panettone should not be given to dogs. It contains theobromine, a natural substance found in cocoa plants that is harmful to dogs.
What to do if your dog eats Panettone?
Eating Panettone can cause diarrhoea, vomiting and kidney problems. If your dog eats a few bites of panettone or pandoro, however, you don’t need to worry too much, but you should always be careful.
Giving your dog human food is always inadvisable. If, during the holidays, it happens that our diners spoil Fido with delicious bites, let’s not be alarmed, just be careful not to exaggerate the quantities for the dog’s well-being.