Don’t Feed Your Dog These Foods

You love your dog, so you should make sure to keep that pet healthy and happy. Feeding them the right food is a big part of that. There are plenty of foods that are fine for humans to eat but are actually toxic to dogs. So, don't feed your dog these foods. Some of these items are surprising, too.

"Pets get into everything and, like babies, tend to explore the world with their mouths," notes The Humane Society of the United States. "Make sure they stay safe by checking your home and yard for plants that could cause an emergency vet visit." So, what do you do if your dog has ingested anything that seems like it could be harmful? Your best bet is to take that pet into the ER and an animal health expert.

The list of foods that can be harmful to your dog is very long. But, it's not all-encompassing. Unless you're absolutely sure that a human food is safe for your dog, you should just give your dog a dog treat instead. Oh, and everyone knows that chocolate is harmful to dogs. Why? It's poisonous to dogs because it contains theobromine and caffeine, which can cause deadly heart and central nervous system issues. Also, dark chocolate has more theobromine that other varieties of chocolate.

According to GoodRx.com, foods that are harmful to dogs include avocados; cherries; grapes and raisins; tomatoes; mushrooms; onions; garlic; wild berries; rhubarb; sugar-free candy and gum; some peanut butters and other nut butters; flavored waters; and ice cream. More dangerous foods include chocolate; pudding snacks; caffeine and coffee; sports and energy drinks; tea and tea bags; soda; baked goods; alcohol; macadamia nuts; raw or undercooked meat; uncooked doughs containing yeast; bones; and moldy food. Find out why each of these foods is harmful to your dog here.

There's something truly special about having a close relationship with your pet. They say a dog is "man's best friend," and it's totally accurate. I have friends and family who truly feel like their pets are a member of the family. Pets will be there for you through thick and thin. Pets are also know for being loyal, which can be a really good feeling in this world. So, what are the most popular dogs right now?

Danspetcare.com has a great article out that names the most popular dogs in the world right now. In it, they describe that special relationship that one has with their pet. "From hunting to sled-pulling to herding and protection, dogs have helped us survive and thrive in countless ways," they explain. "One of the most important roles dogs play in our lives is companionship."

So, what do you do if you're in the market for a new dog? Danspetcare.com has some good advice on how to pick the right breed. They explain that finding the right breed is a big part of that decision. So, ask yourself, do you want a delicate breed or a more meaty, masculine breed? Also, what's the purpose of you wanting a pet? Do you want a pet for protection, or are you looking for a small buddy for some companionship?

Either way, when you're in the market for a new pet, make sure to have lots of questions and ask the right people before settling on your little guy or gal. I remember one of my friends buying the cutest little puppy ever only to see it grow into a huge dog that was almost too big for her apartment. She loved him, but it was quite a surprise. Read on to discover the most popular dogs right now and some more stats. Find more via Danspetcare.com here

According to Danspetcare.com, the most popular dog in the world is the Labrador Retriever. "They’re often used to provide comfort and reassurance for anxious humans," the study says. So true. No. 2 are Golden Retrievers and No. 3 are German Shepherds. Find more via Danspetcare.com here.

Dogpackapp.com has an article out about the most popular dog breeds right now. No. 1 on the list is the French bulldog. Those dogs are adorable, right? No. 2 is the Labrador Retriever and No. 3 is the Golden Retriever. Very popular, of course. Find the full list here.

What about the most common dogs? According to A-z-animals.com, No. 1, again are Labrador Retrievers, followed by Bulldogs and Rottweiler. The German Shepherd and Dachshund round out the top five. Find the full list here.

What if you want a small pup? The smallest dog breed, according to Forbes.com is the Pomeranian at 3-7 pounds. So cute. It's followed by the Toy Poodle and Toy Fox Terrier. Find the full list here.

What if you want a really big dog? According to Forbes.com, the largest dog breed is the Mastiff at 120-230 pounds. It's followed by the Boerboel and Tosa Inu. Find the full list here.