Several common foods are harmful and should be strictly avoided when feeding your Japanese Spitz. These include chocolate, onions, bones, milk, raw meat, grapes, and highly seasoned foods.
1. Chocolate
Chocolate contains theobromine, which is toxic to dogs. Even small amounts can cause vomiting, diarrhea, excessive thirst, abnormal heart rhythms, seizures, and even death. Keep all chocolate products away from your Japanese Spitz.
2. Onions and Garlic
Onions and garlic, including chives and leeks, contain thiosulphate, which can damage red blood cells in dogs, leading to hemolytic anemia. Even a small amount can be very dangerous, causing bloody urine. Avoid feeding your dog any foods containing onions or garlic, including dishes like hamburgers, curries, and soups.
3. Bones
While it might seem natural to give a dog a bone, large bones can splinter and cause injuries to the esophagus and stomach, leading to gastrointestinal bleeding. If feeding bones, ensure they are thoroughly cooked until very soft in a pressure cooker. Bone marrow is an excellent source of calcium, phosphorus, and copper, and chewing on bones can aid in dental hygiene. However, always supervise your dog with bones.
4. Raw Eggs and Raw Meat
Raw egg whites contain a protein called avidin, which depletes biotin, a vitamin essential for dogs. Raw eggs can also cause coat discoloration. Both raw eggs and raw meat can harbor harmful bacteria and parasites, leading to diarrhea and other health problems in dogs.
5. Milk
Cow's milk has a different composition than dog's milk and may cause digestive upset, especially diarrhea, in puppies and some adult dogs. While some dogs can tolerate milk in small quantities, monitor your dog's reaction.
6. Grapes and Raisins
Grapes and raisins are toxic to dogs and can cause severe kidney damage. The exact toxin isn't fully understood, but it's crucial to avoid all grapes and raisins. These fruits contain high levels of glucose and fructose, which dogs are particularly sensitive to, potentially leading to allergic reactions, poisoning, and kidney failure.
7. Spicy Foods
Highly seasoned or spicy foods, such as those containing chili peppers, onions, ginger, or garlic, can cause allergies in dogs. Additionally, seafood should be avoided due to its high histamine content, which can cause allergic reactions.
8. Animal Liver
While liver can be beneficial in small amounts, excessive consumption can lead to Vitamin A toxicity and calcium deficiency. Limiting liver to no more than three chicken livers or their equivalent per week is essential to avoid skeletal issues.
9. Excess Salt and Sugar
The amount of salt in human food is typically too much for dogs. Excess salt can burden the kidneys, disrupt fluid balance, and lead to skin problems. High sugar intake can cause obesity and increase the risk of diabetes in dogs.
10. Mushrooms
While commercially sold mushrooms like shiitake and button mushrooms are not inherently harmful to dogs, it's best to avoid them to prevent dogs from developing a habit of eating mushrooms, which can be dangerous if encountered in the wild, as some mushrooms are highly poisonous.