Do You Feed Your Dog Chicken Jerky?

If you feed your dog chicken jerkey, you're obviously a loving pet parent who wants to spoil your pooch with yummy treats. But to be on the safe side, you might want to choose another treat for a while.

FDA update from the Center of Veterinary Medicine:

The Food and Drug Administration is cautioning consumers of a potential association between development of illness in dogs and the consumption of chicken jerky products also described as chicken tenders, strips or treats. FDA has received more than 70 complaints involving more than 95 dogs who experienced illness that their owners associated with consumption of chicken jerky products.

To date, FDA has not been able to determine a definitive cause for the reported illnesses. FDA has conducted extensive chemical and microbial testing but has not identified any contaminant. Many of the illnesses reported may be the result of causes other than eating chicken jerky.

For more information, please visit the FDA's website.

For general pet nutrition tips-- check them out at our website's pet care section.

Pet Food Recall Update: ASPCA Issues Urgent Advisory As Pet Food Recall Widens

Contaminant Found In New Protein Supplement—Not Just Wheat Gluten—for Pet Food

Urges Pet Parents to Stay Alert and Aware to New Developments in the Recall

The ASPCA today urgently reminded pet parents that the pet food recall crisis, which started almost five weeks ago, is far from over—and, as such, pet parents need to stay alert to new developments as well as the health of their pets.

“Until the U. S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has conclusively identified all the contaminants in the affected pet food, where they came from, and which products they were used in, we cannot consider this crisis over,” said Dr. Steven Hansen, a board-certified toxicologist and senior vice president with the ASPCA, who manages the ASPCA’s Animal Poison Control Center (APCC), located in its Midwest Office in Urbana, Ill.

“Further, the actual link between the adverse effects of melamine and the illnesses or deaths of so many pets around the country is still not clear and, as a result, what exactly is sickening and killing our pets is still a mystery,” said Dr. Hansen.

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Pet Nutrition Q & A: Is My Cat Fat?

Our 9-year-old female cat weighs about 11 pounds. She’s an indoor cat and only gets a small amount of exercise. What should a cat of her age weigh approximately, and should she be eating any special kind of cat food?
―Christina

The answer varies from cat to cat, Christina. Cats with large frames may be at their optimal weight if they weigh eleven pounds, while other cats might be considered overweight. The Iams body condition chart can help you to evaluate your cat's nutritional status.

Your veterinarian can also help you to determine whether or not your cat needs to lose some weight. You might want to plan a visit soon to talk about your cat’s nutritional status and your veterinarian's dietary recommendations.

If your cat does not have special needs that require a veterinary or prescription diet, then I recommend you choose a high-quality brand of food. It is also important to provide opportunities for play and enrichment, especially as your cat ages. Even one play session per day can make a difference for her weight and overall health, and the increased activity will help to keep her fit in her older years. If you’d like a few suggestions, the ASPCA has some great ideas for general enrichment activities.

ASPCA Issues Urgent Alert to Pet Parents: Discontinue Use of Contaminated and Recalled Pet Foods Immediately

ASPCA’s Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital Intakes Show Some Pets Still on Recalled Foods

NEW YORK, April 10, 2007—The ASPCA^® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals^®) today issued an urgent alert to pet parents that if they have not already done so, it is imperative for them to discontinue use of the recalled foods immediately.

“More than three weeks into the pet food recall, recent intakes at the ASPCA’s Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital (BMAH) in New York City show that some pet parents have unwittingly continued to feed their pets the contaminated, recalled foods. Just last night, we admitted a cat into our Intensive Care Unit (ICU) that is in severe renal failure, and has been consuming one of the recalled product codes all this while,” said Dr. Louise Murray, director of medicine at BMAH.

“This is obviously a matter of great concern to us,” continued Dr. Murray. “It is possible that this scenario is being replicated across the country, due to confusion over which brands and product codes are included in the recall—especially with the recent recall expansion—and, as a result, many more animals may be in great danger.”

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Press Release: As Pet Food Recall Expands, ASPCA Asks Pet Parents to Stay Alert—But Calm

NEW YORK, April 5, 2007—With breaking news from Menu Foods that the dates of, and varieties listed in, the original pet food recall of March 16 has just been extended, the ASPCA reminds pet parents to stay alert to the wellbeing of their pets—but also of the importance of continuing to look for the direct link between contaminants and adverse effects on the affected pets.

“This new announcement further increases our concern for the wellbeing of pets around the country,” said Dr. Steven Hansen, a board-certified veterinary toxicologist and senior vice president with the ASPCA, who manages the ASPCA’s Midwest Office, including the ASPCA’s Animal Poison Control Center (APCC). “It is now even more crucial for pet parents to check the codes of the newly-recalled products, and discontinue use of them immediately.”

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Pet Nutrition Q & A: Dogs Who Eat Cat Food

I have a seven-pound Yorkie/min-pin mix who regularly eats dog food, but whenever I go to my father’s house, she eats our cat's food. Is this bad for her?
―Megan

It sounds funny, Megan, but many dogs prefer to eat cat food. Since it’s higher in protein, fat and calories, it’s more tasty. However, most dogs will still eat their own dog food if they aren't offered another choice. Remember that the nutritional needs of cats and dogs are different, and their foods are formulated to meet those specific needs. Although it is not usually harmful if a small amount of the wrong food is eaten, nutritional imbalances affecting your dog’s health could occur if this continues long term. Dietary changes can also cause gastrointestinal discomfort and diarrhea. If at all possible, when visiting your dad, I would recommend that you take your dog’s food with you and that you do not allow her to go near the cat’s food.

Pet Food Recall Update: Breaking News From FDA Confirms ASPCA’s Suspicions on Pet Food Toxin

Presence of Melamine Identified in Contaminated Food

NEW YORK, March 30, 2007—Three days ago, the ASPCA^® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals^®) cautioned that aminopterin was an unlikely suspect in the illnesses and deaths of animals that ingested the recently-recalled contaminated foods—a suspicion that was today confirmed by the U. S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

In a news conference held today, the FDA announced that further laboratory testing identified the presence of melamine in food samples from the recalled lots. Melamine, which is not highly toxic in general, is used to make durable plastic household products; cleaning products; hard, stain-resistant laminates; flame-retardant foam and in soundproofing.

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Pet Food Recall Update: Other Contaminants May Be Involved in the Menu Foods Recall

NEW YORK, March 27, 2007—Since Menu Foods announced its massive pet food recall on March 16, the ASPCA^® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals^®) has been flooded with calls from concerned pet parents and animal welfare professionals alike. Call volume at the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC), which is based in its Midwest Office in Urbana, Ill., has increased significantly over the past 10 days—approximately 14 percent—and the ASPCA’s veterinary toxicologists have been carefully analyzing data from these calls.

Today the ASPCA reports that, based on these data, clinical signs reported in cats affected by the contaminated foods are not fully consistent with the ingestion of rat poison containing aminopterin that, according to Menu Foods, is at the “root” of the contamination issue.

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Press Release: ASPCA Sheds Light on Toxin Identified as Part of Tests on Tainted Food

NEW YORK, March 23, 2007—Based on new reports issued by the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets that rodent poison was found in laboratory testing of the tainted pet food recalled last week, the ASPCA^® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals^®), through its Animal Poison Control Center (APCC), has the following information to provide to the public:

Aminopterin, a toxin found in some rodenticides available outside the USA, is a folic acid antagonist, i.e. it disrupts the body’s ability to utilize folic acid. In animals, this can result in loss of appetite, diarrhea and weight loss. It may also cause leucopenia, which is a reduction in white blood cells, as well as birth defects.

Aminopterin is closely related in chemical structure and mechanism to a drug called methotrexate, which is used to treat some cancers, both in humans and animals.

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Pet Nutrition Q & A: Raw Diets

What is the ASPCA's opinion on pet diets consisting of raw protein sources? I’m talking about foods including organ and bone, as well as varying vegetables and fruits―excluding things like grapes, raisins and avocado. Thanks!
―Sean

Although there are many nutritional/dietary options for pet parents to choose from, Sean, the ASPCA does not recommend the raw food diet at this time. Current scientific research supports the idea of feeding well-balanced, high-quality commercial foods to our animals.

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Press Release: Update on Pet Food Recall

ASPCA Continues to Respond to Concerns on Nationwide Pet Food Recall

NEW YORK, March 21, 2007—The ASPCA continues to monitor the pet food recall situation, both through sick animals being admitted to its Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital (BMAH) in New York City, as well as through cases reported to its Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) in Urbana, Ill.

At this point, we do not have any overall statistics on the number of cases reported to the APCC that can specifically be connected to the ingestion of the contaminated foods. As has already been widely reported in the media, pets that become ill after eating these foods show signs of acute kidney failure. However, since pre-existing kidney disease may already have been present in some of these cases, drawing a correlation between this and the foods that are part of the recall is complicated at best. As the APCC continues to analyze the data on calls it receives (which number between 400-700 daily on a wide range of substances), the ASPCA will release any information that might be pertinent immediately.

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ASPCA Responds to Concern Regarding Nationwide Pet Food Recalls Affecting Several Pet Food Brands

Advises Pet Parents to Discontinue Affected Product Use Immediately

NEW YORK, March 18, 2007—The ASPCA was recently informed of a voluntary nationwide recall of certain dog and cat foods manufactured by Menu Foods, Inc. This recall affects more than 40 brands of pet food distributed in the U. S. and Canada, including specific wet pet food varieties. Brands affected include Iams, Eukanuba, and Science Diet, as well as store brands distributed by major retailers including Wal-Mart, Kroger and Safeway, such as Ol’Roy, Special Kitty, and so on. For a complete list of affected brands, please visit http://www.menufoods.com/recall.

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Pet Nutrition Q & A: Help for Aches & Pains

I can tell that my 14-year-old cat is achy. I’d like to see if the vet can prescribe something for her, but I’m worried because she makes it impossible to give her any medicine. She makes gagging noises at everything I offer her, except for dry cat food. How can I get her to take something to relieve the aches?
―LouAnne

You are most likely correct that your cat is suffering from aches and pains, LouAnne. Older cats and dogs often do have age-related musculoskeletal changes, and we understand why you are anxious to give her some relief. We do want to caution you not to give her pain relievers like ibuprofen and acetaminophen (Tylenol). These medications are toxic to cats. Aspirin, too, can be toxic. Your veterinarian should be able to recommend some safer alternatives after giving your cat a complete examination. Glucosamine supplements are helpful for some felines, and pain medications may be recommended in certain cases...

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Pet Nutrition Q & A: Feeding Ferals

A stray cat comes into my backyard every day. What can I feed her?
―Sally

In general, Sally, we recommend that you choose a high-quality cat food. Good brands are available at grocery stores and pet supply stores, and you can also order them through veterinary offices. You should also make sure that clean, fresh water is available to her at all times.

It is important to remember that, if you do decide to feed this stray, it means that you are taking responsibility for her, and also need to supply her with veterinary health care and shelter. Some cats can do well if they are kept strictly outdoors, but cats generally live longer and healthier lives when kept indoors.

If you are not currently able to care for the cat yourself, you should consider taking her to a good shelter where she has a strong chance for adoption into a good home.

Sally, thanks again for contacting us, and please feel free to email us again if we can be of further assistance.

More Pet Nutrition Questions...

Pet Nutrition Q & A: Chew, Chew, Train!

I’ve heard that many rawhide chew toys and bones are unhealthy for a dog’s intestines and stomach. Can you recommend some safe things for a dog to chew on?
―Mary

Many dogs do just fine with rawhide chews, Mary. However, there could be some risk of your dog ingesting pieces that are too large to pass through his gastrointestinal tract. Each pet parent should weigh the benefits and risks of giving rawhides based upon their own dog's chewing needs and behaviors. Chewing is very important to many dogs, so providing an appropriate outlet is important.

Bones may pose a greater risk since they are prone to splintering. Chicken bones, in particular, should not be given to your dog, since the splintered bones can cause damage to his gastrointestinal tract. Other hard bones are somewhat safer, and some pet parents like to provide them. If you do so, please be aware of the risks, and be sure to contact your veterinarian if problems such as vomiting, diarrhea or abdominal pain arise.

Commercial dental bones and other hard chew treats also work well for some dogs, but these can cause problems, too, if pieces that are too large are ingested.

Another option for chewers is a tough chew toy such as a Kong. These toys can be stuffed with food so that your dog has to work to get the reward. Please check out the following links for more information on this topic:

- Physical & Mental Stimulation
- Destructive Behavior

Thanks again for contacting us, Mary. We wish you the best of luck in finding the right chew for your dog.

Pet Nutrition Q & A: Switching to a New Food

Is it harmful to continue to feed an adult dog the canned puppy food they are used to eating? My 14-month-old dog is having trouble digesting anything else, and sometimes vomits immediately after eating.
―Bonnie

It really is best to provide your dog with a food that is appropriate for his or her age. In general, we recommend gradually switching to a new food. Start by adding just a small amount of new food to the old food. Then slowly, over a number of days or even weeks, increase the amount of new food while decreasing the amount of old food. Keeping the transition slow can help to prevent gastrointestinal upset in your dog and can also help him or her to accept the change.

We recommend you choose a high-quality pet food for adult dogs. If your dog continues to experience problems with the transition to a new food, please visit your veterinarian to determine if a health issue is contributing to the problem. Some dogs can be sensitive to specific food ingredients, and your veterinarian can help you identify the best dietary options.

Thanks again for contacting us, Bonnie, and good luck in finding the right food for your dog.

More new questions:

- What are your thoughts about holistic diets?

Press Release: Advice from the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center On Recent FDA Recalls of Cat Food and Peanut Butter

NEW YORK, February 16, 2007— This week, the U. S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued two recalls pertaining to products contaminated with the bacteria Salmonella. The first involves a recall on Peter Pan and Great Value brands of peanut butter with the manufacturer code “2111” on the jar lid. The second pertains to Wild Kitty Raw All Natural, Frozen Cat Food- Chicken with Clam Recipe. Contaminated packages include both the 3.5 ounce and 1 lb. sizes. Thus far, there have been no reports of illness pertaining to either product in pets.

As many pets—especially dogs—enjoy an occasional peanut butter treat, the ASPCA cautions pet parents against feeding recalled peanut butter to pets. Affected jars should be thrown out, and extra caution should be taken to ensure that pets do not access trash receptacles containing the discarded peanut butter. Similar steps should be followed for the contaminated cat food.
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Pet Q & A: What to Feed a Kitten

I recently adopted a two-month-old kitten who was left in an empty apartment next door to mine. I was told by a friend to give her Kozy Kitten cat food. I want to know if water and dry food are all she needs to eat in order for her to get the right nutrition.
―Carolann

Thank you for contacting the ASPCA Pet Nutrition Service, Carolann, and congratulations on your new kitten!

The ASPCA generally recommends quality products like Iams and Science Diet. We’re not familiar with the brand you mentioned, but in general, a quality dry food made just for kittens would be a good choice. Some people like to give their kittens wet food, too, but it isn't necessary for good nutrition. Foods for adult cats may not contain all of the nutrients a kitten needs, so look for a kitten food for her and make sure she has fresh water at all times.

You should also have your kitten checked out by a veterinarian. The vet will likely offer vaccinations and a de-worming medicine to make sure she gets off to a good start. Your veterinarian is also a good source for nutrition information and can suggest high quality brands of food.

We wish you the best of luck with your new kitten, Carolann.


- Which supplement is best for me to give to my mixed-breed dog? She's five years old, energetic and sheds a lot of hair. Please help!!!

Pet Q & A: Nutritional Help for Pooches Who Pass Gas

I have a problem with my large dogs. They have bad flatulence after meals. I changed their food to a kibble of lamb and rice to lessen their gluten intake, but nothing helps. They get NO table scraps! What can I do?
―MaryLou

Excessive flatulence may be harmless, MaryLou, but it can also be an indication of disease. First, you will want to mention the problem to your veterinarian, who can examine your dogs for intestinal parasites and other potential causes for flatulence. If everything checks out normally, then I suggest you seek out a dog food product that is lower in fiber and/or has a source of fiber that is less likely to cause gas. This may help to reduce the flatulence.

There’s also the possibility that if your dogs are fast eaters, they are swallowing a significant amount of air while eating. If that’s the case, there are several things you can do to help them slow down. You can give them a little bit of food at a time, or feed them smaller meals throughout the day. You can even put bowls of food down in different areas of your house, so that they have to go looking for more food instead of gulping it all down at once.

If nothing else seems to work, ask your veterinarian if an over-the-counter medication can help reduce the flatulence. Good luck!

More new questions:

- Are there any treats out there that can help my kitten's terrible breath?

Ask the ASPCA Pet Nutrition Service: Help for a Shedding Shepherd

I adopted my dog, a German shepherd/beagle mix, from the shelter, and she seems to have a serious shedding problem. I’ve tried brushing her with a shedding tool daily and it doesn’t seem to help. She is an inside dog, and I feed her Purina weight management formula.
―Angela

Thank you for contacting the ASPCA Pet Nutrition Service.

Although shedding is a normal activity for dogs, the amount of shedding that they do often depends upon their breed or breed mix. Seemingly excessive shedding can be normal for some dogs, but it can also be the result of stress or a medical problem. We encourage you to continue with regular brushing. This will help to eliminate the excess hair around your home. Your veterinarian or groomer may be able to recommend a specific type of brush that will work best for your dog’s coat.

Nutrition can be a factor in excessive shedding, but with the diet you are using, we think it is unlikely...

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Ask the Pet Nutrition Service: What's Up With My Skinny Pup?

I have a six-month-old pit bull. He eats two full bowls of dog food each day, but he still does not seem to be gaining enough weight. I have had him tested for worms and had a stool sample tested, and both came back negative.
―Candace

Thank you for contacting the ASPCA Pet Nutrition Service.

We think it would be best for your puppy to be seen by your veterinarian as soon as possible. There are a lot of factors that could prevent him from gaining weight. You will want to discuss whether or not your pup is gaining appropriately, and if other medical intervention is necessary. Once your veterinarian has completed the exam, he or she should be able to give you a time frame in which to expect your puppy to start gaining weight.

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Ask The Pet Nutrition Service: Food for Thought About Food for Pups

What should I feed my 10-month-old husky who has had diarrhea since I got her? I’ve tried several foods, and none seem to work.
—Margarita

There are a lot of factors that could play into your puppy’s current health condition, Margarita, including parasites, stress, infection and dietary sensitivity. We think a trip to your veterinarian would be in her best interest, so that the cause of your pup’s diarrhea can be determined and treated appropriately.

When selecting a pet food, it is important to look for a quality product that is formulated for the age, activity level and size of your dog. There are a number of high-quality products to choose from at your pet supply store, including Iams/Eukanuba, Hill’s Science Diet and Purina Pro Plan. We generally recommend a Large Breed Puppy formula for puppies who are healthy—but since your pup is having frequent diarrhea, your vet may recommend a special veterinary or prescription diet. It is important to keep your veterinarian or veterinary technician involved in your pet’s nutrition. Good luck!

Read more answers to your questions about pet nutrition

Ask the Pet Nutrition Service: Finicky Felines?

I have three cats and they all have been eating the same urinary prescription food for years. This past week all three have decided that they just don’t want to eat the food, and have turned their noses up at it. What should I do?
—Jackie

Thank you for contacting the ASPCA Pet Nutrition Service, Jackie.

First, we suggest that you buy a new bag of the cat food you use and be sure to contact the manufacturer, just in case there is something wrong with the batch you are currently using.

Next, we recommend that you schedule an appointment with your veterinarian. It is unusual for three cats in the same home to stop eating at the same time, so it would be best to make sure they are not ill. It can be dangerous for cats to go without food for a couple of days, as they can develop a condition called hepatic lipidosis.

Ask the Pet Nutrition Service: Could Certain Food Cause Hair Loss in Cats?

I own a 2 ½-year-old male cat. About three months ago, he started losing fur on his hind legs, ears, eyes and stomach. I thought it might be the milk on his cat food. Could pets lose fur from certain ingredients in their food?
—Karolina

Thanks for contacting the ASPCA Pet Nutrition Service, Karolina. Sometimes food allergies can cause hair loss in cats, but there are other potential causes that may be more likely reasons for your cat’s hair loss.

We recommend that you take your cat to the veterinarian for an examination and diagnostic tests. Your veterinarian may want to rule out conditions such as fleas, mites, fungal infection, inhalant allergies, autoimmune disease and endocrine disease. Please make that visit soon, especially if your cat seems itchy or uncomfortable.

Ask the Pet Nutrition Service: Could Stress Cause Weight Loss in Shelter Dogs?

I am writing about the dogs in the animal shelter where I volunteer. Many of them lose weight after a few weeks, and some even become noticeably thin. Some of the dogs do have chronic diarrhea, but there seems to be nothing to account for the weight loss in others. They are fed one meal a day, and all seem to have good appetites. Our animal control officer believes the weight loss is caused by the stress of shelter life. Could this be true—and do shelter dogs need more food than is recommended for pets in homes?
—Tina

Animals who are stressed may indeed require more food than recommended by the manufacturer. Keep in mind that the feeding guidelines on any bag of food are just guidelines—a good place to start. The actual amount may need to be adjusted after careful evaluation of an animal's status. Some sedentary dogs may require less than what is recommended on a given bag of food to prevent unwanted weight gain; on the other hand, very active dogs, working dogs and stressed animals (including those who are kenneled), may require more than is recommended. We suggest that your shelter consider, with input from a veterinarian, increasing the ration for the dogs in the shelter. You may also want to move to twice-per-day feeding.

The chronic diarrhea that you mention could be associated with a number of things—including, but not limited to, stress, giardia, other parasites or viral disease. It would be best to involve a veterinarian if you haven't already done so. If the veterinarian is able to diagnose the cause of the diarrhea, you may be able to treat the animals and prevent future problems. Chronic diarrhea can absolutely be contributing to the weight loss in the affected animals.

The nutritional status of individual dogs should be evaluated regularly, and the amount and/or type of food should be adjusted as needed. Good luck!

Ask the Pet Nutrition: Refuse Food Problem

I adopted my four-year-old Pomeranian, Trixie, from my local shelter last year. I have tried to give her canned dog food since day one, but she will not eat it. I have her on dry food right now, but she will only take a few bites. She doesn’t even like dog treats.

I often feed her people food, because she was so used to eating it in her prior home. When I try withholding it, she refuses to eat anything else. I do walk her, but other than that she is not very playful. How can I fix this problem?
—Catherine

Thank you for contacting the ASPCA Pet Nutrition Service, Catherine. It sounds like Trixie is being finicky and is holding out for people food. It is important that Trixie eats a high-quality dog food that will provide her with all of the nutrients she needs.

- First, choose a high-quality brand of food that is formulated for Trixie’s age, breed size, and activity level. Your vet or veterinary technician can provide some great suggestions.
- We recommend that you use the timed feeding method. If you would like to use dry food, the food can be placed in Trixie’s bowl for 30 minutes. After that time, remove any food that she has not eaten. You should offer her food twice a day using this method, and be sure to feed her at the same times, consistently and regularly.
- You may also want to add a little canned food to the dry food—this often stimulates a finicky dog to eat.
- Eliminate all in-between-meal treats, at least until she is eating her meals regularly.
- Make sure that Trixie is confined to another room when you are eating, so you will not be tempted to give her some table food—nor will she have the opportunity to beg for it.
- Take Trixie on a walk right before feeding time. This might help to stimulate her appetite and will improve her energy level.

Please keep in mind that your dog will likely hold out for awhile, hoping that you will cave in and give her people food. With your veterinarian’s approval, it shouldn’t hurt for her to miss a few meals during this time. Good luck to you and Trixie!

Tags: ASPCA, Pet Care, Nutrition

Ask the Pet Nutrition Service: Pets and "People Food"

Awhile ago, The Today Show was going to run a segment about people food that’s bad for pets. I missed that part, and was hoping you could tell me something about foods that we shouldn’t give pets.
—Cathy

There are indeed many ordinary “people foods” that may cause serious problems for out pets, Cathy. It is important to prevent access to these foods, which we’ll list here:
- Alcoholic beverages
- Chocolate (baker’s, semi-sweet, milk chocolate)
- Coffee (ground, beans, chocolate-covered espresso beans)
- Moldy or spoiled foods
- Onions & onion powder
- Garlic & garlic powder
- Salt
- Yeast dough
- Macadamia nuts
- Raisins and grapes
- Avocado
- Hops (used in home brewing)
- Fatty foods
- Bones
- Milk
- Raw eggs
- Raw or undercooked meat
- Products containing the sweetener xylitol

In general, people food should be avoided for both dogs and cats—though occasional treats may be acceptable in small amounts. It is best to stick with a high-quality premium food formulated to meet the specific needs of your pet.

Ask the Pet Nutrition Service: The Word on Wet Food-Only Diets for Dogs

My 14-year-old dog will no longer eat her dry food. I had been feeding her canned food mixed with the dry food, since she has had soft/liquid stools. Is a canned food-only diet adequate? What can I do about the stools?
—Esther C.

The good news: A diet consisting of strictly canned food is indeed adequate. However, there are some additional things you should consider in this situation.

First, we are concerned that your dog is having soft stools, especially since she is elderly. A trip to the veterinarian is in order to determine both why your dog's eating habits have changed and the cause of the soft stools.

If the soft stools are simply related to the canned food, then a different type of canned food may be helpful. There are canned diets specifically formulated for older dogs, and there are canned diets specifically designed to help with gastrointestinal problems, such as soft stools. Ask your veterinarian to recommend one of these veterinary/prescription diets for your dog.

New Ask the Experts Column - Ask the Pet Nutrition Service

Can dogs eat cat food? Do kittens need extra vitamins? Can supplements help my dog’s itchy skin? ASPCA experts answer your pet nutrition questions—and give all companion animal caretakers much food for thought.

My dog loves to eat my cat’s food. Is there any harm in this?
—Elizabeth E.

Elizabeth, it is a good idea to separate your dog from the cats during feeding time to ensure that they are all receiving the appropriate food. Although it is not usually harmful if a small amount of the wrong food is eaten, nutritional imbalances affecting your pets' health could occur if this continues long term. For example, cats require taurine, an amino acid, to be included in their diet. Read the rest of the ASPCA Pet Nutrition Service's expert advice...