They are sweet, and you can choose from a variety depending on your taste and preference—the sandwich filling ranges from vegetables to meat to fruits.
When you make sandwiches at home, you may want to give some to your dog.
However, you are cautious because you can’t afford to get him sick with unhealthy food.
So, can dogs eat sandwiches?
Yes, dogs can have sandwiches, but it depends on the kind of fillings making it.
Some fillings like onions, mushrooms, high-fat foods, and high sugar foods are not suitable for dogs.
Healthy foods such as chicken, bananas, and cucumbers make a fit sandwich for canines.
This article will look into healthy foods to use as fillings, unhealthy foods, and the risks of sandwiches to dogs.
Sandwich fillings that are healthy for dogs
There are healthy foods that are best to use as fillings.
They include:
Chicken
Chicken is a great source of lean protein and vitamin B6.
It also contains phosphorus, niacin, and selenium — all of which contribute to dogs’ health.
Broccoli
Broccoli contains vitamin C, which helps promote healthy skin and coat; vitamin A, which supports eye health; and calcium, which contributes to strong bones.
Cheese
Cheese is a great source of protein and calcium, which supports strong bones and teeth.
In addition, cheese is high in B vitamins that help keep the immune system strong and build muscle mass.
Bananas
Bananas are loaded with potassium and other minerals essential for overall health, especially heart function and blood pressure regulation.
Mushrooms are members of the nightshade family and contain a toxin called agaritine which can cause liver damage if consumed regularly.
Avocado
Avocado contains persin, which can lead to allergic reactions such as skin irritation, vomiting, diarrhea, and even death in some cases if consumed regularly.
Risks of sandwiches to dogs
Constipation
Sandwich bread may contain too many carbohydrates.
Dogs who eat many carbs are more likely to experience constipation than dogs who eat a high- protein, high-fiber diet.
High-starch foods like sandwiches can be difficult for dogs to digest and absorb.
Therefore, they take longer to break down in the dog’s body and may contribute to constipation.
Urinary tract infections
Urinary tract infections may be more common in dogs on high-carbohydrate diets like sandwiches.
Carbohydrates convert to sugar, which creates an acidic environment in the urinary tract making it easier for bacteria to thrive.
Diabetes
Diets high in carbohydrates increase insulin levels in dogs, which can cause diabetes mellitus type 2 (DM2).
DM2 is a condition in which the pancreas does not produce enough insulin or does not utilize it effectively.
It leads to an increased blood glucose level (hyperglycemia), which is toxic to dogs’ hearts, kidneys, and nerves.
Wheat Allergies
If your dog is allergic to wheat or gluten, he may suffer from itching, redness, hair loss, ear infections, digestive problems, etc.
If you suspect your dog has a wheat allergy, talk to your vet about testing options.
Tooth decay
The high starch content of bread in sandwiches turns into sugar when it breaks down in the mouth, which causes bacteria to thrive on it.
The bacteria then produce acids that eat away at the enamel on your dog’s teeth leading to tooth decay and loss of teeth.
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