Now, lets take a look at some the the "human" foods that are both good and bad for your JRT.
We will start with the bads food first. Although there are more than what are listed here, these are the most commonly recognized as the most harmful, if not dangerous, foods that should never be fed to your JRT for any reason.
Grapes and/or Raisins---just a small amount of either food can cause repeated vomiting, followed by lethargy and depression, ending in kidney failure. Keep these types of foods up where your JRT is sure to not be able to get to them.
Avocado---contains a substance called persin. Harmless to humans, but in large amount fatal to JRT's. Signs of avocado poisoning in JRT's include vomiting, diarrhea and lack of stool production.
Onions and Garlic---both of these in any form, be it powdered, raw, cooked or dehydrated, will break down red blood cells resulting in anemia. Symptoms of anemia include weakness, vomiting, little interest in food, dullness and breathlessness.
Chocolate---contains caffeine, which when ingested in large enough quantities can be fatal and there is no antidote for. Symptoms of caffeine poisoning include restlessness, rapid breathing, heart palpitations, tremors, and fits.
Milk and other dairy products---when your JRT is giving you "the look" it is hard to resist sharing your ice cream with them, but resist you must. Milk and milk-based problems can cause intestinal distress, resulting in diarrhea and other stomach upset. Not to mention kick starting food allergies, which can present in the form of constant itchiness.
Xylitol---a low calorie sugar substitute is pretty much the kiss of death for your JRT. When ingested, it causes more insulin to be produced and circulate in the blood stream, causing your JRT's sugar to drop. This can lead to liver failure within just a few days. Initial symptoms of Xylitol ingestion includes vomiting, lethargy, loss of coordination and possibly seizures.
Bones and Meat Scraps---are not recommended for your JRT. The fatty meat scraps, both cooked and uncooked, can cause your JRT to develop pancreatitis. And the bones, when chewed, may splinter causing your JRT to choke, or suffer from obstructions or lacerations of the digestive tract.
Persimmons, Peaches, and Plums---ingestion of any of these three fruits can prove fatal for you JRT. The seeds from persimmons can cause swelling of the small intestines, which may lead to intestinal obstruction. Although if your JRT eats a pit from a peach or a plum they can cause intestinal obstruction as well, the pits also contain cyanide, which is fatally poisonous.
Raw Eggs---other than the obvious chances of becoming ill from contracting bacterias like Salmonella or E.Coli, the enzymes in raw eggs can block the absorption of a necessary B vitamin in your JRT. Not to mention the problems it may cause with your JRT's coat after continual ingestion.
Salt---feeding your JRT those salty snacks that you love so much, can actually cause your companion to become very ill. Eating too much salt will cause your JRT to experience excessive thirst, frequent urination and in some cases cause sodium ion poisoning. The symptoms of too much ingestion are: vomiting, diarrhea, depression, tremors, elevated body temperature, seizures, and may even result in death.
Cat Food---generally is too high in protein and fats, which can lead to kidney and liver failure, as well as pancreatitis. So, be sure to keep your JRT out of the cats dinner dish.
It is a good practice to keep all pantry doors secured, and to keep your JRT away from any harmful substances. It is also a good idea to keep your vet's number close by, as well as the number to the closest pet ER. Another good number to have handy is the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888) 426-4435. These numbers will become invaluable if at any time you suspect your JRT has ingested something harmful, toxic, or fatal.
Now, lets take a look at a few of the "human" foods that are deemed safe for your JRT.
Turkey---as long as the portion you give your JRT is thoroughly cooked and not covered in garlic, or other seasonings, turkey is fine. Make sure you remove any excess fat and skin, and double check for bones. Otherwise, it should be fine to feed your JRT.
Cheese---unless your JRT is lactose intolerant, low fat cheese in small amounts should be okay. It will make a nice treat for your JRT from time to time. If possible try to stick to cottage cheese or mozzarella cheese.
Peanut Butter---an excellent source of protein for your JRT, which also contains heart-healthy fats, the necessary vitamins B and E as well as Niacin. If possible, raw unsalted peanut butter is the best. It does not contain Xylitol (see above).
Eggs---unlike raw eggs (see above) cooked eggs are safe for your JRT, and a wonderful source of protein. Scrambled eggs are the best option, so that you may make sure that you have cooked the eggs thoroughly. Also, as a side bonus, cooked eggs aid in helping an upset stomach in your JRT.
Chicken---cooked chicken is a great source of protein, and a nice treat from time to time for your JRT. It is also a great option in a pinch when you are out of dog food.
Baby Carrots---a wonderful, crunchy treat for your JRT, which is also good for their teeth. Carrots are healthy for your companion as they are low calorie, high in fiber, and chock full of beta carotene/vitamin A.
Pumpkin---other than the benefits of being a great source of fiber and beta carotene/vitamin A, pumpkin is also of great benefit to the GI tract, and aids with various digestive issues.
Green Beans---another great source of fiber, which is very low in calories, and very filling. It is essential that you feed your companion salt free green beans.
Apples---while providing a great source of fiber and vitamins A and C, apples are also great to help clean the residue off your JRT's teeth, freshens their breath, and help with keeping teeth and gums healthy.
Cooked Oatmeal---a great source of fiber, and especially helpful in senior dogs with bowel irregularity issues. Many JRT's that are allergic to wheat, are tolerant of oatmeal, making it a great alternative. Make sure the oatmeal is cooked before offering to your JRT.
Knowing what to and not to feed your JRT takes a little research and a lot common sense and diligence. Do not give in to those precious faces staring up at you, and all should be fine. Remember, you JRT is relying on you to make sure they get the healthy nutrients they need to grow happy and strong, and to steer them away from anything potentially harmful to their health.
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