Nourish with Knowledge: Understanding Pet Nutrition & Foods to Avoid
As pet parents, we want to give our furry companions the very best — the best love, care, and of course, food. But with so many options on the shelves and so much conflicting information online, it can be hard to know what’s truly healthy and what might actually cause harm.
At Rideout’s Fur-St Aid, we believe confidence begins with knowledge. Knowing what to feed (and what not to feed) your pet is one of the most powerful ways to protect their health and happiness.
🥦 The Building Blocks of Good Nutrition
Every pet has unique dietary needs depending on their age, breed, activity level, and health status — but all pets need balanced nutrition to thrive.
A well-rounded diet includes:
High-quality protein for muscle strength and energy
Healthy fats for skin and coat health
Carbohydrates and fiber for digestion and sustained energy
Essential vitamins and minerals for immune and organ function
Feeding your pet a diet approved by your veterinarian — or a vet-formulated commercial food — helps ensure they’re getting everything they need in the right balance
🚫 Human Foods That Can Be Harmful to Pets
What’s delicious to us can be dangerous for them. Many common household foods can lead to digestive upset, toxicity, or even life-threatening emergencies.
Here are some foods to always avoid:
Chocolate and caffeine – Can cause vomiting, tremors, or heart issues.
Onions and garlic – Damage red blood cells and lead to anemia.
Grapes and raisins – May cause sudden kidney failure.
Xylitol (artificial sweetener) – Found in gum, peanut butter, and baked goods; can drop blood sugar dangerously low.
Cooked bones – Splinter easily and can cause choking or intestinal damage.
Fatty table scraps – Can trigger pancreatitis, a painful and serious condition.
Alcohol and yeast dough – Toxic to the liver and nervous system.
Even foods that seem harmless, like dairy or certain nuts, can cause digestive upset or allergic reactions in some pets.
💡 Safe Treat Alternatives
You can still show your love through food — just do it safely! Try offering:
Small pieces of plain cooked chicken or turkey
Carrot sticks or green beans for a crunchy snack
Frozen blueberries or apple slices (no seeds!)
Vet-approved training treats or dental chews
Moderation is key — treats should make up no more than 10% of your pet’s daily calories.
🦴 Empowering Pet Parents Through Education
Feeding our pets well is about more than love — it’s about knowledge and prevention. Understanding what’s safe and what’s not can prevent emergency vet visits and keep your pet healthy for years to come.
At Rideout’s Fur-St Aid, we’re here to empower you with the hands-on training and knowledge to be your pet’s superhero — whether it’s knowing how to respond to a choking incident, spotting early signs of illness, or preventing emergencies through smart nutrition choices.
❤️ Be Your Pet’s First Responder
You can never be too prepared when it comes to your pet’s health. The more you know, the more confident and capable you become in every situation — from mealtime to moments that matter most.
Learn more about our upcoming Pet First Aid & CPR classes at rideoutsfurstaid.com
