It is in your Golden Retrievers nature to scavenge for food, but many of our ‘human’ foods can be dangerous to your goldens health.
One of the most dangerous foods to give a golden is chocolate - for dogs, it can be lethal. The reason why it is so dangerous is because it contains chemicals called Methylxanthine alkaloids. In small amounts, it will constrict the arteries and your golden retrievers heart rate will increase. If they get a hold of large amounts, it will kill them. It only takes a pound of chocolate to kill a 16-pound dog.
Chocolate is one of the better known poisonous foods to dogs, but did you know that raisins and grapes can also be dangerous? How about Macadamia nuts? There are many foods which can produce harmful side effects for your golden retriever. Mushrooms, for instance, can cause abdominal pain, liver damage, and kidney damage. Garlic will cause your golden to vomit and have stomach problems like diarrhea.
We all love our dogs, and want to show them how much we care, but giving table scraps is not the best way to do it - especially as that in itself is a major cause of many dogs being over weight. Generally what is bad for people (like being over weight, salt, fatty foods, coffee, chocolate, chemicals etc.) is also not good for your golden retriever - but for your dog the consequences of a bad diet can be much more instant.
Your Golden Retriever should really only eat dog food. Read the ingredients labels of your goldens food, and you will be able to give your dog the right nutrients that will help them live a happy and full life.
