The Belgian Malinois is one variety of the Belgian Shepherd and is often used as a police or working dog. It is intelligent, square-built, erect-eared, strong, agile, muscular, and highly alert. Although the breed adapts well and is very bold, it is best not to beat or harshly punish it during raising, because it may hold grudges, suffer psychological harm, and become timid. In terms of diet, owners should avoid foods that are high in salt, sugar, and oil. So what other foods should a Belgian Malinois not eat?
Foods a Belgian Malinois Should Not Eat
1. Dogs should not eat bones. Bones can easily damage the digestive tract and may lead to acute injury, with sudden vomiting, refusal to eat, abdominal pain, and other symptoms. If treatment is delayed, the condition may worsen into chronic digestive problems and become harder to cure completely.
2. Belgian Malinois dogs should not eat liver for long periods. Occasional liver may be beneficial, but prolonged use can cause excess vitamin A and may even lead to poisoning. Vitamin A excess can cause osteoporosis, joint bone spurs, spinal problems, and can also affect tooth development.
3. Belgian Malinois dogs should not eat green onions, onions, and similar foods. Some dogs that consume these foods may develop red blood cell destruction and even blood in the urine.
4. Belgian Malinois dogs must not eat chocolate, not even a little. The caffeine-like compounds in chocolate are harmful to dogs, and even small amounts can cause abnormal excitement and restlessness. Chocolate also contains a lot of sugar, which is harmful rather than beneficial.
5. Belgian Malinois dogs should not eat foods rich in sugar, fat, and salt. High-sugar and high-fat foods easily lead to obesity and then to other illnesses. Excess salt can damage the kidneys and also disturb the balance of minerals and vitamins in the body, which weakens the skin's health and resistance and makes the dog more likely to suffer from skin disease.
6. Many Belgian Malinois dogs are allergic to certain foods, and the specific triggers vary from dog to dog. The owner needs to observe the dog carefully to determine which foods cause allergic reactions.
Besides paying attention to what they eat, owners should also cultivate good feeding habits. This helps prevent picky eating. During puppyhood, the owner should train the dog to eat in the same place each time and at fixed times. If the dog does not finish within the allowed period, the food should be taken away so it does not develop the habit of dragging meals out or becoming fussy.