Is It Safe for Dogs to Drink Laba Porridge?

Laba porridge is traditionally made with a variety of ingredients, including a mix of grains such as rice, millet, glutinous rice, sorghum, purple rice, and Job's tears. It also features legumes like soybeans, red beans, mung beans, kidney beans, and adzuki beans, as well as dried fruits like red dates, peanuts, lotus seeds, goji berries, chestnuts, walnut kernels, almonds, lilies, longans, raisins, and whitebait.

Dogs can enjoy Laba porridge, but there are certain ingredients that should never be included:

1. Raisins: Grapes are toxic to dogs, and so are raisins. Statistics show that the mortality rate from grape consumption in dogs can be as high as 47%. Even if a dog survives, it may suffer from symptoms like decreased urination and weakness. Grapes can lead to hypercalcemia and hyperkalemia in dogs, and the toxic dose of raisins is between 336g/kg, while just 45 grapes can be dangerous.

2. Nuts: Nuts are high in fat, and consuming too many can cause digestive issues. Macadamia nuts are particularly harmful to dogs and can cause poisoning.

3. Fresh lilies: Dogs should not eat fresh lilies, as they can cause kidney damage if ingested in sufficient quantity. This can lead to symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, and loss of appetite. While dried lilies can be included in Laba porridge in moderation, it's crucial to control the amount.

4. Almonds: Almonds contain amygdalin and emulsin, which are highly toxic. When these substances come into contact with water, they produce hydrogen cyanide, leading to poisoning in dogs. Symptoms can range from headaches, dizziness, nausea, and vomiting to severe poisoning and even death.

5. Whitebait: Whitebait itself is slightly toxic, and the symptoms can vary depending on the dog's constitution. Some dogs may experience vomiting and diarrhea after consuming whitebait, while others may show no reaction at all.

Feeding your dog Laba porridge is a gesture of love and treating them like family. It's a heartfelt expression of affection. However, for your dog's health, it's essential to be cautious about the ingredients you choose. If you have any doubts or concerns, don't hesitate to consult with an online veterinary expert.