But it's also commonly found in over-the-counter products to help with things like gas, bloating, and even water filtration. And get to an emergency room. Consuming processed foods: Ingesting processed foods isn't the best way to take care of your body. Label: Charcoal activated powder. How much, in teaspoon measure (1/4 tsp, 1/2 tsp.) Activated charcoal is a popular home remedy for several other ailments and its sometimes used for other household and cosmetic purposes. 1998-2023 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission Heres our process. If you suspect poisoning or overdose, its best to seek emergency medical assistance immediately. Each capsule contains 780mg of activated charcoal. This can be even more helpful when youre traveling in a developing country. Urea and other waste products can pass from the bloodstream into your gut through a process known as diffusion. Medical staff can also administer activated charcoal mixtures via feeding tubes in the nose or mouth if necessary. Reply. There is little evidence for other uses. We avoid using tertiary references. information submitted for this request. If an adult or child is showing signs of significant dehydration or cannot keep fluids down, it is essential to dial 911 or the number of the nearest emergency department. All rights reserved. Once mixed, it can be given as a drink or through a tube that has been placed through the mouth and into the stomach. This may be particularly beneficial for people with chronic kidney disease. Again, there is a lack of research on this. include protected health information. WHO model list of essential medicines. Here, learn about the uses and. Adults and teenagersDose is usually 50 to 100 grams of activated charcoal given one time. If you opt for a powder supplement, mix it with water or juice to make it easier to swallow. Can you get activated charcoal naturally from foods? It may do this by absorbing the fluid content of stools, making them more solid. This content does not have an English version. Activated charcoal can come in different forms as it has different uses. I am, however, someone who knows that its very unfortunate to get sick, most especially if you get diarrhea when traveling! Typically charred coconut shells are used, but activated carbon can also be made from charred peat, bone, bamboo, wood, or any other number of ingredients. Its possible to make activated charcoal at home from charcoal briquettes. Do not take this medicine mixed with chocolate syrup, ice cream or sherbet, since they may prevent the medicine from working properly. -The adverse effects of ingesting activated charcoal include diarrhea and bloody stools-If the patient has a decreased LOC and cannot protect his or her airway, do not give activated charcoal . Activated charcoal, also cuts down the gastrointestinal problems in the patient. The internet does say that activated charcoal can have side effects (most prominently may be dehydration and constipation), so research carefully before you decide whether or not to give it a try. The grain size is important because a finer grain will have more surface area and can bind to more toxins. Activated charcoal can often help clear toxins and drugs that include: Activated charcoal cannot bind to all types of toxins or drugs, especially ones that are corrosive. Activated charcoal is the new "it" ingredient that you see in everything from toothpaste to skin care to beverages. Keep in mind that activated charcoal may also reduce the absorption of certain medications. Otherwise, it has some adverse effects and negative interactions with several other drugs. Much of the activated charcoal I have seen on the market is made from coconuts. It can cause adverse effects, such as: Pulmonary aspiration can cause a lung injury known as aspiration pneumonitis. Charcoal is a well-proven remedy for diarrhea, but it needs to be taken internally. The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. It may also interfere with some medications. However, only gas reduction, diarrhea reduction, and water filtration are supported by science. They are used for treating illnesses, ingredients in crafting recipes, and one of the requirements for water purifier. The body is unable to absorb charcoal, and so the toxins that bind to the charcoal leave the body in the feces. The charcoal cannot work if the person has already digested the toxin or drug and it is no longer in the stomach. Activated charcoal doesnt get absorbed by your gut. We find. However, activated charcoal is generally not recommended for children under three. They may include: Activated charcoal binds to substances in your digestive tract, including substances you might want to be there (such as medications or supplements). 2005 - 2023 WebMD LLC, an Internet Brands company. Primal Survivor , Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.Disclosure: When you buy through links on our site we may earn a commission., make activated charcoal at home from charcoal briquettes, Gaia Herbs Gas & Bloating Activated Charcoal, Activated Charcoal from Coconut Shells - Horbaach, Hardwood Activated Charcoal Powder - Topical First Aid, https://s3.wp.wsu.edu/uploads/sites/2147/2018/01/Ancillary-Therapy-for-Calf-Diarrhea_CharcoalJan2018.pdf, http://www.myhealth.gov.my/en/activated-charcoal/, https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/charcoal-activated-oral-route/description/drg-20070087, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2791659/, https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322609#possible-uses, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7117430/, Survival Books and Movies For Education and Entertainment. Dont forget your first aid kit for home too! It is not a proven method of treating or preventing stomach bugs, but it may reduce diarrhea for some people. Activated charcoal is sometimes used to help treat a drug overdose or a poisoning. Adults and teenagersDose is usually 25 to 100 grams mixed with water. There is little research on how effective charcoal is for reducing diarrhea, so it is still unclear whether it is a reliable or safe method of treating the symptoms of a stomach bug. It may be 0.5 to 1 gram per kg (0.23 to 0.45 gram per pound) of body weight. It becomes "activated charcoal" when high temperatures combine with a gas or activating agent to expand its surface area. Treatments of activated charcoal may be repeated to reduce the continued resorption and recirculation of theobromine. [Also Read: Natural Treatments for Diarrhea]. (Okay, I dont think so.). You may opt-out of email communications at any time by clicking on Activated charcoal can be seen as a natural remedy to treat diarrhea When you're hesitant to use standard diarrhea medications like some of these, including imodium, you may also choose to use activated charcoal because it's more of a natural remedy to treat diarrhea. Though palliative care needs a much bigger level of psychic support and treatment, yet medications are important. Primalsurvivor.net and Survive&Prosper LLC assume no liability for the use or misuse of the material presented above. Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. Important: Always check with your pediatrician first especially before using for diarrhea or dehydration. We link primary sources including studies, scientific references, and statistics within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. Alternatively 10 g charcoal/1 g drug ratio Minimum dose = 25 g Activated charcoal is a manufactured product. Keep plenty - it is useful and light. To prevent activated charcoal powder from scattering, be careful when opening and adding water to the powder container. There are affiliate links on this website. Doctors still use it for certain types of poisoning today. The study showed that the examiners were able to see certain parts of some of the organs better with the ultrasound after the activated charcoal treatment. Sorbitol is a sweetener. Some activated charcoal products contain sorbitol. Thus, less of the harmful substance can enter the body, and recovery is faster. Activated charcoal is a product that manufacturers make by burning wood at high temperatures to produce a residue. N-acetylcysteine (NAC). This content does not have an Arabic version. Both old and new studies warn that activated charcoal shouldnt be routinely administered in all cases of poisoning. (2011). Sign up for free, and stay up to date on research advancements, health tips and current health topics, like COVID-19, plus expertise on managing health. In a 2017 review of recent studies on the use of activated charcoal for diarrhea, researchers concluded that it might be able to prevent bacteria and drugs that can cause diarrhea from being absorbed into the body by trapping them on its porous, textured surface. That being said, Madden also notes that "activated charcoal should never be a replacement for medical care.". It is difficult to decipher how much charcoal can absorb or what are its consequences. Studies investigating the milder side effects of activated charcoal are lacking. Adults and teenagersAt first, the dose is 50 to 100 grams. Activated charcoal does not cure stomach bugs. 500mg of activated charcoal is *usually* 1/2 tsp. Therefore, it is better to undergo a test and check-up before starting the drug. For these things, you really need to weigh it out. Thus, after you swallow it, it reaches your gut in its unchanged form (3). Activated charcoal is charcoal that has been treated with oxygen at very high temperatures to make it more porous. Activated charcoal is used in hospitals to treat overdoses. However, it does not work in all cases. Your body usually converts TMA into an odorless compound before excreting it through urine, but people with TMAU lack the enzyme needed to perform this conversion. In some cases, activated charcoal can result in dehydration. Drug information provided by: Merative, Micromedex. For example, Ill take the activated charcoal 4 hours after taking remedies like ginger or wild oregano. Here are the 12 best vegan protein powders. If you are a Mayo Clinic patient, this could Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education, Mayo Clinic School of Continuous Professional Development, Mayo Clinic on Incontinence - Mayo Clinic Press, NEW Mayo Clinic on High Blood Pressure - Mayo Clinic Press, Mayo Clinic on Hearing and Balance - Mayo Clinic Press, FREE Mayo Clinic Diet Assessment - Mayo Clinic Press, Mayo Clinic Health Letter - FREE book - Mayo Clinic Press, Financial Assistance Documents Minnesota. I stress that this is how I used it. People take activated charcoal to manage a poisoning or overdose. In another, taking 432 grams of activated charcoal daily helped reduce total and LDL (bad) cholesterol by 2941% in those with high cholesterol levels. Side effects that do occur tend to be mild. Follow this with an additional glass of water immediately thereafter to help get the charcoal into your system, where it can bind with gas-producing elements. An individual must take or be given activated charcoal within 1 to 4 hours of consuming a toxin for it to work. When you take it by mouth, activated charcoal can cause: Black stools Black tongue Vomiting or diarrhea Constipation In more serious cases, it can cause gastrointestinal blockages. It may also be more popularly known as a way to whiten teeth naturally. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0002817717304129, https://garph.co.uk/IJARIE/July2013/5.pdf, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4623834/, https://web.b.ebscohost.com/abstract?direct=true&profile=ehost&scope=site&authtype=crawler&jrnl=09767126&AN=124964268&h=wCU8LFX%2fgtAKCGenpz2SJBNFCLD4EXMgZ%2bxVlVFADibuzQhDKa3vJW81qrxBdGiU71oM%2beawNxGXTsOTlrMgKA%3d%3d&crl=c&resultNs=AdminWebAuth&resultLocal=ErrCrlNotAuth&crlhashurl=login.aspx%3fdirect%3dtrue%26profile%3dehost%26scope%3dsite%26authtype%3dcrawler%26jrnl%3d09767126%26AN%3d124964268, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3565684/, https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0180835, https://storage.googleapis.com/journal-uploads/ejpmr/article_issue/1512093026.pdf, https://efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.2903/j.efsa.2011.2049, https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/03007995.2017.1416345, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482294/, https://www.poison.org/articles/2015-mar/activated-charcoal, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3777856/, https://www.who.int/medicines/publications/essentialmedicines/EML_2015_FINAL_amended_NOV2015.pdf?ua=1, One-hour endoscopic procedure could eliminate the need for insulin for type 2 diabetes, New clues to slow aging? Yogurt daily, happy belly! It is unclear what dosage of activated charcoal is safe. Charcoals are manufactured to absorb the germs, not to kill them. Check with your pediatrician. The bottle has 180 capsules total. The amount of activated charcoal to take for diarrhea may vary depending on your individual needs. A 24-hour stomach bug, or stomach flu, is a contagious virus that causes vomiting. Large doses of activated charcoal are used to treat poisoning, and few side effects occur. Charcoal may absorb smells and harmful gases, making it ideal as an underarm, shoe, and refrigerator deodorant. I like this product because it also contains fennel and other herbs for helping with GI symptoms like gas. Larger doses were most effective (20). You'll soon start receiving the latest Mayo Clinic health information you requested in your inbox. This product is available in the following dosage forms: There is a problem with And be careful with the fruit you eat when traveling in a developing country! But due to its powerful toxin-clearing properties, some advocates have proposed activated charcoal as a treatment for an ever-growing list of conditions. Moreover, this adverse pain is severe and uncontrollable. You might be at a greater risk if you have gut motility disorders, take opioid or antimuscarinic medications, or are taking MDAC (3). In fact, when it comes to kids, the risks outweigh any potential benefits . There is little research to prove this, though. WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. We include products we think are useful for our readers. https://s3.wp.wsu.edu/uploads/sites/2147/2018/01/Ancillary-Therapy-for-Calf-Diarrhea_CharcoalJan2018.pdfhttp://www.myhealth.gov.my/en/activated-charcoal/https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/charcoal-activated-oral-route/description/drg-20070087https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2791659/https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322609#possible-useshttps://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7117430/. The activated charcoal is well absorbed by the body and helps in removing the toxins through the feces. Sometimes called the hot dog of the sea, imitation crab is a popular ingredient in dishes like seafood salads, crab cakes or California sushi rolls. A recent study found that activated charcoal is an effective remedy to be used for diarrhea management. How much activated charcoal should you administer to a 55-pound child who swallowed a bottle of aspirin?-12.5 g-25 g-2 g/kg . diane says: 5 years ago . Heating gives the fine carbon powder a larger surface area, which . It is usually 1 to 2 grams per kg (0.45 to 0.91 gram per pound) of body weight given every two to four hours. It may also help lower cholesterol levels, though more research is necessary. Some people claim that it helps whiten your teeth, filters water, and even cures hangovers. It may also help lower cholesterol levels, fight symptoms of fishy odor syndrome, improve kidney function, and reduce gas and diarrhea. This is because stomach bugs occur due to a viral, bacterial, or parasitic infection rather than to toxins or poisoning. Read on to learn more, such as what people can use it for, safety concerns, and, Medical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. Unlike drug manufacturers, the makers of supplements dont have to show their products are safe or effective before selling them on the market. Can diet help improve depression symptoms? Review/update the Here are some of those forms. Activated charcoal may promote kidney function by reducing the number of waste products that your kidneys have to filter (10). See a doctor if your symptoms are severe or dont get better after a day or two! What dose of activated charcoal should you take? . Is it a coincidence that the diarrhea came back after I stopped consuming the charcoal?! Take activated charcoal to help counteract bloating and intestinal gas issues. When you take activated charcoal, drugs and toxins can bind to it. Each dose should be mixed with water. Here is a powdered form of activated charcoal available in 5oz, 10oz, 20oz and 40oz sizes. What are the benefits of activated charcoal? It is generally considered safe for older children to take activated charcoal. However, some of these benefits rely on research that is decades old, so their validity should be taken with a grain of salt. Researchers have reported that activated charcoal can help draw microparticles, such as dirt, dust, chemicals, toxins, and bacteria, to the surface of the skin, which makes removing them easier. Ordinarily, this medicine is not effective and should not be used in poisoning if corrosive agents such as alkalis (lye) and strong acids, iron, boric acid, lithium, petroleum products (e.g., cleaning fluid, coal oil, fuel oil, gasoline, kerosene, paint thinner), or alcohols have been swallowed, since it will not prevent these poisons from being absorbed into the body. Bananas An Ideal Fruit to Soothe Diarrhea, 7 Essential Oils for Diarrhoea and How to Use Them, Whiten Your Teeth Naturally Using Charcoal. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. This is something I was wondering throughout the day. There is no set dosage for activated charcoal. The following information includes only the average doses of these medicines. Its important to note that activated charcoal is not effective in all cases of poisoning. One study concluded that AC, in combination with rehydration fluids, was effective in treating nonspecific diarrhea in adult humans. How Much Activated Charcoal For Diarrhea. What Is Imitation Crab and Should You Eat It. There is never a good time for travelers diarrhea to hit you, but when is definitely not a good time? There is a problem with All rights reserved. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); How to Treat a Knife or Stab Wound When You Cant Call 911, Emergency Dental Kit For Disasters and Emergencies (and Why You Need One), Best Infrared Medical Thermometer for Humans (FDA Approved Only! . This product is available in the following dosage forms: Rotavirus vaccines are effective in protecting against a certain type of stomach bug. Charcoal cannot prevent these pathogens from multiplying and causing symptoms. So, its always easy to pick them up for your local vitamin shop or even online. (2018). Charcoal also absorbs liquids, which has made some people concerned that taking it could result in dehydration. Superheating natural sources of carbon, such as wood, produces activated charcoal. Plus, all relevant research was conducted in the 1980s, so newer findings are needed (21, 22, 23). Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine. information highlighted below and resubmit the form. [Also Read: Detox With Activated Charcoal]. Some companies make unproven claims about the abilities of charcoal. Aspiration pneumonitis can cause breathing difficulties and even death. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so. It is possible to have mild symptoms like black stool, vomiting, eye irritations, diarrhea, and constipation, as well as severe ones that could kill you. This may be because activated charcoal not only stops a drug from being absorbed but also helps your body eliminate already absorbed drugs more quickly (6, 7). Never take activated charcoal if you take medications without first checking with your doctor. Some people mix it with laxatives to avoid this . For poisonings, the Mayo Clinic recommends the following for a single dose: Adults and teenagers: 25-100 grams Children 1 - 12 years old: 25-50 grams Children under 1 year: 10-25 grams Activated charcoals serve the purpose well. The best treatment approach for people with stomach bugs consists of rest and hydration. Activated charcoal has various popular home uses. Activated charcoal does not prevent stomach bugs. It is very important that you shake the liquid form of this medicine well before taking it, because some might have settled in the bottom. Farmers often use activated charcoal to control diarrhea in calves. Diarrhea in general can cause a higher loss of fluids than normal, so whether you use charcoal or not, you want to make sure to drink up. This may include drugs such as: Do not use activated charcoal as a supplement if you take these medications. Normal use of activated charcoal for diarrhea on other patients has mild side effects. Manufacturers can turn this carbon into a powder, which some then sell as a dietary supplement. They at their best in concealing the painful outcome of diarrhea(2). When looking for a brand of activated charcoal for stomach bugs, ensure it doesnt contain any sweeteners or laxatives. Older studies suggest that taking it after this initial hour is unlikely to help (3). Just 50 grams of activated charcoal can have 17.5 times the surface area of a football field! However, as dehydration is already a risk of stomach bugs, people should not try activated charcoal without getting the approval of a doctor. She came down with a violent case of Diarrhea. To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information, and understand which However, its worth noting that hospital-grade activated charcoal has a very fine grain. But what does the science say about the benefits of activated charcoal? Here, we examine the scientific evidence for, What is hydrogen peroxide and what are its potential uses? Studies show that ingesting 50100 grams of activated charcoal within 5 minutes of taking a drug may reduce an adults ability to absorb that drug by up to 74% (2, 3). How Much Activated Charcoal Should I Give? As you are aware, Diarrhea is a form of the poisoning of the digestive system and stomach. Keep reading to learn more about using activated charcoal for a stomach bug. In one older study, taking 24 grams of activated charcoal per day for 4 weeks lowered total and LDL (bad) cholesterol by 25% each while raising HDL (good) cholesterol by 8% (19). Activated charcoal products are available for purchase online. All About Raw Honey: How Is It Different Than Regular Honey? Older human studies suggest that activated charcoal may help lower blood levels of urea and other waste products, as well as improve kidney function in people with chronic kidney disease (5, 11, 12). During her research, she found our web site and called us and ordered 28 oz. Activated charcoal is considered safe in most cases, and adverse reactions are infrequent. This content does not have an English version. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); We use cookies & other tools to enhance your experience on our website and to analyze our web traffic. I was hoping that it wasnt severe and that when I woke up it would be over. Other studies have observed similar conclusions, though the results are mixed. Activated charcoal dosing information Usual Adult Dose for Gastrointestinal Decontamination: Single dose: 50 to 100 grams orally Multiple dose: 50 to 100 grams orally every 4 to 6 hours Usual Adult Dose for Flatulence: 200 mg oral capsules: 1 or 2 capsules orally daily Charcocaps (R): 2 capsules orally; repeat every 2 hours as needed They experienced improved kidney function and a reduced rate of kidney inflammation and damage. The charcoal can be used as a way to treat it. All rights reserved. Hospitals use activated charcoal on drug overdose patients. If you have any questions about this, check with your health care professional. The exception is if you are taking medications: the AC can prevent you from absorbing the meds. The use of other components along with activated charcoal increases the value of such drugs. It doesnt taste great, but you can mix it into applesauce to take it. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. 1 to 12 years, single dose: 25 to 50 grams orally 1 to 12 years, multiple dose: 25 to 50 grams orally every 4 to 6 hours 12 and older, single dose: 50 to 100 grams orally 12 and older, multiple dose: 50 to 100 grams orally every 4 to 6 hours Renal Dose Adjustments Data not available Liver Dose Adjustments Data not available Precautions Its sold in both supplement and powder form, as well as added to various food and household products. Drinking One Cup of Activated Charcoal Lemonade Could Help Relieve Your Symptoms, Charcoal Toothpaste for Teeth Whitening: The Pros and Cons, I Learned What I Expected Testing Trendy Activated Charcoal Remedies, Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT, Benefits of Charcoal Soap: What the Science Says About This Popular Skin Care Ingredient. Children 1 through 12 years of ageDose is usually 25 to 50 grams mixed with water, or the dose may be based on body weight. However, activated charcoal can effectively work in the treatment of diarrhea, provided you rely on your physicians for the dose and intake of such drugs. Food poisoning Homemade respirator Water purifier Painkillers Chlorcystamine Moonshine . I often travel to undeveloped counties with a high risk of food poisoning, diarrhea, and stomach bugs. . Be sure to drink all the liquid. It is typically taken by mouth as a treatment for some swallowed poisons. This is where you want to do your research to decide how many you want to take. Can diet help improve depression symptoms? The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does regulate dietary supplements; however, it treats them like foods rather than medications. There are also no data on whether it is safe to use during a stomach bug or during pregnancy. All rights reserved. If you are taking any other medicine, do not take it within 2 hours of the activated charcoal. Furthermore, you should not self-administer activated charcoal as a poison or overdose treatment. Consult with your health care professional before considering any natural supplement or plant remedy for your health and wellness. It may be 0.5 to 1 gram per kg (0.23 to 0.45 gram per pound) of body weight. That's because the research results so far have been inconsistent. However, it depends on how finely-ground the AC is. For stomach bugs, the dosage is 500 to 1,200mg, two to three times per day. Treatment of viral gastroenteritis ("stomach flu"). Medical News Today only shows you brands and products that we stand behind. Learn what the terms cured and uncured bacon actually mean when you see them in the store. Activated charcoal is a natural remedy with various uses. Given its use as a gastrointestinal absorbent in overdoses and poisonings, it follows that some people might propose activated charcoal as a treatment for diarrhea. Another study found that AC effectively prevented diarrhea caused by the anti-cancer drug irinotecan, which disrupts gut flora. Last medically reviewed on November 26, 2021. Too much activated charcoal can be harmful, and it may interact with your medications. How much surface area? The good news is that you cant really take too much AC. It may be 0.5 to 1 gram per kilogram (kg) (0.23 to 0.45 gram per pound) of body weight mixed with water. Find out how much fiber you need, where to get it, and the best way to increase your daily intake. This can result in electrolyte imbalances or worsen constipation. Activated charcoal may have an antibacterial effect by absorbing harmful microbes from wounds. Any medical information published on this website is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional. Moreover, research suggests that activated charcoal may be beneficial if taken up to 4 hours after ingestion of delayed-release drugs, those which slow digestion, and large drug doses (3). Activated charcoal is an effective way to remove toxins from the blood system of your dog, but there are some risks associated with giving too much of it.