Dog owners, new and old, often ask themselves the following question: “What human food can dogs eat?” We’re here to help you answer that question.
We’re going to go over a comprehensive list of some typical foods found in our homes that are safe for our pets – and some that are not.
What Vegetables Can Dogs Eat?
Vegetables can provide an important supply of nutrients and vitamins to our dogs. But some vegetables are prohibited for consumption because of the toxic substances they contain. Read below for more information on these vegetables.
Can Dogs Eat Tomatoes?
Ripe tomatoes are acceptable in moderation and as an occasional snack. However, the green parts of the tomato, the stem and the leaves are poisonous to dogs.
The same goes for green and unripe tomatoes. They contain a substance called solanine, which is harmful to dogs.
Can Dogs Eat Cucumbers?
Yes, cucumbers are safe for our furry friends. You can give a few cucumbers as a treat, as most dogs like the crunchy side.
Cucumbers are especially beneficial in the summer because they are full of water, which means they can help your pet stay hydrated in the heat.
Can Dogs Eat Broccoli?
Yes, in small quantities. Broccoli, whether cooked or raw, is packed with vitamins and fiber, and it’s low in fat. In other words, your dog can enjoy it as long as there is no additional oil or seasoning added.
That being said, broccoli does contain isothiocyanate, an ingredient that is harmful to dogs, so again, only give them small amounts.
Can Dogs Eat Potatoes?
It depends. Potatoes are from the same family as tomatoes, so never feed your dog a raw potato. Only boiled and baked potatoes should be fed to your dog – fried potatoes (including French fries) are too unhealthy and can lead to obesity.
That said, if your dog has diabetes, potatoes should be avoided as they can cause blood sugar spikes.
Can Dogs Eat Sweet Potatoes?
Yes, sweet potatoes are a healthier alternative to regular potatoes. They contain many more vitamins and minerals which are beneficial for your pet.
But just like regular potatoes, do not forget to cook them well and feed them in small batches.
Can Dogs Eat Mushrooms?
It depends. Store-bought mushrooms are generally safe, but make sure they’re fully cooked, with no oils, sauces, or spices. In other words, only plain mushrooms are good for dogs. Also, never feed your dog wild mushrooms – they can be fatal.
Are Onions Bad For Dogs?
Yes, onions are poisonous to dogs. They are part of the Allium family and contain a chemical called N-propyl disulfide, which causes red blood cells to break down. This leads to anemia and other health problems.
How Much Onion is Poisonous for Dogs? About 0.5% of their body weight can make dogs sick. So a normal sized bunion can make a medium sized dog sick. The smaller the dog, the less it can consume.
Is Garlic Bad for Dogs?
Yes, like onions, it is part of the allium family, which means it is poisonous. For your dog, eating more than 0.5% of their body weight can cause serious problems. To put this in perspective, a pod weighs about 0.1 oz.
So, when it comes to what human food dogs can eat, a clove or two won’t kill your dog, but you should keep him away for safety’s sake all the same.
We must point out that some websites claim that garlic helps fight fleas and ticks. However, this has not been scientifically proven and the risk is not worth it.
Is lettuce good for dogs?
Yes, lettuce is good for dogs. It can be a great low calorie snack, especially in the summer. Just be sure to cut it into small pieces to aid digestion.
Also, remember to give it in moderation – too much can cause stomach problems and diarrhea.
Are Legumes Part of the Food Dogs Can Eat?
Yes, in moderation. Legumes are high in fiber and protein, making them suitable food for dogs. However, they are also high in calories and carbohydrates, so they should be consumed in moderation. Let’s take a look at the most common legumes.
Can Dogs Eat Beans?
Yes, as long as you avoid refried, canned or baked beans with lots of spices. Let the beans soak before cooking to avoid gas. Always cook without seasoning for your dogs.
Can Dogs Eat Lentils?
Yes, they are a great source of iron and vitamins. Lentils contain the most protein of the legume family. Like beans, be sure to soak them first and cook them without adding any spices.
Can Dogs Eat Snow Peas?
Yes. Peas are easier to digest than other legumes and are packed with nutrients. For this reason, peas are often included in commercial dog foods.
That being said, dogs with kidney problems should stay away from it, as peas contain purines, which produce uric acid. Too much of this acid can lead to kidney stones and other problems.
Can Dogs Eat Pumpkins?
Yes, pumpkin is a great food for dogs because it promotes digestive health. Pumpkin seeds, for example, can help fight worms and other intestinal parasites.
Raw pumpkin, while edible, may not be as appealing to dogs. The best way to serve it is therefore to cook it, mash it and add it to their food or serve it as a treat.
Also avoid pumpkin pie mixes, as they usually contain sugar and other spices.
What fruits can dogs eat?
Fruits are a delicious snack. They are full of vitamins, antioxidants, and contain a lot of water, which can help our dogs stay hydrated.
But not all fruit is safe for our furry friends. Below are some fruits that dogs can eat and some that they cannot.
Are bananas good for dogs?
Yes, bananas are safe for dogs. They contain potassium, vitamins B6 and C, and fiber. Bananas also contain sugar, which means that only small amounts should be given.
In addition, the skins are not toxic, but they can be difficult to digest. Can Puppies Eat Bananas? You should always check the puppies’ needs with your veterinarian.
Can Dogs Eat Apples?
Yes, apples are rich in vitamins A, C and fiber. They’re also low in fat and calories, making them a great treat. Don’t forget to remove the core and seeds. Also cut it into slices or smaller pieces for easier chewing.
Can Dogs Eat Berries?
Berries are packed with vitamins and antioxidants and are very healthy for humans. But are they safe for our pets? Discover the most common berries and our verdict below.
Are strawberries safe for dogs?
Yes, strawberries are a great source of antioxidants and are loaded with health benefits. Try mixing them with food, mashing them, or even serving them frozen in the summer to keep your pet cool.
Can Dogs Eat Blueberries?
Absolutely. Blueberries are full of antioxidants and have many health benefits, such as improving your dog’s vision and general health. On top of that, they are very low in calories.
Yes, in moderation. Like most berries, raspberries are loaded with antioxidants, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. But they contain large amounts of xylitol.
This natural sweetener can be toxic to dogs if consumed in large quantities. As long as you give your dog a cup or less, raspberries are safe.
Can Dogs Eat Grapes?
No. You should never feed grapes or raisins to your dogs – they are highly poisonous and can cause serious health problems. Scientists have yet to find the exact reason why this fruit causes such a severe reaction, so avoid it in any of its forms.
While some of the most common berries are safe and nutritious, wild berries belong to the group of foods that are toxic to dogs.
Can Dogs Eat Melon?
Yes, they can. Melons are safe to eat and contain many vitamins. Watermelons, in particular, are a great way to keep your puppy hydrated.
Just keep in mind that some types of melons are high in sugar. In addition, peel the skin and remove the seeds before feeding the fruit to your dog.
Can Dogs Eat Avocado?
It depends. The skin and stones are very toxic to dogs, while a small amount of flesh should not be harmful. Many vets still recommend avoiding avocado, in general.
Nonetheless, if your dog accidentally eats a tiny bit of the flesh, don’t panic – he won’t be in danger.
Can Dogs Eat Pineapple?
Yes, in moderation. Pineapple is full of vitamins, minerals, and fiber, but it’s also packed with sugar.
So a small amount is fine for your dog. Prefer fresh pineapple over canned one, as canned goods usually contain added sugar. Also, always peel the skin and remove the core.
Can dogs eat black olives or olive oil?
It depends. If olives are plain and unsalted, they can be a healthy source of fat. Remember to always remove the core.
When it comes to olive oil, most vets recommend extra virgin oil because it is less acidic.
Can Dogs Eat Cherries?
It depends. The flesh is harmless, but the leaves, stems, and kernel contain cyanide, which is very toxic to dogs.
However, you should know that the toxin is released when the leaves and stems are withered. Likewise, when the kernels are crushed/chewed.
So don’t panic if your dog swallows the pit without chewing it – it will simply pass through their digestive system.
That said, it is always safer to keep cherries away from your dog.
Can Dogs Eat Mangoes?
Yes, mangoes are a delicious snack that is packed with vitamins and fiber. Just remove the core and skin, and cut it into small pieces to aid digestion.
Can Dogs Eat Citrus Fruits?
Although this is a category of fruit, citrus fruits are more acidic and slightly different from other fruits. So, are citrus fruits on the list of human foods dogs can eat? This is what we are going to find out.
Can Dogs Eat Oranges and Tangerines?
Yes, in moderation. The flesh is full of vitamins and fiber. However, it also contains a lot of sugar, so only feed your dog small amounts.
Always remove the skin, as it can cause digestion problems.
Can Dogs Eat Lemons, Limes, and Grapefruits?
No, these fruits are very acidic and will most likely cause digestive problems. Plus, they’re so bitter that dogs are unlikely to eat them.
They’re not dangerous in small amounts, however, so don’t panic if your dog accidentally eats a bit of them.
What Kinds of Bones Can Dogs Eat?
About 43% of dog owners buy premium dog food. But most people, including these owners, donate bones to their dogs.
While bones and dogs are always imagined together, not all bones are safe. Let’s see it in detail.
Safe bones
First, choose raw bones and go for beef or lamb bones. The bigger the bone, the better, because it takes longer to break and there is less chance of suffocation.
Always supervise your dog and feed him bones as a treat, not a main meal.
When it comes to bones, what can’t dog to eat?
Never feed cooked bones, as they are brittle and can suffocate your dog, cut his mouth and throat, or pierce his intestines.
Chicken, fish and turkey bones are also prohibited for the same reason.
Are eggs good for dogs?
Eggs are a great example of a safe human food for dogs.
They are a good source of protein and are very nutritious. But if you are wondering if dogs can eat raw eggs, the answer is no. Raw eggs can make your dog sick.
And don’t worry about cholesterol – it doesn’t affect dogs the same way we do.
Can Dogs Eat Dairy Products?
Like humans, some dogs do not respond well to dairy products. So, are dogs lactose intolerant? Many dogs are, which means you need to be careful before giving your pet dairy products.
But not all dairy products contain the same amount of lactose. Read below for more details.
Can Dogs Drink Milk, Eat Yogurt, or Eat Ice Cream?
It depends. Milk contains the greatest amount of lactose.
So if your dog is known to have a bad reaction to milk, it is best to avoid it. Yogurt and ice cream contain less lactose. So small amounts should be sufficient.
Is cheese safe for dogs?
It depends on the cheese, as some types can be harmful (blue cheese, cheeses with onions and herbs, etc.).
However, cheese is still much safer than other dairy products. So, as long as you only use it as an occasional treat and stick to the safer types, your dog should be fine.
Does Chocolate Kill Dogs?
Chocolate is often at the top of the list of toxic foods for dogs. Many people are aware of it, but what is its real harmfulness?
The general theory is that the darker the chocolate, the more toxic it is; the smaller your dog, the less chocolate he can handle.
So how much chocolate can kill a dog? For an average 50-pound dog, it takes about 1 oz of dark chocolate or 9 oz of milk chocolate to be chocolate poisoned.
A regular Hershey bar can be fatal for miniature dogs.
Can Dogs Eat Seafood?
It depends. Generally, cooked and cleaned seafood is okay, but let’s take a look at a few examples.
What can I feed my dog?
Cooked, cleaned and boned fish can be very nutritious for our dogs. Wild salmon and sardines are great sources of omega-3s, healthy fats and protein.
Shellfish are also okay if you clean them well and cook them.
What can’t dog to eat?
Raw fish, shellfish, fish bones and shellfish are still prohibited. Seasoned seafood, even cooked, should also be avoided. Some types of fish, like tuna, are high in mercury, so you should avoid them as well.
Is bread bad for dogs?
It depends. Bread is generally safe for dogs as long as it doesn’t contain raisins, garlic, or other ingredients known to be toxic to dogs.
Also, since bread is not very nutritious, feed it only in moderation.
Are nuts bad for dogs?
It depends. Peanuts, pecans, and unsalted cashews are safe, but like other nuts, they are high in fat.
Some nuts, such as almonds and pistachios, can pose a choking hazard. Additionally, macadamia nuts are one of the most toxic foods for dogs and should be banned.
Can Dogs Eat Sugar?
Sugar can cause all kinds of health problems in dogs, which is why it is generally not recommended.
The sugars in fruit are generally acceptable in small amounts (not from grapes), but refined sugars are one of the foods dogs cannot eat.
Xylitol and chocolate, as mentioned earlier, are poisonous and you should be wary of them.
Processed/cooked food
If you are wondering if dogs can eat pizza, pasta, or other leftover food, the answer is no.
Processed foods are often filled with fillers and artificial ingredients. They are very bad for your dog’s health, and although they are not toxic, they can cause serious health problems in the long run.
What Other Human Foods Can Dogs Eat?
Honey – in small amounts, because it contains sugar.
Cooked white rice – great for an upset stomach
Chia and flax seeds – good source of fat, but eat in moderation.
Unsalted peanut butter: a great treat, but high in fat.
Carrots – Dogs love the crunchy side, it’s good for dental health.
Plain popcorn: low in calories and rich in nutrients.
Corn – found in many dog foods
A quick summary of toxic foods for dogs
A staggering 35.7% of dog spending is spent on veterinary expenses. To make sure none of these expenses go about saving your dog from food poisoning, let’s review the foods you need to keep away from your dogs:
Grapes
Avocado
Garlic
Onion
Wild berries
Chocolate
Refined sugars and xylitol
Raw meat
Cooked bones
Most citrus fruits
Cherries
Wild mushrooms
Note that this list of foods dogs cannot eat is not complete and is just items that can often be found in the home. Always check with your vet and research if you are unsure.