Foods your dog can and can't eat
We know that a healthy dog is a happy dog. Every now and again our furry friends deserve a tasty treat, and this may mean some human food…
However, especially for a new owner or borrower, it’s not always clear what food dogs can and can’t eat. To make things a little easier, we're sharing this helpful infographic showing some common foods your dog should and shouldn’t eat. Take a look below.
Healthy snacks that dogs will love:
- Ice cubes
- Raw, meaty bones
- Fruit and veg, such as carrots and green beans
- Many owners keep a stock of canine training treats and these are fantastic. Just remember, moderation is key :)
Food/objects that you should not feed your dog:
- Cooked bones - Once cooked, bones can easily splinter and cause a hazard. Raw bones are great though, and will make your dog very happy.
- Onions and chives. In any form (raw, cooked, dry and powdered), onions can be toxic due to the disulfides and sulfoxides contained within them, both of which can cause severe anaemia and damage red blood cells.
- Grapes and raisins - Grapes contain a toxin that can cause liver damage and kidney failure for our puppy pals.
- Fat trimmings - these can cause bouts of Pancreatitis (a very painful condition) and should be avoided.
- Plants - Many plants are poisonous. Reference The Pet Poison Helpline for more information.
Food dogs can eat
Not sure what human food you can and can’t feed your pup, owned or borrowed? Our pawsome pals over at Animal Health have put together this list of the human food that your dog can eat, and top tips on how best to serve it.
FRUIT
When it comes to feeding your dog fruit, it's important to know which fruits offer health benefits and which ones should be avoided.
Apples
Benefits:
- Cleans residue off teeth whilst keeping gums healthy
- Keeps their breath fresh
- They are packed with vitamins A & C
Top Tip:
To avoid any potential choking, cut the apple into small slices and take out both the core and seeds.
Pumpkin
Benefits:
- Pumpkin is packed with vitamin A and fibre
- Ideal snack for dogs with sensitive stomachs
Top Tip:
Your dog can eat both fresh and canned pumpkin. Just make sure there are no added sugars or spices as these may not agree with your dog.
Coconut
Benefits:
- Coconuts contain lauric acid, which fights off viruses and helps develop the immune system
- Helps with clearing up flea allergies and hot spots
Top Tip:
Only ever allow your dog to eat the coconut flesh, because the outer shell can be painful when trapped in paws, and also poses a choking hazard. Coconut oil and milk are also healthy alternatives.
Peanuts
Benefits:
- Peanuts are packed with protein and fats that are beneficial to your dog’s health
Top Tip:
Only ever feed them plain peanuts, never salted, in moderation; too much fat could lead to issues with your dog's pancreas. Also, never be tempted to feed them any other types of nuts. Almonds, walnuts, and pecans can easily tear the windpipe if not chewed properly.
Squash
Benefits:
- Healthy source of provitamin A beta-carotene
- Good for healthy digestion
Top Tip:
Remove the seeds from the squash and you're good to go. Alternatively, you can freeze leftover slices for a refreshing summer treat.
Pineapple
Benefits:
- Contains calcium and potassium, good for oral health and energy
Top Tip:
Freezing the pineapple also makes for a good summer treat. Plus it's nice and crunchy, which may be beneficial for your dog’s dental health.
VEGETABLES
Many pet owners are tempted to feed their dogs all types of vegetables, most of which are fine to do so, but which are most beneficial for your dog’s health?
Courgette
Benefits:
- Healthy source of calcium, potassium, and folate
Top Tip:
Courgette can be fed in three ways to your dog: cooked, raw, or frozen - they love it all ways.
Kale
Benefits:
- High source of calcium, magnesium, and potassium
Top Tip:
Kale can be served raw, dry, or lightly steamed, with the latter being the preferred option as it is easier to digest.
Cucumber
Benefits:
- Low in calories
- Good source of potassium and calcium
Top Tip:
It's best to serve your dog raw cucumber; avoid frozen or cooked.
Broccoli
Benefits:
- High source of fibre, folate, and calcium
- Large amounts of vitamins A and C
Top Tip
You can feed broccoli to your dog either raw, cooked, or frozen. Steamed greens with flax seed oil will help to boost your dog's intake of omega fatty acids.
Turnips
Benefits:
- Healthy source of calcium and folate
- Low in calories
Top Tip:
Turnips can be served in several ways for you dog; raw, baked, or mashed.
Cauliflower
Benefits:
- Contains calcium, potassium, vitamin K, and folate
- Low in calories
Top Tip:
Similar to broccoli, it can be fed to your dog raw, frozen, or cooked.
Baby Carrots
Benefits:
- Contains high amounts of beta-carotene
- Can help to improve vision
Top Tip:
Mostly enjoyed raw by dogs, but you could try steaming them, or drying thin slices into crisps.
Peas
Benefits:
- Peas contain a healthy source of vitamin B, potassium, and phosphorous.
Top Tip:
Peas are a good addition to tinned dog food, either thawed or frozen.
Sweet Potatoes
Benefits:
- Similar to pumpkins, sweet potatoes are high in fibre and vitamin A
Top Tip:
Always steam or bake your potatoes, as this makes them easier for your dog to eat and digest.
SEAFOOD AND MEAT
Many dog owners are becoming more aware of the risks that specific meats and seafood can pose for dogs, so to ensure complete safety, take note of the following suggestions.
Salmon
Benefits:
- High in healthy omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins
Top Tip:
Never give your dog raw salmon; always cook it first to avoid a poorly pooch!
Tuna
Benefits:
- Great source of omega-3 fatty acids, which promotes eye and heart health
Top Tip:
Tuna contains small amounts of mercury, so feed it to your dog as an occasional treat; never give them canned tuna in oil, opting instead for tuna canned in spring water.
Shrimp
Benefits:
- High in antioxidants and low in calories
- Good source of calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin B12
Top Tip:
Similar to tuna, feed shrimp to your dog in moderation or as a treat. Always remove the shell and ensure they are fully cooked to avoid any potential harm.
Pork
Benefits:
- Good source of amino acids
- Packed with protein and is easily digestible
Top Tip:
Always feed your dog raw pork; when cooked it can become very salty and bad for their health.
DAIRY
When it comes to dairy, every dog is different, just like humans. Some may have no problem eating dairy products, while others may experience issues, so it’s all about learning which dairy products your dog loves, and which ones it doesn’t.
Cottage Cheese
Benefits:
- High in calcium and protein
Top Tip:
Only ever feed in small amounts. Bear in mind that your dog could be lactose intolerant, so never feed them huge amounts in one go.
Eggs
Benefits:
- Great source of protein, selenium, biotin, and riboflavin
Top Tip:
Eggs should be fully cooked before you feed them to your dog, i.e. no runny yolks; make sure you serve them without the shell and with no added seasonings.
GRAINS, SEEDS AND TREATS
Before you feed your dog grains, seeds and treats, it’s important to learn which ones are safe and which ones aren’t.
Rice
Benefits:
- Good source of energy and it helps dogs with an upset tummy
Top Tip:
Brown rice is lower in calories and higher in protein compared to standard white rice.
Flax Seeds
Benefits:
- Good source of omega-3 fatty acids, beneficial to healthy skin and coat
Top Tip:
Store flax seeds in an airtight container as they can go rancid very quickly. Flax seed oil is another decent alternative.
Oatmeal
Benefits:
- Good source of fibre, beneficial to older dogs suffering with bowel irregularities
Top Tip:
Always feed your dog plain and cooked oatmeal, never raw.
Peanut Butter
Benefits:
- High source of protein, vitamins B and K, and niacin
Top Tip:
Always use unsalted peanut butter as this doesn't contain any xylitol, which can be toxic to dogs.
If, for any reason, you suspect your dog has ingested something that could be potentially harmful, such as chocolate, medicine, rat poison, or an unusual household item, phone your vet immediately and arrange for the dog to be seen as soon as possible to be assessed and treated as necessary
We hope you found this helpful. Of course if you’re ever in any doubt or worried that your dog may have consumed something toxic we recommend contacting your local vet as soon as possible.
Many thanks to our friends at CyberPet.com for sharing this pawsome infographic!
Further info on poisonous plants to dogs
Garden plants poisonous to dogs
What to do if your dog has food poisoning
Preventing herbicide poisoning in dogs
Spring tips to keep your doggy safe
Protecting your dog from pests and insects
Foods your dog can and can’t eat
10 springtime hazards for dogs
Christmas foods to keep away from your dog
Dog poo colours: what do they mean?
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