You may already know that certain foods like chocolate are toxic to dogs, but there are actually several foods that are nutritious and tasty for humans but toxic for dogs. Below we will give you a list of safe and unsafe foods for dogs.
Remember, everything in moderation. Any dog, or anyone for that matter, can have a food sensitivity to a certain food. When giving your dog a new food for the first time, only offer a small piece or portion to see if there is any negative reaction, such as gas or diarrhea. While this is a treat for a dog, even though it is the healthiest option, it should only make up 10% of your dog’s diet, while the remaining 90% should come from a well-balanced dog diet.
Safe Foods for Dogs
There are many fruits, vegetables, meats, and other human foods that can be safely eaten by dogs in small portions. Check out the lists below of safe dog foods, categorized by food type.
Vegetables dogs can eat:
Remove all stems and leaves and cut into small edible pieces. Feed only a few pieces or a small portion.
- Broccoli
- Brussels sprouts
- Carrots
- Celery
- Corn (once the cob has been cut)
- Green beans
- Peas
- Potatoes (cooked)
- Spinach
- Sweet potatoes (cooked)
Fruit dogs can eat:
Remove all skin, pits, pits, seeds, rinds and stems, then chop into small edible pieces. Be careful because fruits contain water and sugar and too much can cause diarrhoea.
- Apples
- Bananas
- blueberries
- Cantaloupe
- Cranberries
- Cucumbers
- Mangoes
- Oranges
- Peaches
- Pears
- Pineapple
- Raspberries
- Strawberries
- Watermelon
Meat dogs can eat:
Feed most of these foods cooked and cut into small edible pieces. Only give raw meat to your dog if your veterinarian approves, as dogs with medical conditions or taking certain medications may have problems. Although safe meats are on this list, it is best to feed the leaner meats. See the rules to follow here and here.
- Beef
- Chicken
- Fish
- ham
- Lamb
- Pork
- Salmon
- Shrimp
- Tuna
- Türkiye
- Other human foods dogs can eat:
- Cut into small edible pieces.
- Bread
- Coconut (without the inedible outer layer)
- Eggs (fully cooked, without shells)
- Popcorn (without unpopped kernels)
- quinoa
- Wheat and cereals
Peanut Butter: Avoid brands that contain xylitol. It is high in fat, so give it only sparingly and never give it to dogs with chronic pancreatitis. Avoid peanuts because they are high in fat and could be toxic if they contain molds that cause aflatoxicosis.
Check out our list of safe and unsafe spices.
Dangerous foods for dogs
This next list is crucial to remember. It’s easy to accidentally drop a piece of food and let your pup pick it up. But this list may make you think twice next time.
Vegetables dogs can’t eat:
Asparagus: When raw, it is too difficult for dogs to eat and can become a choking hazard or cause intestinal blockage.
Mushrooms: Although many mushrooms are fine for dogs, some mushrooms that grow outdoors are poisonous. To be on the safe side, don’t let your dog eat wild mushrooms that grow outdoors.
Onions, leeks and chives: These come from the Allium plant family, which are not good for dogs.
Fruits that dogs cannot eat:
Attorney: Certain parts of the avocado — the pit, skin, and leaves — contain a toxin that causes vomiting in dogs, so avoid giving these parts to your dog. The safe meat part is high in fat, so not ideal for overweight dogs.
Cherries, plums, mangoes and peach pits, plus apple seeds: The pits and seeds contain cyanide, which in large amounts will poison your dog.
Grapes and raisins: These can cause kidney failure, so it’s best never to give them to dogs.
Tomatoes: A fresh, washed, and ripened red tomato cut into chunks itself is generally safe, but the green plant — the stems and leaves — are poisonous.
Other human foods that dogs cannot eat:
Almonds: non-toxic, but they can pose a choking hazard or cause bowel obstruction
Chocolate: not good for dogs and unsweetened dry cocoa powder, baking chocolate and dark chocolate are toxic to dogs
Cinnamon: Small quantities only. Use Ceylon cinnamon, not cassia, because cassia cinnamon contains coumarin, which can damage the liver if consumed in large amounts. Also, if your dog is on medication, consult your veterinarian as cinnamon has a mild blood-thinning effect.
Garlic: Better to stay away unless you work with your holistic vet. May cause problems for dogs with anemia, dogs with immune system problems, or young puppies who are still developing an immune system.
Ice: The safest way to avoid it. Sugar is not healthy to give your dog, and some dogs are lactose intolerant, and some ice cream contains xylitol. There are versions suitable for dogs.
Macadamia nuts: It is one of the most toxic foods for dogs. May cause macadamia nut toxicosis, which causes weakness, vomiting, hyperthermia, etc.
Nutmeg: Contains myristicin, which is toxic to dogs
Nut: Better to avoid. Nuts are not poisonous, but they can pose a choking hazard or cause bowel obstruction. If they are moldy, however, they can be poisonous.
Xylitol: Beware of this sugar substitute in things like peanut butter, ice cream or yogurt – it’s toxic to dogs
For more dog-friendly activities and tips for pet parents, check out other Dogster.com articles.