List of Human Foods Dogs Can and Can’t Eat

As the bonds between humans and dogs have evolved over centuries, our beloved four-legged companions have seamlessly woven themselves into the fabric of our lives. From loyal protectors to unwavering sources of affection, dogs have earned their place as cherished family members. And it’s only natural to want to share your food with them.

However, as much as we might want to indulge our pets with a taste of our culinary delights, it’s crucial to remember that not all human foods are safe for dogs. Many common foods we consider harmless can pose a significant health risk to canines. This is why responsible pet ownership extends beyond just monitoring their diet – it also includes safeguarding their well-being through measures such as regular veterinary care, proper training, exercise, and pet insurance to provide financial protection in case of unexpected health issues.

Fruits that Dogs Can Eat

Apples

Dogs can eat apples, which are a good source of vitamins A and C. They are also easy to digest for dogs that are getting up there in years. However, removing the seeds, core, and stem is important, as they contain trace amounts of cyanide, which can be fatal. Remove the skin, since apple skins may have pesticides that could harm canines.

Watermelon

Watermelon slices are a safe choice when looking for a snack to give your dog, and can be a hydrating treat on a hot summer day. However, give it in moderation and don’t make it a regular part of their diet. On average, don’t give more than one cup of diced watermelon to your dog, and only on an occasional basis.

Berries

Most berries, excluding blackberries, are safe for dogs to eat. Things like strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries are all safe choices and are easy and soft to chew for elderly dogs or dogs with dental issues. Berries are rich in antioxidants and low in sugar, but your dog should still only eat them in moderation. They should make up no more than 10% of your dog's daily diet.

Mango

Mango is a nice treat to give dogs occasionally, as it is full of vitamins and fiber, aiding digestion and overall health. However, it is vital to ensure it is skinned and the pit has been removed. In addition, dogs shouldn’t be allowed to consume too much mango, as it could upset their bellies. Don’t give your dog more than a quarter cup of fresh mangoes per week.

Cherries

You can give cherries to dogs, but with extreme caution. The leaves, pit, and stems of cherries all contain cyanide, which is highly toxic to most animals. However, once you remove those components, cherries can be a decent choice to treat your dog now and then.

Banana

Dogs can eat small portions of a banana, because it’s good source of potassium, vitamins, biotin, fiber, and copper. Due to their high sugar content, providing your dog with too many bananas too regularly could lead to an increased risk of diabetes or other health issues later on. Large dogs can eat one-half of a banana per day, while small dogs should eat no more than one or two small pieces. Dog owners should watch for signs of allergies the first time they feed their dogs bananas, as it is a common allergy in canines.

List of Fruits Dogs Can’t Eat

Grapes

While grapes may seem harmless, you should never let your dog ingest them under any circumstances. Grapes of any kind (cooked or seedless, white, or red) put dogs at risk of kidney failure, even in small amounts. This warning also includes raisins, which are even more concentrated than grapes. The exact reason for this is unknown, but experts think the tannins in grapes may not be digestible for canines.

Blackberries

While some dogs can consume blackberries in small amounts, others can get very sick. Due to their extremely high fiber content, blackberries can cause GI issues in some dogs, which can be dangerous. There is also a decently high risk of allergies, so if your dog consumes blackberries, you should watch them for symptoms like itchy ears, paws, and stomach; hives, vomiting, diarrhea, facial swelling, and ear infections. In addition, blackberries contain a compound called xylitol, which can cause toxicosis when consumed in excess.

Pomegranates

While pomegranates are not toxic to dogs, they still pose a high risk of making them sick. Small quantities of raw pomegranate seeds are not entirely dangerous, but consuming more than a few seeds can cause an upset stomach or gastrointestinal issues.

Vegetables Dogs Can Eat

Beets

Not only can dogs eat beets, but they are also a common ingredient in some commercial dog food brands. When served fresh and in moderation, beets have a lot of nutrients and health benefits to offer dogs. A daily serving of beets can provide your dog with much-needed fiber, vitamins, and minerals, as long as the serving does not exceed 15% to 20% of their daily diet.

Bell Peppers

Although not all dogs like them due to their potent smell, dogs that enjoy bell peppers are welcome to taste them from time to time. They are a low-calorie treat that contains plenty of healthy nutrients. Always remove the seeds and core of the peppers before feeding them to your dog.

Carrots

Carrots are an excellent choice for dogs. And, unlike most vegetables and fruits, the entire carrot plant is good for them. Frozen carrots can serve as a natural chew toy for dogs, and can also help improve their dental health in the process. They are also a good source of potassium, fiber, and many other vitamins. Like any other treat, carrots should not exceed 10% of your dog’s daily diet, and most dogs of average size should only consume two or three baby carrots per day.

Celery

Celery is suitable for dogs, and vets often recommend it as part of a nutritional diet for dogs that may need to lose a little weight. This is because they are high in fiber and vitamins and extremely low in calories. However, like most human foods, it is best provided in moderation. Large dogs can have up to one handful of chopped celery, while smaller dogs are best off with smaller portions.

Beans

Fresh – not canned – beans can be a good source of fiber. When providing your dog with beans, always cook them first, and don’t add any extras. Dogs can have a variety of beans, including black beans, lima beans, kidney beans, pinto beans, green beans, and navy beans. As with many vegetables, beans should never exceed 10% of your dog’s daily food intake.

Lettuce

Dogs can eat lettuce without getting sick, as lettuce leaves are 90% water and are low in calories. However, lettuce also provides little to no health benefits, so it may not be the best choice for a special treat. If you want to feed your dog lettuce, stick to one or two leaves of romaine, arugula, or iceberg lettuce.

Mushrooms

Mushrooms bought from the supermarket (preferably organic and unseasoned raw mushrooms) can be a safe choice for dogs. However, wild mushrooms are hard to tell apart from poisonous ones, so unless you’re an expert, leave them be. Some wild mushrooms can be incredibly toxic, poisonous, or hallucinogenic. Use even store-bought mushrooms in moderation to avoid an upset stomach.

Peas

Most types of peas are safe for dogs to consume on occasion. Green peas, snow peas, black-eyed peas, and a few other varieties are healthy options when served fresh or frozen. Small dogs should consume no more than a teaspoon, while larger dogs can have up to one tablespoon. Providing your dog with too many peas can cause bloating and indigestion.

Radishes

Crunchy red radishes are a safe and healthy vegetable for dogs to eat in moderation. They can be a good source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber, which are necessary for a dog’s digestive health. However, despite their names, horseradish and wild radishes are not actually radishes and can be extremely harmful to dogs. As with all treats, radishes should make up no more than ten percent of their daily calorie consumption.

Spinach

Spinach can be a safe choice for dogs in small quantities. When served fresh, it can provide a good amount of fiber and vitamins, which can boost their immune system and energy levels. Spinach in excess can cause kidney or digestive problems. For an average-sized dog, one to three tablespoons of spinach is enough.

Vegetables Dogs can’t Eat

Chives

Chives are toxic to dogs and cats alike. When chewed on, chives release a compound called organosulphide that is not digestible by most animals. When consumed raw, they can also release minuscule crystals that can irritate the mouth and throat. Chives can be a severe risk to a dog’s health, and if your dog consumes them, take them to the vet immediately.

Garlic

No matter how you prepare or serve garlic, it’s always extremely toxic to dogs. If dogs eat garlic, it can make them extremely ill, and too much garlic can even kill them if they don’t get immediate medical attention. If you believe your dog has consumed garlic, garlic powder, or any other garlic product, immediately take it to the vet.

Leeks

While a small slice of leek may not cause damage to your dog, they are a known toxin, and you should try to avoid it. Leeks contain a chemical that can damage a dog’s red blood cells, causing hemolytic anemia.

Onions

Cooked, raw, or otherwise prepared, all onions are dangerous for dogs. All parts of the onion plant, including juice, leaves, bulb, and even processed forms, are hazardous for canines, and should never be given to them. Onions can cause a permanent breakdown of a dog’s red blood cells, leading to hemolytic anemia, among other health problems.

Meat and Fish Dogs Can Eat

Chicken and Turkey

Natural chicken and other poultry with little to no seasonings or added fats is a perfectly healthy source of protein for dogs and is one of the most common ingredients in commercial dog foods. Chicken should always be fully cooked or correctly handled to avoid food poisoning and other illnesses.

Red Meats

When cooked or handled correctly, beef, venison, and lamb are excellent sources of protein, iron, and other vitamins necessary for a dog’s diet. Like chicken, it should be plain and unseasoned.

Meat Dogs Can’t Eat

Overly Fatty Meats

Meats that are excessively high in fat, such as bacon, are not a good option for canines, as they can cause upset stomach. Consistently overfeeding your dog fat may also lead to pancreatitis.

Processed Meats

You should generally avoid processed meats for dogs, as it is impossible to trace what’s in them or where they come from. As a result, ensuring that they have been prepared properly is nearly impossible.

Grains

No grains are directly harmful to dogs, but they are also not considered a necessary part of a dog’s diet. While some types of grain, such as oats and quinoa, offer some variety, they are often more filler than nutrition.

Keep Treats as Treats

The bottom line is that no matter what you feed your dog, a balanced, consistent diet is best. Keeping treats to the appropriate amounts is the best way to avoid upsetting the nutrient balance of your dog’s diet. Ensuring your dog eats plenty of nutrient-rich food can keep them happy and healthy long into old age.

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