Determining what’s safe to share with your furry friend from your plate can be a bit of a puzzle. Some human foods can double as tasty treats for your pup, while others can be dangerous. This guide demystifies each item, explaining how it could affect your dog’s health. Let’s walk through 33 common foods.

Almonds 🌰

Although these crunchy snacks might be tempting to share with your dog, it’s better to avoid them. Almonds can be tough on a dog’s belly, and their small size can cause choking or even block their windpipe or digestive tract.

Bread 🍞

Bread is generally okay for dogs to nibble on sparingly. However, fancy slices of bread might have ingredients like raisins or artificial sweeteners, which can be bad news for your pup. Some of these added extras can be harmful to dogs.

Cashews 🥜

Cashews can be a nice dog treat but make sure they’re not raw. In their raw form, cashews can have a toxin that’s not good for dogs.

Cheese 🧀

A little bit of cheese can be okay for dogs, but remember, it’s quite rich, and some dogs might struggle to digest it. Foods with high fat, like cheese, can cause stomach issues and, in severe cases, even lead to a serious condition called pancreatitis.

Chocolate 🍫

It’s well known that chocolate and dogs don’t mix. Chocolate has substances called theobromine and caffeine that are bad for dogs. They can cause all sorts of problems like overexcitement, irregular heartbeats, fits, and sometimes even life-threatening.

Cinnamon 🍂

It’s best to leave cinnamon out of your dog’s diet. Although not directly poisonous, it can irritate your dog’s mouth, and if eaten in large amounts, it can cause upset tummies and make your dog sick or give them diarrhea. Plus, the strong smell might be too much for your dog’s super-sensitive nose.

Coconut 🥥

A little piece of fresh coconut might be a fun treat for your dog. But remember, coconut oil and milk are high in fat. While not toxic, if your dog has too much, it could lead to weight problems and even pancreatitis.

Corn 🌽

You’ll often find corn in dog food, and the kernels are safe for dogs. But beware of the cob – it can cause choking or, if swallowed, block your dog’s intestines. That could be really serious and might even need surgery to fix.

Eggs 🥚

Eggs are packed with good stuff for dogs, like protein, essential amino acids, and vitamins. Just make sure they’re fully cooked to kill off any bad bacteria and neutralize avidin, a protein in eggs that could stop your dog from getting all its vitamins.

Fish 🐟

Fish like salmon and tuna can be great for dogs when properly cooked, as they’re full of healthy omega-3 fatty acids. But never give your dog raw or undercooked fish, as it can be full of nasty parasites or bacteria.

Garlic 🧄

Garlic is really not good for dogs. It has stuff in it that can damage your dog’s red blood cells, causing hemolytic anemia. This can make your dog weak, unsteady, and in severe cases, may need a blood transfusion.

Ham 🍖

Although it might seem like a nice meaty treat, it’s best to avoid giving your dog ham due to its high salt and fat content. Too much salt can make your dog drink and pee excessively and can even cause sodium ion poisoning. High-fat foods like ham can also lead to pancreatitis.

Honey 🍯

A little bit of honey can be okay for dogs. It has many nutrients, including vitamins A, B, C, D, E, K, potassium, calcium, and antioxidants. But honey is very sugary, so too much can lead to weight gain and tooth problems.

Ice Cream 🍦

Although many people love ice cream, it’s not a good choice for dogs. It’s loaded with sugar, leading to weight problems and diabetes in dogs. Some flavors also have ingredients that are toxic to dogs, and some even contain an artificial sweetener called xylitol, which is really bad for them.

Macadamia Nuts 🌰

Macadamia nuts are super dangerous for dogs. Even a few can make your dog sick, with symptoms like vomiting, high temperatures, and difficulty walking. It can even harm your dog’s nervous system in the worst cases.

Milk 🥛

Many dogs can’t digest milk properly, leading to an upset tummy, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Peanut Butter 🥜

Many dogs love the taste of peanut butter, and it can be a good treat or a way to hide medication. Just ensure it doesn’t contain an artificial sweetener called xylitol, which is very harmful to dogs.

Peanuts 🥜

Peanuts are generally okay for dogs as an occasional treat. Just make sure they’re unsalted and don’t have any added flavorings. Remember that peanuts are high in fat, so don’t overdo it.

Popcorn 🍿

Unsalted, unbuttered popcorn can be a nice, low-calorie treat for your dog. Just watch out for the unpopped kernels. They’re hard and could choke your dog or cause blockages in its belly if swallowed.

Pork 🐖

Plain, cooked pork is fine for dogs. But processed pork products like bacon or ham can be bad for them because they’re often full of salt and other additives.

Quinoa 🍚

This grain is full of protein and can be a healthy addition to your dog’s diet when cooked. You’ll often find it in good-quality dry dog foods.

Salmon 🐟

Cooked salmon is full of good-for-your-dog omega-3 fatty acids. But raw or undercooked salmon can carry a parasite that causes a serious and potentially fatal illness called salmon poisoning disease.

Shrimp 🍤

Fully cooked, plain shrimp can be a lean protein treat for your dog. But raw shrimp should be avoided, as it can carry harmful bacteria that can make your dog very sick.

Tuna 🐟

Cooked tuna can be good for your dog in moderation. It’s lean protein and contains omega-3 fatty acids. But be careful not to give too much, as too much tuna can lead to mercury poisoning.

Turkey 🦃

Turkey is often used in dog food. Plain, cooked turkey is a great lean protein for dogs. Just make sure it doesn’t have any seasoning, especially garlic, and onion, which are toxic to dogs.

Wheat/Grains 🌾

Most dogs are okay with grains like wheat and rice. But some dogs can be allergic, which can cause skin issues, tummy troubles, and other health problems. If you notice anything unusual, talk to your vet.

Yogurt 🍦

Plain, unsweetened yogurt can be good for dogs, offering protein and helpful bacteria. But avoid flavored or sweetened yogurts due to high sugar and potentially toxic artificial sweeteners.

Apples 🍎

Apples can be a healthy snack for dogs, offering vitamins and fiber. Just take out the seeds and core before giving it to your dog, as they contain cyanide, which is bad for dogs in large quantities.

Bananas 🍌

Bananas can benefit dogs, offering potassium, vitamins, and biotin. But they’re sugary, so only give bananas as a treat now and then to avoid weight gain and other issues.

Blueberries 🫐

Blueberries are great for dogs. They’re full of antioxidants, fiber, and good stuff that can contribute to overall health.

Carrots 🥕

Carrots are good for dogs and can even help clean your dog’s teeth as they chew. They’re low in calories and full of vitamins and fiber.

Green Beans 🌱

Cooked green beans are good for dogs. They’re a source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Just serve them plain, without any added salts or flavors.

Oranges 🍊

Oranges are okay for dogs in small amounts. They’re full of vitamin C and can be a sweet treat. But, because they’re sugary, only give them to your dog occasionally.

While variety can be fun, remember that the best way to keep your dog healthy is to feed a balanced diet specifically for dogs, with safe human foods as occasional treats. Always chat with your vet before trying new foods with your dog, as individual dogs might have specific dietary needs or reactions.

 

 

FAQs

Are there any fruits that my dog should avoid?

While some fruits like apples and bananas are safe for dogs in moderation, others like grapes and cherries can be extremely toxic. Grapes, including dried grapes like raisins, can lead to kidney failure. Cherries contain cyanide, which is harmful to dogs.

My dog accidentally ate some chocolate. What should I do?

If your dog ingests chocolate, it’s important to contact your vet immediately. Theobromine, an ingredient found in chocolate, can cause serious health issues in dogs. The severity depends on the type and amount of chocolate eaten and the dog’s size.

How can I introduce new human foods into my dog’s diet safely?

Start by introducing new foods in small amounts, and always watch for any adverse reactions such as changes in behavior, digestive problems, or allergies. Stop giving the new food and consult your vet if you notice anything unusual.

I heard avocados are harmful to dogs. Is this true?

Yes, avocados contain a toxin called person, which can cause upset stomachs in dogs. Also, the large seed can be a choking hazard.

Can my dog eat chicken bones?

No, it’s not safe for dogs to consume chicken bones. They can easily splinter and cause blockages or tears in the digestive tract.

Is it okay for my dog to consume food with added salt or sugar?

It’s best to avoid giving your dog foods with added salt or sugar. High sodium levels can lead to dehydration and high blood pressure, while too much sugar can cause obesity, dental problems, and even diabetes.