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What Foods Can’t Dogs Eat?
Whilst your dog would probably eat just about any food that you put in front of them, there are many human foods that they can’t eat as they can cause a range of health issues, including life-threatening problems. However, it’s not always easy to know which foods are safe, and many owners often question ‘what can dogs not eat’ during the early stages of dog ownership.
It’s so important to know what dogs can and can’t eat for their own safety and to stop an emergency trip to the vet. If you’re ever unsure of what a dog can and can’t be fed, it’s always better to not give it to them to be on the safe side.
It’s advisable to stick to feeding your pooch dog food as their main diet, which is available in many different flavours and even specialised for certain dietary requirements, ensuring that your dog is getting all the nutrients they need to be healthy!
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10 Human Foods Dogs Can Eat
Whilst it’s important to know the foods that your furry friend can’t eat as it can be harmful to them, there are still plenty of human foods that are safe to feed your dog every now and then that can even be beneficial for their health!
There are so many foods that are off limits, such as chocolate, so it can get a little confusing for dog owners to decide what their pup can consume. In fact, the top 10 most searched questions about what can be fed to a dog include:
Can dogs eat bananas?
Can dogs eat strawberries?
Can dogs eat apples?
Can dogs eat blueberries?
Can dogs eat grapes?
Can dogs eat pineapple?
Can dogs eat tomatoes?
Can dogs eat watermelon?
Can dogs eat cheese?
Can dogs eat mushrooms?
This just shows how confusing it can be to determine what can be fed to our beloved pooches! But if you want to switch up your dogs treats every once in a while, here are 10 safe foods for dogs:
1. Blueberries
Blueberries are not only good for humans, but they’re healthy for dogs too! Packed full of antioxidants, they can help to prevent cell damage and also contain plenty of fibre and vitamins such as C and K. They are a great low-calorie treat and can be given as a snack in moderation.
Just like you would with toddlers, if the blueberries are large then cut them in half to prevent them from being a choking hazard, this shouldn't be an issue as blueberries are quite small, but if you have a tiny pooch then it's better to be on the safe side!
2. Apples
Apples are a healthy and tasty treat to give your furry friend. Not only are they delicious, they can also keep your dog's teeth squeaky clean and their breath as fresh as ever!
Whilst apple slices are a great snack, the core and the seeds can be harmful to your pooch, so remember to never give these parts to your dogs, especially the seeds, as they contain and release harmful chemicals when chewed.
3. Rice
Rice can be a great addition to a dog's diet, however, this doesn't mean you should serve it alone as a meal on a daily basis. Rice can be eaten by dogs in moderation as part of a balanced diet and should be cooked and served completely plain without any salt or seasonings.
White rice is great for pooches with an upset stomach, brown rice has more nutritional value. It is really important to know which rice to give to your furry friend, as brown rice can be harder to digest and dogs that have gastrointestinal issues should not eat this at all. It is best to get advice from your vet to decide which would be better based on your dog's health issues.
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4. Peanut Butter
Peanut butter is a real treat for dogs! It is also a very sneaky way of getting your pooch to eat their medication without them knowing about it - what they don't know won't harm them!
Peanut butter is a real hero, you can put it on dog chew toys to help keep your furry friends occupied, it can be used for training and it can even be smeared on the bath for those pooches that hate bathtime!
However, it is so important to ensure that the peanut butter you feed them does not contain xylitol, as this can be very toxic to dogs and can even be fatal - even in small doses - so opt for the natural kind with no additives!
Whilst peanut butter is an amazing treat, it shouldn't be fed to dogs that are overweight, on a special diet or have kidney-related issues, due to the high salt content.
5. Yoghurt
Yoghurt is great for dogs as it contains protein, calcium and probiotics that are good for the digestive system. It's important to feed your dog the right yoghurt, though, as it does contain lactose and can be hard for them to digest. Plain and Greek yoghurt are both safe for your dog to consume and better for their digestive system.
If you feed your dog yogurt as a treat and find them to showcase symptoms such as vomiting, gas and diarrhoea, it may be that the lactose is irritating their stomach, so it would be best to stop feeding it to them. There are lactose-free and low-calorie yoghurts available, such as Frozzy’s dog yoghurt, that are made for your furry friends and will suit their tummy much better!
It’s best to cut up the strawberries rather than feed them whole to ensure they don't become a choking hazard.
7. Watermelon
Watermelon is a nice refreshing treat for your furry friend and will keep them hydrated, especially during the hot summer months when they may not drink enough water!
Whilst it's a sweet treat, there are still things to be cautious of, such as the seeds, as they need to be removed before your pooch can eat it. It is also important not to feed them the rind of the fruit, as it can cause an upset tummy!
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8. Oatmeal
Oatmeal is great for those sensitive tummies that don't react well to grains or wheat. It also contains vitamin B and linoleic acid, which all help to keep your pooch’s skin and fur healthy and shiny.
Whilst it's great to feed your dog fibre, it should only be given in moderation, as too much fibre can cause stomach issues. It is better to stay away from flavoured instant oatmeal, as it can be high in sugar. When making oatmeal, ensure that it is only prepared with water and is properly cooked through so that your furry friend can digest it properly.
9. Pineapple
A few chunks of fresh pineapple is a great treat for dogs, but be sure to avoid tinned pineapple as it contains too much sugar and can be bad for your dog's digestive system.
You could even try freezing a few pieces of pineapple and giving it as a frozen treat in the summer. It contains plenty of vitamins and fibre, making it a healthy treat for your pooch!
10. Mango
Mango contains vitamins A, B, C, E and is a very tasty treat for your pooch! It is high in fibre, so will be gentle on your dog's digestive system. Remember to remove the pit as this can be very toxic if chewed and it's also always best to cut fruit up into smaller pieces to avoid it being a choking hazard to your furry friend.
What Can’t Dogs Eat?
Whilst there are plenty of human foods that are safe and healthy for a dog to consume, there are many that aren’t and should be completely kept away from your pooch to ensure that they stay healthy and don't suffer from any health issues.
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There are a variety of fruits that you can feed your furry friend, but remove the seeds, as these can be very poisonous to a dog and can release toxic chemicals when chewed. It's also always important to only feed your dog human foods in moderation to avoid health issues such as digestive disorders. Here are 10 foods that you should avoid feeding your dog:
1. Grapes
Feeding your dog grapes is a big no, no! They are very toxic and can be extremely dangerous for your dog. When eaten, grapes can cause kidney failure so it’s important to know the signs to look out for, including:
Loss of appetite
Lethargy/weakness
Dehydration
Vomiting
Diarrhoea
If you think that your pooch may have eaten a grape, then it's best to get in contact with your vet immediately and head over to the clinic. Once under the care of the vets, they can then provide medication to help induce vomiting, which will remove the grapes from the system.
It's important to be wary around the Christmas period, when dried fruit desserts are more likely to be in your household, so make sure to keep these foods out of reach from your dog.
2. Onions
Onions can be really be toxic to dogs due to an element known as N-propyl disulfide. If ingested, it can cause serious health complications such as anaemia, as it causes damage to red blood cells.
Other foods that should be avoided that are part of the onion family are garlic, chives, shallots and leeks, as these can all also cause similar health issues.
Some symptoms on onion toxicity include:
Pale gums
Red urine (or similar in colour)
Fainting
Lethargy/weakness
If these symptoms occur, the best thing to do is get in touch with your vet and get to the clinic so they can start taking blood samples and provide the right treatment for your pet
3. Mushrooms
You should avoid feeding your dog mushrooms as they are poisonous, but it’s also important to look out for them when taking your dog for a walk, as there may be mushrooms growing in the grass that your dog might eat without a thought.
If your dog happens to eat one, it can cause health issues, such as problems with the gut, kidneys and liver. However, accidents happen, and if you suspect your dog has accidentally ingested mushrooms, then you should take them to your vet, who will be able to treat them and get them on the road to recovery.
4. Cheese
Dogs are very sensitive to dairy, so cheese should be avoided. Although it's not toxic to dogs, it can cause digestive issues, such as an upset stomach, so you should be really cautious if you do decide to give your pooch a taste!
Cheese is also high in fat, so could lead to weight gain if consumed frequently, so save it as a treat for rare occasions, you can always stick to more dog-friendly treats that are better for your pet.
5. Chocolate
Chocolate should be avoided at all costs, as it contains toxic substances that can be very harmful - even life threatening. This is because dogs can’t digest the chemicals quickly enough, leading to the metabolic process slowing down and eventually stopping.
Even a small amount can lead to chocolate poisoning in dogs, causing symptoms such as vomiting or diarrhoea. If consumed in larger amounts, it can impact heart function and cause seizures.
If your pooch has ingested ANY amount of chocolate, then the best thing to do is get in contact with the vets and head over to the clinic as soon as possible. The sooner they are under the care and supervision of a veterinarian the better! They can provide IV drugs and fluids to help your dog and quickly get them on the road to recovery!
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6. Caffeine
If you are guilty of leaving your tea or coffee mug laying around, then the chances are that your pooch will naturally want to drink whatever is left in there! Caffeine can be toxic to dogs when ingested in large amounts, as they are very sensitive to it. It can cause their heart rate to increase, which isn't good for their health and can lead to cardiac arrhythmias and seizures.
Although a small amount of coffee isn't enough to cause caffeine poisoning, larger amounts may cause the following symptoms:
Restlessness
Panting
Elevated heart rate/blood pressure
Vomiting
Hyperthermia
If you are worried that your dog has ingested caffeine and spot any of these symptoms, then take your furry friend to the vet immediately, who will be able to keep an eye on them and provide them with the right treatments to get the pesky caffeine out of their system, such as vomit inducing tablets and drips to keep your dog hydrated.
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7. Macadamia nuts
Macadamia nuts are poisonous to dogs, and whilst you may not have them laying around in the kitchen, there are plenty of foods that contain them, such as cookies and cakes. Even if a small amount is ingested it can cause severe symptoms such as:
Vomiting
Hyperthermia
Lethargy/weakness
Ataxia
It is important to contact the vets immediately if any nuts have been ingested by your pooch, so that they can provide a vomit-inducing medication to help rid their system of traces.
8. Avocado
When ingested in large amounts, avocado can cause a number of problems for your pooch, anything from vomiting and diarrhoea to pancreatitis. But it's not just the flesh you need to be careful of, the pit can also be a choking hazard if mistaken for a ball!
If your dog does have a little taste of your avocado on toast, then consult your vet for advice on how to manage the situation.
9. Tomatoes
It is best to avoid feeding your dog tomatoes as they can cause poisoning. This is because the green leaf and stem contain a substance called ‘tomatine’, which can be harmful to dogs, so if you are growing your own tomatoes in your garden and also have a curious pooch, be extra careful!
Tomatine poisoning isn't usually fatal, but it's still best to be cautious, so if your dog is showing any irregular symptoms, then a call and trip to the vet to be on the safe side is the best decision.
10. Citrus
Dogs tend to stay away from citrus fruits due the smell and bitter taste, but the flesh and rind can cause digestive issues, and the seeds can be toxic and if chewed. If your pup ingests citrus fruit, it’s best to seek advice from the vet as they’ll be able to prescribe the most appropriate medication and treatments.
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What to do if Your Dog Eats a Dangerous Food
If you are worried that your pooch has eaten something they shouldn't have, then the best course of action is to ring your vet for advice. If symptoms have rapidly developed and are severe, then you should head to an emergency vet clinic as soon as possible. Look out for these symptoms to give you an indication of any kind of reactions:
Vomiting
Diarrhoea
Lethargy/weakness
Dehydration
The quicker that you are able to get your furry friend to the vet the faster they can get under observation and - in a lot of cases - vomit inducing medication can be given to rid the system of anything bad and get them back to feeling themselves again!
It is so important to know that whilst there are some foods that you safely feed your dog, it has to be in moderation and with a balanced diet in mind. Even if you feed your dog the safer foods, but are feeding them too much of it, then it can still cause them health issues in the long run. For your dog to be at its healthiest, ensure that they are eating a balanced diet and are on the best type of dog food for them, so that they can get all the vitamins and nutrients they need. Explore our range of dog food and treats today to ensure that you have a very healthy and happy pup!