Dedicated dog lovers tend to be very kind people. We share our hearts
and homes (and for some lucky pups, even our beds) with our
canine pals. Surely there is nothing wrong with sharing our favorite
foods with them too, right? Not necessarily. Many of the foods, such as fruits and vegetables,
that humans digest just fine can wreak havoc on a dog’s body, causing
severe health problems. On the other hand, some of the foods people eat
can be introduced to a dog’s diet just fine, and even provide health
benefits such as joint strength, better breath, and allergy immunity. But before giving your dog foods that you crave, read on and learn which foods are safe, and which can
send your dog straight to the emergency vet. And always be mindful that
even healthy foods fed in excess can lead to canine obesity, a major health concern for U.S. dogs. Always choose a quality dog food as your dog’s main diet.
Human Food Safety for Dogs
Almonds: No, dogs shouldn’t eat almonds.
Almonds may not necessarily be toxic to dogs like macadamia nuts are,
but they can block the esophagus or even tear the windpipe if not chewed
completely. Salted almonds are especially dangerous because they can
increase water retention, which is potentially fatal to dogs prone to
heart disease.
Bread:Yes, dogs can eat bread.
Small amounts of plain bread (no spices and definitely no raisins)
won’t hurt your dog, but it also won’t provide any health benefits
either. It has no nutritional value and can really pack on the
carbohydrates and calories, just like in people. Homemade breads are a
better option than store-bought, as bread from the grocery store
typically contains unnecessary preservatives, but it’s best to avoid it
altogether.
Cashews:Yes, dogs can eat cashews.
Cashews are OK for dogs, but only a few at a time. They’ve got calcium,
magnesium, antioxidants, and proteins, but while these nuts contain
less fat than others, too many can lead to weight gain and other
fat-related conditions. A few cashews make a nice treat, but only if
they’re unsalted.
Cheese:Yes, dogs can eat cheese in small
to moderate quantities. As long as your dog isn’t lactose intolerant,
which is rare, but still possible in canines, cheese can be a great
treat. Many kinds of cheese can be high in fat, so go for lower-fat
varieties like cottage cheese or mozzarella. Many dogs enjoy their very
own dog-specific Himalayan dog chew made of dried cheese (but we don’t recommend sharing it).
Before giving your dog foods that you crave, learn which foods are safe, and which can
send your dog straight to the emergency vet.
Chocolate:No, dogs should never eat chocolate.
This isn’t just an urban legend. Chocolate contains toxic substances
called methylxanthines, which are stimulants that stop a dog’s metabolic
process. Even just a little bit of chocolate, especially dark
chocolate, can cause diarrhea and vomiting. A large amount can cause
seizures, irregular heart function, and even death. Do not have
chocolate in an accessible location for your dog. If your dog does
ingest chocolate, contact a veterinarian or Pet Poison Helpline as soon as possible.
Cinnamon:No, dogs shouldn’t eat cinnamon.
While cinnamon is not actually toxic to dogs, it’s probably best to
avoid it. Cinnamon and its oils can irritate the inside of dogs’ mouths,
making them uncomfortable and sick. It can lower a dog’s blood sugar
too much and can lead to diarrhea, vomiting, increased, or decreased
heart rate, and even liver disease. If they inhale it in powder form,
cinnamon can cause difficulty breathing, coughing, and choking.
Coconut:Yes, coconut is OK for dogs, This funky fruit contains lauric acid, which can help combat bacteria
and viruses. It can also help with bad breath and clearing up skin
conditions like hot spots, flea allergies, and itchy skin. Coconut milk
and coconut oil are safe for dogs too. Just be sure your dog doesn’t get
its paws on the furry outside of the shell, which can get lodged in the
throat.
Corn:Yes, dogs can eat corn.
Corn is one of the most common ingredients in most dog foods. However,
the cob can be hard for a dog to digest and may cause an intestinal
blockage, so if you’re sharing some corn, make sure it is off the cob.
(Or just opt for a squeaky toy instead.)
Eggs: Yes, dogs can eat eggs.
Eggs are safe for dogs as long as they are fully cooked. Cooked eggs
are a wonderful source of protein and can help an upset stomach.
However, eating raw egg whites can contribute to biotin deficiency, so
be sure to cook the eggs all the way through before giving them to your
pet.
Fish:Yes, dogs can eat fish.
Fish contains good fats and amino acids, giving your dog a nice health
boost. Salmon and sardines are especially beneficial — salmon because
it’s loaded with vitamins and protein, and sardines because they have
soft, digestible bones for extra calcium. With the exception of
sardines, be sure to pick out all the tiny bones, which can be tedious
but is definitely necessary. Never feed your dog uncooked or undercooked
fish, only fully cooked and cooled, and limit your dog’s fish intake to
no more than twice a week.
Garlic: No, dogs shouldn’t eat garlic.
Like onions, leeks, and chives, garlic is part of the Allium family,
and it is five times more toxic to dogs than the rest of the Allium
plants. Garlic can create anemia in dogs, causing side effects such as
pale gums, elevated heart rate, weakness, and collapse. Poisoning from
garlic and onions may have delayed symptoms, so if you think your dog
may have eaten some, monitor him or her for a few days, not just right
after consumption.
Ham: Yes, dogs can eat ham.
Ham is OK for dogs to eat, but certainly isn’t the healthiest for them.
Ham is high in sodium and fat, so while sharing a small piece is all
right, it shouldn’t be a continuous habit.
Honey:Yes, dogs can eat honey.
Honey is packed with countless nutrients such as vitamins A, B, C, D,
E, and K, potassium, calcium, magnesium, copper, and antioxidants.
Feeding dogs small amounts of honey can help with allergies because it
introduces small amounts of pollen to their systems, building up
immunity to allergens in your area. In addition to consuming honey, the
sticky spread can also be used as a topical treatment for burns and
superficial cuts.
Ice cream:No, dogs shouldn’t eat ice cream.
As refreshing of a treat as ice cream is, it contains lots of sugar so
it is best not to share with your dog. Also, some dogs have an
intolerance to lactose. To avoid the milk altogether, freeze chunks of
strawberries, raspberries, apples, and pineapples to give to your dog as
a sweet, icy treat.
Macadamia nuts: No, dogs should never eat macadamia nuts.
These are some of the most poisonous foods for dogs. Macadamia nuts,
part of the Protaceae family, can cause vomiting, increased body
temperature, inability to walk, and lethargy. Even worse, they can
affect the nervous system. Never feed your dog macadamia nuts.
Milk:Yes, dogs can have milk.
But be cautious. Some dogs are lactose-intolerant and don’t digest milk
well. While it is OK for dogs to have a little milk, owners should be
cognizant of the symptoms of lactose-intolerance and might want to stick
to giving their dogs water.
Peanut butter: Yes, peanut butter is OK for dogs.
Peanut butter can be an excellent source of protein for dogs. It
contains heart-healthy fats, vitamins B and E and niacin. Raw, unsalted
peanut butter is the healthiest option. Read the label carefully to be
sure the peanut butter does not contain xylitol, a sugar substitute that can be toxic to dogs.
Peanuts:Yes, dogs can eat peanuts.
Unlike almonds, peanuts are safe for dogs to eat. They’re packed with
good fats and proteins that can benefit your dog. Just be sure to give
peanuts in moderation, as you don’t want your dog taking in too much
fat, which can lead to pancreas issues. Also, avoid salted peanuts. Too
much salt is hard for dogs to process.
Popcorn: Yes, dogs can eat popcorn.
Unsalted, unbuttered, air-popped popcorn is OK for your dog in
moderation. It contains riboflavin and thiamine, both of which promote
eye health and digestion, as well as small amounts of iron and protein.
Be sure to pop the kernels all the way before giving them to your dog,
as unpopped kernels could become a choking hazard.
Pork:Yes, dogs can eat pork.
Pork is a highly digestible protein, packed with amino acids, and it
contains more calories per pound than other meats. Pork also may be less
likely to cause an allergic reaction in some pets compared to other
proteins.
Quinoa:Yes, quinoa is OK for dogs. You can now find quinoa in some high-quality dry dog foods.
The strong nutritional profile of quinoa makes it a healthy alternative
to corn, wheat, and soy — starches that are often used to make kibble.
Salmon:Yes, dogs can eat salmon.
As mentioned above, fully cooked salmon is an excellent source of
protein, good fats, and amino acids. It promotes joint and brain health
and gives dog-immune systems a nice boost. However, raw or undercooked
salmon contains parasites that can make dogs very sick, causing
vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, and, in extreme cases, even death. Be
sure to cook salmon all the way through (the FDA recommends at least 145
degrees Fahrenheit) and the parasites should cook out.
Shrimp:Yes, shrimp is OK for dogs. A few
shrimp every now and then is fine for your dog, but only if they are
fully cooked and the shell (including the tail, head, and legs) is
removed completely. Shrimp are high in antioxidants, vitamin B-12, and
phosphorus, but also low in fat, calories, and carbohydrates.
Tuna:Yes, dogs can eat tuna,
but only in small amounts. In moderation, cooked, fresh tuna is an
excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, which promotes heart and eye
health. As for canned tuna, it contains small amounts of mercury and
sodium, which should be avoided in excess. A little bit of canned tuna
and tuna juice here and there is fine — prepared only in water, not oil —
as long as it doesn’t contain any spices.
Turkey:Yes, dogs can eat turkey.
Turkey is fine for dogs, but be sure to remove excess fat and skin from
the meat. Don’t forget to check for bones; poultry bones can splinter
during digestion, causing blockage or even tears in the intestines. Any
meat with excessive salt, seasonings, onions or garlic should not be
fed.
Wheat/grains:Yes, dogs can eat wheat and other grains.
Dogs do not have to be grain-free; it is perfectly OK for them to have
grains. In fact, grains like wheat and corn are great sources of
protein, essential fatty acids, and fiber. If your dog has certain
allergies, however, it might be best to avoid grains, but it truly
depends on your dog. Ask your veterinarian for recommendations.
Yogurt:Yes, yogurt is OK for dogs.
Plain yogurt is a perfectly acceptable snack for dogs. However, some
dogs may have trouble digesting dairy products. If your dog can digest
it, the active bacteria in yogurt can help strengthen the digestive
system with probiotics. Plain yogurt is the best choice. Avoid any yogurts with added sugar, and skip all yogurt with artificial sweeteners.
