If your dog is begging for a snack, it can be difficult to say no. Some “human” foods are safe to offer as an occasional treat, but feeding your dog something they shouldn’t eat could make them ill - and may even be life threatening.
So: what can dogs eat and not eat? Here is a quick guide to what to avoid, what may be safe - and what to do in case they eat something they shouldn’t.
1. Fruit
Many fruits including blueberries, bananas, mangoes and strawberries are considered relatively “dog-safe” - and some are even known to have added health benefits: pumpkin can ease constipation and diarrhoea.
Coconut: contains lauric acid to help fight viruses and bacteria (avoid any part of the fibrous shell, as this can present a choking hazard) Virgin coconut oil may be given in small doses but may cause stomach upset - consult your vet before feeding.
Fruits To Avoid:
- Avocados: These contain persin - a toxin which can lead to gastrointestinal upset.
- Tomatoes: Especially the green plant part as it contains a toxin called solanine.
- Grapes or raisins: Grapes and raisins can lead to acute kidney failure in dogs and cats.
- Rhubarb: toxic to dogs, cats and chickens and may lead to nervous system damage.
Citrus Fruits
While small quantities of orange may be fine, they are also known to cause stomach upset. Lemons and limes contain psoralen which can also lead to vomiting, diarrhoea and in larger quantities, more severe symptoms and even death.
Pits and Seeds
Pits and seeds in stoned and seeded fruits like apples, pears and cherries contain cyanide, which is highly poisonous. Similarly, persimmon seeds are toxic to dogs and can result in diarrhoea, blockages and elevated temperature.
Watermelon is a great treat for a thirsty pup - but remove the rind and seeds as they can be a choking hazard. Seeds and pits should be removed from fruit completely beforehand - and if in any doubt, avoid feeding them to your dog.
2. Vegetables
Dogs are omnivores - meaning they primarily eat meat with some other food groups, but what can dogs eat and not eat in terms of veggies? Some vegetables such as carrots, cucumbers, celery, sweet potato and green peas (fresh or frozen - not canned) are considered dog-safe - while others should be avoided.
Vegetables To Avoid:
- Mushrooms: While some mushroom varieties are reputedly “safe”, it’s best to avoid these altogether, as many contain a number of toxins that can cause liver and kidney failure, red blood cell damage, vomiting, diarrhoea and even hallucination.
- Alliums: Any vegetable from the allium family including onions, chives and leeks are poisonous to dogs and can damage red blood cells potentially leading to canine anaemia.
Symptoms of allium poisoning may be delayed - so keep an eye on your dog for a few days after eating, even if they have already been to the vet.
Some vegetables may be ok in small amounts. Broccoli, while high in nutrients, also contains isothiocyanates - which can irritate the digestive system if consumed excessively.
3. Nuts
Nutrient-rich nuts also contain high amounts of fat, which can lead to weight-gain. Certain lower-fat varieties like cashews are fine in small amounts - while others should be avoided.
Nuts to Avoid
- Almonds: These damage the windpipe or block the oesophagus if not chewed The same applies to pistachios, especially the shelled variety.
- Macadamia: Even small amounts of macadamia nuts can cause vomiting, weakness, tremors, low mood and increased body temperature in dogs.
- Walnuts: If ingested, these can cause a range of symptoms from stomach problems to toxicity, especially black walnuts.
If feeding your dog nuts, avoid salt and opt for lower-fat varieties like which are lower-fat and contain calcium, magnesium and proteins as well as antioxidants. Dogs can also eat plain, unsalted peanuts and small amounts of peanut butter - but make sure it is unsalted and free from artificial sweeteners - especially xylitol.
4. Sugar and Sweeteners
Xylitol (a common sweetener in many products such as chewing gum, “diet” sodas and toothpaste) is safe for humans, but highly toxic to dogs, causing insulin release and eventual liver failure. Symptoms of this include vomiting, seizures, uncoordinated movement and fatigue.
Honey is a nutritious, natural sweetener that may be safe to offer dogs in small amounts. Small amounts of local honey may even help allergies through introducing minor amounts of pollen to help boost immunity.
5. Meat and Eggs
Although meat comprises the majority of a dog’s diet, processed meats, such as ham (which is high in fat and sodium) should be avoided, in addition to ingredients like stuffing (which often contains onion), skin (a potential choking hazard) and fat trimmings (which can cause pancreatitis).
Instead, choose plain and unseasoned beef turkey or chicken, but never raw. raw meat, poultry and eggs - and even specialist raw dog foods - may contain salmonella or E.coli, which can make your dog seriously unwell.
Eggs provide a source of protein and may soothe stomach upset - but make sure they are cooked thoroughly, as raw egg whites can lead to biotin deficiency and contain avidin, an enzyme which can prevent the B vitamins being absorbed, causing skin and coat issues.
6. Bones
If you are wondering what dogs can eat and not eat, you might think bones are perfectly fine - but cooked bones can splinter, leading to intestinal blockage, perforation or choking. Raw, uncooked bones specifically intended for dogs are a lot safer if they are blanched in boiling water for a minute beforehand (this kills the bacteria without splintering the bone).
Always supervise your dog with a bone and take precautions. Raw, meaty bones should be soft enough to chew and digest - and all bone varieties must not be too large or small to avoid your dog choking. Aim for the freshest to avoid stomach upsets (these can be sourced from a reputable local butcher) - and check your dog’s stool after to make sure that everything looks normal.
7. Fish
Fish (especially sardines and salmon) offer amino acids and “good” fats, but beware of fish bones. Tuna is also fine in moderation - but avoid tinned tuna (especially in brine or oil), as this also contains trace amounts of sodium and mercury.
One or two shrimp are also fine - so long as they are completely cooked and all shell parts are removed. Always offer fish cooked - never raw, as this can lead to fish poisoning - and limit intake to 1-2 times a week.
8. Grains
Some grains such as oats or wheat are fine for dogs in small amounts. Cooked white or brown rice is another human food that can help relieve an upset stomach when combined with a little cooked plain chicken or turkey for extra protein.
One of the safer foods for dogs is corn, which contains thiamine, riboflavin, protein and iron. Popcorn can be given - but make sure it’s properly cooked: unpopped kernels can cause a choking hazard. Quinoa can also be safe (some dog foods even contain it).
Avoid Bread and Bread Dough
A small amount of plain bread (ideally home-made, without preservatives, spices and absolutely no raisins) won’t harm your dog, but it also won’t offer any nutritional benefits either - and can be high in calories and carbohydrates.
Never feed your dog yeast dough. This produces ethanol, which can affect your dog’s system in the same way as alcohol. It can also cause painful gas build-up in your dog’s intestines, potentially leading to a fatal condition known as “gastric bloat and torsion”.
9. Dairy Products
The fat content in milk and other dairy products can cause gastrointestinal issues in dogs and can even lead to a severe condition called pancreatitis, which in some cases can be fatal.
Small amounts of yoghurt, milk or cheese may be allowed, so long as they are low-fat and your dog isn’t lactose-intolerant (rare, although possible in dogs) - but avoid products like ice cream. If you are unsure about your pet’s lactose tolerance, it may be best to avoid dairy altogether.
10. Herbs and Spices
Cinnamon (whether in oil or powder-form) can irritate dogs mouths, lower blood sugar and lead to vomiting and diarrhoea, as well as a rapid pulse and even liver disease. Similarly, nutmeg should be avoided as it contains myristicin, a hallucinogen which can also cause vomiting in dogs.
Powdered foods such as ground spices should also be avoided. If inhaled, these can cause difficulty breathing, coughing and even choking. A large amount of baking soda or powder are also highly toxic to dogs and should be kept away at all times.
Spicy food can cause diarrhoea, stomach ulcers and vomiting and should be avoided - while salty food can cause excessive urination and thirst, diarrhoea, vomiting and depression - and in more serious cases this can develop into seizures, tremors and even death (especially in dogs affected by high blood pressure or heart or kidney issues).
11. Caffeine, Chocolate and Alcohol
Caffeine and chocolate contain substances called methylxanthines, stimulants that can halt your dog’s metabolic system. Small amounts of this can cause vomiting and diarrhoea - while larger amounts can lead to more serious symptoms like irregular pulse, seizures and can even be fatal.
Dogs cannot metabolise alcohol - and it can also damage their central nervous system, so any product containing it (including drinks and products such as hand sanitiser) must be kept well out of reach. Another toxic ingredient is hops, which is used to make beer and can cause raised body temperature, seizures, and rapid pulse-rate.
12. Nicotine And Other Substances
Nicotine exposure has a number of adverse effects including gastrointestinal issues, tremors and rapid or heavy panting - but significant amounts can cause blue gums and even lead to a coma and even death.
Houseplants are not generally considered a “food” - although your dog might not be so discerning. Various plants, including lielies, foxglove, daffodils and tulips are considered toxic to dogs (and cats) and should be kept well away.
Keeping Your Dog Safe
Keep foods, medications and other toxic products such as household cleaners away from your dog at all times. If your dog consumes something they shouldn’t have, contact your vets and consult the Animal Poison Line as soon as possible.
For more dog care tips, why not check out another article in our Pet Info Hub - or our great range of pet essentials? From training your pet to use dog leads to how to settle them into using a dog crate, we have everything you and your dog need, all in one place.