Some foods are safe and healthy for dogs to eat, while others are harmful and could even be deadly. All foods should be introduced into your dog’s diet gradually, so you can monitor him for adverse effects like allergic reactions.
Even if a food is deemed “safe” for dogs to eat, a rule of thumb is to feed it to your dog in moderation. This can help prevent weight gain and other negative effects.nKeep in mind that all dogs are different. One dog may tolerate a food just fine, while another experiences adverse effects.
Nevertheless, it can be enjoyable to give your dog a treat every once in awhile. Just make sure to only feed him foods that are non-toxic to dogs.
List Of What Dogs Can And Cannot Eat
Carrots: Can Eat
Both raw and cooked carrots are safe for your dog to eat.
Carrots are low in calories and a good source of vitamins, minerals and fiber. This makes them a very healthy food for your dog to snack on.
Grapes and Raisins: Can’t Eat
You should never feed grapes or raisins to your dog.
Grapes and raisins contain toxic compounds that are harmful to dogs. They have the potential to lead to rapid kidney failure and death.
Eggs: Can Eat
Cooked eggs are perfectly safe and nutritious for dogs to eat.
One medium egg provides some of almost every vitamin and mineral, plus lots of protein. There are claims that eggs may also help relieve nausea in dogs, although there is no scientific evidence behind this claim.
Salmon: Can Eat
Cooked, boneless salmon is a safe and healthy food for your dog.
Salmon is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are known to reduce inflammation and may help keep your dog’s skin and fur healthy.
Chocolate: Can’t Eat
It is widely known that dogs should never eat chocolate.
This is because chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine, two stimulants that dogs cannot efficiently metabolize.
If your dog eats chocolate, he may exhibit symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea and dehydration. These symptoms may lead to more serious complications, such as internal bleeding, muscle tremors, seizures and death.
Cheese: Limit
Cheese is safe for most dogs to eat in small quantities.
Due to the fat and lactose content of cheese, some dogs may have digestive symptoms, such as stomach pain and diarrhea, after eating it.
Macadamia Nuts: Can’t Eat
Dogs should never eat macadamia nuts.
Macadamia nuts contain an unknown toxin that may lead to vomiting, muscle weakness, tremors, hyperthermia and depression when dogs consume them, even in small amounts.
Onions: Can’t Eat
You should never feed your dog onions.
Onions contain N-propyl disulfide, a compound that is toxic to dogs. It can damage your dog’s red blood cells, reducing their ability to carry oxygen through the body. This often results in a condition called anemia.
Anemia in dogs is characterized by a variety of symptoms, including lethargy, weakness, decreased appetite and fainting. In severe cases, dogs with anemia may need a blood transfusion.
Bread: Can Eat
Plain white or whole grain bread is safe for most dogs to eat as an occasional treat.
Before feeding your dog bread, make sure it doesn’t contain any extra ingredients, such as raisins, which could be potentially harmful.
Oatmeal: Can Eat
Plain oatmeal is safe for your dog to eat.
Oatmeal provides lots of fiber, as well as some vitamins and minerals. As with all foods, you should feed oatmeal to your dog in moderation to prevent him from gaining weight.
Coffee and Tea: Can’t Eat
Coffee and tea are dangerous for dogs to consume due to their caffeine contents.
Caffeine stimulates your dog’s nervous system, which can lead to a number of symptoms, including hyperactivity, vomiting, diarrhea, elevated heart rate, seizures and tremors.
Lung failure and abnormal heart rhythm may result from too much caffeine, which can ultimately lead to death.
Apples: Can Eat
Apples that have been sliced are safe and healthy for dogs to eat.
Apples provide a significant amount of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Also, they are high in fiber, which may benefit your dog’s digestive system.
Garlic: Can’t Eat
You should never feed your dog garlic.
Garlic contains chemicals called thiosulfates, which are toxic to dogs. Thiosulfates may damage your dog’s red blood cells and lead to anemia. Garlic consumption may also lead to symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea in dogs.
Broccoli: Can Eat
Dogs can eat raw or cooked broccoli in moderation.
Broccoli is a low-calorie vegetable that contains high amounts of many nutrients, making it a very healthy snack for your dog.
Chicken: Can Eat
Cooked chicken is a healthy food that is safe for most dogs to eat.
Chicken is one of the most common ingredients used in dog foods, as it is an excellent source of protein, which your dog needs to stay healthy. You can feed your dog chicken on its own or combine it with his regular food.
It is worth noting that you should always remove chicken from the bone before feeding it to your dog. Chicken bones pose a choking hazard and may puncture his digestive tract.
Xylitol: Can’t Eat
Dogs should never eat xylitol.
It’s a sugar substitute that’s often found in candy, chewing gum, baked goods and toothpaste. When dogs consume xylitol, it may lead to a rapid drop in blood sugar levels and symptoms like muscle weakness and seizures.
Alcohol: Can’t Consume
Dogs should never consume alcohol.
Consuming even small amounts of it may lead to ethanol poisoning in dogs. This causes tiredness, lack of coordination, seizures, vomiting and diarrhea.
If a dog consumes too much alcohol, it can result in more severe symptoms, such as heart attack, lung failure, coma and even death.
Milk: Limit
You should prevent your dog from drinking too much milk.
Lactose intolerance is common in dogs, which may cause loose stools, gas, vomiting, stomach pain and diarrhea.
Rice: Can Eat
Dogs can eat plain and cooked brown or white rice. Rice is very easy for dogs to digest and may help relieve an upset stomach.
You can feed rice to your dog on its own or combined with a little bit of chicken or turkey for extra protein.
Beef: Can Eat
Lean beef is safe for dogs. In fact, beef is a common ingredient in many dog foods. It’s an excellent source of protein and many important vitamins and minerals that your dog needs for overall health.
The beef that you feed to your dog should be plain, without any added sauces or seasonings. These often contain ingredients that may be harmful to your dog, such as salt.
Raw Yeast Dough: Can’t Eat
It is extremely unsafe for dogs to eat raw yeast dough.
Raw yeast dough is a concern because yeast cells produce alcohol as they ferment, which may lead to alcohol poisoning and death if your dog consumes it.
Strawberries: Can Eat
Your dog can safely eat strawberries in moderation. Strawberries make a very healthy treat for dogs, as they are low in calories but high in nutrients, antioxidants and fiber.
Before feeding your dog strawberries, make sure to cut them into small pieces to prevent choking.