While all dogs are different and have different dietary needs, and we need to remember that allergies play a factor in what is safe for a dog to consume, there are several human foods that are safe for dogs to eat (but only in moderation!). Of course, there are also foods that are unsafe for dogs and should be avoided.
Food that is safe for a dog to consume:
- Pumpkin
- Apple
- Banana
- Pear
- Pineapple
- Watermelon
- Strawberry
- Tomatoes
- Honey
- Peaches
- Kiwi
- Green Peas
- Shrimp
- Fish
- Coconut
- Carrot
- Broccoli
- Green beans
- Bell pepper
- Blue Berries
- Eggs
Foods that are unsafe for a dog to consume:
- Chocolate and Caffeine- Chocolate contains a compound called theobromine which is similar to caffeine. Dogs are not able to process these compounds and ingestion can cause vomiting, diarrhea, a racing heart beat, and seizures. Milk chocolate is the least toxic and baking chocolate is the most toxic.
- Grapes- Grapes, raisins and currants can cause kidney failure in dogs.
- Garlic and onion- can damage your dog’s red blood cells
- Bones and corn cobs- may seem like tasty treats for dogs but they can easily become stuck in your dog’s esophagus or digestive track and may require surgery to be removed
- Sugar- The sugar substitute Xylitol is extremely toxic to dogs. Ingestion causes a massive release of insulin which leads to dangerously low blood sugar levels. Xylitol can be found in gum, candies, toothpaste, baked goods, supplements, and more.
- Cannabis- Cannabis is not safe for dogs. Dogs have more cannabinoid receptors in their brain compared to humans, making even a small amount of cannabis toxic. Smoke inhalation is also dangerous.
- Alcohol- Dogs respond to alcohol similar to humans. If large quantities are ingested a dog can become lethargic and uncoordinated, experiencing vomiting and is at risk for hypothermia and collapse.
- Mushrooms- A dog may come across a toxic type of mushroom while exploring outside. Some mushrooms cause only gastro-intestinal upset, while others can have life-threatening effects
- Pain meds- Acetaminophen (aka, tylenol) and iburpofen (aka, advil) can damage a dog’s liver and red blood cells if given at the correct dose. There are more appropriate pain meds for dogs.
- Nuts- Not all nuts are necessarily toxic to dogs but they are high in fat which can lead to pancreatic disease and obesity. The additional salt added to nuts could cause salt poisoning. The shape of some nuts may also pose a choking hazard.
If your dog ingests any of these substances, please call your veterinarian right away! This list is not comprehensive, feel free to call the ASPCA poison control (888-426-4435) if you have further questions.
Additional resources:
One Response