What human foods are safe for dogs?

Many people who are dog parents wonder if they can feed their dog human food. After all, when a dog looks at you with pleading eyes, it can be very tempting to give them table scraps.

But here’s the thing. The canine digestive system is different from humans, which means that certain human foods can be dangerous for dogs. However, there are many human foods that are safe and nutritious for your dog.

In this post, I’ll talk about some of the people foods dogs can eat and some people foods that can be dangerous for dogs.

What human foods can dogs eat?

People foods that are healthy for dogs include:

• Vegetables like carrots, cucumbers, tomatoes (limited amounts), green peas, green beans, broccoli, sweet potatoes, mushrooms, potatoes, and celery.
• Fruits like apples, pineapples, bananas, watermelon, blueberries, blackberries, strawberries, oranges, and mango.
• Fish, chicken, turkey, beef, shrimp.
• Cooked eggs.
• Oatmeal.
• White rice.
• Unsalted peanut butter.
• Plain popcorn.
• Cinnamon (in limited amounts).
• Honey (limited quantities).
• Dairy products like milk, cheese, plain yogurt (in small quantities).

Which human foods are dangerous for dogs?

• Chocolate, coffee, and caffeinated beverages like contain substances that are toxic to dogs and can cause vomiting, abnormal heartbeat, seizures, and even death.
• Cherries pose a choking hazard and cherry pits contain poisonous cyanide.
• Grapes, raisins, currants, and sultanas are not suitable for dogs because they can cause kidney failure and death.
• Lime and lemons can be toxic for dogs.
• Onions, garlic, and chives can cause diarrhea, vomiting, and stomach pain in dogs.
• Avocados contain a substance that is poisonous for dogs.
• Macadamia nuts can cause lethargy, weakness, vomiting, and high body temperature in dogs. Other nuts can be a choking hazard.
• Nutmeg is not safe for dogs.
• Citrus fruits contain citric acid which can cause an upset stomach in dogs, but small amounts of peeled fruits may be okay.
• Coconut water has a high potassium level and coconut oil can cause dogs to develop diarrhea and upset stomach.
• Ice cream has a high sugar content and is not suitable for dogs.
• Xylitol, a sugar substitute in many human foods, can cause liver failure and dangerously low blood sugar levels in dogs.
• Raw eggs can make dogs biotin deficient, which can affect the health of their coat.
• Raw or undercooked meat can put your dog at risk of contracting E. coli or Salmonella.
• Salty foods can lead to excessive urination and thirst and put them at risk of sodium poisoning.
• Bread is safe for dogs, but bread dough is not because the yeast can expand in the dog’s stomach and cause complications
• Alcohol can cause coma and death in dogs

Healthy Foods for Dogs

If you are not sure whether a human food is safe for dogs, play safe and ask your vet or check with an expert before you give it to your four-legged friend.

A good rule of thumb is to introduce new foods into your dog’s diet gradually so if something is causing allergic reactions or health problems, it’s easier to identify. Also, keep an eye on your dog’s caloric intake because, just like humans, weight gain has a range of negative effects on the health of a dog.

Also, moderation is key. Don’t overdo anything. Good snacks and treats for your dog are ones that are low-calorie, low-salt, and low-fat.

15 March, 2022