Whether you are cooking in the kitchen or getting ready to feast on a homemade meal, all pet owners have experienced those hungry eyes begging you to drop something. It doesn’t matter what it is, your dog will want it—even if it’s something you know they won’t like or something that you know is extremely bad for them. If this has happened to you, you may be wondering what is safe for your dog to consume. So what can your dog eat? Can dogs eat bananas? Are carrots good for your dog? Alpha Pet Waste is here with the ultimate guide to what your dog can and shouldn’t eat.
Nuts
Nuts You Should Never Give Your Dog
Dogs should never eat macadamia nuts. As one of the most poisonous foods for dogs, macadamia nuts can cause increased body temperature, vomiting, inability to walk, and lethargy, and can sometimes affect the nervous system. Almonds are also extremely bad for dogs, though not quite as toxic as macadamia nuts. Almonds can be a choking hazard, blocking the esophagus or even tearing the windpipe.
Nuts You Can Give to Your Dog
Cashews have great nutritional value, containing calcium, magnesium, antioxidants, and proteins, but you’ll only want to give your dog a handful. Cashews also contain fats that can lead to weight gain if your dog is given too many. You’ll also want to make sure that they are unsalted. But can dogs eat peanuts? Like cashews, peanuts contain a lot of nutritional value with heart-healthy fats, vitamins B and E, and Niacin. Peanut butter is also a great snack for dogs but be sure to read the label and make sure it doesn’t contain xylitol, a sugar substitute that can be toxic to dogs.
Protein
Can dogs eat eggs? Yes, but only if they are fully cooked. Just like for humans, eggs can help soothe a stomach and be an excellent source of protein but only if cooked properly. Meats such as turkey, ham, and pork are okay so long as you remove any bones, excess fat, and skin, but you’ll want to be mindful of how much ham you give due to them being high in sodium and fat. You’ll also want to avoid meats with excessive salt, seasoning, onions, or garlic.
Fish is also great for dogs, especially salmon and sardines which contain lots of vitamins and proteins. But like eggs, the fish should be fully cooked and cold when you give it to your dog. Other fish such as tuna should be given in moderation. Canned tuna often contains small traces of mercury and sodium, but a little bit here and there is fine. Can dogs eat shrimp? Shrimp should also be fine as long as it’s fully cooked and all the shells, tails, heads, and legs are removed.
Fruits
Fruits are filled with nutritional value from being rich in the vitamin alphabet of vitamins A, B, C, and E, to containing potassium, fiber, and other great health benefits. With that being said, most fruit is high in sugar content and should only be given as a treat not a part of their daily diet. You’ll also want to be sure to remove any pits as they can contain cyanide which is poisonous to dogs. Fruit to give your dog includes apples, bananas, blueberries, cantaloupe, mango, oranges, peaches, pears, pineapples, raspberries, strawberries, watermelon, and coconut.
Fruits You Should Never Give Your Dog
Can dogs eat avocado? No, avocados contain persin, a toxin that causes vomiting and diarrhea in dogs, in their pit skin and leaves. Can dogs eat tomatoes? While a ripened tomato might be safe, the green parts of the plant contain a toxic substance known as solanine, so it is best to avoid tomatoes altogether. Can dogs eat grapes? No, dogs should never eat grapes. They have been found to be toxic to all breeds of dogs no matter the sex or age. They have been known to give dogs acute sudden kidney failure. Cherries are also extremely toxic, containing cyanide. If your dog eats a cherry be on the lookout for dilated pupils, difficulty breathing, and red gums.
Vegetables
Vegetables You Should Never Give Your Dog
Asparagus isn’t necessarily bad for dogs, but it also isn’t good. It’s too tough for them to chew and if you cook it to soften it then it loses its nutritional value. Avoid giving your dog mushrooms. While not all mushrooms are toxic to dogs, the ones that are are so poisonous they could be lethal. It’s best to avoid them altogether. Onion, leeks, chives, and garlic come from a plant called Allium which is extremely poisonous to pets, especially cats. They can cause red blood cells to rupture and can cause vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, and nausea. Can dogs eat potatoes? Sometimes but never raw and they should be baked or boiled without anything else, but it’s best to simply avoid them.
Instead, Try These Vegetables:
- Corn/popcorn: So long as it’s unsalted and unbuttered. You’ll also want to make sure to pop the kernels all the way to avoid a choking hazard.
- Cucumbers: With no carbohydrates and fats, cucumbers are great for overweight dogs. They are filled with vitamins K, C, B1, potassium, magnesium, copper, and biotin.
- Broccoli: High in fiber, vitamin C, and low in fat, broccoli is a great snack every once and a while.
- Celery: Filled with vitamins A, B, and C, celery is also known to freshen your dog’s breath.
- Green beans: Packed with vitamins and minerals, green beans are a healthy snack that is both full of fiber while being low in calories.
- Carrots: A low-calorie treat that is great for your dog’s teeth, and also high in fiber and beta-carotene.
Dairy
Can dogs eat cheese? Cheese can be a great treat in small amounts. It’s also a great idea to go for lower-fat varieties such as cottage cheese or mozzarella. It’s rare, but some dogs can be lactose intolerant so watch your dog to see if they can handle it when you give it the first time. The same applies to milk and yogurt, small amounts are okay so long as your dog can stomach them. If you choose to give your dog yogurt, it’s best to stick to plain and avoid yogurt with added or artificial sweeteners.
Avoid giving your dog ice cream. Just like other dairy products, your dog could have lactose intolerant. But even if your dog can handle dairy, ice cream is loaded with sugar that’s not good for your dog.
Grains
For the most part, dogs are able to eat wheat and grains. They can be a great source of protein, essential fatty acids, and fiber. Bread is also ok, as long as it’s in small amounts and has no spices or raisins. That said, bread doesn’t offer dogs any nutritional value so other snacks such as quinoa, a healthier starch, might be a better idea.
Other Foods to Be Mindful About
Can your dog have chocolate? No, chocolate has a toxic substance known as methylxanthines, which can stop a dog’s metabolic process. Just a little bit of chocolate, especially dark, can cause diarrhea and vomiting. Larger amounts can cause seizures, irregular heart function, and death. While not toxic, cinnamon can irritate your dog’s mouth making them uncomfortable and sick. It can also lower a dog’s blood sugar and lead to diarrhea, vomiting, increased heart rate, and liver disease. If inhaled the powder can cause difficulty breathing, coughing, and choking.
Can dogs have honey? Yes, honey is filled with vitamins A, B, C, D, E, and K, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and more. You’ll only want to give your dog a little at a time though.
Ultimately, knowing what can and cannot be part of your pet’s daily diet is incredibly beneficial in maintaining a healthy pet. By monitoring their food intake, looking at their poop, and visiting the vet regularly, you can make sure your dog is getting all the nutrients and vitamins they need. While keeping track and even handling the pooch poop may sound nasty, hiring Alpha Pet Waste Disposal, a trustworthy pet waste removal service, might be the best decision you make for your pup. With good care from their owners, dogs can stay happy and healthy.
