Human Foods that Dogs Can and Cannot Eat

People often think of their dogs as friends – as part of their family, so they unknowingly feed them foods they like themselves. However, the canine digestion process does not work like the human body. You have to keep this in mind. Therefore, we need to know what foods dogs can and cannot eat to keep them from getting sick.

Both grooming and a dog’s health are essential to its care. That also means you have to be wary of certain dog food products. What you feed your dog, how you groom your dog, and how you train your dog are equally valuable when focusing on pet care.

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So, what human foods can a dog eat, and what foods should you keep under lock and key? The following list will give you the acceptable and non-acceptable human foods that dogs can and cannot eat.

A canine companion shares both your heart and home, even your bed. However, you cannot share everything you eat. What a human can digest easily may not prove so easy for a dog.

Nevertheless, you can add some human foods to your dog’s diet, improve joint support, freshen your dog’s breath, and prevent allergies Just don’t give your dog too much of a good thing, as it can lead to obesity.

Bad Foods for Dogs

Almonds

Don’t give almonds to a dog, as they are toxic. Almonds block the esophagus or may rend the windpipe if they are not chewed thoroughly. Salted almonds are worst, as they increase water retention and can result in a fatal outcome for dogs with heart disease.

Chocolate

Canines are not permitted to consume chocolate. Chocolate includes methylxanthines, stimulants that slow the metabolism of dogs. Dark chocolate, in particular, has the potential to induce diarrhea and vomiting. Consumption of chocolate may potentially result in seizures, cardiovascular issues, and even death. Call your veterinarian immediately if your dog eats anything chocolate.

Garlic

Garlic should not be fed to dogs. Like onions, leeks, and chives, Garlic is an allium plant that is five times more hazardous to dogs than the other allium species. Garlic may cause anemia in dogs, resulting in pale gums, an increased heart rate, weakness, and collapse. Garlic and onion poisoning may cause delayed symptoms, so if you suspect your dog has eaten these foods, observe it for several days and call your vet immediately.

Ice Cream

Dogs should abstain from ice cream. As pleasant as the ice cream is, it is high in sugar and should not be shared with your dog. Additionally, some dogs are lactose intolerant. To avoid giving your dog milk, frozen strawberries, raspberries, or slices of pineapples or apples for a delicious, refreshing doggy snack. Make sure all the seeds from the apples are removed, as they are toxic.

Macadamia Nuts

Don’t give your dog macadamia nuts. They are extremely poisonous. Part of the Proteaceae family, the nut causes vomiting and an increase in body temperature, tiredness, and problems with walking. They can also negatively affect a dog’s nerves.

Raisins and Grapes

While eating a few grapes may not prove dangerous for some dogs, it can lead to kidney failure and death in other dogs. Keep these foods away from both dogs and cats.

Bacon or Bacon Grease or Ham

Bacon or ham and their byproducts contain too much salt and fat – substances that can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, and indigestion in both dogs and cats. These foods also cause inflammation of the pancreas, known as pancreatitis.

Salty Snacks

People eat a lot of salt in the U.S. However, while palatable to humans, the addition of salt can make your pet quite sick. Too much salt in a snack food can cause diarrhea, vomiting, seizures, and tremors. If a pet has a heart issue, salt can be fatal.

Xylitol

The sweetener, xylitol, is not such a sweet food for either a dog or cat. Unfortunately, artificial sweetener is found in a large number of products, including medicines, vitamins, lip balm, and even baby wipes. It may also be added to sugar-free candy, baked goods, peanut butter, and gum. Therefore, check a product’s label before you buy it. While peanut butter won’t hurt a dog, xylitol in the product can make it sick. A small amount of the sweetener can cause a dog to become weak, vomit, experience a seizure, or die from liver failure.

Avocados

Don’t give your dog avocados in any form, including guacamole. A salty snack with guacamole is absolutely off-limits. Avocados contain a toxin called persin. While some dogs and cats are not affected by the substance, avocados are high in fat, which can cause pancreatitis. The pit may a; sp cause your pet to choke.

Acceptable Foods

Bread

Dogs can eat small amounts of plain bread if it does not contain spices (such as garlic) or raisins. However, the food does not provide any health benefits. Homemade bread is better than store-bought bread, as they don’t contain preservatives. Just don’t give you dog bread dough, or any kind of raw dough, as it can wreak havoc on its system.*

*Warning: The yeast in unbaked dough leads to a distended stomach or bloat, which leads to a life-threatening condition as the stomach winds over itself. The raw dough also causes alcohol poisoning (from the ethanol produced from yeast). Alcohol poisoning can lead to seizures and death. A pet may try to vomit up the dough, but it may be too late, as the dough often expands inside the stomach before anything can come up.

Cashews

Dogs can eat cashews, but don’t give your dog more than a few at one time. The food contains antioxidants, magnesium, protein, and calcium. Again, less is more. Too many cashews can lead to weight gain.

Cheese

You can give your dog a moderately small amount of cheese if your pet is not lactose intolerant. Cheese can be high in fat, so choose lower-fat varieties, such as mozzarella or cottage cheese. You can also find dog chews with the ingredient.

Coconut

Coconut is fine for dogs. The tropical fruit contains lauric acid, which is antibacterial and antiviral. It freshens the breath and improves the condition of the skin, as it prevents itchiness and allergies to fleas. Coconut oil and coconut milk are also okay for canine consumption.

Corn

One of the most common ingredients in dog foods, corn, can be eaten by your canine companion. However, if you share it, give it to your dog off the cob, as the cob is difficult for a dog to digest and can lead to intestinal blockage.

Eggs

While you cannot give a dog bacon, you can give it eggs, as long as the eggs are fully cooked. Eggs are a great source of protein and help if your dog has an upset stomach. Raw eggs can lead to a biotin deficiency, so, again, make sure the eggs are thoroughly cooked.

Fish

Fish contains amino acids and good fats, so it is healthy food for a pet to eat. Especially beneficial are sardines and salmon. Sardines have digestible bones, which provide additional calcium. Just make sure you pick out the bones of other types of fish, as they can cause a dog to choke. Never give your dog fish that has not been fully cooked and cooled, and limit its consumption to twice a week.

Honey

Dogs can eat honey, which is packed with vitamins A, B, C, D, E, and K, plus calcium, potassium, magnesium, and antioxidants. Feeding your dog a small amount of honey can reduce allergies, as the food introduces small amounts of pollen, which builds up immunity. You can also use the food as a topical treatment for superficial cuts or burns.

Milk

Like cheese, you can give your dog milk as long as your pet is not lactose-intolerant. Generally, it is better to give your fresh water.

Peanut Butter

You can give your dog natural peanut butter that is not artificially sweetened. It is an excellent source of protein and contains healthy fats, plus niacin and vitamins B and E. Raw and unsalted peanut butter is the best choice.

Peanuts

Unlike almonds, you can give your dog peanuts. Peanuts contain protein and good fats. Just make sure to give it unsalted peanuts and only provide a small quantity.

Check a Food First If You’re Not Sure

If you are not sure about a certain food, research if it is okay online or checks with your vet. It is better to be safe than sorry. Once you know what is okay and not okay to feed your pet, you can share some of your food without worry.

Richard HayesFebruary 9, 2022Last Updated: February 10, 2022