You may be feeding your pup some of your favorite foods and you may not know that some can be harmful to them. Your dog metabolizes food differently from you and that is why some foods can be toxic for them and some can be perfectly healthy for them. Being informed about what you are feeding them can make for a happier and healthier life.

Here is a list of foods that your pup can and cannot eat.

Food That Dogs Can Eat: In moderation and cut into bite-sized pieces, some human foods can be good and even nutritious for your dog to eat as an occasional treat. Although, as with lots of foods, too much can lead to unwanted weight gain. Also ensure the foods you do share with your pet are plain and do not contain salt or extra ingredients that can be harmful.

  • Vegetables such as Carrots, Green Peas (Fresh or Frozen, Not Canned), Corn (Not Corn on the Cob), Broccoli, Sweet Potatoes, Mushrooms (Store-bought), and Celery.
  • Fruits such as Blueberries  and  Blackberries ,  Pineapple, Watermelon ,  Apples ,  Mango ,  Banana ,  Strawberries ,  Oranges , and Coconut. Remember to remove any seeds, pits, and peels as they can be toxic and pose as a choking hazard.
  • Proteins such as Peanut Butter, Cooked Eggs, Cooked and Boneless Salmon, Chicken, Pork (Not processed pork such as Ham and Bacon), Turkey, Beef (preferably lean), and Cooked Shrimp with the tails removed. Always feed them cooked meat, off the bone and skinless, and without any added sauces and spices to avoid them eating any unwanted ingredients such as onion and garlic.
  • Carbs such as Popcorn (avoid kernels), Bread, Oatmeal, Rice, and Cooked Potatoes.
Food That Dogs Cannot Eat: Avoid giving your dog even small amounts of these foods as they can be dangerous as they contain toxins, however safe for humans, are poisonous to dogs and should never be consumed by them.
  • Grapes, Raisins, and Onions
  • Chocolate, Macadamia Nuts
  • Coffee and Tea
  • Garlic
  • The sugar substitute, Xylitol
  • Alcohol (including products that contain alcohol)
  • Raw Yeast Dough
  • THC containing products
Limit your dog’s intake of Salt (Salty Foods such as Chips), Cheese (including Cottage Cheese), Cashews, Almonds, Tomatoes, Cinnamon, Honey, Milk, Peanuts, and Cherries. Ensure that your dog does have lots of water and gradually introduce human foods to your dog’s diet to monitor the effects and to prevent overeating, nausea, and diarrhea.

By following this list and consulting your vet, your pet can live a happy and healthy life. We are always here to answer questions about food safety, portion sizes, and if your little one got into something they shouldn’t have. Remember all dogs are different and if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to give us a call at Happy Paws Veterinary Clinic.