Many foods can tempt your appetite but could cause your dog discomfort and even send them to the vet. To help keep your pup safe, we've divided human foods into two categories: what's safe and what's not. Keep reading to learn which foods to avoid giving your dog.
Meat: Lean meats like chicken, turkey, roast beef, or lean ground beef are excellent for your dog’s diet. Avoid feeding them animal fats.
Vegetables: Since dogs are omnivores, they can safely enjoy a variety of vegetables like carrots, green beans, cucumbers, zucchinis, bell peppers, celery, and spinach. You can also try steaming broccoli, asparagus, cauliflower, and sweet potatoes. These veggies offer similar health benefits for dogs as they do for humans. Just be sure to chop them into bite-sized pieces!
Grains: Plain, cooked pasta and rice are safe for your dog on occasion. Be sure to skip any sauces or extras you might usually add.
Fruits: Dogs can enjoy bananas, apples, cantaloupe, watermelon, blueberries, and oranges—just be sure to remove all seeds, rinds, and peels. Always check with your vet before introducing new foods into your pet's diet. Keep in mind that puppies, senior dogs, and those with specific health issues may have special dietary needs.
Also, limit how much human food your dog eats. Typically, no more than 5-10% of their daily intake should come from human food.
While your dog's ideal diet will depend on factors like breed and age, there are some universal "don'ts" that apply to all canines. Here are the top human foods you should never feed your dog:
Avocados: While avocado is a healthy fruit for humans, it contains a substance called persin, which can be harmful to dogs in large quantities. Though small amounts of flesh may be safe, the pit and skin should never be given to your dog.
Alcohol: Alcohol affects a dog’s liver and brain similarly to humans, but it’s much more potent for dogs. Even a small amount can be life-threatening.
Onions and Garlic: These strong-smelling vegetables can harm a dog’s red blood cells and cause anemia. Although a single bite may not be fatal, avoid feeding your dog large quantities or small amounts regularly.
Grapes and Raisins: Grapes and raisins can cause kidney failure in dogs. Just a few can lead to illness, so be cautious.
Peaches, Plums, and Persimmons: The pits in these fruits contain toxic substances that can be harmful to dogs if ingested—plus, they pose a choking hazard.
Sweets: Avoid giving your dog candy, gum, chocolate (all varieties), baked goods, ice cream, or any milk-based treats. Even a small bite can cause vomiting, allergies, or other health issues. One of the most dangerous foods for dogs is chocolate. Chocolate contains theobromine, which dogs cannot metabolize effectively. Even small amounts can lead to poisoning, causing symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, increased heart rate, and even seizures. Always keep chocolate out of reach of your dog.
Xylitol: Xylitol is a sugar substitute found in many sugar-free products, including gum, candy, and baked goods. It can cause severe insulin release, leading to hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), seizures, and even liver failure in dogs. Be cautious of any foods that contain xylitol and keep them away from your dog.
Caffeine: Caffeine contains methylxanthines, which can cause serious health issues in dogs, even in small amounts. Unlike humans, dogs metabolize caffeine much more slowly, which means it can stay in their system for a longer time, leading to toxicity. The amount of caffeine that can cause poisoning varies depending on the dog’s size, breed, and overall health, but it’s always better to be cautious and avoid giving it to them altogether.
Raw/Fatty/Salty/Spoiled Foods: If you wouldn’t eat it, neither should your dog. Keep your dog away from raw meats, eggs, and fish, as well as fatty cuts of meat, gristle, and small bones. Also, avoid sharing salty snacks like pretzels or popcorn, as too much salt can lead to dehydration and even sodium ion poisoning.
Even with precautions, it’s still possible for your dog to find and swallow something harmful. The best way to protect your pup is to keep dangerous foods out of reach—store pantry items securely and avoid leaving food on counters.
It’s also smart to write down the number of your vet and the Animal Poison Control Center - (888) 426-4435 - just in case.