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What can dogs eat?

October 15, 2021

There are many human foods that dogs will not only enjoy but reap health benefits too. However, there are also several foods that we eat that are poisonous to dogs. Read on to learn about what dogs can eat and what they can’t. 

Human foods that dogs can eat

There are many human foods that make tasty snacks for dogs. This includes cheese – in small amounts – cream cheese and peanut butter, which make great fillings for Kongs. 

Note: always check the ingredients of peanut butter and avoid brands that contain xylitol which is toxic to dogs. 

There are certain fruits that dogs can eat too – including bananas, sliced apples with the seeds removed (the seeds are toxic to dogs) and blueberries (see below). Sliced frozen bananas can also make a soothing and tasty snack for teething puppies. 

Healthy human food for dogs

You’re probably familiar with the term ‘superfoods’ for human food, but did you know that there are superfoods for dogs too? And many of them are the same as the ones humans benefit from. Here are five healthy fruit and vegetables to feed your dog:

  • Blueberries and cranberries: Packed full of antioxidants, blueberries and cranberries make a great nutritional snack for dogs. 
  • Carrots: A popular snack with most dogs, carrots are another antioxidant. They contain beta carotene which is important for eye health – yes, carrots really do help you to see in the dark! 
  • Oily fish: Salmon and other oily fish contain high levels of Omega 3 which is important for maintaining healthy skin and a glossy coat. Read more about using fish oils to treat dogs with itchy skin.
  • Spinach and broccoli: Green vegetables are an all-around superfood as they are loaded with vitamins and minerals which are important for your dog’s immune system.
  • Pumpkin and butternut squash: Another great source of vitamins and minerals, a baked or pureed pumpkin or squash will make a tasty and healthy treat for your dog. 

What can dogs not eat? 

There are a number of human foods which are poisonous to dogs and should never be fed to them. Here’s the list of foods to avoid:

  • Chocolate
  • Avocados
  • Caffeine
  • Alcohol 
  • Grapes, raisins, sultanas and currants (often found in cakes)
  • Onions, garlic and chives
  • Macadamia nuts
  • Xylitol – an artificial sweetener used in foods

If you believe your dog has eaten something that could be poisonous, you should contact your vet straight away for advice. Learn more about what to do if you think your dog has been exposed to something poisonous in our guide to dog first aid. 

Watch your dog’s weight

Remember, snacks count as calories so make sure that you count them towards your dog’s daily calories to prevent them from gaining weight. Excess weight in dogs can lead to several health issues, including heart problems, diabetes and arthritis. Read more on how to maintain your dog’s healthy weight.