Many pet parents have the habit of feeding table scraps to their pet dogs. While there is no harm in sharing your favorite food with your furry friends, it is important to know what you can share with your dog and which foods are harmful to them.
Dogs and humans have different metabolisms. That’s why there are foods that are safe for humans but toxic and at times deadly for dogs. In this article, we have included an overview of foods that your dog can and can’t eat.
Food items safe for dogs
Blueberries
Blueberries are good for your dog and can be used as an ideal training treat. It is a rich source of antioxidants, fiber, minerals and vitamins.
Pineapples
Besides being superb in taste, pineapples are very good when it comes to your dog’s health. They are a good source of fiber, vitamins and minerals.
Strawberries
Strawberries that get a little bruised are perfect to feed your dog. They are low in calories and high in fiber and antioxidants.
Salmon
Raw salmon are not the best for your furry companion. If you are offering salmon to your dog, make sure that it is cooked. It is a great way to include omega-3 fatty acids in your pet’s food.
Peanut Butter
Peanut Butter is not only an immensely tasty food but also is absolutely safe to offer your dog. You should just make sure that it doesn’t contain Xylitol, a type of sweetener that is highly toxic for dogs.
Bananas
Dogs can safely consume bananas but in moderation. The fruit is high in fiber, vitamins and minerals. It is also believed that banana relieves nausea in dogs though it is not proven scientifically.
Cheese
If fed in moderation, cheese is absolutely safe for your dog. Most of the dogs have lactose intolerance so excessive quantity of cheese can lead to stomach upset.
Eggs
Eggs are safe for dogs but they shouldn’t be offered raw. They are a great source of vitamins, minerals and protein. It is also claimed that cooked eggs relieve nausea in dogs.
Oranges
Oranges can be used as an excellent treat for dogs. It comes with a high amount of nutrients and a low amount of calories. However, the fruit should be offered to dogs in moderation as it is acidic and can cause stomach upset.
Carrots
Carrots can be safely offered to dogs both raw and cooked. The vegetable is a good source of fiber, minerals and vitamins and is low in calories.
Read More:Is Seafood Healthy For Dogs?
Food items unsafe for dogs
Chocolate
We know it is sad but it is true that dogs should never have chocolate. Caffeine and theobromine, present in chocolate are harmful for dogs as they can’t metabolize them. It can lead to dehydration, diarrhea, and vomiting,
Onions
Onions are highly toxic for dogs. The vegetable contains a toxic compound called N-propyl disulphide which can adversely affect dogs’ red blood cells. This makes the cells less effective at moving oxygen through the body, leading to anemia.
Grapes and Raisins
You should never offer grapes and raisins to your dogs. The fruits contain toxic compounds which can cause kidney failure and even death of your dog. Signs that your dog has ingested grapes and raisins include tremors, vomiting, dehydration and lethargy.
Avocado
Avocados contain a toxic ingredient called persin which can accumulate fluid in your dog’s chest and lungs. This can deprive them of oxygen, cause trouble in breathing and sometimes death of your beloved pet.
Macadamia Nuts
Macadamia nuts are toxic for dogs. They cause tremors, muscle weakness, hyperthermia and vomiting.
Nutmeg
If consumed in large quantities, Nutmeg can be dangerous for your dog. It contains a toxic substance called myristicin which can cause stomach discomfort, seizures, dry mouth, disorientation and increased heart rate.
Raw Yeast Dough
Raw yeast dough can ferment and produce alcohol. This can cause alcohol poisoning and death of dogs.
Coffee and Tea
Caffeine, present in coffee and tea does not go well with dogs. The ingredient messes with a dog’s nervous system and can elevate heart rates. It can also cause vomiting, diarrhea, seizures and tremors.
Lemons and Limes
You should keep your dogs far from lemons and limes. They come with a substance called psoralen which can cause stomach upset.
Alcohol
Even a small bit of alcohol is poisonous for dogs. They can cause ethanol poisoning in dogs and can lead to diarrhea, seizures, vomiting and lack of coordination.
Read More:Food Aggression In Dogs- Tips To Control
Wrapping Up
This list however doesn’t contain all the foods that are safe and unsafe for dogs. As pet parents you should know that whatever human food you are offering your dog should be in moderate quantity. Excessive amounts of human food can interfere with your dog’s regular diet and spoil their health. You can use human food as a special treat for special occasions.
