Human Foods For Dogs: A List Of What They Can And Can’t Eat
As a dog parent, your pup’s health should be your top priority. From providing them with a suitable environment to showing them lots of love and affection, there are many things that affect your dog’s quality of life and ensure their happiness and wellbeing.
One aspect you should pay the most attention to is their nutrition. By feeding your dog properly, you are helping them receive numerous vitamins and minerals that are essential for their overall health.
While pure kibble is the best way for them to get these nutrients, many dog parents mix their pup’s diet with some human foods.
However, dogs and humans metabolize foods differently and because of that owners should be aware of which human foods dogs can and can’t eat in order to prevent the development of severe health problems.
In this post, we are giving you a comprehensive list of which human foods are safe and which are dangerous for dogs.
Foods dogs can eat
Peanut butter
If there is one thing that dogs love to eat, it is peanut butter. This human food is an excellent source of protein, heart-healthy fats and vitamins B and E, all of which are great nutrients for pups.
Just make sure it doesn’t contain sweeteners like xylitol because it can be very toxic for them.
Carrots
If you are looking for a healthy snack for your furry friend, then carrots are a great choice. This human food is low in calories and can help remove plaque from your dog’s teeth while promoting good dental health.
If you want to increase the nutritious value of the snack, throw in some cucumbers.
Berries
Berries such as strawberries and blueberries are another type of human foods you can give your pup as an occasional treat. They are full of fiber, antioxidants and vitamin C, all of which can have a positive impact on your dog’s health.
Just remember to not overdo it because larger amounts can cause diarrhea and an upset stomach.
White rice
Cooked white rice is also great for dogs, especially if they are having stomach problems. It is easy to digest and will help bind their stool. However, remember to give it in moderation because white rice can cause blood sugar levels to rise.
For extra protein, you can combine the rice with a little bit of turkey.
Foods dogs can’t eat
Chocolate
A human food your pup should never eat is chocolate. This is because chocolate, whether dark or white, contains stimulants such as caffeine which dogs cannot metabolize efficiently. In fact, if they eat it, they may exhibit symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea and dehydration which can further lead to more serious health complications.
Citrus fruits
Citrus fruits such as lemons and oranges are another type of human food dogs can’t eat. This is because these fruits contain substances like citric acid or psoralen which can easily cause an upset stomach, especially if you give it to them in larger amounts. This can further lead to muscle tremors, difficulty walking and even death.
Grapes and raisin
Under no circumstances should dogs eat grapes or raisins. These foods contain substances like flavonoids and tannins which dogs also cannot metabolize. If they consume them, it can cause serious kidney damage and in some cases, even death.
So, make sure you refrain from products that contain these foods, such as fruit cake and malt loaf.
Onions, garlic and chives
Dogs should never eat onions, garlic and chives because they contain toxic substances which can have a negative impact on your pup’s health.
One common health issue that can result from giving your furry animal these foods is anemia which can further cause various side effects such as weakness, elevated heart rate and collapse.
Final thoughts
The importance of feeding your dog properly should never be overlooked. While kibble food is the best way to provide your four-legged animal with all essential vitamins and minerals, you can also mix up their diet by adding a few safe human foods.
However, one thing you should remember is to always give these human foods in moderation because larger quantities can have a negative impact on your pup’s wellbeing.
For more information on this matter, be sure to refer to our post and learn about which human foods are safe for dogs and which can be toxic.
