Although your furry friend is often treated like another member of the family – and rightly so, they rule the household – their diets differ from hoomans. So what can dogs eat? Keep reading to find out what dogs can and can’t eat – plus all the foods that are poisonous to dogs so you can keep them on your radar.
As a dog pawrent, it’s your job to look after your pooch’s health and wellbeing. This means being aware of foods that are poisonous to dogs, so that when you’re sliding them snacks under the dinner table, you aren’t compromising their health.
What can dogs eat?
Just like hoomans, dogs have evolved into omnivores, and eat a mix of plants and animals. Unlike some hoomans who subsist largely on carbohydrates, doggos need a balanced diet of carbohydrates, fat and protein to give them the energy they need for their morning zoomies, midday zoomies and evening zoomies.
Although hoomans and dogs have different nutritional needs, hounds can eat hooman foods every now and then as a treat. So, when it comes to hooman food, what can dogs eat?
🍌 Bananas
Bananas are a great source of potassium, vitamins and fibre. They’re also low in sodium, so they make a great sweet treat for doggos watching their weight. Tip: in the warmer months, try freezing bananas for your hound after hot summer walks.
🍎 Apples
Are apples good for dogs? Yes! Apples are a great sweet snack. Make sure you remove the seeds and leaves from the apple before you give them to your dog, as these are poisonous.
🍋 Lemon and lime
Your dog can enjoy lemons and limes… in moderation. When life gives you lemons, make lemonade for yourself, not your woofer. Your doggo can safely consume lemon and lime, but most dogs turn up their nose at the taste.
This makes both fruits a great deterrent. Spray or squeeze a little around the house on your favourite furniture and in the backyard if they’re prone to digging.
If your canine is partial to a little citrus from time to time, go easy – too much lemon or lime will likely result in an upset stomach.
🍊 Oranges
Your woofer can absolutely eat the flesh of oranges. They’re packed with Vitamin C, potassium and fibre.
🍄 Mushrooms
Mushrooms found in supermarkets are safe for hound consumption. Many species of wild mushrooms are extremely poisonous, so if your dog eats a mushroom in the wild while you’re on a walk, contact your local vet immediately.
🧀 Cheese
When it comes to what dogs can and can’t eat, some foods are more problematic than others. Cheese can be enjoyed in moderation! Cheese puts noses, eyes and ears in the air. It gets your woofer running the moment they hear the fridge door.
Despite its allure, cheese should be enjoyed in moderation, as too much will give your woofer an upset tummy. Some dogs – just like hoomans – are intolerant to dairy so keep an eye out. If you’re in need of drool-worthy treats for sensitive stomachs, or something that’s as irresistible as a hunk of cheddar, check out our range of chews and treats.
🦴 Bones
As a general rule, bones should be almost as big as your dog’s head –this way they can’t swallow pieces of it. Bones should be raw, as cooked bones may splinter and are much harder to digest than raw bones. You should also avoid frozen bones because they might crack your terrier’s teeth. If you need something to keep your woofer busy while you’re out of the house, we’ve got dental chews that’ll have them gnawing all afternoon.
Which foods are poisonous to dogs?
🧅 🧄 Onion and garlic
Onion and garlic are some of the most important foods poisonous to dogs to be aware of. Although a tasty addition to hooman dishes, both are toxic to dogs. They contain sulfur compounds that attack red blood cells and can lead to anemia and kidney failure. Think twice next time you’re saving leftovers for your four-legged friend!
🥑 Avocado
When it comes to foods that are poisonous to dogs, avocados are top of the list. The flesh, skin and pit of avocados contain persin, a fungicidal toxin that can cause serious health problems in dogs. If your canine is craving something savoury, try a fatty, tasty treat like fish jerky instead!
🍇 Grapes, raisins and sultanas
Grapes and sultanas are both examples of foods poisonous to dogs. Store grapes, raisins and sultanas in your household carefully – they can be very toxic to your four-legged friend. Although research is yet to pinpoint what part of grapes, sultanas and raisins are toxic, we know the impact of ingestion can be dire.
🌱 Rhubarb leaves
Although we’re focusing on foods that are poisonous to dogs, it’s important to be aware of what’s growing in your garden too. Rhubarb, although it makes for a tasty tart, has poisonous leaves that can cause vomiting and diarrhoea. Remove rhubarb plants from your garden if your woofer spends time there.
🥜 Nuts
English walnuts – the most popular walnut consumed by hoomans – are safe for doggo consumption. But black walnuts and macadamias are poisonous and may result in vomiting, muscle tremors, fever and seizures. Peanuts are safe for your four-legged friends but be wary of peanut butter – it might contain xylitol (sweetener), which is toxic.
☕️ Coffee
Caffeine will speed up your dog’s heart rate and raise their blood pressure. If ingested in large amounts, it can be fatal. Your woofer has enough energy as it is – and they nap all afternoon anyway (lucky ducks!)
🍭 Sweetener/Xylitol
Xylitol, a sweetener found in gum, candy and other baked goods, is toxic to your terrier. It causes your woofer to secrete insulin and can lead to hypoglycemia – this means the levels of glucose in your dog’s blood are too low. Make sure you’re reading ingredient lists before you start sharing sweet snacks with your dog.
🍫 Chocolate
Chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine, which act as a diuretic and blood vessel dilator. Dogs find these chemicals harder to metabolise than we do, which is why they have a much bigger effect on them.
🍔🍕🍟 ‘Junk food’
When it comes to what your dog can and can’t eat, apply common sense. There’s a reason junk food has its name – it’s filled with sugar, salt and artificial preservatives. Your woofer needs a balanced diet that’s low in complex carbohydrates. If you want to keep your dog healthy and happy, avoid giving them junk food.
Still stuck on what to feed your woofer?
Look for locally made food that has an ingredients list. Fill your chonker’s treat cupboard, so next time your hound has a hankering for a snack you’ve got healthy snacks on hand. Although woofers are like hoomans in a lot of ways, they do have a different diet and will enjoy doggy snacks much more than the hooman equivalent.
Remember that every dog is different, and that you know your dog best. Consult your vet if your woofer is experiencing stomach problems
Thanks furr-reading! We hope this info will help your hound snack safely! If you’re in need of dog food and snacks that will get tails wagging we’ve got tasty treats for treasure hunts, dental chews that keep chompers busy, and locally made food that will nourish your woofer from the inside out.
