Does your furry buddy turn away from his food and eyeballs you as you take a bite of yours?
That’s because your dog wants some of what you are having. Dogs are social animals. Research shows they cannot help but respond to ostensive cues by people they love and trust. To your dog, sharing a meal is an invitation signal. You are saying, “come over, let us share what I have.” They would leave whatever is on their plate to have a taste of your food.
But, is your meal safe for your dog? Not always. Some human-safe foods are toxic to dogs. A taste of some of your food could mean a visit to the emergency vet room. To avoid that, here is a quick list of popular foods that are safe and foods that are toxic for your dog.
As always, please consult your vet about introducing new foods to your dog’s diet. Be mindful of allergies and always observe for reactions after they try something new.
List of Safe Foods for Dogs
Here’s a list of safe foods for dogs. Dogs usually won’t get sick from small amounts.
- Bread: Yes, it is safe. But it should be plain bread (no raisins) and served in small amounts.
- Dairy products like milk, cheese, and yogurt are safe for your dog. But they are best served in small quantities because they are rich in fats. Also, make sure your dog is not lactose intolerant.
- Grains: Corn, pop-corn, wheat, and other grains are safe for dogs. They are also common ingredients in commercial dog food. They are good sources of fiber and carbohydrates, and dogs love the taste. But there are a few dogs that are allergic to particular grains. Therefore, remember to serve in bits and observe your dog. If you notice odd reactions, check with a vet.
- Meats like fish, ham, beef, and chicken are excellent for dogs. Meat contains essential proteins, and fish like salmon and sardines supply vitamins and calcium. Remember to give only well-done meat and serve sparingly. Observe the dog and look out for allergic reactions. If your dog is allergic to meat like chicken, it is best to stick to chicken-free dog food.
- Eggs: Unlike humans, few dogs are allergic to eggs. Eggs are an excellent source of protein. But like the meats, give only fully cooked eggs. Eating raw eggs could cause biotin deficiency in your dog.
- Peanut butter is okay for your dog. It contains healthy fats and vitamins. But check the label first and make sure it does not contain xylitol, a sugar substitute often used in low-carb peanut butter. It can be toxic to dogs.
Other safe foods for your dog include sweet potatoes, apples, veggies like carrots, celery, broccoli, and fruits like bananas and strawberries.
List of Foods That are Toxic to Dogs
Here’s a list of foods that are toxic to dogs in small or big quantities.
- Chocolate is not safe for your dog. But many people don’t know. They give them bits, especially around festive seasons, and end up with sick dogs. Chocolate contains methylxanthine that interferes with the metabolism of dogs. Chocolate can cause diarrhea, vomiting, seizures, heart palpitations, and other symptoms. A large portion of chocolate could be fatal for your dog.
- Beverages like coffee and tea are also toxic to dogs. They contain caffeine which would over-stimulate a dog’s nervous system causing hyperactivity, seizures, increased and abnormal heart rate, tremors, and lung failure. Even small amounts of caffeine could have adverse effects on your dog or even be fatal.
- Food containing onions or garlic. Dogs don’t like the scent of onions or garlic; they would turn away from such foods. However, sometimes these ingredients could be mixed and disguised into dog-palatable foods. Your dog could gobble up onions or garlic unknowingly. Garlic and onions contain compounds that cause vomiting, diarrhea, and anemia when eaten in bigger amounts. Although a little bit might cause stomach upset or no reaction at all, larger amounts could be more serious.
- Avocados are toxic to dogs. It contains a toxin called persin that causes fluid accumulation in the lungs and chest. It causes breathing difficulties. In some cases, persin intoxication could cause severe oxygen deprivation and fatality.
- Cinnamon and cinnamon-flavored foods could also harm your dog. Cinnamon irritates the dog’s mouth and gastrointestinal system. It causes diarrhea, vomiting and your dog could find feeding extremely uncomfortable. Besides, your dog could experience irregular heart rate, breathing and swallowing difficulties, and develop liver ailments.
Other dog-toxic foods include lemons and lime, macadamia nuts, grapes, raisins, almonds, alcoholic beverages, and nutmeg.
A Final Word on Dog-Safe and Dog-Toxic Foods
Sharing a meal makes us (and our furry buddies) happier. But we must be careful about what we serve. There are hundreds of safe dog recipes you can explore. But as you share meals with your dog, keep in mind that you should introduce foods gradually. Also, remember to check the quantity and frequency of feeding. Canine obesity is a common pet problem.
