Can My Dog Eat This?

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March is Pet Poison Prevention Awareness Month. So, I found it only fitting to talk about feeding your dog table scraps. It is a fairly controversial topic among dog owners and trainers. Do you ever wonder, "Can my dog eat this?" I have a printable list of human foods that are and are not safe for your dog to eat.

Can My Dog Eat This?!

March is Pet Poison Prevention Awareness Month. So, I found it only fitting to talk about feeding your dog table scraps. It is a fairly controversial topic among dog owners and trainers. A lot of people ask, “Can my dog eat this?”

I have also put together a printout for you on what is safe and toxic to your buddy. You can get it here.

So, what is the answer? The simple answer is there are foods that dogs can not eat. These foods will cause them to have different health problems. I will go over some of the foods your dog can and cannot eat in this article.

But, before you change any of your dog’s diet or add in any new “treats” please make sure you discuss it all with your vet. Just like humans, all dogs are different. This means different dogs can tolerate some foods better than others.

For instance, Ryder has allergies to different foods. He is on a pretty strict diet. Some of the foods listed on okay to eat list, he can not have. To avoid complications always talk to your vet about your dog’s diet first.

 

The No-Eat List

There are some foods every dog owner knows not to give their dog, like chocolate. But what about all the other human foods? Are they safe for dogs?

There are actually quite a few foods that can cause severe reactions and illness to your dog. Some foods can even be fatal if your dog eats them.

Some of those foods will taste gross to a dog – a natural protection against poisonous foods. But, some dogs either don’t have this instinct or don’t care. In that case, they’ll try all the harder to get them. You have to be responsible for your dog’s diet.

Let’s dive into some of the foods your dog should not have and why.

 

Onions and Garlic

Onions, leeks, chives, and garlic are all part of the Allium family which are a huge no-no. Garlic is five times more toxic to dogs than the rest of the Allium plants. Garlic releases sulfoxides that can cause anemia as well as blood damage. Side effects can include elevated heart rate, weakness, and fainting. Poisoning from garlic and onions may take a while to show. If you think your dog may have eaten some, watch him closely and call your vet.

Bones

Bones of any kind can chip, splinter, or be swallowed. When a dog swallows a piece of bone, it can damage his insides. the piece of bone can cause obstructions, lacerations, and intestinal blockage. They can also be a choking hazard.

Cat Food

Cat food is richer and fattier than most dog foods. It also had too much protein for a healthy dog to digest. If you have a cat in the house, make sure your pup cannot get into their food. It is not healthy for them to eat.

Chocolate and Caffeine

Caffeine, Theobromine, and Theophylline are all toxic to dogs. These all give a shock to the body. Just like when you are I drink a pot of coffee. These can cause heart or nervous failure for dogs if they invest large amounts.

Citrus Oil Extracts

Citrus oils are used in some cleaning agents, but they also can be used in cooking. If you have any essential oils in the citrus family, keep them away from your pup. These can induce vomiting.

Fat Trimmings

Too much fat or fat trimming will cause Pancreatitis in your pup. Please think twice before giving your dog any meat scraps while you are in the kitchen.

Grapes or Raisins

Grapes and raisins contain a toxin that is not yet identified. The research is still out on what in the causes the issue, but eating these can cause kidney damage.

Liver

A little liver in treats and such is okay. But too much liver causes Vitamin A toxicity, which weakens their bones and muscles.

Hops and Alcohol

Even small amounts can cause organ damage and lead to possible coma or death. Other side effects are increased heart rate, panting, fever, and seizures. I have known a few dogs whose owners allow them a beer. Please think twice about giving your pup a cold one.

Supplements with Iron

Too much Iron can cause Iron poisoning which damages almost all their organs.

Pecans, Walnuts, and Macadamia Nuts

Dogs can have a few different nuts. But there is something about Pecans, Walnuts, and Macadamia nuts. They attack the digestive system, the muscles, and the nervous system.
A List of human food that is safe for your dog to eat

Molds

Mold is never really good for anyone to invest in. Eating mold causes diarrhea and vomiting and can lead to organ failure.

Mushrooms

Just like for us, some mushrooms are toxic. To err on the side of caution, I suggest you stay away from letting your dog have any mushrooms. They cause system failure, shock, and death in severe cases.

Raw Eggs

The Avidin Enzyme in raw eggs can reduce Biotin absorption and lead to hair and skin problems. There is also the risk of Salmonella in raw eggs.

Potato, Rhubarb, and Tomato Leaves

These plants cause many digestive problems and can result in urinary problems.

Fruit Seeds and Pits

These little guys are way too big of a choking hazard, please stay away from them. Seeds also cause intestinal blockage and inflammation of the intestines and diarrhea.

Raw Fish

Dogs who eat raw fish regularly can develop Thiamine deficiency. This will cause a loss of appetite, seizures, and can be fatal.

Salt

Just like for us, salt causes dehydration. It also causes an electrolyte imbalance. This can mess with their nervous system.

Yeast or Dough

One of the things I know Ryder is allergic to is Yeast. But his allergies to Yeast are environmental. Dogs who ingest Yeast can become very sick. Yeast causes swelling and stomach pain. It can also lead to stomach rupture.

Xylitol

There are a ton of things in the human world that are sweetened with Xylitol. Many candies, gum, toothpaste, and some sodas have Xylitol included on their label. It can cause liver failure and a drop in blood sugar if ingested.

Almonds

Almonds may not be toxic to dogs like pecans, walnuts, and macadamia nuts are. But they can be dangerous. Many dogs do not chew their food enough to properly ingest. Almonds can cause choking and block the esophagus. They can even tear the windpipe if not chewed completely.

Cinnamon

Cinnamon is not actually toxic to dogs, but it’s probably best to avoid it. Its oils can irritate the inside of dogs’ mouths. It can also lower a dog’s blood sugar. In large doses can lead to diarrhea, vomiting, increased or decreased heart rate, and even liver disease.

Ice cream

A lot of people share Ice Cream with their pooch. But your pup doesn’t digest dairy very well. In fact, try to avoid milk altogether.

Everything Else

Everything mapped out above has been proven to cause a direct threat to your dog’s health. However, just because something is not listed above does not mean it is okay to feed your dog, such as table scraps.

As a dog parent, you have to be on the lookout for any potentially tempting situations for your dog.

Keep a locking lid on your trash cans. Do not leave food on the counter. It is your responsibility to make sure your dog is safe and to make sure they have a proper diet.

Remember, they are happy to have whatever you feed them, but that does not mean it is good for them.

Rich, potentially damaging fatty foods from your table can be just as bad in the long run as any of the above foods.

 March is Pet Poison Prevention Awareness Month. So, I found it only fitting to talk about feeding your dog table scraps. It is a fairly controversial topic among dog owners and trainers. Do you ever wonder, "Can my dog eat this?" I have a printable list of human foods that are and are not safe for your dog to eat.

So, What human food can I give my dog?

There are a few human foods that your dog can really enjoy as a special treat or a little additive to his regular diet. Like I mentioned above, please make sure you talk to your vet before you change anything about your pooch’s diet.

If all is approved by your vet, here is a list of foods that is safe for your buddy.

  • Melon
  • Berries
  • Apple
  • Carrots
  • Peanut butter and peanuts
  • Cheese
  • Bananas
  • Green Beans
  • Cooked Chicken, Turkey, Ham
  • Shelled Sunflower Seeds
  • Cashews Unsalted
  • Coconut
  • Cooked Eggs
  • Cooked Salmon
  • Honey
  • Quinoa
  • Plain Yogurt
  • Fully cooked unshelled Shrimp
  • Bread
  • Pasta and Rice

 

Want to learn more?

If you would like to read up more on what is okay to give your dog, this guide by Puppy Being is a great one to take a look at.

Remember to download your copy of my list of foods you can and cannot feed your dog. It is really handy to hang on your fridge when your buddy comes around for a snack and you ask yourself, “Can my dog eat this?”

 

Do you have a kitty in your pack?

If you have a cat in the household, here is a great article on what foods are dangerous to your kitty family.

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