As a dog parent, it’s your job to look after your pet'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.Feeding your dog human food is usually harmless, but sometimes something that we find tasty and nutritious can have the opposite effect on your woofer. We’ve made a list of what dogs can and can’t eat, so you can sneak them snacks in peace.
Just like humans, dogs have evolved into omnivores, and eat a mix of plants and animals. They need a balanced diet of carbohydrates, fat and protein to give them the energy they need.
Although humans and dogs have different nutritional needs, dogs can eat human foods every now and then as a treat. So, when it comes to human 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 dog watching their weight. Tip: in the warmer months, try freezing bananas for your hound after hot summer walks.
🍎 Apples
Are apples good for dogs? The short answer is yes. 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 furry friend can enjoy these in moderation. When life gives you lemons, make lemonade for you, not your dog. Your dog 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
🍄 Mushrooms
Mushrooms found in the supermarket are safe for dog 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 dog 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 humans – are intolerant to dairy so keep an eye out.
🦴 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.
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 human dishes, both are toxic to dogs. They contain sulfur compounds that attack red blood cells and can lead to anemia and kidney failure.
🥑 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.
🍇 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.
🌱 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 diarrhea.
🥜 Nuts
English walnuts – the most popular walnut consumed by humans – are safe for dog consumption.However, 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
If ingested in large amounts, caffeine will speed up your dog's heart rate and raise their blood pressure and can be fatal.
🍭 Sweetener/Xylitol
Xylitol, a sweetener found in gum, candy and other baked goods, it is toxic to your fur baby. It causes your dog 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 dialator. 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. If you want to keep your dog healthy and happy, avoid giving them junk food.