Pet owners love to share everything with their dogs, including food! As a pet parent, it can be tempting to give your dog a piece of the food off your plate as a small treat, or to show your love for them. Before you do, it’s important to know which foods are safe for your canine friends, and which could be potentially dangerous.
Dogs metabolize and digest food differently than humans do, which is why some foods may be perfectly safe for them as an occasional treat, and some may be extremely toxic. The team at BEEVET Animal Hospital has put together this helpful list of human foods that are safe for your dogs, so you can give your pet a well-deserved treat and avoid a potential pet poisoning.
Safe Foods for Dogs
When given in small amounts and as an occasional treat, these human foods are safe for your dogs to consume:
Fruits
Apples: Low in fat and high in “cronch,” this fruit has the benefit of adding fiber and vitamins A and C to your pet’s snack.
Bananas: Loaded with vitamins, potassium, and fiber, bananas are a tasty treat for dogs. However, they should be given in moderation because of their high sugar content.
Blueberries: These fantastic fruits are packed with antioxidants and make a great replacement for training treats because of their small size.
Cantaloupe and Watermelon: These melons are high in water and vitamins, and make great summer treats. Be sure to remove the rind and seeds, which can cause stomach problems during digestion.
Vegetables
Broccoli: While overall safe, too much broccoli can cause gastrointestinal irritation or lead to a potential blockage in the esophagus from the stalks and stems.
Brussels Sprouts and Cabbage: A nutrient dense food, these vegetables can also cause your dog to become gassy when they eat too much.
Carrots: These crunchy treats are healthy options for your dog, and can even help to clean your dog’s teeth as they chew them!
Celery: This vegetable is full of vitamins and crunch, and can even help promote a healthy heart and freshen your doggy’s breath.
Green Beans: All varieties of green beans are safe for dogs (canned, chopped, steamed, frozen, etc), as long as they are the low-sodium type.
Peas: A variety of peas are safe for dogs, including green peas, sugar snap peas, snow peas, garden peas, and English peas, when given on occasion.
Spinach: This leafy green is okay in small quantities, although your dog may not find it very enjoyable to eat.
Dairy and Other Foods
Bread: Given in small pieces, bread is a safe food item for your dogs to eat.
Cheese: Acceptable only when given in small amounts, since dogs cannot digest lactose very well. Too much cheese can cause an upset stomach.
On the “No” List
Consult your veterinarian right away if you believe your dog ingested one of these foods, or call the ASPCA’s Pet Poison Control line at (888) 426-4435 if you are unsure if something they ate is toxic or life threatening. Watch out for these unsafe and toxic foods, that you should never give your pet:
- Chocolate
- Coffee or caffeinated beverages
- Grapes and raisins
- Onions, garlic, and mushrooms.
- Xylitol (a sweetener found in some candies, toothpaste and gum)
Please remember that what is listed above is not an exhaustive list of unsafe foods. It’s always important to be mindful of what you are feeding your pet.
Also, keep in mind that overfeeding your pet people food or dinner scraps can not only be potentially toxic or lead to weight gain, but it could cause something as serious as pancreatitis. Always consult with your veterinarian first about the best snacks to give your pup, and stay aware of what to do if your pet eats something harmful.
Consult the veterinary experts at BEEVET Animal Hospital with any questions regarding your pet’s nutrition and what human foods are safe for dogs. Call us at (512) 263-9292 to speak with our team or schedule an appointment.
