Can Dogs Eat These Foods?
The majority of dog owners are conscious of the foods they feed their beloved pets. Most take care to provide their fur kids with the right combination of food and snacks. Sometime though, pet owners may not know whether a certain type of food is bad or dangerous for their dogs.
We’ve outlined a large list of foods that you may have questions about in terms of safety for your dog. While some of the ones listed will be just fine, others can be potentially dangerous. We hope this extensive list below helps clear up the “can my dog eat this?” questions that you may have.
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- Can Dogs Eat Bacon? – Bacon is one of those foods that smell terrific whether you are a human or a canine. As good as it smells bacon is not a good choice for your dog because of the super high fat content. If given too much bacon your dog can actually get Canine Pancreatitis which is an inflammation of the pancreas. Bacon flavored dog treats are a much healthier choice even if they don’t smell quite as delicious as real bacon does.
- Can Dogs Eat Bones? – There are many scary stories out there that have reported about dogs having to have surgery to remove pieces of bone from their stomachs. Raw meat bones such as chicken, fish, pork and beef are not recommended for your dog due to the fact that they can splinter and cause health dangers. There are plenty of fake bones on the market that are much safer for your dog to eat. Some of the dental bones are always a good choice.
- Can Dogs Eat Cinnamon? – While Cinnamon is not bad for your dog, it is not a necessary additive to their diet and provides no nutritional benefits. Dogs do not care of their food is spiced or not, so save the cinnamon for the human food and don’t worry about giving it to your dog. If they DO ingest something with cinnamon in it, there will more than likely be no effect at all.
- Can Dogs Eat Corn on the Cob? – Corn on the cob may look like a fun thing for a dog to chew on but it is not recommended. Some dogs will chew on something until they eat it completely and a corn cob can cause intestinal blockage if they manage to swallow it. Definitely keep corn on the cob away from your dog and avoid dog food that uses corn as a major filler as this is not healthy for them either. Opt for grain-free versions instead.
- Can Dogs Eat Raw Chicken? – Raw chicken is actually very good for a dog and can be fed to them in the form of a raw diet. It is important to note however, that if your dog is not used to a raw diet, that they will need to be transitioned over slowly, over several weeks time. You can start by having your dog eat a couple of raw chicken wings and go from there. Cooked whole chicken on the bone should NEVER be given to a dog because the bones can splinter. This danger is not present with raw bones however and mimics the raw food diet that wild dogs thrived on.
- Can Dogs Eat Rice? – Plain rice is not harmful for your dog as long as it is not the ONLY thing they eat. It can be very beneficial for dogs that have diarrhea or upset stomachs and can be a great supplement for older dogs that provides them with valuable energy; an important thing for the older dog. Brown rice provides more protein for the dog but white rice can be a great supplement when added to other healthy choices as well.
- Can Dogs Eat Cherries? –One or two cherries, properly prepared (minus stem, leaves and pits) are not going to cause any trouble but overall is it best avoided due to the fact that it releases low levels of cyanide. Unprepared cherries are definitely dangerous. All cherries, prepared and unprepared should be kept in the refrigerator to prevent your dog from accidentally getting into them.
- Can Dogs Eat Coconut? – Many dog owners give coconuts to their dogs to play with. Dogs can safely eat the coconut pulp and drink the milk but it will more than likely cause a change in their stools, causing them to be pale, greasy and runny. Coconut provides several nutrients albumin and fiber, both of which are good for your dog and it can help in the removing of worm eggs.
- Can Dogs Eat Corn? – Corn is already prevalent in many commercial dog foods, so giving them even more in their diet in the form of fresh corn is not a good idea. While it can help with constipation in dogs, it is best avoided due to the already high corn count in dry dog foods.
- Can Dogs Eat Spinach? –Spinach is just fine for your dog to eat if they like it. In large amounts, the oxalates that spinach contains can be harmful to the kidneys but that is in VERY large amounts that the dog would probably not be eating. So if they like it, it’s definitely safe to feed it to them once in a while.
- Can Dogs Eat Tuna? – Tuna is packed full of omega-3 fatty acids which are very beneficial to dogs. It can prevent irregular heartbeats, prevent blood clots, improve cholesterol and also reduce inflammation. Over all it is a great thing to feed your dog just be sure to do it in moderation and not every night.
- Can Dogs Eat Garlic? – Garlic has the potential to quickly become dangerous, so while it can be given to your dog, the amount and frequency must be extremely small. Dogs are extremely sensitive to garlic, so a tiny amount goes a very long way. There are some cardiovascular improvements that can come from giving your dog garlic, but again, consult your vet for the amounts and frequency.
- Can Dogs Eat Ham? – The main reasons that ham is not recommended as a food for your dog is because of the high salt and fat content. It typically is not tolerated well by dogs and since there is very little value they are getting, it is better just to forgo it altogether.
- Can Dogs Eat Raw Meat? – Raw meat is good for your dog as long as a few restrictions are adhered to. Quality beef, turkey and lamb are all excellent choices. Pork should not be served due to the illnesses it can cause. Many dog owners are turning to total raw food diets for their dogs and while it can be more expensive and harder to do, your dog will definitely benefit. If you want to switch your dog over from a regular commercial food diet to a raw food diet then be sure to transition them over a several week time frame.
- Can Dogs Eat Fish? – Fish is something that has many health benefits to your dog. While they shouldn’t eat raw fish, cooked fish in controlled amounts will be a great addition to your dog’s diet. Two times a week should be the most you serve it to your dog.
- Can Dogs Eat Mushrooms? – Mushrooms in moderation that have been store bought are fine for your dog. If they like them and there is no allergic reaction, it is fine to give it to them. It is a definite health food containing protein, niacin, enzymes, and antioxidants. They also have good levels of vitamin D in them as well.
- Can Dogs Eat Peanut Butter? – Peanut butter is an excellent food to give your dog. Opt for the natural kind. 1 teaspoon daily is a good amount and will provide health benefits such as boosting energy and stamina, reduces cholesterol, and they have been proven to help dogs that are diagnosed with diabetes. Avoid the chunky kind for young puppies as it may be harder to digest than the creamy variety.
- Can Dogs Eat Potatoes? –Potatoes are fine for your dog as long as they are cooked and it’s in moderation. Make sure that when you give your dog a potato it has been washed and peeled. Then boil it until soft and let it cool before giving it to them. Dogs don’t need a lot of vegetables and they definitely don’t need butters, cheese, bacon bits or sour cream on their potatoes.
- Can Dogs Eat Peanuts? – Peanuts are not toxic to dogs, but if they are going to be given any, make sure that they are low salt. The salt in regular peanuts can be a problem for a dog as can the high fat content that can cause stomach upset. The low salt variety can be given to then occasionally as a little treat and should not be given to them as a meal.
- Can Dogs Eat Blueberries? – Blueberries won’t hurt your dog unless they eat a large amount of them. Dogs don’t typically eat fruits but giving them the occasional one or two as a treat once in awhile is fine. If you are feeding them a diet that is rich in protein and the nutrients they need, adding blueberries is unnecessary.
- Can Dogs Eat Grapes? – Grapes are a great tasting fruit that has dangerous implications for your dog. You should avoid giving your dog grapes at any time and ensure that if you have grapes in the house, they are where the dog cannot get to them at all. They can cause kidney failure among other things and this includes raisins as well. A great fruit for humans, but dogs beware!!
- Can Dogs Eat Cheese? – Cheese is a treat that should only be given on the rare occasion. If given too much you may notice that your dog could become a bit picky, expecting their cheese treats rather than wanting to eat their regular food. It’s not a food that they will be harmed by now having. It can cause diarrhea if you’re not careful.
- Can Dogs Eat Chocolate? – Chocolate should never be given to a dog for any reason, treat or meal. Care should be taken to ensure that the dog can’t get to candy that is lying around the house as well. Regardless of the fact that chocolate is considered potentially very dangerous for a dog, the dog won’t care and will clean out a box of chocolates if given the chance.
- Can Dogs Eat Honey? – Moderation is the key when it comes to giving honey to your dog. It should not be given to young puppies, but it can be used as a natural sweetener in fog treats with no ill effects. The honey should be raw and given in tiny amounts.
- Can Dogs Eat Pork? – Even though pork is a meat, it is a meat that is high in salt and fat, neither of which is good for your dog. Just like with ham and bacon, pork chops or pork steaks should be avoided as well. There is a possibility that the dog can contract trichinosis by eating pork so avoiding it is in the best interests of your dog.
- Can Dogs Eat Tomatoes? – Having a ripe tomato once in awhile can have positive results on your dog’s health that makes it a worthwhile, occasional treat to offer them. Some dogs can have allergic reactions to tomatoes, so the first time you give them one, make sure you watch for signs of trouble or allergic reactions and avoid giving it to them in the future.
- Can Dogs Eat Carrots? – Carrots are very good for your dog health wise. They are packed with vitamins and minerals and can help their teeth, eyes, and other health functions be in tip top shape. They are also good for the dog’s immune system. Some dogs love the crunchiness of raw carrots or you can serve them cooked or steamed carrots as well. Just remember to let the cooked food cool before giving it to them.
- Can Dogs Eat Watermelon? – This high water content treat can be given to dogs on occasion, especially in the hot summer months as it is a great way to cool them down. Moderation is the key. Watermelon has plenty of great things in it including Vitamins A and C, beta-carotene, magnesium and other great nutrients. Once in awhile having a slice will have positive effects on them. Allowing them to have several slices can cause system upset.
- Can Dogs Eat Bananas? – Moderation is the name of the game when it comes to giving your dog bananas. They are a good source of potassium, vitamins C and B6, fiber, biotin and much more. They are high in sugar which is the culprit that warrants only giving it to them once in awhile as a treat and not made a regular part of their meals.
- Can Dogs Eat Cat Food? – Although it won’t seriously affect your dog if they consume cat food, they should not be given cat food as a regular mealtime staple. The nutritional needs of cats are different than that of dogs, and each should have their own food that is designed for their type, breed and more.
- Can Dogs Eat Apples? – Dogs bodies are not used to eating cooked or raw fruits or vegetables. Apples can cause some stomach upset and bathroom changes. Eating an apple can possibly cause them some digestive difficulties. Remember that dogs are not designed to eat fruits and vegetables.