Which Human Foods Can Dogs Eat?

Saying NO to puppy eyes is one of the hardest things. Every dog parent is guilty of feeding their dogs something from their plate. Though we may think that it is okay on some occasions, human food is different from what dogs need. 

Humans and dogs metabolise food differently. Consequently, some foods may not be toxic to humans but could be potentially deadly to dogs. The best rule of thumb when you are feeding a pet a portion of food deemed 'safe' is to feed it to them in moderation. Every dog is different. Even so, giving your dog a treat now and then can be enjoyable. 

Dogs are carnivorous, so meat should be a major part of their diet. However, they don't only eat meat or are obligate carnivores. Dogs in the wild live primarily on prey animals and some vegetables. Sometimes they eat fruit as well. Ideally, meat should be the main portion of a dog's diet.

Word of Caution

It is important to introduce new foods slowly into your dog's diet so that you can watch for adverse reactions like allergies. Avoid weight gain and other negative consequences by feeding pet food in moderation. The food may be fine for one dog and problematic for another.

Let’s look at the different kinds of human food good for dogs!

Fruits

Fruit can serve as a treat to dogs in small amounts. Avoid the core and pips of fruit before feeding to a dog. As well as being a choking hazard, the core and pip of fruits contain cyanide, which can build up in your pet's system over time and make them ill.

• Oranges
• Watermelon
• Mango
• Blueberries
• Pineapple
• Blackberries
• Apples (No seeds or core)
• Cantaloupe
• Bananas
• Strawberries
• Peaches
• Pears
• Pineapple
• Raspberries

Vegetables 

• Green peas
• Green beans
• Broccoli
• Sweet Potatoes
• Cooked Potatoes
• Celery
• Spinach
• Cucumbers
• Asparagus (cooked)
• Brussel Sprouts
• Spinach
• Pumpkin
• Zucchini
• Carrots
• Garlic

Nuts

• Peanut
• Cashews
• Walnuts 
• Almonds

Meat

• Salmon
• Chicken
• Pork
• Turkey
• Beef
• Shrimp
• Tuna
• Ham
• Fish
• Duck
• Quail 

Other Foods

• Oatmeal
• Coconut
• Mushroom
• Rice
• Peanut Butter
• Quinoa

Dairy Products

• Eggs
• Yoghurt
• Goat’s milk
• Kefir

Limit the Following Foods

• Honey (raw honey only)
• Cinnamon (only powdered forms)
• Tomatoes (only if cooked)
• Cottage cheese

Chocolate is a Big NO!

Chocolate contains theobromine, which is harmful for your dog. Even a tiny bit of chocolate, like dark chocolate, can cause diarrhoea and vomiting. Large amounts of chocolate can cause seizures, irregular heart function, and even death. It’s best not to have chocolate in an accessible location for your dog.

Not Safe For Dogs

• Onions -
  Onions contain organosulfoxides, toxic to dogs, and may lead to diarrhoea, vomiting, and stomach pain that can cause anaemia in dogs.
  
  
• Coffee/Tea -
  Coffee and tea are dangerous for dogs. Caffeine in coffee and tea stimulates the dog's nervous system, causing hyperactivity, vomiting, diarrhoea, elevated heart rate, seizures, and tremors. Too much caffeine causes - Lung failure and abnormal heart rhythm, which can ultimately lead to death. 
  
  
• Foods Containing Xylitol -
  The artificial sweetening agent made for human food is highly toxic to dogs. Dogs can face liver failure and dangerously low blood sugar levels. Store bought peanut butter usually contains this so it’s important to read the ingredients. 
  
  
• Lemons & Limes -
  Lemons and limes can cause gastrointestinal symptoms like diarrhoea and vomiting. It is because these fruits have a substance called psoralen.
   
• Raw Yeast Dough -
  Though bread is safe for dogs, the yeast in dough leads to bloating and other dangerous complications. Ethanol present in yeast can cause alcohol poisoning.
  
  
• Alcohol -
  Alcohol or food containing alcohol should never be given to dogs as they cause coma and death.
  
  
• Soft Drinks & Chewing Gum -
  These are filled with toxins and pose a choking hazard to the dogs.
  
  
• High Sodium Foods, Including Bacon -
  High salt food items can cause excessive thirst and urination in dogs and sodium ion poisoning.
  
  
• Avocado Pits -
  A toxin called persin is present in the pit, skin, and leaves of avocados that causes vomiting and diarrhoea in dogs. 
  
  
• Grapes & Raisins -
  They have substances that cause kidney failures and death in some cases.
  
  
• Nutmeg & Macadamia -
  Avoid feeding these three nuts to dogs. Dogs should never eat macadamia nuts. Macadamia nuts can cause vomiting, inability to walk, increased body temperature, and lethargy. They can also affect the nervous system. 

Conclusion

It is always good to introduce new foods to your dogs in small quantities. Every dog is different and has unique needs. So, understand your dog's needs and speak to your vet before giving your dog any new food.