Loving dog owners commonly find themselves gripped with anxiety when their dog gobbles up human food. Can my dog eat that? While many human treats will not harm your dog, some foods are toxic that may surprise you. We have complied a list of some common foods that we eat, along with straightforward information to calm your nerves and stay appropriately alert if you dog snags a your food.
Can Dogs Eat Tomatoes?
Yes and no. Red, ripened tomatoes are a non-toxic treat for your dogs. However, unripened green tomatoes, tomato stems, and tomato plant leaves are toxic. Tomato plants are part of the nightshade family (along with bell peppers, blueberries and potatoes), according to the American Kennel Club. Solanine and tomatine are toxins found in the green parts of these plants. If your dog ingests the green parts of tomatoes or leaves, they may experience tomatine poisoning, which includes abdominal pain, lethargy, and possible seizures. While rarely fatal, it is important to visit your vet if your dog ingests these types of toxins.
Can Dogs Eat Peaches?
Yes! Peaches are a yummy snack for puppies and adult dogs, but in moderation. White peaches have a higher sugar content than yellow peaches, so they are more likely to cause longer term health issues for dogs with diabetes or obesity. Peach pits are never a good treat for your dog. Pits are a choking hazard and can lead to intestinal blockage. Also, the pit itself contains toxins that are not safe for dogs.
Can Dogs Eat Asparagus?
Yes! Sharing a stalk of asparagus is a tasty and healthy treat for your dog. Asparagus is high in fiber and antioxidants. It is important to ensure that asparagus is prepared as simply as possible, and without added fats or salt. Feel free to share this summer time veggie with your pooch!
Can Dogs Have Peanut Butter?
Yes, as long as your dog is healthy! Peanut butter is used in many dog foods, dog treats, and as a reward during dog training. However, there is such a thing as too much of a good thing! Peanut butter is high in fat and calories, which can lead to issues such as obesity or heart disease. PetMD suggests 1/2 teaspoon for small dogs twice a day, or 1 teaspoon for medium to large dogs twice per day as a maximum serving size. You can also try one of these preprepared peanut butter treats!
- Milk-Bone Peanut Buttery Bites
- KONG Peanut Butter Paste
- Nutro Crunchy Dog Treats with Real Peanut Butter
Can Dogs Eat Bread?
Plain, baked bread is safe for your dog to eat, but double check the ingredients to make sure bread does not contain potentially harmful toxins. Bread is not the most nutritious option, but it will not cause your dog any health issues. On the other hand, bread that contains chocolate, raisins, garlic, onion, nutmeg, nuts or Xylitol (an artificial sugar) should be avoided.
Yeast based dough has potential to cause your dog serious health issues. Gastric Dilatation Volvulus (GDV) is a condition that occurs when a dog’s stomach swells with gas and food. Yeast from dough can mix with fluids in your dogs stomach and cause the dough to expand, potentially blocking food from passing through your dog. Additional complications can arise when swelling affects surrounding organs and blood vessels which lead to arrhythmias and stress on the heart, as described by PetMD.
Can Dogs Eat Popcorn?
Yes! Check out our in-depth Outdoor Dog World post titled “Can Dogs Eat Popcorn and Is Popcorn Good or Bad for Dogs?” that answers this question! Check out some delicious popcorn treats your dog is sure to love!
Can Dogs Eat Green Beans?
Yes! Green beans, or string beans, are a low calorie and high nutrient dense snack for your dog. Raw or cooked, green beans are a healthy choice of veggie. It’s good to keep in mind that the fiber in green beans may cause stomach upset for puppies or adult dogs with sensitive stomachs. Like most snacks, stick to a moderate serving size (no more than 10% of their diet). If you do not have green beans prepared in your fridge, you can give your dog these highly rated go-to green bean snacks!
Can Dogs Eat Bell Peppers?
Yes! Bell peppers, particularly sweet bell peppers, are a much loved treat for dogs. Packed with vitamin A and C, bell peppers of any color can be eaten raw or cooked, or incorporated as a puree into your dog’s meal.
Hot peppers are a different story. Hot peppers, such as jalapeños, chili peppers or cayenne peppers contain capsaicin. Capsaicin is a chemical compound that gives peppers their spicy taste, and it is also what causes major stomach upset. Do not give your dog spicy peppers in raw, cooked or powder form.
Can Dogs Drink Milk?
Milk is commonly known as a treat for cats, but it is not recommended for your dog. Dairy sensitivities are common in dogs, and they can experience gastrointestinal upset if they consume large quantities of milk. Additionally, milk contains fats, sugars and calories that can lead to obesity or pancreatitis. A small amount of milk may not cause significant health issues for your dog, but it is safer to avoid milk.
Can Dogs Eat Marshmallows?
A sugary puff of marshmallow is the ultimate indulgence! Your dog might agree, but unfortunately, marshmallows are not a healthy treat for dogs. Marshmallows contain four non-toxic ingredients (sugar, air, gelatin, and corn syrup), but the high sugar content of marshmallows can lead to serious health issues for dogs. While a marshmallow or two will not cause long term damage, it is best to avoid marshmallows all together. Sugar free marshmallow are also a health hazard for your dog, because they contain the artificial sweetener Xylitol. Xylitol poisoning is the most concerning result of dogs eating marshmallows, as indicated by the VCA Pet Hospitals. If your dog eats more than a few marshmallows, make sure to contact your veterinarian or ASPCA Poison Control Center and they can support you in next steps.
Can Dogs Eat Cabbage?
Yes! Cabbage, along with other cruciferous vegetables (like broccoli, cauliflower, and brussels sprouts), are healthy additions to your dog’s diet. Cabbage is low calorie, and high in potassium and antioxidants that can support your dog’s immune system. As with most cooked vegetables, make sure to avoid cooking cabbage with additional oils, butter, salt, garlic or onions which can lead to health concerns.
Can Dogs Eat Ham?
It would seem that a delicious nibble of ham would be safe for your dog. While ham is not toxic to dogs, it is also not healthy. Ham contains high sodium, which can lead to hypertension, kidney disease and obesity. Along with high sodium, ham has a high fat content that can lead to heart disease, obesity and pancreatitis. Over time, these conditions may become problematic for your dog if they eat ham on a regular basis. Give your dog a small piece ham a once or twice a year and they will avoid the most harmful impacts of ham. Or avoid health concerns completely by giving your dog these ham and bacon flavored treats!
- Purina Beggin Homestyle Honey N’ Ham Dog Treats
- Bacon Brew Biscut Dog Treats by Portland Pet Food Company
- Hartz Oinkies Bacon Flavored Rawhide Chews
- Barkbox Wham Bam Thank You Ham Pork Topper
Can Dogs Eat Pecans?
Pecans are a risky snack for dogs, and can lead to digestive upset, vomiting, and diarrhea. Although they are non-toxic, pecans have a high fat content which can lead to heart disease and long term health issues. Occasionally, moldy pecans harbor mycotoxins which can cause tremors and seizures. Although pecans may seem like a small, healthy bite of food for your dog, it is safest to keep them away from this nut.
Can Dogs Eat Raw Chicken?
No! Do not feed your dog raw chicken. Some dogs are placed on a specific raw food diet of beef, pork or lamb. However, these diets are monitored by veternarians. Any raw food consumption is risky, but chicken is particularly dangerous raw meat due to potential for salmonella and E. coli. This kind of food poisoning can make your dog extremely ill. If you want your dog to enjoy chicken, make sure to thoroughly cook the chicken, ensure there are no bones, or select one of these chicken treats!
- Chicken Jerky Dog Treats (made with 100% real chicken breast)
- Milo’s Kitchen Chicken Meatball Dog Treats
- Full Moon Natural Essentials Savory Chicken Sticks
Can Dogs Eat Pumpkin?
Yes! Pumpkin and pumpkin seeds is an ingredient commonly found in dog foods and treats. Pumpkin can be a great source of fiber that can help mild constipation and diarrehea. Additionally, pumpkin has lots of important nutrients, including vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, potassium and iron. Raw and cooked pumpkin are both safe for dogs, but giving cooked pumpkin as a treat may support easier digestion for your dog. The rind of the pumpkin is not a safe part of the pumpkin to eat. Although non-toxic, the rind can be a choking hazard. If you do not have pumpkin prepared in your home, check out these highly rated pumpkin based dog foods and supplements!
- Pumpkin Super Blend High Fiber Supplement
- Grain and Gluten Free Pumpkin Biscuts
- Blue Buffalo Pumpkin and Cinnamon Health Bars
Can Dogs Eat Dates?
Yes, but be mindful of the quantity of dates your dog eats. Dates contain high fiber, so they can be beneficial to dogs that struggle with constipation or diarrhea. However, dried dates also come with a high sugar content. As with other high sugar foods, dried dates can lead to long term health issues if they are eaten with regularity. All dog treats should be given in moderation, and that goes for dates too. Watch out for that date pit! Date pits may be a choking hazard for dogs.
Can Dogs Eat Onions?
No! Onions and garlic are toxic to dogs due to a compound called N-propyl disulfide. This compound damages red blood cells and can cause severe gastrointestinal issues. Shallots, leeks and chives are also in the onion family and need to be avoided. While most dogs may not devour a raw onion, many may go for a plate of onion rings or foods that contain onion or garlic powder. Any part of onion or garlic, in raw or powder form need to be kept from your dog!
Can Dogs Eat Pomegranates?
No, dogs should not eat pomegranates. Although considered a “superfood” for humans due to antioxidants and vitamins, the seeds and rind can pose a risk for intestinal obstruction. Although pomegranate juice and seeds are not toxic to dogs, the risk of digestive complications do not outweigh the benefits of this fruit.
With so many delicious food options, it’s hard deny our dog human snacks when they come begging. Safety is first when it comes to food and our dogs, so research food before letting your dog sample or better yet, contact your veterinarian and receive confirmation before sharing your plate.
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