What Human Foods Can Dogs Eat and Not Eat?

Curious about what your foods you can/cannot put in your dog's treat pouch?

We’ve got you.

We’ve asked Victoria, founder of Pawsome Dog Nutrition to explore the critical topic of foods that dogs can and can't eat. 

Here's what she has to say...

Can Dogs Eat Peas? 🤔

My advice? Yes. 

Peas are considered a safe dog food that can be eaten in moderation. Peas are a good source of protein, high in fibre and packed full of vitamins such as A,K and C. However, before you go filling up your dog's bowl, there are some important things that you need to consider. 

💡Pro Tip: Feed your dog cooked peas rather than raw as raw peas can be harder to digest. Moderation is key! Too many peas can lead to gastrointestinal upset or flatulence.

Can Dogs Eat Oats? 🌾

My advice? Yep, providing you keep a few things in mind.

Dogs can eat oats, and they can be a healthy option for your dog's breakfast. Oats are a good source of fibre, Iron, B vitamins and zinc. A complex carbohydrate, they digest more slowly keeping your dog full for longer and energised. Here’s what you need to keep in mind:

It's best to feed your dog plain, cooked oats without any added sugar, salt, or flavourings. 

Feeding your dog too many oats can lead to digestive upset or weight gain.

💡Pro Tip: Organic oats are advised due to typically high levels of pesticides. 

Can Dogs Eat Carrots? 🥕

My advice? Yes, but you need to remember to take a couple of precautions before you do. 

Dogs can eat carrots. They are low in calories, high in fibre and a good source of vitamin A, C, K and potassium. They can also help promote good dental health by reducing plaque and tartar buildup and have a high water content, which can contribute to your dog's overall hydration. Now, let's cover what you need to remember before serving.

Excessive consumption of carrots can lead to digestive upset or an upset stomach in some dogs.

Always cut carrots into small, bite-sized pieces or offer  baby carrots to avoid choking 

💡Pro Tip: Carrots contain cellulose, which dogs find hard to digest. Lightly cooking beforehand, will help to break this down. 

Can Dogs Eat Eggs? 🥚

My advice? Yes. As long as your dog isn’t intolerant or allergic.

Eggs are a good source of protein, vitamin A, B and B12. Eggs are safe for most dogs when prepared properly. However, eggs are a common food allergen for dogs. Closely monitor your dog for any negative reactions after serving. Here are some considerations when feeding eggs to your dog:

It's best to feed your dog cooked eggs rather than raw ones. Raw eggs can carry a risk of bacterial contamination, such as salmonella. Cooking the eggs thoroughly eliminates this risk.

Avoid adding any seasoning, salt, butter, or other additives. Plain scrambled, boiled, or poached eggs are the best choices.

Can Dogs Eat Chocolate? 🍫

 My advice? Absolutely NOT!!

 Dogs should not eat chocolate ever, full stop. Chocolate contains substances called theobromine and caffeine, which are toxic to dogs. These compounds can cause serious harm to your dog and in some instances, be life-threatening.

Can Dogs Eat Cheese? 🧀

My advice? Perhaps…

Some dogs can eat cheese in moderation. A good source of protein and calcium, cheese can be a tasty and nutritious treat for dogs. But, just like us humans, dogs can be Lactose Intolerant. This can lead to digestive upset, including diarrhea and gas. If your dog struggles to digest cow's milk, what can you do? 

Try goat's products instead. Goats milk is often easier for dogs to digest and full of probiotics to promote healthy gut bacteria. 

Regardless of which dairy product you decide to feed your dog, there are certain types of cheese that you need to avoid such as blue cheese, Roquefort, and other mouldy cheeses as they can contain mould that may be harmful to dogs. Stick to plain and mild cheeses like cheddar or mozzarella.

Can Dogs Eat Garlic? 🍴 

My advice? Yes. 

Can Dogs Eat Bread? 🥖

My Advice? Personally, I would steer clear.

Whilst technically dogs can eat bread as typically, it doest contain any toxic ingredients. However, bread doesn't contain any nutritional benefits so why would you feed bread to your dog?

Can Dogs Eat Apples? 🍎 

My advice? Yes.  

Dogs can eat apples. Both red and green are generally considered a safe and healthy snack for most dogs. Apples are a good source of vitamins C, A and dietary fibre. They can be a refreshing and low-calorie treat. Here are some guidelines for feeding apples to your dog:

Make sure to remove the seeds, core and stems. Apple seeds contain a small amount of cyanide, which can be harmful to dogs if consumed in large quantities. While a few seeds are unlikely to cause harm, it's best to err on the side of caution and remove them.

Avoid feeding your dog a whole apple, as it can pose a choking hazard. Slice the apple into small, bite-sized pieces or puree. 

Can Dogs Eat Onions? 🐶

My advice? Keep them well away!

Dogs should not eat onions or any foods containing onions. Onions, as well as other members of the Allium family like garlic and shallots, are toxic to dogs. They contain compounds that can cause a condition called hemolytic anemia in dogs, which is the destruction of red blood cells. This can lead to severe health problems and, in severe cases, even death.

Can Dogs Eat Lemons? 🍋

My advice? No.  

Dogs should not eat lemons or any part of the lemon, including the flesh, seeds, and peel. Lemons, as well as other citrus fruits like limes and oranges, citric acid can be particularly problematic for dogs

Can Dogs Eat Potatoes? 🥔 

My advice? Yes, if you cook them.

Dogs can eat potatoes. This starchy vegetable contains some vitamins that your dog needs such as iron, magnesium, vitamin C and B6. But, before you go dishing out the mashed potato, here’s what you need to know.  

Potatoes must be cooked before feeding them to your dog. Raw potatoes and potato skins contain solanine, a naturally occurring toxin that can be harmful to dogs.

Only feed your dog potatoes that are plain and free of added seasonings, butter, salt, or any other ingredients that may be harmful to dogs. Boiled, baked, or steamed potatoes without additives are best.

Sweet potatoes are often considered a healthier option for dogs than white potatoes because they are lower in calories and higher in dietary fibre and vitamins. 

Can Dogs Eat Cucumbers? 🥒 

My advice? Go for it.

Dogs can eat cucumbers. Cucumbers are low in calories and fat, making them a good option for dogs that need to watch their weight. They also contain vitamins and minerals, including vitamins K and C, and are a good source of hydration due to their high water content. Here are some guidelines: 

While the seeds and skin of cucumbers are not generally harmful to dogs, some dogs may have difficulty digesting them, remove the seeds and skin

Can Dogs Eat Bananas? 🍌 

My advice? Yes, if they like them.  

Dogs can eat bananas, although many dogs don’t appear to like the texture.  Bananas are a good source of vitamins, including vitamin C and vitamin B6, as well as dietary fibre and potassium. If your dog doesn’t enjoy them, try serving them in a different way.

My Top Banana Dog Recipes:

1. Freeze the whole banana, peel and slice it.
2. Slice and roast to make banana chips
3. Blend with goat's milk and peanut butter (xylitol/sugar free) to create a hydrating smoothie. 

Can Dogs Eat Pumpkin? 🎃

My advice? Yes. 

I couldn’t not mention this one with Halloween approaching. Pumpkin is rich in dietary fibre, which can help regulate digestion in dogs. As well as vitamins A and C, it can be particularly useful for dogs with diarrhea or constipation, as it can help firm up loose stools or soften hard stools.

Your dog's safety and nutrition should always be a top priority, ensuring that every meal and treat promotes their vitality and longevity. ​​I hope you've gained some valuable insights into what foods are good for your dog and what's a definite "paws off." A healthy diet, endless cuddles and lots of adventure is the key to a happy pup! 🐶💕

For dog safe foods and homemade dog recipes follow me @pawsomedognutrition Currently en route to qualifying as a Dog Nutritionist, I’m passionate about sharing what I’m learning.

Remember

It’s your responsibility to consult with a veterinarian or dog nutritionist before introducing any new foods or supplements. The content of this article isn’t intended to replace professional advice. If you have any concerns about your dog, or if your dog has specific dietary restrictions or health issues, consult your veterinarian for guidance. Should you choose to act on any of the above, Victoria @Pawsome Dog Nutrition or ST ARGO will not be held responsible for any consequences.