I know it is always tempting to share your snacks and scraps with your pup, but have you ever considered that what you’re giving them may actually be bad for them? This page will give you some options for healthy human foods as well as foods that can potentially harm your fur baby.
Please keep in mind this is only advice and I am not a veterinarian. Please consult your vet or the other resources linked at the bottom with any questions!
Healthy and Okay Foods to Share
Fish: fish is packed full of good fats and amino acids for your dog! It can give them a good health boost. Salmon is full of vitamins and very beneficial. Just make sure you fully cook it and let it cool! Fish is a healthy snack, but make sure to only feed it to your dog once or twice a week!
Coconut: Coconut is another great treat. The lauric acid in it can help to fight off bacteria and viruses. It is also great for skin conditions. They can have coconut oil and coconut milk as well. Just make sure if you are feeding your furry friend raw coconut that they don’t eat the shell!
Eggs: Eggs are a great source of protein and vitamins as long as they are fully cooked. Although salmonella does not typically affect dogs, if they contract it they can pass it onto you or their other two-legged friends so always make sure the eggs are cooked and cooled!
Honey: Honey is a great treat full of helpful vitamins and nutrients for your pup! It can even help them build up an immunity to pollen and allergens outside.
Carrots: carrots are a healthy snack for your four-legged friend raw or cooked because they are full of vitamins and are low in calories.
Cheese: I know most of us have shared a piece of cheese or two with our dogs and that is okay. It isn’t the best treat, but will not harm them if eaten on occasion [Unless your dog is lactose intolerant, which is pretty uncommon.] Cheese is high in fat, so if you can, share some cottage cheese or mozzarella which are both lower in fat and still tasty!
Harmful and Unhealthy Foods to Share
Garlic: Garlic is essentially poisonous to dogs. It can cause anemia in dogs which brings on a bunch of scary side effects including weakness and collapse. The symptoms can also be delayed so if you fed it to your dog or they ate it accidentally, you should monitor them for a few days. If you cooked chicken with garlic, unfortunately, it cannot be shared with your furry friend.
Onions: Onions are from the same family as garlic, and cause the same harm to your fur child. For both onions and garlic, stay away from all forms if you are planning on giving your dog a bite of the dish. This includes the leaves and skins, as well as onion or garlic powder.
Cinnamon: Cinnamon is not necessarily toxic to your pup, but you should still avoid giving it to them. It can irritate your dog’s mouth, causing discomfort, and can even lead to diarrhea and vomiting.
Chocolate: If you own a dog or not, you’ve likely heard or know to never give them chocolate; it is not an urban legend! Some people think only dark chocolate is bad, but my sources say all chocolate. Chocolate can cause diarrhea and vomiting in small amounts, while large amounts can cause seizures and irregular heart function. Keep chocolate far away from your fur baby.
Ice cream: Ice cream is loaded with sugar deeming it not a great treat for your pup. For a healthy alternative, freeze fruits that are safe for dogs like blueberries and strawberries so they can enjoy a cold treat like their pawrents!
Caffeine: Although it would be a cute photo-op to sit next to your dog with their own mug of coffee while you enjoy yours, this would be ill-advised. Coffee, tea, and anything else containing caffeine could cause a lot of symptoms in your dog such as diarrhea, vomiting, elevated heart rate, and seizures. Caffeine is for two-legged friends only!
For more information or more foods, you can or can’t feed your dogs, visit The American Kennel Club or Healthline and always talk to your vet about any concerns!
Adopt Don't Shop: All Things Dog 