It’s not uncommon for dog owners to want to share their food with their beloved companion. But before you do, it’s important to know what food items are safe for your dog to eat. Some human foods are unhealthy or dangerous for dogs.
Eating the wrong foods can lead to long-term health problems and, in extreme cases, death. There's so much food out there, it's like a constant question, "can dogs eat..." well worry no more, we're putting together the ultimate list of what can dogs eat with the help of our Vet expert friends Vetstream, and here's part one of what can dogs eat...
Can Dogs Eat Bananas?
Yes, bananas are a great low calorie treat for dogs but should be given in moderation because of their high natural sugar content. They’re low in cholesterol and sodium, and high in potassium, vitamins, fibre, coppers and biotin.
It’s safe for your dog to eat every part of a banana, peel included, but that would be a lot of fibre so may cause diarrhoea. It’s best to peel the fruit and chop it into smaller servings. You could also blend then freeze bananas to make a healthy ice cream alternative for those hot summer days.
Can Dogs Eat Strawberries?
Yes, but don’t give your dog too many because they’re high in natural sugars. Too much sugar can lead to health problems like obesity and diabetes. Strawberries are full of vitamin C and fibre and contain an enzyme that helps to whiten your dog’s teeth. They can be enjoyed at room temperature, or as a frozen treat, but it’s best to cut them into smaller pieces so they don’t pose a choking hazard.
Never give your dog strawberries from a can as they are stored in a sugary syrup, and often contain xylitol which is poisonous to dogs. Smaller dog can be treated to one strawberry a day, whereas larger dog breeds can have up to 4.
Can Dogs Eat Tomatoes?
Yes, dogs can eat red, ripe tomatoes, but they should only be fed from time to time. Don’t let your dog eat the stem, leaves or young, green tomatoes as they contain solanine and tomatine toxins. If enough is eaten, your dog may suffer from tomatine poisoning. This is more likely to occur in smaller dog breeds.
Symptoms of poisoning include loss of appetite, muscle weakness, tremors, seizures, abdominal pain, tummy upset, lethargy, hypersalivation, loss of coordination, and cardiac effects. Some dogs may be allergic to tomatoes, although rare, so keep an eye out for hives, wheezing, coughing and difficulty breathing. The benefit to eating tomatoes is that they contain lots of fibre, which is good for digestion, plus vitamins and minerals that help with tissue growth and cell function.
Can Dogs Eat Apples?
Yes, but be sure to remove the seeds and core first. The seeds contain a small amount of the poisonous toxin called cyanide. Consuming a few seeds is unlikely to cause problems, but it should be avoided where possible.
Apples are a great source of fibre, vitamin A and C. They’re low in fat and protein, so make a great healthy snack. They also help clean dogs' teeth and freshen their breath. Cut the apple into bite-sized pieces to avoid the risk of choking. Try freezing apple slices for an icy treat in warm weather.
Can Dogs Eat Blueberries?
Yes, blueberries are considered a superfood as they’re rich in antioxidants that prevent cell damage. They’re also packed with phytochemicals, which may help prevents some diseases like cancer, and fibre which is needed for gut health. Like most fruits, blueberries are high in natural sugars so should only be fed as a treat every now and then.
Make sure you wash blueberries before feeding them to your dog to wash off any pesticides and dirt. Their small size generally isn’t a problem, but if you’re concerned about your dog choking on them, you can squash them first. Don’t give your dog frozen blueberries as they could be a choking hazard, particularly in smaller breeds.
Can Dogs Eat Pineapple?
Yes, pineapple is safe for dogs to eat, just make sure you remove the prickly peel and crown first. This tropical fruit makes a great sweet treat for dogs as it’s full of vitamins, minerals and fibre. It also contains bromelain, which is an enzyme that makes it easier to absorb proteins.
Don’t feed your dog canned or packaged pineapple as it’s kept in a sugary syrup that can lead to excessive weight gain and dental problems. Pineapple is high in natural sugars so keep it as a tasty treat to feed your pooch from time to time.
Can Dogs Eat Cucumber?
Yes, cucumbers make a great snack for dogs, particularly overweight dogs, as they’re low in fat and carbohydrates. They have a high water content so are good for hydration, especially when it’s hot! They're full of vitamins K, C, and B1, and contain potassium, magnesium, copper, and biotin. Try freezing slices of cucumber for a fun summertime snack.
There are two potential risks of feeding your dog cucumber that you should be aware of, choking and overeating. Make sure you feed it in a manageable size for your dog. Small dogs should not be given a whole cucumber. Eating too much cucumber can cause tummy upset, so feed in moderation.
Can Dogs Eat Grapes?
No, you should never give your dog grapes. Grapes and raisins (dried grapes) are highly toxic for all dogs, regardless of age, breed or gender. Eating grapes can lead to sudden acute kidney failure. If you have grapes or raisins in your home, make sure they’re kept out of reach from your dog.
Be mindful where you dispose of grapes – make sure your bin is dog proof and don’t put them on a compost heap if your dog can reach it. If you have children, make sure they eat grapes and raisins away from your dog just in case they drop any. If you think your dog has eaten some grapes, contact your vet immediately. Even a small amount can be life-threatening.
Can Dogs Eat Mushrooms?
No, it’s best to avoid feeding your dog mushrooms. While some washed mushrooms brought from a supermarket are safe, there are around 50-100 mushroom species that are known to be toxic. These poisonous mushrooms can cause serious health problems for your dog and may even lead to death. Keep an eye on your dog when out walking just in case they come across some wild mushrooms and fancy taking a bite.
Symptoms of mushroom poisoning vary but may include tremors, seizures, walking like they’re drunk, vomiting, diarrhoea and salivation. Some mushrooms can cause tummy upset but are rarely fatal. Others can cause liver failure, acute kidney injury, and death. If you suspect your dog has eaten wild mushrooms, it’s best to contact your vet for advice.
Can Dogs Eat Oranges?
Yes, it’s safe for dogs to eat oranges but they can be put off by the strong citrus smell and taste. Oranges are a great source of vitamin C, potassium and fibre. It’s best to avoid the orange peel and just give them the juicy flesh of the orange, making sure there aren’t any seeds.
A dog’s digestive system will struggle to break down the peel and it may become lodged in their digestive tract. Only treat to your dog to a small amount of orange, one or two segments at a time. Too much orange can cause a tummy upset. Your dog may not be a fan of orange, but some dog treats incorporate them in their ingredients for the nutritional benefits.
Can Dogs Eat Beetroot?
Yes, beetroot makes a great healthy snack for dogs as they’re packed full of vitamins, fibre and antioxidants. These help to maintain a healthy coat, skin and gut. Avoid pickled, spicy or tinned beetroot, and only give a few small pieces at a time. Large pieces pose a choking hazard and can be difficult for your dog to digest.
There are some health risks with feeding your dog beetroot. They’re high in oxalic acid, which can cause urinary crystals, bladder stones, and kidney stones. It can also cause calcium deficiencies. So, it’s best to avoid beetroot if your dog is prone to kidney stones or has a calcium deficiency condition like osteoporosis.
Your Guide to Your Dog's Diet
If you want to find out more information about dog diets, our dog food feeding guide can help you.
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