We all know what it’s like as a dog owner, when you’re sat there enjoying your food and you can feel your dog staring at you. They may even be salivating at the smell of your food. You're probably tempted to share some with your doggy pal but you’re unsure what they can and can’t eat.

Some fruit and veg is safe for dogs to eat, whereas others are poisonous and can be life-threatening. So, before you treat your dog to something new, check out our four-part guide on what dogs can eat.

Can Dogs Eat Sweetcorn?

Yes, broccoli is safe for dogs to eat in small amounts. It isn’t needed as part of a daily diet as a commercial dog food contains all the nutrients needed, but it can make a tasty nutritious snack. It’s high in fibre and vitamin C, and low in fat.

Broccoli florets contain isothiocyanates, which can cause mild to severe gastric irritation in some dogs. So, keep an eye for any signs of digestive upset, like diarrhoea. Tough broccoli stalks can be an issue too as they’ve been known to cause an obstruction in the oesophagus. It’s safer to give your dog cooked broccoli to help avoid these issues.

Can Dogs Eat Broccoli?

Yes, dogs can eat sweetcorn but only the kernels as the cob could cause a blockage and is also a choking hazard. Sweetcorn is often found as an ingredient in dog food as it contains plenty of fibre, protein, goods fats, vitamin C and micronutrients.

You can feed your dog frozen or fresh sweetcorn but avoid tinned as it tends to contain added salt and sugar, which aren’t healthy for your dog. You can add a small amount of sweetcorn to your dog’s food or give them as a little treat. Dogs can’t fully break down sweetcorn (neither can we!), so don’t be alarmed if you notice kernels in their poo.

Can Dogs Eat Cheese?

Yes, dogs can eat cheese, but it’s high in salts and fat so is best given in small amounts. Cheese contains protein, calcium, essential fatty acids, vitamin A and B-complex. Most dogs love cheese so it's a great treat to use when training or to conceal pills if your dog is on medication.

When choosing a cheese for your dog, make sure it doesn’t contain other ingredients like garlic, onions and chives which are toxic to dogs. Choose a low-fat option like mozzarella, cottage cheese or soft goat cheese to help reduce the risk of obesity - these cheeses have a lower salt content too. Not all dogs can digest cheese well. If your dog has a lactose intolerance, you will notice signs of an upset tummy soon after feeding them cheese, even small quantities.

Can Dogs Eat Raspberries?

Yes, dogs can eat raspberries in small quantities. They contain antioxidants, which help to reduce the risk of lots of diseases. They’re low in calories, and high in fibre, manganese and vitamin C. Their anti-inflammatory properties can help the aching joints of a senior dog. However, they do contain small amounts of xylitol, which is a naturally occurring sugar.

Too much xylitol can cause health problems in dogs such as hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar). So, make sure you limit the amount your dog eats. Large breeds will be able to tolerate more than smaller breeds. You can also get dog treats that contain raspberries as an ingredient, with lower xylitol levels.

Can Dogs Eat Celery?

Yes, celery is a great treat option for dogs as it contains vitamin A, B and C. It’s also low in fat and cholesterol, and high in fibre. Celery is also known for freshening your dog’s breath and has a high-water content, so is great for hydration. But it can pose a choking hazard, so make sure it’s cut it into bite-sized pieces, especially for smaller dog breeds.

Make sure to wash the celery before giving it to your dog so that all dirt and pesticides are removed. It’s best to keep celery as a crunchy treat as too much may cause an upset tummy.

Can Dogs Eat Mango?

Yes, dogs can eat mangos but remember to remove the pip first as it contains cyanide, which is toxic, and is also a choking hazard. Cyanide poisoning is life threatening and requires immediate veterinary treatment. This tropical treat contains vitamins A, B6, C and E. They also have potassium, beta-carotene and alpha-carotene. Potassium helps your nerves and heart muscles to function, as well as helping to move nutrients and waste around cells.

Carotenes have been linked to preventing specific types of cancers. Mangoes have a high sugar content so should only be given as an occasional treat, especially to dogs that are overweight. If you want to avoid the mess of a fresh mango, you can get dried mango chewy dog treats.

Can Dogs Eat Pasta?

Yes, dogs can eat pasta, but it has very minimal nutritional value so there’s no real gain. If consumed in excess, it can lead to weight gain which could lead to various health problems like heart disease. Some dogs have an allergy to wheat or grains, so keep an eye out for a reaction when feeding them pasta. This may include frequent ear infections, skin irritation or itching, vomiting or diarrhoea.

Eating uncooked pasta can be a choking hazard or cause an intestinal blockage if consumed in large quantities. So, make sure the pasta is cooked before giving it to your dog. Never feed your dog pasta sauce as most contain ingredients that are toxic to dogs like onions and garlic. They’re also high in sugar and salt.

Can Dogs Eat Peanuts?

Yes, but they should only eat dry-roasted (or raw), unsalted peanuts. They’re full of protein, vitamin B-6, vitamin E, niacin, and healthy fats. You can feed your dog peanut butter as long as it doesn’t contain xylitol, which is a sweetener that is toxic to dogs. Also avoid products with added oil and salt.

Peanuts contain high levels of fat that can cause digestive upset and even lead to pancreatitis. Only feed your dog peanuts as an occasional treat and in small quantities. Filling a Kong with some peanut butter provides a tasty treat and will also keep your dog entertained for some time.

Can Dogs Eat Avocado?

No, dogs shouldn’t be given avocado because the pit, skin and leaves contain persin. This is a toxin that causes vomiting and diarrhoea in dogs. The inside of an avocado contains less persin, but it can still be too much for a dog to handle. Avocados are also high in fat, which can cause tummy upset, and if too much is consumed, it can lead to health problems like pancreatitis.

Avocado is an ingredient in some dog treats, particularly those for skin and coat, but it’s in small quantities, so is considered a safe amount.

Can Dogs Eat Chocolate?

No! Dogs can not eat chocolate. Chocolate contains two ingredients that are highly toxic to dogs: theobromine and caffeine. If your dog has eaten chocolate, contact your vet immediately. Don’t wait for symptoms to begin. Symptoms of chocolate poisoning include vomiting, diarrhoea, seizures, heart problems, hyperactivity, and in severe cases, death.

The darker the chocolate, the more toxic it is as it contains higher levels of theobromine and caffeine. White chocolate has very low levels of the chemicals but it’s still very fatty and full of sugar, which can lead to problems like pancreatitis. Cocoa powder is even more dangerous than chocolate because of its high levels of theobromine and caffeine, so take care when baking. And don’t use cacao bean mulch in your garden. 

Can Dogs Eat Baked Beans?

No, you shouldn’t feed your dog baked beans because the sauce may contain toxic ingredients like onion and garlic granules. It’s also often high in sugar and salt and will cause stomach issues.

The occasional baked bean isn’t likely to cause problems, but if consumed on a regular basis, your dog is at risk of a condition called pancreatitis. This is when the pancreas becomes inflamed. It’s a very severe condition and will need immediate veterinary treatment.

Symptoms of pancreatitis include vomiting, diarrhoea, increased thirst, lethargy, fever, lack of appetite, and a swollen abdomen. If you know your dog has eaten some baked beans, keep an eye out for these symptoms and contact your vet if you’re concerned.

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Content provided from Vetstream's Vetlexicon Canis – www.vetlexicon.com/canis

Vetlexicon is the world’s largest peer-reviewed online clinical reference source. All our content is written and peer-reviewed by over 1,000 of the world’s leading veterinarians, ensuring relevance, accuracy and quality.