Which Human Foods Are Safe for Dogs?
Written by: Richard Rowland
Dogs are much more than just pets. They're our family, companions, and sometimes even counter surfers, table scrap beggars, and dishwashers. As a result, it can be difficult to stay on top of every bit of human food they eat!
But there's a lot of conflicting information out there on which foods are safe for dogs. Can your four-legged friend eat avocado, bananas, or broccoli? What about eggs, shrimp, or cheese? In this blog post, we'll take a look at some of the most common foods pet parents feed their pups and give the lowdown on whether or not they're safe.
- Can Dogs Eat Bananas?
- Can Dogs Eat Apples?
- Can Dogs Eat Blueberries?
- Can Dogs Eat Strawberries?
- Can Dogs Eat Watermelon?
- Can Dogs Eat Tomatoes?
- Can Dogs Eat Oranges?
- Can Dogs Eat Avocado?
- Can Dogs Eat Broccoli?
- Can Dogs Eat Carrots?
- Can Dogs Eat Cucumbers?
- Can Dogs Eat Eggs?
- Can Dogs Eat Shrimp?
- Can Dogs Eat Cheese?
1) Can Dogs Eat Bananas?
Yes, bananas are safe for dogs! They're a great source of potassium, magnesium, vitamins, and fiber, and most dogs love the taste. Just make sure to slice them into small pieces, throw away the peel, and feed in moderation. Bananas are relatively high in sugar, so they shouldn't be given more than a few times per week.
2) Can Dogs Eat Apples?
Yes, apples are a safe and healthy treat for dogs. They're a great source of vitamins A and C, fiber, and other nutrients. Be sure to remove the seeds before feeding them to your pup as they can be toxic in large quantities. It's also important to slice apples into small pieces to prevent your dog from choking on large chunks.
3) Can Dogs Eat Blueberries?
Yes, blueberries are a great choice for your furry friend. They're packed full of antioxidants, which help boost your pup's immune system and protect against free radical damage. Blueberries also contain vitamin C and manganese, as well as fiber to keep things moving along in the gastrointestinal tract.
4) Can Dogs Eat Strawberries?
Yes, strawberries are good for dogs. They're an excellent source of vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants, and they taste delicious! Just be sure to remove the leaves and stems and slice them into small pieces to avoid any choking hazards. Strawberries can also be frozen and enjoyed as a tasty summer treat.
5) Can Dogs Eat Watermelon?
Yes, dogs can eat watermelon. The high water content (around 92%) and antioxidant-rich flesh make watermelon a safe and healthy choice. This popular summer fruit is also low in sugar and contains potassium, lycopene, and vitamins A, B, and C. Just be sure to remove the seeds and rind before feeding as they can cause digestive issues.
6) Can Dogs Eat Tomatoes?
Yes and no. In moderation, ripe or cooked tomatoes are a nutritious and healthy choice for dogs. They contain fiber, antioxidants, vitamin K, and other beneficial nutrients. But it's important not to let your dog eat unripe green tomatoes or the leaves and stems of tomato plants. They contain a substance called solanine that can be toxic to dogs when consumed in large quantities.
7) Can Dogs Eat Oranges?
Yes, oranges are safe for dogs, but they shouldn't be given more than a few times per week. They're high in vitamin C and contain antioxidants like beta-carotene that help boost immune response. However, oranges also contain sugar and acids that can upset the digestive system if fed too often or in large quantities.
8) Can Dogs Eat Avocado?
No. Avoid feeding your dog avocado. The skin, leaves, and pit of the fruit contain persin, a toxic substance that can cause symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea in dogs. Persin can leach into the flesh of a ripe avocado, so it's best to avoid feeding your pup any part of this fruit.
9) Can Dogs Eat Broccoli?
Yes, broccoli is a tasty and nutritious snack for dogs. It's low in fat, high in fiber, and a good source of vitamin C. Feed raw or steamed broccoli in small amounts and always cut it up into small pieces. Too much broccoli can upset your dog's digestive system, so it's best to save this treat for special occasions.
10) Can Dogs Eat Carrots?
Yes, carrots are safe for dogs and can be included in a healthy diet. They're a great source of fiber and contain antioxidants that help boost your dog's immunity. However, carrots are fairly high in sugar, so stick with small portions no more than once or twice per week.
11) Can Dogs Eat Cucumbers?
Yes, cucumbers are healthy for dogs. They're an excellent source of vitamins C and K, potassium, magnesium, and other nutrients. Cucumbers also have a high water content (around 96%), so they're great for keeping your pup hydrated. Like all fruits and veggies, slice them into bite-size pieces to avoid any choking hazards.
12) Can Dogs Eat Eggs?
Yes, eggs are a nutritious and healthy choice for dogs as long as you cook them first. They contain protein, vitamins, minerals, and other essential nutrients that can help your dog grow strong and healthy. But it's best to avoid feeding your dog raw eggs as they can expose them to salmonella or even cause biotin deficiency.
13) Can Dogs Eat Shrimp?
Yes, dogs can eat shrimp in moderation. Shrimp provides protein and important nutrients like vitamin B12, niacin, and phosphorus. However, shrimp are fairly high in cholesterol so they shouldn't be fed more than a few times per week to avoid any health complications. Never give your dog raw shrimp as it can contain pathogens, and don't forget to remove the shell before feeding!
14) Can Dogs Eat Cheese?
Yes, small amounts of cheese are safe for dogs and can be included in a healthy diet. Cheese is high in calcium, protein, and other nutrients that your dog needs to stay strong and active. However, cheese also contains fat which can contribute to obesity if fed too often or in large quantities. Never feed your dog blue cheese as it contains a fungus that can be toxic to dogs. It's also important to avoid feeding cheeses flavored with garlic, onion, chives, or other ingredients that are harmful to dogs.
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