safe and toxic foods for dogs

Safe and Toxic Food for Dogs

I started making dog treats myself several years ago. While I do still buy treats from the store, I know some of the best ones are the ones I make myself. Because when I make treats, I know exactly what is going into them. 

I also like to sprinkle in some fruits and veggies with my dog’s food. That’s why it’s so important to understand what foods are safe and which ones aren’t so safe for dogs.

Your dog can’t eat everything you eat. Their body can’t digest the same things we can. And some of the food is just plain toxic to dogs. Usually, it takes more than just a couple of bites for your dog to show any adverse symptoms, but somethings do only take a single bite.

Today I want to share with you some foods that are safe for your dog to eat, some that aren’t safe, and some that are considered to be controversial. 

Please remember to always check with your vet before adding foods to your dog’s diet. And when you do add new food, monitor your dog closely for any signs that your dog’s body can’t handle it. Not all dogs can process the same foods and it’s important for you to know which ones your specific dog can’t have.

 

Safe and Toxic Foods for Dogs

The Controversial Foods

Let’s start with some of the foods that some will say are safe for your dogs while others say they are not. Don’t ever feed your dog something that you aren’t comfortable feeding them and like I said, always speak to your vet before adding new food to your dog’s diet.

Personally for me, if there’s any doubt about a type of food I won’t give it to my dogs, but this is all up to you and your vet.

  • Avocados (no pit)

  • Garlic (in large amounts is toxic)

  • Mushrooms (specific ones really are toxic to dogs so be careful which ones you feed your dog if you do decide to)

Peanut butter has kinda become controversial. Yes it’s okay for your dog to eat as long as it doesn’t contain xylitol, but it has no nutritional value for your dog.

 

Safe Foods for Dogs

Most of these foods are safe only in moderation, so I just use it as a general rule of thumb that all fruits and veggies are safe only in moderation. Variety in your dog’s diet is extremely important, just like it is in your diet. Too much of one thing is always a bad thing.

  • Apples without the seeds (the seeds are toxic)

  • Bananas

  • Beef

  • Bell Peppers

  • Blueberries

  • Broccoli (can cause gas)

  • Brussel Sprouts (can cause gas)

  • Cantaloupe

  • Carrots

  • Celery

  • Cheese (certain varieties) 

  • Chicken

  • Cucumber

  • Eggs

  • Green Beans

  • Kale

  • Kefir

  • Mango

  • Oranges

  • Peaches

  • Pears

  • Peas

  • Pineapple

  • Pumpkin

  • Raspberries

  • Salmon (in moderation, mercury levels are often high in fish like salmon)

  • Sardines

  • Spinach

  • Strawberries

  • Sweet Potato

  • Turkey

  • Watermelon (seedless)

  • Yogurt (plain, no added sugar)

  • Zucchini

Related: DIY Dried Banana Dog Treats 

 

Toxic Foods for Dogs

  • Alcohol

  • Caffeine

  • Chives

  • Chocolate

  • Coffee

  • Gum/Candy

  • Grapes

  • Leeks

  • Macadamia Nuts

  • Onions

  • Pits and seeds from fruit

  • Potatoes

  • Raisins

  • Sugar

  • Tomatoes

  • Walnuts

  • Xylitol

  • Yeast 

 

foods safe for dogs to eat and foods toxic for dogs

 

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