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Safe Foods for Dogs
A dog’s diet should primarily consist of high-quality and balanced complete food, but many common human foods can also be suitable for dogs in small amounts as treats or supplementary snacks.
Every dog is an individual. What suits one dog may not suit another. New foods should always be introduced gradually while monitoring the dog’s condition. Sensitive stomachs, allergies, and possible health conditions should also be taken into account.
Seeds and pits should always be removed from fruits before serving. Large or hard pieces should also be cut into suitable sizes, especially for small dogs.
Fruits and Berries
Banana
Bananas can be a tasty treat for many dogs when offered in small amounts. They contain fiber and potassium, but also a significant amount of sugar, so moderation is important. The peel should always be removed before serving.
Apple
Apple is a crunchy and generally safe snack for many dogs. However, the seeds and core should always be removed before serving.
Strawberries
Strawberries are suitable for most dogs in small amounts. They contain vitamins and antioxidants, but also natural sugars.
Blueberries
Blueberries are a popular treat among many dogs. They contain antioxidants and are often well suited as small training treats.
Raspberries
Raspberries can be offered in moderation. They contain fiber and antioxidants.
Watermelon
Watermelon can be a refreshing treat, especially during summer. Seeds and rind should always be removed before serving.
Mango
Mango is suitable for dogs in small amounts. Remove the peel and large pit before serving, as the pit may present a choking hazard.
Pear
Pear can be offered to dogs in small pieces. The seeds should always be removed before serving.
Orange and Clementine
Small amounts of peeled orange or clementine are usually suitable for dogs. However, large amounts should be avoided due to the fruit’s acidity and sugar content.
Pineapple
Pineapple can be offered in small amounts. The tough core and peel should always be removed before serving.
Vegetables
Carrot
Carrot is a favorite treat for many dogs. It provides chewing enjoyment and contains fiber. Carrots can be offered both raw and cooked.
Cucumber
Cucumber is a light and water-rich snack that suits many dogs when offered in moderation.
Bell Pepper
Mild bell peppers can be suitable for dogs in small amounts. The seeds and stem should be removed before serving.
Broccoli
Broccoli can be offered in small amounts either lightly cooked or raw. Large quantities may cause gas and digestive discomfort.
Cauliflower
Cauliflower is generally suitable for dogs in moderation. Cooked cauliflower is often easier on the stomach.
Peas
Peas are suitable for many dogs both raw and cooked when offered in small amounts. Plain, unseasoned peas are usually the best option. Salted or heavily seasoned products should be avoided.
Cabbage
Cabbage is not toxic to dogs, but it may cause significant gas and digestive upset. It should therefore only be offered in small amounts.
Spinach
Spinach can be offered occasionally in small amounts. However, it contains high levels of oxalates, which may strain the urinary tract and interfere with calcium absorption if consumed excessively.
Cooked Potato
Cooked and unseasoned potato is generally suitable for dogs in moderation. Raw potatoes and the green parts of potatoes contain solanine, which may be harmful to dogs. Potatoes are also high in starch, and large amounts may cause stomach upset in some dogs.
Ripe Tomato
Ripe tomatoes are usually safe for dogs in small amounts. Unripe tomatoes and the green parts of the plant, such as stems and leaves, should be avoided because they contain harmful compounds.
Meat and Fish
Egg
Eggs are a nutritious addition to many dogs’ diets and contain plenty of protein and nutrients. Eggs are best served cooked.
Raw egg whites contain avidin, which may interfere with biotin absorption if consumed regularly in large amounts. An occasional whole raw egg is generally not harmful to a healthy dog, but cooked eggs are the safest option.
Pork
Raw pork should never be given to dogs due to the risk of Aujeszky’s disease. Cooked and unseasoned pork is generally suitable in moderation.
Poultry
Cooked and unseasoned chicken or turkey is suitable for many dogs. Raw poultry may also suit some dogs when handled hygienically and served fresh.
Fish
Boneless fish can be a healthy option for many dogs. Some raw fish may contain parasites or destroy vitamin B1, which is why fish is often best served cooked or previously frozen.
Beef
Beef is suitable for many dogs both cooked and as part of a raw diet. Meat should always be fresh and handled hygienically.
Game Meat
Many types of game meat are also suitable for dogs when properly handled. Freshness and hygiene are especially important. Certain organs should not be fed raw in large amounts.
Shrimp
Cooked and peeled shrimp may be suitable in small amounts. Salted or seasoned shrimp products should be avoided.
Dairy Products
Many dairy products can be suitable for dogs in small amounts, but not all dogs tolerate lactose well. Lactose may cause digestive problems such as diarrhea, gas, and bloating.
Cheese
Small amounts of cheese can work well as treats. Aged and low-lactose cheeses are often better tolerated. However, cheese should only be offered in moderation because of its high fat and salt content.
Yogurt
Plain yogurt may suit some dogs in small amounts. Products containing sugar, sweeteners, or xylitol should never be given to dogs.
Cottage Cheese
Cottage cheese is suitable for many dogs in small amounts and is sometimes used to hide medication or encourage appetite.
Buttermilk
Buttermilk is lower in lactose than regular milk and is often easier for dogs to digest. It should still only be offered in moderation.
Grains and Side Dishes
Bread
Small amounts of plain bread are generally suitable for dogs that do not have sensitivities to grains. Very salty or heavily seasoned bread products should be avoided.
Porridge
For example, plain oatmeal porridge without sugar or spices can be suitable for many dogs in small amounts.
Corn Kernels
Cooked corn kernels are generally suitable in moderation. Whole corn cobs should never be given to dogs, as their tough fibrous core does not digest properly and may cause a serious intestinal blockage.
Nuts
Not all nuts are suitable for dogs. Some nuts, such as macadamia nuts, are toxic to dogs. Salted, seasoned, or very fatty nuts may also cause stomach problems.
Peanuts and Peanut Butter
Small amounts of unsalted peanut butter can be suitable for dogs, for example in enrichment toys. Always check that the product does not contain xylitol.
Cashew Nuts
Small amounts of unsalted cashews are generally not dangerous for dogs, but due to their high fat content they should only be offered occasionally.
Other
Raw Bones
Raw bones are commonly used in BARF feeding, and many dogs eat them without problems. Bones should always be fresh and appropriately sized for the dog.
However, raw bones may still present risks such as choking, dental fractures, or digestive issues, so dogs should always be supervised while chewing bones.
Cooked bones should never be given to dogs, as they can splinter into sharp fragments and cause severe injuries to the digestive tract.
Ice Cubes
Ice cubes can be a safe and refreshing treat for many dogs, especially during warm weather. However, the dog’s size and eating habits should be taken into account.
Large or extremely hard ice cubes may pose a choking risk or potentially damage teeth if chewed aggressively. Very cold treats may also cause stomach upset in sensitive dogs.
Ice cubes can be made more interesting by freezing small amounts of wet food or other dog-safe treats inside them.
Remember Moderation
Even though many human foods are safe for dogs in small amounts, they should never replace a dog’s regular balanced diet. Treats and supplementary foods should always be offered in moderation.
If your dog develops vomiting, diarrhea, itching, or other symptoms after trying a new food, stop offering it and contact a veterinarian if necessary.
Safe Treats from FINNERO’s Selection
While many human foods can be suitable for dogs in moderation, specially designed dog treats are often the easiest and safest option.
FINNERO’s selection includes treats, snacks, and enrichment products designed specifically for dogs and their wellbeing.
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