Cute, cuddly, and occasionally a little crazy, dogs are a part of the family. So, lets keep them safe.
🐶 Food dogs can eat in small amounts:
If lightly nibbled, your pup should be fine should a little bit end up in their belly. Keep in mind “a little” is a lot smaller in volume to a Chihuahua than to a Great Dane, so small is a relative term. 😊
A dog’s body responds differently to certain fruits, herbs and vegetables than the human body does. Not only can a few foods be toxic for dogs, but some are also a little more stealth as they lead to problems down the road. Meaning you may think it’s fine, but over time, you’re harming your dog’s health.
Dogs are naturally omnivores and don’t really need fruits and veggies like we humans do. Here’s what you need to know about some of the most common food dogs can eat. Later in this article, I’ll dive into the foods that are toxic for dog.
Apples
Apples are a fall favorite for humans and dogs alike. Yes, dogs can eat apples as long as the core and seeds have been removed. A friend likes to core a small apple down the center leaving the rest of the apple intact like a donut. She then fills the center with peanut butter and freezes it for a few hours! From the looks of it, her giant Lab seems to LOVE it. 😊 If you try this, please let me know how it goes!
Blueberries, Strawberries, and Raspberries
Blueberries, Strawberries, and Raspberries can be eaten by dogs in small volumes. On the upside, they’re filled with vitamins and antioxidants which are helpful for your dog’s health. Moderation is important though as they’re also full of sugars that can harm their teeth. Raspberries also have a little bit of xylitol in them, which is harmful if your dog ingest too much of it. Think of these berries as an occasional small treat, not a meal or snack.
Cucumbers
Cucumbers are another food dogs can eat. For dogs, their high in vitamins and minerals, while also being low in carbs, fats, and sugars so an easy dog treat you can feel good about. They’re also high in water so you can easily freeze a slice of cucumber to help cool your dog down during hot summer weather.
Pumpkin
Pumpkin is a great food for dogs if you’re looking for a healthy snack. Dehydrated, raw, or roasted, most dogs love it. Beyond just being tasty, it’s known to help with digestion. Just make sure you’re giving them 100% pure pumpkin. What this means is that if you’re using a canned variety, be sure it’s not pumpkin pie filling or anything with seasoning or other things mixed in there.
Watermelon
Watermelon can be eaten by dogs if you remove the rind and seeds. In fact, since it’s over 90% water, the juicy red parts of a watermelon make a great little dog snack during the hot summer months. I like to freeze a few small cubes for my dog Charlie and occasionally toss him one after a hot walk in the sun.
Herbs that dogs can usually eat in small amounts
Basil
Parsley
Thyme
Sage
Cilantro
Rosemary and Dill
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🐶 Some foods that can be toxic for dogs:
Onion Family
Onions, leeks and chives…basically anything in the same family as onions is very toxic to dogs. As scary as the vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain may seem on the outside, what these can do on the inside is even worse as it can cause their red blood cells to rupture. So, lets keep these for your pizza, and away from your puppy. 😊
Tomatoes
Tomatoes are another food that can be harmful for dogs. When it comes to the question of can dogs eat tomatoes, some believe that the fresh ripe tomato fruit may actually be fine for dogs to eat; however, the plant itself are not, this includes stems, leaves, and branches.
The plant contains a toxic element called Solanine. It’s usually fine if they get a small nibble but avoid letting them snack on the plants like it’s a salad. Besides, that’s bad for both them and you as it'll prevent your plant from producing as many yummy tomatoes as it could were it to have been left to grow unchewed.
Grapes
Grapes are another one you’ll want to keep away from dogs. This is in their fresh and dried raison form. Although they may seem small, they pack a mean punch and have been known to cause acute sudden kidney failure in dogs. Yikes! So, can dogs eat grapes? Absolutely not.
Cherries
Cherries should also be kept away from dogs, and this certainly includes the plant, not just the pit. Cherry plants contain cyanide which disrupts cellular oxygen transport. The reason that this is a huge concern is that it prevents your dog’s blood cells from getting enough oxygen.
Some herbs that can be harmful or toxic for dogs:
Chamomile
Oregano
Sorrel
Bay Leaf
Chives and Scallions
Lemon Verbena and Lemon Grass
Mint