Growing up I have always had the companionship of a dog for as long as I can remember.
We would spend most of the time on all sorts of adventures together.
When it came to food, it was easy to fall victim to her adorable puppy dog eyes.
In time, I learned that giving dogs some human food is quite okay.
However, you need to distinguish the right foods to avoid harming them.
It’s important to know what food dogs can’t eat.
Below is a list of common human foods that you may be wondering if they are safe for your dog to eat.
Some are safe for dog consumption while others fall into the category what not to feed your dog.
35 Human Foods Dogs Can And Cannot Eat
The mentioned foods in the list are quite common in your everyday life.
Some of these foods can benefit the dog’s health.
Some are neutral, so no need to panic when the dog eats those.
The one that are unhealthy or dangerous is what you need to be on the lookout for.
Can Dogs Eat Apples? – Yes
Apples can be tricky because of the core/seeds of apples.
If we are talking slices, then yes they are okay for dog consumption.
In fact, slices help clean residue off your dog’s teeth.
They are also a good source of vitamin A and C.
However, apple seeds contain amygdalin which releases cyanide when ingested.
This is lethal to your dog and can cause symptoms like dilated pupils, shock, heavy breathing, and even death.
But your dog would need to consume many apples and seeds for them to get sick. The risk isn’t that great, but it is there.
Can Dogs Eat Avocados? – Maybe
Avocados are a sensitive topic of discussion. According to American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) avocados are considered bad for your dog.
However, in small quantities, avocados are non-lethal while providing rich fats, proteins, and fiber.
Can Dogs Eat Bananas? – Yes
Slice bananas before feeding your dog, otherwise they could choke while trying to swallow them.
Bananas are rich in potassium, vitamin B6, and fiber.
It helps relieve constipated dogs experiencing bowel difficulties. It also makes for a low-fat snack for your shaggy companion.
Can Dogs Eat Bell Peppers? – Maybe
Bell peppers can be consumed in moderation.
Milder types like Red pepper are edible and are high in vitamins A, C, and E.
Think twice about feeding your dog that bell pepper when you are cooking. Make sure there aren’t any seasonings and that the bell pepper is clean.
Can Dogs Eat Blueberries? – Yes
Blueberries are very nutritious to your dog’s health.
They contain plenty of vitamins such as vitamins A, C, K, B, and E.
However, overfeeding blueberries to your dog can cause diarrhea and an upset stomach.
Can Dogs Eat Broccoli? – Yes
Dogs can eat both raw and cooked broccoli just fine. Broccoli is low in fat, rich in vitamins and fiber. Always adhere to slice any vegetable you give your dogs into smaller edible chunks. This will help prevent your dog from choking.
Can Dogs Eat Cantaloupe? – Yes
Cantaloupe is loaded with high nutrients, minerals, and vitamins. they contain Vitamin A, B6, and C.
It is also good in potassium, fiber, niacin, and folate.
Effectively boosting your dog’s health.
Ensure to feed in moderation as seeds can cause blockage in your pup’s intestines.
Discard cantaloupe peels away from your pup’s reach to avoid suffocation.
Can Dogs Eat Carrots? – Yes
What’s up DOC! Carrots are great for your dog as they are for Bugs Bunny.
They are high in fiber which helps ease excretion and is rich in vitamins.
I often slice up a piece when cooking as a treat just for her.
It’s not proven if it grants improved eyesight in dogs, but at least it isn’t harmful to their health in any way.
Can Dogs Eat Cauliflower? – Yes
You know the funny thing about cauliflower is the gas it gives your dog.
Hearing the random farts after my dog eats cauliflower never fails to put a smile on my face.
I usually feed my dog cauliflower once in a while when cooking.
Healthy greens are always recommended and are safe for consumption.
Can Dogs Eat Celery? – Yes
Celery contains vitamin A, B, C, E, and K as well as plenty of water.
It is okay to feed your dog celery, though in small portions.
Too much will cause your dog to urinate more than usual.
Can Dogs Eat Cherries? – No
Cherries are a “no-go zone” for your canine companion.
They contain cyanide present in stems, leaves, and the pit.
Fruits that contain cyanide are branded as foods your dog should not eat due to their toxicity.
In high doses, it can lead to death. It’s best to avoid cherries altogether.
Can dogs eat Chocolate? – No
Chocolate is extremely poisonous and is considered a bad food for dogs.
It can lead to serious health complications and even death.
This is due to the chemicals’ caffeine and theobromine.
The darker the chocolate, the stronger the concentrations of the chemicals present.
Immediately seek a vet on early signs of chocolate consumption.
Can Dogs Eat Coffee? – No
Products containing caffeine are very toxic to dogs.
Ensure to store your coffee beans on a high shelf away from your dog’s reach.
You never know if a bean happened to fall and was accidentally consumed.
Keep your dog away from cocoa, cola, tea, and energy drinks.
If your have any suspicions that you’re pet consumed a caffeine product then seek a vet as soon as possible.
Can Dogs Eat Corn? – Yes
Feeding your dog corn is perfectly safe.
It’s a healthy source of protein, carbohydrates, and essential fatty acids.
Its antioxidant properties are good for detoxifying your dog.
Be sure to feed in small quantities, the last thing you want is to chock your pup so don’t feed it the cob!
Want to know more about protein for your dog check out our article on low carb, high protein dog food.
Can Dogs Eat Cucumbers? – Yes
Vegetables such as cucumbers make a great low-calorie snack and are safe for eating. In fact, cucumbers can help your dog shred some weight. Each slice contains roughly 8 calories and is rich in sodium and good fats. Chop the cucumber to prevent your dog from choking.
Can Dogs Eat Eggs? – Yes
Feeding your dog cooked eggs is fine.
I don’t recommend raw eggs as it contains harmful bacteria such as E.coli and salmonella.
These lead to poisoning. Raw eggs also affect your dog’s skin and coat due to avidin.
Avidin decreases the absorption of biotin (a vitamin) in your dog’s bloodstream.
Can Dogs Eat Grapes? – No
Unlike most fruits, the effects of grapes vary between dogs.
The reason for this is still unclear.
I recommend avoiding feeding your pup grapes as the effects are spontaneous. I wouldn’t encourage taking such a risk.
Can Dogs Eat Raisins? – No
Like grapes not all dogs react in the same way.
It’s best not to feed your dog raisins. Raisins can be really toxic to your dog.
Can Dogs Eat Honey? – Yes
Honey makes for a sweet mild treat.
It contains healthy enzymes and nutrients essential for your puppies’ growth.
You would want to avoid honey with too many preservatives and chemicals.
Sick dogs should not eat honey as it can affect their recovery.
Can Dogs Eat Lemons? – No
Lemon contains psoralen compounds which are toxic to dogs.
Watch out as it can cause abdominal issues and pain to your canine pal.
Stems, leaves, and peels of citrus rich fruits contain citric acid and fragrant oils.
They are capable of damaging the central nervous system depending on the amount consumed by your dog.
Smaller doses only cause minor stomach upsets while larger doses are fatal.
Can Dogs Eat Lettuce? – Yes
Most greens are for the most safe for your dog’s consumption as they are to humans.
Common lettuce varieties such as kale and chard can be found in dog food.
Lettuce provides plenty of vitamins A, K, and C.
Leafy veggies rich in nutrients are always recommended as they help promote your pup health.
Can Dogs Eat Macadamia Nuts? – No
Avoid giving your dog any form of nuts.
This includes macadamia nuts.
One nut has enough toxic potency to kill.
A dog’s stomach is not well equipped to handle the digestion of the nut.
This causes vomiting, diarrhea, and other stomach related problems.
Can Dogs Eat Wild Mushrooms? – No
I think you know the answer to this one “dogs + mushroom = disaster!”. I cannot stress how harmful wild mushrooms are to your dog’s health.
Dwayne (the rock) Johnson relates to how his dog died due to eating a wild mushroom while playing.
Keep an eye out for any wild mushroom you spot in your lawn and immediately discard.
Can Dogs Eat Okra? – Yes
Dogs can eat Okra as it is perfectly safe for consumption.
In fact, Okra is rich in calcium, vitamins, folic acid, and potassium.
It helps strengthen your dog’s bones and nervous system.
Make sure to chop your Okra into sizeable amounts so that your dog can swallow with ease.
Can Dogs Eat Peanut Butter? – Yes
Remember the peanut butter jelly time song from Brian Griffin’s in Family Guy?
Believe it or not, dogs love peanut butter just as much as we do.
It’s packed with healthy fats and nutrients.
I usually use some as a treat or reward system for my dog.
One taste is enough to get her hooked, trust me.
Be aware of peanut butter with added sugar, which you would want to avoid.
Can Dogs Eat Pears? – Yes
Treat pears in caution when feeding your dog.
Fruits with seeds pose a threat when the seeds are consumed.
Cyanide present in the seeds, stems, and leaves are lethal to your pup.
Therefore, always make sure to feed your dog pear slices.
They are perfectly safe and edible.
Can Dogs Eat Pineapple? – Yes
Freshly chopped pineapples are an excellent snack to give your dog.
Pineapples contain high amounts of vitamin C and manganese.
Only feed your dog ripened pineapples, as it can be too sour for your poor guy’s sensitive taste buds.
Avoid canned pineapple because of the chemicals and preservatives present.
Can Dogs Eat Popcorn? – Yes
Plain unsalted popcorn is okay for your dog’s consumption depending on how you feed her.
Unpopped kernels are choking hazards so you would want to make sure to fully cook it.
Cooked popcorn contains thiamine and riboflavin which boosts digestion and optimal health.
Don’t flavor the popcorn just serve it plain.
Can Dogs Eat Pork? – Yes
Pork is a good source of protein and energy for your pup.
Serve your dog cooked and unseasoned pork instead of raw.
Raw pork and any other uncooked meat can cause salmonella poisoning, nausea, puppy diarrhea, and vomiting.
Can Dogs Eat Rice? – Yes
Feeding your dog cooked white rice is perfectly okay.
Mixing it with chicken broth is a common way of alleviating stomach problems.
Avoid serving it raw and with spices. Just keep it bland.
Can Dogs Eat Salmon? – Yes
Cooked salmon is an excellent source for docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA).
The are two forms of long-chain omega-3 fatty acids.
They provide a better source of omega than most supplemented products.
This results in more health benefits your dog.
Do not feed your dog raw salmon as it contains a parasite responsible for food poising and even death.
Can Dogs Eat Strawberries? – Yes
Like most fruits I previously mentioned, Strawberries are a good source of fiber, antioxidants, and vitamins.
Do remember to remove the stem and top since this part of the fruit is hazardous to your dogs’ health.
Avoid feeding her strawberries with any additives like creams or chocolate on top.
Also limit strawberries because they are high in sugar and could lead to future health problems such as diabetes.
Can Dogs Eat Sugar? – No
Too much sugar affects your dog the same way it does to us.
Candy, bubblegum, and sugary treats like cakes are best avoided.
They contain xylitol which causes low blood pressure, increased heart rate, bloodshot eyes, depression, kidney damage and urinary tract infections.
Dogs overexposed to sugar can also gain weight, develop diabetes and have dental problems.
Can Dogs Eat Watermelon? – Yes
Watermelons are tasty nutritious treats for your canine companion.
Watermelons contain essential vitamins like vitamins A, B6, and C.
A juicy watermelon can be a good treat for your dog on a hot day.
It is also low in calories and contains potassium.
Can Dogs Eat Yogurt? – Yes
Yogurt makes for an excellent treat.
It is rich in calcium, enzymes that aid digestion and proteins.
Avoid yogurt with additives as they contain harmful chemicals.
You also should definitely avoid coffee-flavored yogurt due to the caffeine present.
Caffeine just like I discussed in coffee, can severely affect your dog.
By understanding what you feed your dog, you mitigate the chances of endangering its health.
Not all human food is bad for your dogs; those that aren’t can be fed as treats or snacks.
If at all, you experience any signs of discomfort in your dog please seek a vet immediately.
