Foods that Dogs Can’t Eat

In general, you should avoid feeding your dog food that was specifically prepared for human consumption. While the actual base ingredients themselves may be safe for canine consumption a lot of the ways in which we prepare foods such as adding large amounts of oil, salt and sugar make it unsafe for your dog. However, there are certain foods that we as humans eat that can be safe for your dog as well, as long as it is prepared and portioned appropriately.

Fruit

• Avocado
• Apricots
• Rhubarb
• Citrus
• Cherry stems, leaves, and pits
• Grapes
• Coconut/Coconut Oil
• Persimmon
• Peaches
• Plum Pits

Nuts

• Almonds
• Walnuts
• Peanuts
• Pecans
• Macadamia Nuts

Vegetables

• Onions
• Chives
• Garlic

Sweets

• Chocolate
• Artificial Sweeteners
• Candy
• Sugar

Other

• Mustard Seeds
• Coffee/Caffeine
• Raw Eggs
• Licorice
• Alcohol
• Marijuana and edibles
• Yeast Dough
• Salt and Salty Snack Foods
• Chewing Gum
• Toothpaste & Mouthwash
• Tobacco
• Hops

While there are a fair share of human foods you should definitely not be feeding your dog for several health reasons, there’s actually a number of fruits you can. Here’s a list of fruits and vegetables you can feed your dog in moderation.

Fruits

• Apricots
• Bananas
• Blueberries
• Cantaloupe
• Cranberries
• Mango
• Oranges
• Pears
• Pineapple
• Raspberries
• Strawberries
• Watermelon

Vegetables

• Apsaragus
• Bell Peppers
• Broccoli
• Brussels Sprouts
• Cabbage
• Carrots
• Cauliflower
• Celery
• Green Beans
• Cucumber
• Lettuce
• Peas
• Pupmkin
• Spinach
• Sweet Potato
• Zucchini

If you’re searching for safe foods for your dog to eat because you’re thinking about making your dog’s food at home, it’s probably because  you’ve read about all the potential toxins in dry dog food and want to improve your dog’s health. While homemade diets can be a great option at times, take caution as homemade diets can cause nutritional imbalances and vitamin or mineral deficiencies if not prepared correctly. Canines have unique ratios of proteins, essential fats, vitamins, and minerals that can make preparing homemade meals harmful and dangerous. If you’re looking for a homemade style solution to your dog’s food without the risk you can try Ollie dog food today for 50% off your first box. Ollie is formulated by a team of specialized veterinarians so you know your dog is getting all the nutrients they need. Ollie’s dog food is handmade in small batches in a USDA certified facility from ethically sourced ultra-premium ingredients like chicken liver, spinach, and blueberries, which work together to improve your dog’s digestion, skin, health, and coat.

For further information, we’ve included a list of the most frequently asked questions regarding whether you should be feeding your dog the following staple human foods:

Yes. Eggs are actually OK to feed your dog as long as the eggs are fully cooked. In fact eggs have several nutritional benefits, such as high levels of protein and vitamin A, that are great for your dog’s skin and coat health.

Yes, sometimes. Tomatoes should be fed to dogs in extremely sparing cases. While ripe tomatoes do not actually pose any risk to your dogs health if served in small quantities, tomatoes do contain solanine (found mostly in the stem and leaves) which can be harmful to dogs. Feeding your dog unripe tomatoes should avoided.

Yes, you can feed your dog both raw and cooked broccoli, just remember to not add any extra seasoning to it like you probably would for yourself. As with any human food you should feed your dog this food in small quantities, specifically broccoli as it can cause gastric irritation in dogs due to isothiocyanates contained in the florets of broccoli.

Yes, sometimes. Due to high nutrient content in bananas such as potassium, vitamin B6, and vitamin C, bananas can be a good snack and may even be recommended by vets as an alternative to less healthy dog snacks. Just keep in mind, like with any regular food item, bananas should be fed to your dog in moderation.

Yes, but carefully. Apples can be a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C and fiber which can all be beneficial for your dog so it is actually ok to feed your dog apple slices. However, Apple seeds contain cyanide so your dog should be under no circumstances allowed to eat the core of seeds of the apple as in larger quantities this can actually be poisonous to your dog.

Yes, carrots are a great alternative snack for your dog with a much lower calorie count compared to other dog treats. Frozen carrots can even help teething puppies. Carrots are also a great source of vitamin A, potassium, fiber and other vitamins that are good for your dog.

No, grapes, raisins and sultanas are a definite no when it comes to feeding your dog as these foods can be extremely toxic and in some cases even causing sudden death. All genders, ages and breeds of dogs are at risk for illness from eating grapes. If your dog has ingested a grape, contact your veterinarian immediately for treatment.

While almonds are not definitely toxic for dogs, it is not recommended you feed your dog almonds (or nuts for the most part) as it can cause gastrointestinal distress. If you’re looking for a snack for your pup you’re better off searching outside of the nut world to avoid and potential associated risks.