Which human foods can dogs eat?

Dogs have a different digestive system from humans. This means that some foods that are safe for people can be harmful or even very dangerous for dogs.

However, many human foods are also safe for dogs and can provide important nutrients and health benefits.

Here, we look at which people foods are safe for dogs and which not to feed them.

So, which human foods can dog eat?

While many people foods are safe for dogs, they should generally only eat in them moderation.

Human foods that are safe for dogs include:

Carrots

Carrots are a healthful food for dogs. Chewing on carrots can help remove plaque from their teeth and otherwise promote good dental health.

Carrots are also a good source of vitamin A, which is beneficial for a dog’s immune system, skin, and coat.

However, too much vitamin A can be toxic, so feed a dog carrots in moderation.

Apples

Apples provide many important vitamins for dogs, including vitamins A and C.

Apples are also a good source of fiber, which can help regulate a dog’s digestion. However, eating rotting apples can lead to alcohol poisoning in dogs.

White rice

Cooked, plain white rice can be a good option for a dog with an upset stomach, as it is easy to digest and helps bind stool.

White rice can cause blood sugar levels to rise, however, so dogs with diabetes should only eat it in small amounts.

Dairy products

Dairy products, such as milk, cheese, and plain yogurt, are safe for dogs to have in very small quantities.

Eating too much dairy can cause digestive problems. This is because dogs have low levels of lactase, a digestive enzyme that breaks down the sugars in milk.

Dogs with lactose intolerance should not eat dairy products. Signs of lactose intolerances include diarrhea or vomiting after consuming anything that contains dairy.

Fish

Salmon, shrimp, and tuna are all safe for dogs to eat and good sources of protein.

Salmon and tuna are rich sources of omega-3 fatty acids, which can help keep a dog’s immune system, coat, and skin healthy.

The B vitamins in shrimp can also help maintain a dog’s digestive system and promote healthy blood circulation.

It is important to cook fish before feeding it to a dog, as uncooked fish can contain harmful parasites.

Chicken

Plain, boiled chicken with no seasoning is a good option when a dog has an upset stomach.

Peanut butter

Unsalted peanut butter with no added sugar or sweeteners is safe for dogs to eat in moderation.

Peanut butter contains many beneficial elements, including vitamins E and B, niacin, healthful fats, and protein.

However, it is vital to check that the peanut butter does not contain a sweetener called xylitol, which is highly toxic to dogs.

Anyone who suspects that their dog has ingested xylitol should immediately contact a veterinarian or call an Animal Poison Control Center.

Plain popcorn

Plain popcorn, without salt, butter, or sugar, can be a nutritional treat for dogs.

Popcorn contains minerals such as magnesium, phosphorus, and zinc, which are all important for keeping dogs healthy.

Make sure dogs do not eat any unpopped popcorn kernels, as this could cause them to choke.

Pork

Unseasoned, cooked pork is safe for dogs to eat.

However, they should only consume small portions of pork, as the high fat content is hard for dogs to digest, and it can cause inflammation and pancreatitis.

Refrain from feeding dogs bacon or processed ham, due to the high salt contents.

Turkey

Cooked turkey is safe for dogs to eat, but it should be plain and unseasoned. Many commercial dog foods contain turkey, as it is a good source of protein.

Before giving cooked turkey to a dog, remove the fat first. Too much fat can cause pancreas issues in dogs.

Blueberries

Blueberries are safe for dogs to eat and a rich source of fiber, antioxidants, and phytochemicals, which can provide a range of health benefits for dogs.

Research from 2012 suggests that antioxidants may help improve age-related issues in older dogs.

Bananas

Dogs can eat bananas in moderation. They are full of magnesium, which is important for good bone health.

Due to their high sugar content, bananas should only be an occasional treat for dogs.

Cucumbers

Cucumbers are a safe, low-calorie snack for dogs, and they can be a good option for those who are overweight.

Cucumbers also contain plenty of vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin K.

Green beans

Plain green beans are a good, healthful snack for dogs. They are a source of protein and also contain calcium, iron, and vitamin K.

Dogs can eat green beans cooked or raw. However, avoid seasoning and chop up the beans first to prevent choking.

Watermelon

Watermelon is safe for dogs to eat, but it is important to remove all the seeds first, as these can block the intestines.

Chewing on the rind can also cause an upset stomach, so remove this too before giving the watermelon to a dog.

Watermelon has a high water content, so it can help keep dogs hydrated. It is also a good source of vitamins A, C, and B-6.

Which foods can harm dogs?

Some foods that are perfectly safe for humans can cause problems or illness in dogs.

Anyone who suspects that their dog has eaten something toxic should call a veterinarian or Animal Poison Control Center immediately.

Avoid giving a dog:

Avocado

Avocados contain a substance called persin, which is toxic to dogs and can cause vomiting and diarrhea.

Cherries

Cherry pits contain cyanide, which is poisonous. They can also be a choking hazard or block the intestines if a dog swallows them.

Never give chocolate, coffee, or anything containing caffeine to dogs.

These products contain chemicals called methylxanthines, which are highly toxic to dogs. The chemicals can cause vomiting, an abnormal heart rate, seizures, and sometimes death.

Chocolate treats are available for dogs, but these contain a special chocolate substitute that is safe for them to eat.

Raisins and grapes

Grapes, raisins, sultanas, and currants are all highly toxic to dogs. Even small quantities can cause kidney failure and, in some cases, death.

Also, refrain from giving dogs any product that may contain these foods, such as fruit cake or malt loaf.

Citrus fruits

Citrus plants and their fruits, such as oranges and lemons, contain citric acid. While eating small amounts of the peeled fruit is okay for some dogs, it can cause an upset stomach.

In larger quantities, citric acid can lead to nervous system depression.

Cinnamon

Although not toxic, large amounts of cinnamon can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and liver disease in dogs.

Coconut products

Dogs should not drink coconut water, due to its high levels of potassium.

A person should also limit how much coconut oil or flesh they give their dog, as these foods can cause upset stomach or diarrhea.

Nuts

Avoid giving nuts to dogs.

Macadamia nuts are poisonous to dogs and can cause muscle weakness, vomiting, lethargy, and hyperthermia.

Other types of nuts can cause dogs to choke.

Ice cream

Dogs should not eat ice cream, due to its high sugar content. Also, some dogs are lactose intolerant.

Onions, garlic, and chives

Onions, garlic, and chives are all part of the Allium genus. They contain substances called organosulfoxides, which are toxic to dogs and may lead to vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain.

Organosulfoxides can also cause anemia in dogs.

Raw or undercooked meat

Raw meat can contain Escherichia coli and Salmonella, which are types of bacteria that can cause food poisoning in dogs and humans. Cooking the meat properly kills the bacteria.

In recent years, certain manufacturers have promoted the benefits of raw meat for dogs, and some boutique products contain it.

It is important to understand that raw meat diets pose health risks to dogs and may not provide a complete nutritional balance.

Raw eggs

Eating raw eggs can lead to biotin deficiency in dogs, which may affect the health of their skin and coat.

Salty foods

Too much salt can cause excessive thirst and urination in dogs, as well as sodium ion poisoning.

Symptoms of this poisoning can include:

vomiting
diarrhea
involuntary shaking, or tremors
high temperature
seizures

Xylitol

Xylitol is a sugar substitute that manufacturers add to a variety of human foods.

However, xylitol is highly toxic to dogs. It can cause liver failure and dangerously low blood sugar levels.

Bread dough

While bread is generally safe for dogs, the dough can be very dangerous.

The yeast in dough can cause it to keep expanding inside the dog’s stomach, which can cause bloating and lead to dangerous complications. The yeast also produces ethanol, and this can cause alcohol poisoning.

Alcohol

Never give a dog alcohol or products containing it. Alcohol is very dangerous for dogs and can lead to a range of serious complications, including coma and death.

Summary

Many human foods are safe and nutritious for dogs. However, a person should generally feed dogs these foods in moderation, as larger quantities can lead to health issues.

Consult a veterinarian before giving human foods to dogs with:

diabetes
weight issues
food sensitivities
liver or kidney disease
other health concerns

It is crucial to keep any foods or substances that are dangerous for dogs out of their reach.

Foods that are especially harmful to dogs include:

anything containing alcohol
chocolate, coffee, and caffeine
products containing xylitol

If in doubt about a particular food, speak to a veterinarian before giving it to the dog.

Anyone who suspects that their dog has ingested something potentially harmful should immediately call a veterinarian or an Animal Poison Control Center for advice.

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How to find good pet insurance

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If something happened to your cat, dog or other family pet could you afford the treatment? The Money Advice Service (MAS) reports that the average pet insurance claim is £793, although the costs can run into thousands if an animal is seriously hurt or requires ongoing medical treatment.

Yet the Association of British Insurers says pet policies cost an average of £279 a year in 2018, so the cost of cover is not insignificant. No one wants to be forced to choose between their family finances and the fate of their furry friend (or lizard, or whatever). That’s why pet insurance exists, to ensure vet bills are affordable.

Many policies also offer cover for other unexpected costs including the cost of advertising a lost or stolen pet, the cost of a reward for one that has gone missing and liability cover if someone is injured as a result of your animal. Some of the best and most comprehensive policies will even cover emergency veterinary treatment abroad or kennel and cattery fees if you have to go into hospital unexpectedly.

But different polices offer different things and some have very different levels of cover. Here’s what you need to know to find the best pet insurance.

There are different kinds of cover

Most pet insurance comes with three different levels. Accident only is the most basic form of insurance. As the name suggests, it would cover your pet for an accident like swallowing a rock or being hit by a car but not if it fell ill. Then there is annual pet insurance, where you pay for 12 months of cover and renew each year, choosing the best and most cost-effective policy you can each time.

For the best and most comprehensive insurance you need lifetime cover. With this kind of policy you pay premiums each year to the same insurer, who must agree to continue insuring you regardless of how old the animal is or what ongoing conditions it develops. Those comprehensive policies are usually subject to restrictions and conditions. The premiums will usually rise each year as your pet gets older.

What should you look out for?

The small print really matters with pet insurance. Most will have an upper limit on cover and that may be per year or per condition. Per year means there’s an upper limit to the total cover paid out in any one year. Per condition means that once the upper limit is reached for a particular condition, the insurer will not pay out for any further treatment.

There are lots of different pet insurance providers and it’s important to find one that offers the best value for the most comprehensive cover you can afford.

So which are the best pet insurance providers in the UK? Here are some of the best available.

Petplan: best for long term

This is one of the most successful pet insurance providers in the UK. Their policies are straightforward and easy to understand and there are no nasty surprises lurking in the small print.

Best of all, Petplan offers a “covered for life” insurance plan for your pet, meaning you can continue to get help with any ongoing treatment. It also won’t increase the premium as a result of any claims you make – although it will rise based on your animal’s age.

The Kennel Club insurance: best for keeping it simple

With the KC there is just one standard policy available and you can choose a maximum annual cover limit of £7,500 or £15,000. It provides dental cover and part of the cost of any prescription food required. Although there are some restrictions it’s a fairly comprehensive and straightforward type of policy.

More Than: best for support

With the big name insurer More Than, you get wide-ranging and tailored pet insurance policies. It also offers a range of discounts for booking online and for multiple pets. An additional perk is its phone service, offering 24-hour advice when your pet is unwell.

Sainsbury’s: best for loyalty perks

With a Sainsbury’s policy, you can get a discount on new policies and also an additional discount for Nectar card customers. If you have a Nectar card you will also get double points on shopping and fuel while you hold the policy (there is a limit to that). On top of those perks there’s also a veterinary advice helpline running 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Direct Line: best for first-year discounts

With any insurance policy, it’s not about finding the cheapest policy it’s about finding the best price for the cover that you need. So looking for the lowest premium might mean you end up with only limited cover when you come to claim. However, finding a decent discount does help ease the cost of insurance and that can help in the first year when it’s a new bill to think about.

Direct Line Pet Insurance offers a comprehensive level of cover, complete with an initial discount when you buy online that means you pay for only nine months in the first year. Insuring multiple pets and having other policies with Direct Line could also bag you a decent discount. It also provides access to a vet, including video calls, and access to medication at a reduced price.