When you bring a dog into your life for the first time, it can feel really overwhelming to know what foods are safe for them to eat. Some people scream from the rooftops that raw dog food is the only dog safe food for them to eat. Others say that the science behind dry dog foods is the safest and most beneficial way to feed your dog. However, very few people are able to tell us what kinds of everyday foods are dog safe foods. In this article, we will discuss 101 safe foods that you can give to your dog in an average American home and 7 foods you should never give them.
Are Vegetables Dog Safe Foods?
When you think of dogs, the first thing that often comes to mind is they eat meat and are natural hunters. However, dogs need to have a balanced diet that includes vegetables as well. We have found that there are many vegetables that are not only dog safe foods but also offer a multitude of health benefits!
Carrots
Carrots are a great snack for your dog, and they can help with cleaning their teeth when given a large whole carrot. Additionally, carrots are a great source to help your dog’s vision and overall eye health. Another great feature of adding carrots to your dog’s diet is that they will improve your dog’s coat health and restore a dull-looking coat to a shiny and healthy coat.
Celery
Celery is a great treat to give your dog if they are on the “full-figured” side and need to lose some extra weight. According to the AKC, celery is not just great for weight loss but is also high in fiber, so it may be good to give your dog if they are exhibiting signs of difficulty going to the bathroom. Celery is also a great source of vitamins and other nutrients that are essential to your dog’s development.
Broccoli
Brocolli can be enjoyed by your canine friends, and, like other vegetables, broccoli offers great nutritional benefits. Broccoli should only be given to your dog in small amounts. The reason broccoli needs to be given in small amounts is that it contains isothiocyanates, which can cause GI upset in dogs. If you can, feel free to give your dog broccoli, but make sure it’s not too much, or you may be spending more time outdoors to alleviate the GI upset your dog is experiencing.
Green Beans
Green beans are great dog safe foods to give your pup as a treat! In fact, veterinarians recommend green beans as a healthy training treat for your dogs. The most important item to keep in mind about green beans is that they cannot have seasoning on them. Not all seasonings are safe for dogs to eat, so it is better to err on the side of caution and only give your dog fresh or frozen unseasoned green beans.
Cauliflower
Cauliflower is a dog safe food for your dog if you want to be able to give them a treat and they need to lose weight. Cauliflower is loaded with fiber and vitamin K. Vitamin K is great for your dog as it helps with blood clotting and can help prevent excessive bleeding if they become injured.
Pumpkin
Pumpkin is a great food item to give your dogs if they are having lots of loose and liquid-like stools. The reason pumpkin helps so much in these instances is that it helps to “bulk up” the stool. You should never give your dog canned pumpkin pie mix. Dogs can not eat pumpkin pie mix as they may have spices and seasonings in the mix that are not suitable or safe for your dog.
Cucumbers
Cucumbers, like cauliflower and celery, are low in calories and make a great snack for your dog. However, one of the greatest things about cucumbers is that they contain a high amount of water. In fact, 96% of a cucumber’s makeup is water! Given the high water percentage found in cucumber, we believe these can be a great snack to help your dog get some added water and nutrients on a hot summer day!
Asparagus
Asparagus tends to be one of the vegetables that we as humans either love or hate. However, dogs can gain a lot of benefits from eating asparagus in their diet. One of the greatest benefits of adding asparagus to your dog’s diet is that they receive the benefit of natural thiamin. Thiamine works to help your dog process the carbs that they eat and, in turn, promotes good gut health for your dog. Not only is asparagus a dog safe food, but it’s also really good for them!
Tomatoes
Tomatoes are a great source of fiber for your dog’s digestive needs. However, your dog should only eat ripe tomatoes. The reason the tomatoes need to be ripe for your dog to eat is that your dog can not break down the enzymes found in unripened tomatoes. Eating green tomatoes will make your dog sick or possibly even worse.
Peas
Peas are vegetables that are great for your dog to eat under one condition. The peas have to be fresh. Now, when we say fresh, that can mean fresh from the garden or “fresh frozen.” You do not want to give your dog canned peas as oftentimes the peas can have excess sodium that is not good for your dog (or you, for that matter) to ingest.
Sweet and White Potatoes
Your dogs may like sweet potatoes better than plain white potatoes due to their sweetness! Both white potatoes and sweet potatoes are beneficial to your dog as they are rich in iron. Iron is beneficial to help your dog’s body get the oxygen it needs, as iron helps the body with hemoglobin development in the bloodstream.
Lettuce
Lettuce is a great and simple treat to give a dog that needs extra hydration or simply needs a health-conscious treat. When we say lettuce, we mean specifically iceberg, romaine, and arugula lettuces. Kale and spinach can also be dog safe foods. However, these vegetables also contain nutrients that may not be suitable for your dog to handle in large quantities. Before giving your dogs kale or spinach, it is best to discuss it with your veterinarian before introducing it to their diet.
What Fruits Are Safe To Give My Dog?
Dogs are similar to humans in that they enjoy a sweet treat just as much as we do. One of the best ways to give your dog that sweet treat is to offer them some fruit. But before you give your pup fruit, make sure that the fruit you’re feeding them is on the dog safe food list below!
Apples
Apples are not only dog safe foods but offer many vitamins and other nutrients for your dog. However, one thing that makes apples a great option for your dog to eat is the fact that they are low in fats and protein. This means that even your older dogs who need to be diet-conscious can enjoy these without the need for worry! Just make sure you take out the seeds and stem!
Bananas
Bananas offer your dog a great source of potassium and biotin. However, one downfall to bananas as a treat is that they are high in sugar. We think this makes a banana a great occasional treat, but it should not be added to your dog’s daily diet.
Pineapple
Pineapples are a great way to get your dog the added benefits of antioxidants. Antioxidants have been shown to decrease the risk of cancers as well as other health issues your dog may experience. Nonetheless, your dog should only eat fresh pineapple, as canned pineapple is usually found in highly processed syrups that contain a lot of sugar.
Cantaloup/Watermelon/Honeydew
Melons are a great way to give your dog a fibrous yet water-nutrient treat. There are two main concerns you need to keep in mind when giving your dogs this special treat. First, make sure that the fruit is not connected to the rind and that the seeds have been removed. If your dog eats the rind and seeds, it can lead to a bowel obstruction which is a medical emergency. YOu should also make sure that you do not give your dog too many servings of melon as they are high in sugar.
Blueberries, Strawberries, Raspberries and Blackberries
Blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries are all great dog safe foods to give your dog as treats. What we especially like about berries is it is easy to give your dogs this treat in moderation simply due to their size. All berries are high in antioxidants which as we mentioned earlier, are great for your dog’s overall health. Between easy portion control and health benefits, we think that berries are possibly the best dog safe foods to give in moderation.
Kiwi
Did you know that kiwis are loaded with more potassium than a banana and more Vitamin C than oranges? Talk about a powerhouse of nutrients for your dog! However, make sure that when you share this fruit, it is only a few pieces at a time, as too much can cause your pup to have an upset tummy. Make sure that you are not giving your dog the skin of the fruit.
Coconut
The inside flesh of a coconut is a dog safe food that makes a perfect healthy snack for your furry friend! Some of the great benefits of coconut for your dog include an increase in coat shine and the ability to fight bacteria and fungi!
Mango
When giving your dog mango, it is of the utmost importance to remove the skin and pit of the fruit. Once you have done that, your dog can enjoy this fruit even if they need to watch their weight. Mangos are not only loaded with antioxidants and other vitamins, but they also contain only 60 calories in one whole fruit!
What Animal Meats Or Proteins Are Safe To Give My Dog?
Now we know that the section about fruits and veggies is not often associated with a treat for your dog. In fact, many times, we think that dogs need or want a protein treat. We have found that when meat is cooked and given in moderation, turkey, pork, beef, chicken, goat, rabbit, venison, duck, lamb, pheasant, goose, and eggs are all dog safe foods. Some companies and veterinarians endorse and support giving your dog raw foods. If that is something that you feel comfortable with, BJ’s Raw Pet Foods is a great place to get started and learn more about the raw dog food industry.
What Fish Are Safe For Dogs To Eat?
While fish is often associated with a cat’s diet, adding fish to your dog’s diet is a great way for your dog to get the same nutrients. Fish are filled with amino acids that promote improved joint health. Some of the best fish and shellfish options that are dog safe foods are salmon, light canned tuna, shrimp, whitefish, sardines (packed in water), tilapia, herring, flounder, catfish, crab, oyster, and scallops. Just like the other meat proteins, these should be cooked before giving them to your dog.
What Liquids Are Safe For My Dog To Drink?
One of the many things that we admire about dogs is that they never seem to tire of drinking only water pretty much every day. What happens when we want to give our little buddies a treat for something to drink? Some of the safest drinks that your dog can have other than water are Pedialyte, plain almond milk, plain cashew milk, oat milk, kefir, pure fruit juice, pure vegetable juice, coconut water, vegetable broth, chicken broth, beef broth, and fish broth. People have found that adding a small amount of these types of drinks to their dog’s food on a daily basis offers added health benefits.
What Grains and Breads Are Dog Safe Foods?
This may come as a shock, but your dog does not actually need to have any grains in their diet. What they do need is glucose, which is often found in the grains of their food to sustain their quality of life. Some of the best grains and breads your dog can eat are white rice, brown rice, whole wheat bread, white bread, potato bread, corn, corn tortillas, flour tortillas, quinoa, and oatmeal. While these are all great sources of glucose for your dog, keep in mind they should be fed at appropriate levels, as too much of this food group can cause weight gain. Even dog safe foods should be carefully monitored and given in the proper amounts.
What Dairy Products Dog Safe Foods?
Dairy products are a great source of calcium for our dogs. Because of the design of your dog’s digestive tracts, giving them too much dairy may cause excess gas or result in loose stools. With that in mind, small quantities of milk, goat’s milk, plain yogurt, kefir, and cheese are all great treats for your dog. We have found that hiding your dog’s medicine in a small piece of cheese is a great way to make for a simple and effective medication administration of pills.
What Nuts Are Safe For Dogs To Eat?
If we are honest, we, as dog lovers, can get a little nutty about our furry best friends. Did you know that your dog can actually enjoy some varieties of nuts? Not all nuts are good to give your dogs, but cashews, almonds, peanuts, hazelnuts, and pine nuts are great ways to give your dog some added benefits that include reducing their blood pressure.
Is Peanut Butter Safe For My Dog?
Yes, Peanut Butter is a dog safe food as long as it does not contain Xylitol. Xylitol is a naturally occurring sugar alcohol that can sometimes be used to sweeten peanut butter. However, the most recognizable household names tend to be safe.
The most popular brands of peanut butter that do not contain Xylitol are JIF, Kirkland Brand (Costco), and Skippy.
Some brands that are not dog safe foods are Go Nuts, Co., Krush Nutrition, Nuts ‘N More, P28 Foods, and No Cow (formerly D’s Naturals), as they are known to contain xylitol.
Can My Dog Eat Chucky Peanut Butter?
Yes. In most cases, your dog is able to eat chunky peanut butter. However, if your dog is one that eats very fast or is small (like a Yorkie), it may be best for your dog only to have creamy peanut butter.
Is It Safe For My Dog To Eat Honey?
Yes. Honey is a perfectly fine treat to give your dog. However, you should only give your dog a quarter teaspoon per 20 pounds of body weight. This means your average Labrador Retriever should only have about 3/4 teaspoon of honey.
Safe Spices and Seasonings For Dogs
It might seem odd to give your dog spices, but if you are looking to create your own dog treats, you may want to add a few spices for flavor. However, many spices are not dog safe foods as their concentration is much too powerful in the powdered forms that we often find in the grocery store.
What Spices Are Safe For Dogs?
There are several spices that not only smell great but are also safe for your dog. Some of the most common spices that can be used are anise, sweet basil, chamomile, cilantro, cinnamon, dill, ginger, mint, oregano, parsley, peppermint, rosemary, sage, thyme, and turmeric. These are all spices that are safe for your dog to consume.
What Bones Dog Safe Foods?
The only bones that dogs should be eating are large raw beef bones. These bones offer protein and minerals as well as assist in keeping your dog’s teeth clean. Many people naively believe that dogs can eat all sorts of bones. This is not true.
Are Chicken Bones Safe For Dogs?
No. Chicken bones, whether raw or cooked, are not safe for your dog to eat. The reason chicken bones are not safe for your dog to eat is that they are too small and can easily splinter when chewed. This can ultimately result in the bone breaking off inside of the dog and causing a medical emergency.
Are Pork Rib Bones Safe For Dogs?
No. Often times people feel like they are wasting the perfectly good smoked bones from a rack of ribs if they don’t share them with their dog. However, much like chicken bones, pork rib bones are not safe as they can splinter and become logged internally.
Can Dogs Eat Ham Bones?
No. Dogs should not eat ham bones as they become brittle during the baking process. This, in turn, like the pork ribs and chicken bones, can cause the bones to break off and splinter internally, causing serious medical issues.
Is Garlic Safe For Dogs?
No. Garlic should not be given to dogs as it contains thiosulfate. This is naturally occurring, but dogs can not process this, and if given food that contains it can result in poisoning your dog.
Is Onion Safe For Dogs?
No. Onions are similar to garlic in that they contain thiosulfate. Since this is naturally occurring, giving your dogs onions should be avoided at all costs to keep them safe.
Are Avocados Dog Safe Foods?
No. Avocados are not dog safe foods, even if the skin and pit are removed. This is because Avocados naturally contain the element of Persin, which is a fungicidal toxin. This has been known to cause death in large animals such as cows and horses. Our word of advice is to avoid giving this to your dog.
Is Coffee Safe For Dogs?
No. Coffee is not safe for dogs because it contains caffeine. Caffeine for dogs can result in elevated heart rate and blood pressure issues. This can ultimately lead to cardiac arrhythmias that would need to be treated by a veterinary cardiologist.
What Human Snacks Are Safe To Give My Dog?
Based on the above list, there are many safe “human snacks” that are also dog safe foods! If you aren’t quite sure where you want to start, here are some of the safe human foods we have given our own dogs
Popcorn
Peanut Butter (That is Xylitol Free)
Honey Roasted Peanuts
Cashews
Almond Butter and Almonds in small amounts
Scrambled Eggs left over from our children
Dried Apples, Mangos, or Bananas
Cheez-its
The last bite of a Ham and Cheese Sandwich
Some leftover Thanksgiving Turkey or Easter Ham
Whole Carrots or Baby Carrots
What Dog Safe Foods Will You Try?
At My Barnyard, we not only care about what your dog eats, but we also care that they have a safe place to live. If you need a new kennel for your dog to try out all these new foods, take a look at what we have to offer. We can’t wait to hear about how your dog is enjoying their new treat and place to live!
*This article should not be taken as medical advice for your dog’s diet. If you have questions about what foods are safe for your dog, talk with your veterinarian. They love your four-legged friends even more than we do and will be happy to steer you in the right direction.