What can dogs eat that are human food

Everyone knows that when you’re eating your favorite treats, your dog suddenly has the saddest “I’m so hungry!” face on the planet. While we’ve all given in to our dog’s little tricks every now and again, we should always remember that your puppy should only be eating dog food. Of course, there are a few human foods that your puppy is able to eat.

Read on to find out what human foods you can and cannot feed your furry friend!

What human foods can my puppy eat?

There are many foods that your puppy can eat, and some of these foods are even healthy in small quantities. Just be sure to research and look into ingredient labels before you make any decisions. Here are some safe human foods your puppy can eat:

• Peanut Butter: Healthy and safe treat for your pup given in moderation! Always make sure the peanut butter is not one of the few that contain Xylitol, or have salt and sugar. There are a lot of natural peanut butters that will do the trick.

• Greek Yogurt: Plain greek yogurt is better and safer for dogs than any other type of yogurt. The high levels of protein are great for your pup, as well as the probiotic which helps fight yeast infections.

• Lean Proteins: Chicken and beef are one of the most common ingredients used in dog foods, since it’s an excellent source of protein. Your pup should eat these lean proteins without any seasoning or sauces, which may contain ingredients harmful for your pup.

• Apples: Sliced apples provide a significant amount of vitamins, minerals and fiver, which benefits your pup’s digestive system. Always remember to remove the seeds before!

• Pasta: Pasta is really nothing more than flour and water, which is safe for dogs. Make sure not to include any pasta sauce!

• Bread: Plain white or whole grain bread is safe for your pup as an occasional treat.

• Watermelon: Make sure to remove the rind and seeds before giving to your puppy. Watermelon is low in calories and packed with nutrients, which makes it a very healthy treat.

• Corn: Dogs can eat corn in moderate amounts, since it’s a good source of vitamins.

• Rice: Very easy for dogs to digest and may help relieve an upset stomach. Dogs can eat plain and cooked brown or white rice.
• Sweet Potatoes: Very rich in vitamin A, which is great for your dog’s eye health and immune system. Sweet potatoes are a safe and healthy food in moderate amounts.

What are common toxic foods for puppies?

While we wish our puppies could join us at the dinner table every evening, the truth is that some foods are too sugary, too salty, and too toxic for their bodies to process. The following human foods are ones you should definitely watch out for:

• Alcohol: Alcohol can impair coordination and breathing; consumption may result in coma or death.

• Avocados: Avocados contain persin, which is somewhat toxic; may cause vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, or pancreatitis.

• Caffeine: Large amounts of caffeine can result in a fast pulse, hyperactivity, increased blood pressure, tremors, seizures, and even death. Seek veterinary help right away if your dog has consumed coffee grounds.

• Chocolate: Chocolate typically contains caffeine, but the real problem comes from the poison methylxanthine. Symptoms may not show up for hours. Ingestion can cause hyperactivity, vomiting, elevated pulse, tremors, fever, pancreatitis, or seizures.

• Cooked Bones: Cooked bones can splinter when chewed or can be swallowed in too-large pieces. This can cause choking, internal bleeding, or digestive blockages that could result in serious illness or death.

• Corn on the Cob: Dogs can easily chew and swallow the cob itself. Bits of cob can cause digestive blockages, a serious condition indicated by vomiting and diarrhea. If unresolved, a total blockage is fatal.

• Raw Fish: Raw salmon and trout are toxic if they harbor the bacteria Neorickettsia helminthoeca, which can be fatal to dogs if untreated. Symptoms generally appear 5 to 7 days after consumption and include fever, vomiting, yellow diarrhea, and discharge from the nose.

• Grapes, Raisins & Nuts : Grapes, raisins, and nuts contain a toxin that can cause liver damage, kidney failure, and sometimes death. Symptoms can occur from as little as one cup.

• Onions and Chives: Onions and chives contain sulfoxides and disulfides, both of which can cause anemia and damage red blood cells. A large quantity of food containing onions can cause hemolytic anemia. Symptoms include weakness, loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, shortness of breath, and darkened urine.

• Pits and Seeds: Pits and sees, such as peach and plum pits and persimmon seeds are a source of the dangerous toxin, cyanide. Keep your puppy away from these foods.

• Processed Foods: Processed foods are more likely to contain ingredients dangerous to dogs. Chips often contain onion powder and excess salt; diet foods often contain Xylitol; cookies or granola bars contain raisins or chocolate.

• Xylitol: Xylitol is commonly found in chewing gum, breath mints, and sugar-free foods. Even small quantities of Xylitol can lead to insulin overproduction, kidney failure, and death.

This may seem like a lot to watch out for, but really it’s just common sense so always use your best judgment when giving your best friend a piece of human food.

You can try making your puppy some healthy and delicious puppy treats with one of our DIY recipes! Otherwise, you can learn some tips on how to choose the right food for your puppy in our blog: Choosing the Right Food for your Puppy.

When the begging starts, it's hard to resist giving your pooch a bite from your dinner plate. But, do you know that table food for dogs can be harmful?

Can Dogs Eat Table Food?

The question isn't so much can your dog eat scraps, but rather, is it good for your pup to do so? Here are a number of reasons why feeding your dog from your plate is a bad idea.

It Can Cause Digestive Problems

Some Table Food Is Toxic to Dogs

Human food often contains ingredients that are toxic to dogs. Chocolate, raisins, grapes, macadamia nuts, almonds, onions and garlic are all dangerous for dogs to eat. If you don't know exactly what's in the restaurant leftovers you brought home, you could unknowingly hurt your begging pooch by feeding them a spoonful. Many processed foods also contain artificial sweeteners, such as xylitol, which are extremely harmful to pets.

It Can Lead to Weight Gain

Typically, dogs who are fed table scraps also eat regular daily meals. While you might think that a bite or two here and there won't cause your dog to gain weight, you might be surprised by how little it takes. To a 20-pound dog, a single ounce of cheddar cheese is the caloric equivalent of one and a half hamburgers for a person. Small bites can quickly add up and lead to weight gain that can lead to a whole host of health problems, like arthritis, diabetes and heart disease. Your dog should never consume more than10% of their daily caloric intake from treats or other human foods.

It Encourages Unwanted Behavior

Another problem with table food for dogs is that it reinforces begging behavior. And while you might find it cute, dinner guests may not appreciate your dog hovering over their plates. Your dog might also decide that, since they're fed from the table, it's fine to take a bite (or more) of food sitting on the table or kitchen counter. Some dogs may even start refusing to eat their own food when they fill up on human food.

Healthy Ways to Treat Your Dog

• Avoid processed and prepared foods: Even meals you cook yourself can contain ingredients that could harm your dog, so stick to single-ingredient treats, such as an unsalted egg, a spoonful of natural, salt-free peanut butter or a bite of fruit or unsalted vegetables.
• Consider the calories: Before handing over that snack from the table, consider how many calories it is and let that factor into your decision. Your vet should be able to help you understand the recommended daily calories your dog should be getting, so you are aware of the impact that a single table scrap will have on your pup's health.
• Educate yourself: Learn which foods are toxic to dogs so that you can make sure you never let your dog near them.
• Don't feed them from the table or your plate: Instead, give your dog a bite of healthy human food the same way you'd give them any other dog treat — as a reward for obedience or for being a good dog. And avoid giving them a treat when they're begging. It can also be a good idea to put them into their regular dog food bowl, so that they understand that they can only get food to eat from their normal bowl.

Importance of Choosing the Best Dog Food

Dogs aren't good at regulating the amount of food that they eat. Many dogs will continue eating until they make themselves sick, so it is important that you oversee their meals and calories. Feeding a complete and balanced dog food optimal for their lifestage,  size and activity level ensures that they are getting the necessary nutrients they need to be healthy. Despite those big puppy eyes, feeding the right dog food in the right amounts is more than enough to keep them happy and energetic.

So, can dogs eat table food? Dogs will eat — and enjoy — a number of foods; but just because they'll eat it doesn't mean it's good for them. As an informed pet parent, you can help your dog stay healthy by restricting what you allow your pup to eat. While it might be hard to say no to those big, pleading eyes, remember that it's for their own good: A healthy dog is a happy dog.