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There are certain foods that you should not feed your dog under any occasion. While individual cases will vary based on breed, weight, and other factors — in general this list of foods dogs can’t eat applies to all dogs and should be carefully followed to avoid accidents. Take note and print out our helpful infographic to keep on-hand in your kitchen so you know what food dogs can’t eat.
Just Because Humans Like it, Doesn’t Mean Dogs Will
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Please note that while we’re attempting to add every food we can find that is potentially unsafe for dogs, there are certain foods that we may miss, so don’t consider a food safe to feed to our dog just because it’s not on this list of foods bad for dogs. Do your research if you are uncertain and let us know by adding a comment below with your new information so that we can keep this list of food bad for dogs updated. If you are worried about something your pet consumed, please call your vet promptly.
List of Foods Not to Feed Your Dog
Here’s an alphabetized list of foods that are unsafe and unfit for canine consumption, many of which are toxic for dogs. We’ll be updating it and adding toxic foods for dogs as we learn more. The ones in red italics are especially dangerous and often poisonous for canines.
And be sure to look below this list for a helpful and sharable infographic to print out and keep on your fridge so you know what things dogs can’t eat. Without further ado, our list of what can’t dogs eat.
Alcohol – I’m sure you’ve heard of the birthday parties where the dog accidentally gets into some of the spilled keg beer, and then gets all silly to the amusement of the crowd. While it may be funny to you, it’s not funny to your dog. Alcohol can cause not only intoxication, lack of coordination, poor breathing, and abnormal acidity, but potentially even coma and/or death.
Apple Seeds – The casing of apple seeds are toxic to a dog as they contain a natural chemical (amygdlin) that releases cyanide when digested. This is really only an issue if a large amount was eaten and the seed were chewed up by the dog, causing it to enter its blood stream. But to play it safe, be sure to core and seed apples before you feed them to your dog.
Avocado – Avocados contain Persin, which can cause diarrhea, vomiting, and heart congestion.
Baby Food – Baby food by itself isn’t terrible, just make sure it doesn’t contain any onion powder. Baby food also doesn’t contain all the nutrients a dog relies on for a healthy, well maintained diet.
Cooked Bones – When it comes to bones, the danger is that cooked bones can easily splinter when chewed by your dog. Raw (uncooked) bones, however, are appropriate and good for both your dog’s nutritional and teeth.
Candy and Chewing Gum – Not only does candy contain sugar, but it often contains Xylitol, which can lead to the over-release of insulin, kidney failure, and worse.
Cat Food – Not that they would want this anyway, but cat food contains proteins and fats that are targeted at the diet of a cat, not a dog. The protein and fat levels in cat food are too high for your dog, and not healthy.
Chocolate – You’ve probably heard this before, but chocolate is a definite no no for your pup. And it’s not just about caffeine, which is enough to harm your dog by itself, but theobromine and theophylline, which can be toxic, cause panting, vomiting, and diarrhea, and damage your dog’s heart and nervous systems.
Citrus Oil Extracts – Can cause vomiting.
Coffee – Not sure why you would give your dog coffee, but pretty much the same applies here as to chocolate. This is essentially poison for your dog if ingested.
Corn on the Cob– This is a sure way to get your dog’s intestine blocked. The corn is digested, but the cob gets lodged in the small intestine, and if it’s not removed surgically, can prove fatal to your dog. Additionally, too much corn kernels can upset the digestive tract as well so be cautious to not feed too much.
Fat Trimmings – Can cause pancreatitis.
Fish – The primary fish that you need to be careful about are salmon and trout. Raw salmon can be fatal to dogs if the fish is infected with a certain parasite, Nanophyetus salmincola. The parasite itself isn’t dangerous to dogs, but is often infected with a bacteria called Neorickettsia helminthoeca, which in many cases is fatal to dogs if not treated properly. If diagnosis occurs early on, the dog has a great chance of recovering. Cooked salmon is fine as it kills the parasite.
Garlic – While garlic can be okay for dogs in very small amounts (and even beneficial for flea treatment), larger amounts can be risky. Garlic is related to onions which is toxic for dogs so it may be best to just avoid it.
Grapes and Raisins – This is one that lots of dog owners are unaware of. Grapes contain a toxin that can cause severe liver damage and kidney failure. We’ve heard stories of dogs dying from only a handful of grapes so do not feed your pup this toxic food.
Hops – An ingredient in beer that can be toxic to your dog. The consumption of hops by your dog can cause panting, an increased heart rate, fever, seizures, and even death.
Human Vitamins – Some human vitamins are okay to use, but the key is comparing the ingredients (all of them – active and inactive) to the vitamins your vet subscribes for your dog (often you can get the human equivalent for much less money). Make sure there’s no iron – iron can damage the digestive system lining, and prove poisonous for the liver and kidneys.
Liver – In small amounts, liver is great but avoid feeding too much liver to your dog. Liver contains quite a bit of Vitamin A, which can adversely affect your pup’s muscles and bones.
Macadamia Nuts – These contain a toxin that can inhibit locomotory activities, resulting in weakness, panting, swollen limbs, and tremors as well as possible damage to your dog’s digestive, nervous, and muscle systems.
Marijuana – Not that you would pass the bong to your dog, but if you do, you should know that marijuana can adversely affect your pup’s nervous system and heart rate, and induce vomiting. Read more about Dogs and Marijuana.
Milk and Dairy Products – While small doses aren’t going to kill your dog, you could get some smelly farts and some nasty cases of diarrhea. Why? Dogs are lactose intolerant (as are an increasing number of humans today), and don’t have enough of the lactase enzyme to properly digest dairy foods. If you really need to give them dairy, look into lactose-free dairy products.
Mushrooms – Just as the wrong mushroom can be fatal to humans, the same applies to dogs. Don’t mess with them.
Onions and Chives – No matter what form they’re in (dry, raw, cooked, powder, within other foods), onions are some of the absolute worst foods you could possibly give your pup (it’s poisonous for dogs, and its even worse for cats). They contain disulfides and sulfoxides (thiosulphate), both of which can cause anemia and damage red blood cells.
Persimmons, Peaches and Plums – Peach pits are not only a choke hazard they contain amygdalin, a cyanide and sugar compound that degrades into hydrogen cyanide (HCN) when metabolized. Pear seeds also contain trace amount of arsenic and are dangerous. So if you live in an area that is home to persimmon, peach, or plum trees, look out. Persimmon seeds and peach and plum pits can cause intestinal obstruction and enteritis. You’ll want to make sure there aren’t any wild persimmon or other fruit trees that produce seeds growing in your backyard. If you notice your dog pooping all over the place, and see a bunch of seeds or pits in their waste, you’ll need to break out the saw and chop down some trees.
Rhubarb and Tomato Leaves – These contain oxalates, which can adversely affect the digestive, nervous, and urinary systems.
Raw Fish – Another vitamin B (Thiamine) deficiency can result from the regular consumption of raw fish. Loss of appetite will be common, followed by seizures, and in rare instances, death.
Salt – Just like salt isn’t the healthiest thing for humans, it’s even less healthy for dogs. Too much of it can lead to an imbalance in electrolyte levels, dehydration and potentially diarrhea.
Spices containing Capsaicin – Capsaicin, found in chili powder, paprika, and just about any other pepper (bell, chili, etc.), is an irritant for mammals of all shape and size.
String – While not a food itself, foods can often contain or be similar to string (ie. meat you’ve wrapped for the oven). If your dog were to eat a string, it could get stuck in their digestive tract and cause complications.
Sugar – This applies to any food containing sugar. Make sure you check the ingredient label for human foods – corn syrup (which is a less expensive form of sugar or glucose) is found in just about everything these days. Too much sugar for your pup can lead to dental issues, obesity, and even diabetes.
Tobacco – A major toxic hazard for dogs (and humans). The effects nicotine has on dogs are far worse than on humans. Nicotine can damage your pup’s digestive and nervous systems, increase their heart rate, make them pass out, and ultimately result in death.
Xylitol – A sugar alcohol found in gum, candies, baked goods, and other sugar-substituted items, Xylitol, while causing no apparent harm to humans, is extremely toxic to dogs. Even small amounts can cause low blood sugar, seizures, liver failure, even death for your pup.
Yeast (on its own or in dough) – Just like yeast rises in bread, it will also expand and rise within your pup’s tummy. Make sure they don’t get any. While mild cases will cause gas, lots of farting, and discomfort – too much of it could rupture their stomach and intestines.
Infographic: Foods that Are Toxic for Dogs
Keep These Out of Your Dog’s Reach as Well
While these don’t fall in a particular category above, you’ll want to avoid them as well:
Old Food – You don’t like old and moldy food, so what makes you think your dog will? The bacteria in spoiled food contains all sorts of toxins that can be damaging to your dog’s health. Feed them the freshest and best, dog-approved food only!
Leftovers – I know it’s difficult to keep your dog from feasting on your dinner left overs after they’ve had to sit there and watch you eat it all in front of them. But the fact is that if you feed them leftovers regularly they won’t be getting a proper diet. If you do give them table scraps, make sure to take out any bones and trim down the fat.
Check the Ingredients – Bottom line is be sure to know what’s in the food you’re giving your dog. The items from the list above should definitely not be on there. You’d be surprised at how many foods contain sugar and caffeine, that you wouldn’t expect to without first checking the ingredient list.
Human Snacks – Chips can contain garlic and onion powder, cookies may contain raisins, chocolate or macadamia nuts, etc. Bottom line – there’s a reason there’s food and treats made especially for dogs.
When in Doubt, Ask a Vet
If your dog is acting strangely, or experiencing even minor symptoms including weakness, lack of coordination, vomiting, diarrhea, etc. and you think he or she may have consumed something they shouldn’t have, seek a veterinarian’s attention immediately. If you wait too long, your dog might not make it.
Hold up! Can dogs eat hot dogs? Before your pup eats that hotdog, take the proactive step of getting pet insurance. That way if an accidental treat becomes a medical emergency, your dog (and your wallet) will be better protected. Check out this video to get more detail about the types of pet insurance and what to consider when purchasing.
You can also visit the ASPCA website for the most up-to-date details on safe foods for your dog.
Keep Your Dog on a Healthy Diet
Choosing to raise a dog is a big responsibility. Just as with a child, you’ve welcomed another living being into your household and family. We probably don’t have to tell you to take care of your dog, but what people often don’t realize is that as similar as the two can be, they also have very different needs when it comes to food. Ask your veterinarian what kind of food might be best for your particular dog breed as well as age and any special needs. That way you know what dogs can’t eat and you’re less likely to have any issues.
What If You Cannot Reach Your Veterinarian?
In an emergency when your veterinarian cannot be reached you should contact your local animal emergency clinic or call the animal poison hotline at 888-232-8870. You can also try the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435. Depending on the nature of the item ingested the animal poison hotline or your veterinarian may induce vomiting to regurgitate the item that has been ingested. If the item is something that is likely to cause further damage to your dog on the way back up, vomiting will not be induced and other methods of helping your dog will be discussed such as having your dog ingest an item which will bind to the offending food and neutralize it or surgery to remove the item that is causing your dog’s problems.
Safe Human Foods for Dogs
There are human foods that are permissible to feed to your dog; however, even these foods should be kept to a minimum. Things that you can feed to your dog without worrying about side effects include:
Lean Meat – Lean meat includes meat without bones that has had excessive fat removed. If feeding chicken and turkey, the skin should also be removed as it can be a source of fat. Lean meat includes the white meat from chicken or turkey and provides a tasty treat for your dog as well as a good source of protein. Both raw and cooked, lean meat is great source of nutrients and protein for your pup.
Eggs – The most obvious problem here is salmonella, but Raw diet enthusiasts tout the power of a raw egg in your dog’s diet. While the white contains the Avidin enzyme, which inhibits the absorption of vitamin B (Biotin), the yolk contains more than enough Biotin to even out the enzyme. So, when fed raw and whole, or cooked and whole, eggs are an excellent source of protein and a host of vitamins for your pup.
Fruits – Not including the fruits listed above, dogs can safely enjoy bananas, apple slices, strawberries, blueberries and watermelon. The seeds should be removed from these fruits or in the case of watermelon it should be a seedless melon as most fruit seeds contain a trace amount of arsenic which is poisonous (it’s a small amount but why risk it?). Fresh fruits are a great treat to assist in training your dog and can also provide your dog with a great way to cool down on a hot summer day!
Vegetables – Certain vegetables like carrots, green beans, cucumber slices or zucchini slices all make great treats for your dog. It’s a good idea to replace commercial dog treats with baby carrots if you are looking to slim your dog down a little bit. Vegetables make great low-calorie snacks and good training tools as well. But stay away from canned and pickled vegetables as they contain too much salt.
Baked Potatoes – A plain baked potato is okay to feed your dog but honestly it is not something that should be done frequently and should never include any toppings. A few slices of cooked baked potato can make a great treat for a patient dog at a meal time though.
White Rice and Pasta – White rice and pasta are frequently referred to as a potential meal for a dog with an upset stomach. Generally boiled white chicken and white rice are used to help firm up stools as well as nourish a dog that is having trouble getting any nutrition from food as a result of illness.
While there are certainly some human foods that are safe to feed your dog there are many which are unsafe and potentially poisonous when ingested by your dog. As a general rule of thumb, it is far better to be safe than sorry so avoid feeding your dog any human food unless recommended by your vet. Dogs that are not given human food or table scraps are generally better behaved than dogs who do receive people food anyway, they do not beg because they know they won’t receive any scraps and they also tend to drool less and bother visitors to your home less because they understand that human food is for humans and not for them.
Where Did We Get This Information From?
The information for this article was found from numerous websites including the ASPCA, PetMD and sources linked in this article. This article has been around since 2008 and has been evolving through audits and our comment section. When our readers mention a food item to us we research and update our content accordingly. We welcome any questions or additions to this article through our comment section.
Disclaimer: Information published on this website is intended for reference use only. The only clear option for ensuring your pet’s health is to feed commercial grade dog foods and treats only. Feeding human foods of any sort carries some degree of risk and is not under the control of this website.
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467 Comments on "What Foods Are Toxic for Dogs"
Are whole peppercorns toxic to dogs? I have a 6 month old 70 lbs Doberman that might have eaten a small amount of them. (Maybe 20 or so)
i feed my dog pizza pepperoni and chicken and she does not get sick some people say pizza will hurt dogs is that true
very informative
my dog ate an anole are they poisionist?
Glad to hear Gizmo is ok. As your vet said, it depends on the amount of coffee/chocolate ingested. Sounds like Gizmo didn’t ingest enough of either to become ill. Happy to hear he is doing well and thank you for sharing your experience with us!
My dog ate a whole pack of ice breaker gum containing xylitol. He is still in the hospital trying regulate his ATL levels. I was wondering if there are any regulations for companies to put a label on products that are toxic to animals?
I’m not familiar with any type of regulation for companies to include a label on toxic products for animals. I hope your dog gets better soon. Gum can be very dangerous for dogs. Your dog is in our thoughts.
Just curious where you got this information?
Great question, we’ve added some information about our sources at the end of this article! Thanks 🙂
Sadly, to get information like this, an awful lot of dogs had to suffer unbearable agonies.
I noticed that dairy was not something to feed your dog. I sometimes will give my dog cheese to help them take whatever medicine is needed and any dog I have had LOVES cheese. Is this really harmful?
Each dog is different and some dogs are lactose intolerant, which is why we have dairy on this list. Also, dogs can get pretty gassy after eating dairy products and have some diarrhea, but it all depends on the amount they eat. If your dog seems completely fine after eating cheese it’s probably okay to continue doing so. Just make sure it’s in small amounts.
Is there’s any problem to make my dog eat a dead coocked chicken
Dogs can eat cooked chicken. I wouldn’t recommend giving them an entire chicken though. Bones can be dangerous and if ingested they can harm a dog. Also, too much of a change in a dog’s diet can cause an upset tummy and other digestion issues.
I like you very much!
Can dogs eat pork? Can they eat any type of pork? Ham, bacon, pork chops, etc. My dog LOVES the smell of bacon (who doesn’t?!) and I always want to give him some but I don’t want to hurt him.
Pork is perfectly safe for dogs. You can give your dog pork, chicken, beef, venison, lamb, fish, etc. The part that is important to pay attention to is how YOUR specific does does on different proteins (it’s different for every single dog) as well as the sourcing and safety processes used at the manufacturer of your choice. How is the meat stored? Where does it come from? How fresh is the meat? These are what matter – not whether or not they eat pork.
Can dogs eat ham even if it’s not bacon? We have ham leftover from Father’s Day and I was going to give our 6 year old lab some but didn’t want him to get hurt.
I recommend not giving your dog pork. You can learn more about the reasoning here.
No ham it kills your dog a lot
Hi Clare, I agree with you, who doesn’t love the smell of bacon! I recommend you take a look at this reader question about dogs eating pork.
I will say this though, every year for my sister’s dog’s birthday she gives him ice cream with a little bacon on top. He loves it and he’s been fine. He’s a 110-pound lab and every dog handles food differently. I wouldn’t recommend it myself, but my sister’s dog is still alive and well.
We grilled last night and our coonhound got into the potatoes and green peppers. They were both grilled when she got into them. Can dogs eat potatoes? Can dogs eat peppers? Do I need to be worried? She seems fine but I want to make sure we don’t need to take action.
As long as the potatoes were cooked when she ate them she should be fine. As for the peppers, this was probably good for to eat. Cooked green peppers are high in vitamin C and can actually be good for dogs in moderation. No need to worry, Steph. I’m sure your dog enjoyed her “unexpected” treats last night and is feeling great today. 🙂
I have a question regarding the liver. I make chicken liver and rice in small amount for my two doxies. They love it and I mix it in with their pellets. Yes I am aware of weight gain for them but I am very good at thier portion control. Is this still dangerous for them.
I recommend asking your vet about the amount you are giving your doxies.
Hi, is feeding store bought Roast Chicken to our small dog daily bad for her? She gets diarrhea about once a fortnight could this be the cause ?
Kate’s response is spot on. Some of the items on the list of what can dogs not eat includes seasonings and spices, they can really mess with a dog’s health. If you don’t know 100% how the chicken was roasted, it’s better to discontinue it and be safe. I’d see if that stops her diarrhea. Best of luck!
Since the store roasted it, and you might not know everything that it came into contact with (seasonings, equipment, etc) I would personally discontinue feeding it to your dog. Boiling unseasoned chicken for your pup should be fine, as long as all of the bones are removed, though!
As always, check with your vet; ultimately, they will know better than random people on the internet.
Our lab/border mix Gracie is going on 15 and is on 3 prescriptions and 2 prescription dog foods for her liver and arthritis. Both are Hills Prescription Diet, KD (Vet recommended KD over LD, due to taste), dry and canned. She hates the taste and have tried EVERYTHING to improve the taste. Lately, we’ve mixed in one link sausage to flavor it up and she loves it. She hasn’t vomited or had diarrhea due to it. Is the sausage bad for her or the spices in it?
Thanks, Jim
It should be ok as long as there is no onion, chives, garlic, or an excess amount of salt. To be safe though, feed it to your dog in moderation.
My 13 pound Chorkie ate a piece of peppered beef jerry that dropped on the floor. . . Nobody meant to give it to her. My mouth is a bit hot from eating them, even though it’s just black pepper on the beef. I’m worried she will be uncomfortable too, and also concerned if this will do more harm to my poor little Mandi? It’s late , Saturday night, and don’t want to wake up my vet . . . Can anyone help with the please? Thank you so much.
What about ground white pepper?
what happens when a dog eats lemon pepper
How do u get the e- book download that ur promised when u sign-up for this newsletter? I signed up but I didn’t get anything?
I’m sorry about that Kendra. The e-book is sent to you after you confirm your email address. Check your spam folder and see if it was sent there. If not, please let us know and we will send a copy directly to you with the link.
When I make stock, I simmer all the veg including onions, for an hour. The leftover veg. I like to mix with meat, bind with egg and shape into small balls, cover in breadcrumbs and then deep fry as a treat for my dogs. Surely the onions can’t do any harm as there’s nothing nutritional left in them. I would appreciate your thoughts on this. Thanks in advance.
My dad always made his own dog food and our vet said they were they healthiest dogs they ever seen all my dad dogs lived close to 20 years and he always put garlic and onions in the food and my husband makes our own dog food and we use garlic and onions all the time and our vet says our dogs are very healthy so I never listen to these people that says its bad for them because it is not. Dog food companies and vets just want to make money off you and scare you.
Great question Crystyn! From our research, even cooked onions can be poisonous to dogs, but to be honest, I’m not sure if the cook time makes a difference. If it were me, I wouldn’t risk giving my dog onion. Like you said, since you’re cooking them for an hour there’s nothing nutritional left in them so it’s not adding any value to your dog’s diet. I’m sure your dog would still love these if you eliminated the onion. 🙂 What are you frying the meatballs in?
This is a load of pish my Ralph will be getting a 3 course meal everyday so shove your not giving your dog chocolate up your arse.
Do you have to speak so crudely can tel you are from north of the border
How dare you put everyone from north of the boarder in one basket you have no right to judge people who you don’t know making such comments is so rude to genuinely good people from the north get your facts right
What a disgusting person you are and ignorant!
Yikes, I would advise you not to give your dog chocolate as it can cause serious health issues.
You’re lucky. I understand the toxins don’t get processed in the dog’s body and they retain the toxins. They accumulate in the dog’s body and never leave. Maybe that is why the “last one” had this effect.
I’m so sorry Kathy, I hope he has recovered fully. We never give our dog any amount of chocolate just to be on the safe side. There are too many scary stories like this one to risk the health of our dog. Thank you for sharing with us.
Some of this information is way wrong. Garlic is in many dog foods and treats and is good for their digestive tract. Onions only give them gas. Eggs. Really?
Garlic is safe in small doses, which we state in our article. Onions can cause damage to red blood cells, which can cause anemia. Eggs are listed under the heading “Safe Human Foods for Dogs”. I hope this clarifies these foods for you.
Some foods = evil?
I had a dog who ate raw bones and developed an blockage because the acid in the dogs stomach activated the growth molecules and formed a the mass that was difficult to pass. after several days of a water diet while in intensive care at the Vet, the blockage passed. there was some blood but he healed ok.
thank u for sharing about dog, first time to have dog now, my dog is 2 months and she ate mix rice and dog food,
This list is far from perfect. I see a lot of conflicting information on websites like this.
My dog ate some uncooked sice . Will he be ok?
Years ago my dog ate about a pound of raw white rice. He was sickly for about a day. When it finally went through him it literally sprayed against the wall out the back. He was a 70 pounder. I have never accidentally left a bag of dry rice on the floor since. He was about 5 and was with us until he went to Heaven at 14. If yours has not pooped in the last 8 days it is most definitely VET time. Hope all is well.
I suggest contacting your vet and asking. Be sure to note the type of rice your dog ate and how much. Let us know what you find out and good luck!
Corn on the cob? My dog goes to the corn field and picks an ear of corn and eats it!
No because it is still is corn on the cob
Years ago my fella got a cob out of the trash. He hogged it down and a 3″ section lodged in his intestine. He got sick the next day and I took him to vet. The vet could feel the mass, but nothing showed on x-Ray. Emergency exploratory surgery and he was fine. My dogs get a bite of frozen whole kernel corn with butter of course every now and then and I never heard of properly chewed corn being harmful.
My little brown dog just passed away and the last thing i feed him was classic lay,s.Im prety sure he died from old age and not the chips.
It’s because you gave your dog
I’m pretty sure you are right. No worries. I bet he loved that last little nibble of Lays. Mine do and we are all alive and kicking. Take care. I’m so sorry for your loss.
I’m so sorry for your loss Jay. Our thoughts are with you.
Pork is bad for your dog DO NOT LET YOUR DOG CONSUME
What about the “pigs ears” treats I see in some pet departments?
Rice is safe for dogs or not..??I have a pet 2years old ..His digestive system always have problem..So most of d tyms he remains unwell..Plz tell me wat a balanced diet for a 2years dog should be
Rice is okay for dogs, but check with your vet first. I suggest asking your vet what your dog should be eating. It can vary based on breed, age, weight, dietary needs/restrictions, etc.
About 70% of this list is fearmongering bull****.
There are little kids on here like me
Pumpkin pie and apple pie, he doesn’t get people food ever. But he got into the pie and ate a piece of both. Only weighs 8 lbs. Concerned about the cinnamon and carnation milk ingredients. Any ideas?
I’m unsure about cinnamon but dairy can cause some issues with your dog’s bowel movements. If he is feeling unwell, you should take him to the vet.
I have two puppies mixed breed last night the little male started to throw up. I think it was possible he got a cigg butt. He is not throwing up now but is very tired doesn’t want to eat or drink. Just wants to sleep what can I do I can’t afford a vet right now. I’m just sick. He doesn’t have the parvo smell.
I make my dog’s food; I use ground chicken, pork, or turkey; add green beans, zucchini, and carrots; I also add oatmeal. Then I mix this with her regular dry dog food to ensure she gets her nutrients.
Thats like eating a healthy meal and eating McDonald’s to make sure you get all your nutrients..
Can dogs eat turkey plain? Or does it always need to be combined with other stuff?
It seems whenever I feed my 3 dogs and 5 cats pork it gives them all loose poop. Does anybody else have the same problem?
Capsaicin is not found in black pepper. Black pepper and peppers are not related at all. One is a spice from Indonesia, the other is a plant from South America.
Thank you Marcus, you are correct! We will be sure to update our article.
There isn’t any capsaicin in black pepper. That’s an unrelated plant containing piperine. Black pepper isn’t really a pepper that’s just its common name.
Off-topic, why do most comment boards–on ANY subject–always degenerate into a bunch of bickering 5-year-olds? Is that a new form of entertainment for the socially immature, or what?
Possible reasons – anonymity, disinhibition effect, sentiment cascade, snowball effect, emotional contagion, diminished accountability, trolls – or any and all combinations thereof.
For trolls specifically, the answer to your second question is – Absolutely, yes.
Yeah the article is saying “people food” is the hodgepodge of scraps, all the foods you listed as feeding your dog with are said to be safe in this article and basic foods, not human specific foods like chips, seasoned pork roast, buttered toast crust, etc. Well fed dogs still will beg for “human food” when they think they’re going to get those treats.
Grounded black pepper on Heartland web….included that, if true then bummer because the alkaloid pipeline would help with sustained and retention with example: tumeric, circumin with absorption but if passes right through, loss of effectiveness. Am I making sense, to be understood?….thankyou Gary
Sorry Gary, I’m not quite sure what you’re saying.
He made perfect sense.
I gave my dog spicy popcorn
My dog is real picky, so when I found a treat he liked, and got a few bags, someone told me that it wasn’t good for my dog. Can anyone tell me if Alpo snacks are bad for a Shih Tzu?
Just wanna ask, will people food like left over and old food lead to gastroenteritis in dog? Thank you very much.
“Cat food – Not that they would want this anyway” If my dog, Maggie, sees the cat food I have to drag her away from it. She is obsessed with it. I have to feed the cat behind closed doors or Maggie won’t eat dog food, even if the cat food is where she can’t reach, if she knows it’s there she won’t have anything else.
Uhm hum what kind of sick person would give mj to a dog!! Are you psychologically sick or what‼ï¸
Is cereal ok? Cuz I didn’t notice I dropped a cheerio on the floor and he ate something and it sounded like a cheerio I made him drink some water in case it’s not listed in this list is it ok? Will he be fine?
If your dog ate a Cheerio he will be fine. Since it is a bland cereal he probably looked at it like a treat.
A site written up by a Vet maintains that Garlic is very dangerous for dogs. It bursts the red blood cells. I see on your site it is listed as “a little is safe” even beneficial”.
Garlic has been a controversial subject. While some people believe it’s 100% toxic others believe it is okay in a very small amount. We understand if you do not want to feed your dog garlic. We have read many articles on the subject and believe that garlic can be beneficial to dogs in very small doses. It is even found in some dog foods. We suggest speaking with your vet about giving your dog garlic if you are considering it.
Is it bad to feed a dog roast beef lunch meat
Most lunch meats contain nitrates which are bad for dogs.
I am afraid my french bulldog ate about ten fruit snack packages ate the wrappers too. Any recommendations???
Take your dog to the vet ASAP.
Antifreeze/coolant causes acute renal failure.
Hey, I think my 11 month old beagle ate some prestik, is that bad for her?
We aren’t familiar with prestik, but if you are at all concerned for your dogs health you should take her to the vet immediately.
I believe all sugars ending in tol are very dangerous (sorbitol, eyrthritol, xylitol and so on).
My dog won’t eat dog food. He eats lean beef of all kinds chicken white or brown rice what can I add to it so he gets a proper balance of necessary vitamins and minerals?
Hi John, here are some homemade dog food recipes for you to try out! https://www.caninejournal.com/homemade-dog-food-recipes/
Is it ok to feed your dog syrup? I know it has sugar in it but it doesn’t have a lot.
Hi Gavin, I suggest not feeding your dog syrup. Since it’s not really a “human meal” (more of a topping) it’s something you can avoid giving your dog. Syrup has quite a bit of sugar in it, and too much sugar for a dog can cause dental problems, obesity and diabetes. To keep your pup healthy, I would avoid the syrup.
My dog is a 2 year old jack Russell. As of the last 4 months, he’s taken to nibbling on blankets and other articles. Anyone know why he does this?
I. Have a dog that does this. I call it nibbling. He tends to do this as a security measure or when he gets sleep
I take issue with the raw salmon. I have a dog that has LIVED on raw fish and raw chicken with a bit of cooked beef. She has eaten salmon fillets and even salmon skeletons. We only started cooking the salmon and chicken when she turned 12 and is now 14. No problems at all until 13 which as far as we are concerned is a LONG life for my husky/shepherd/wolf cross.
What about hot dogs? How healthy are they for dogs? I have a friend who puts his dog’s medicine in pieces of hot dogs. So she probably eats at least a 1/4 of a hot dog daily. She has a heart condition and has put on weight and lost muscle mass since this started so now I’m wondering if there’s something better that’s still low in cost that my friend could use.
Hi Kara, most hot dogs contain nitrates which are bad for most living beings. So, I would recommend that your friend switch to something more natural for the medicine delivery… perhaps a piece of cheese or some peanut butter. My dogs also like cream cheese.
You have presented a fabulous and well stated, well informed comment and it is very much appreciated. Thanks for taking the time to prepare it. It was great!
Thank you 🙂 I appreciate your kindness. It gets depressing when heartless creeps prefer arrogance over the health and safety of their pets. I shut off notifications and just signed on to do something and saw your nice note:). Thank you for loving your pets and sending me a nice note. The support is truly appreciated♡:) =^..^= Eden Wild
You are so very welcome, Eden. Any time I see someone doing something good and kind for others, I want to thank them.
Amen!
GARLIC?!?!
Can I give human vitamin E oil to my dog oraly or rubbed on dry skin?
Hi Brady, I would recommend you stick to breaking open the capsule and rubbing it on your dogs dry skin to be safe. Sometimes the capsules can be made out of foreign materials that may not agree with canine digestive systems. Better safe than sorry. Take care, M
Thanks, I will take your advice. Again thanks.
From a clinical perspective, and in contrast to humans, there is no scientific evidence linking sodium intakes in dogs with increased risk of hypertension, renal or cardiac disease, or calcium oxalate urolithiasis.
Source: Veterinary Times, 8/3/2010
Please double check your facts on Garlic, It seems many authorties disagree with you and claim garlic is toxic to dogs.
Thank you Hayuitsme,
Yes, we too have read conflicting reports. However, almost every study on pests shows that garlic in very small doses can be beneficial for deflecting fleas, ticks, etc. So, we say, if you are worried, avoid it, but a little, tiny bit might prove very helpful. So proceed with caution.
Marijuana treats for your pet will prevent cancer and is the future for animals living longer
Agree, along with a meatfree eg cooked salmon and potato dried foods #pescetariansocietyapproved
All wild animals look for a high fat diet so this information about limiting fat intake is outdated and misguided.
Thanks for your comment Neil. I agree that wild animals do seek out high fat diets but based on your thoughtful response, I think you would agree that there is a difference between over-processed, highly saturated fats and fats found naturally occurring in nature.
I have fed my dog grapes a number of times, I am worried now that I have read this article what should I do?
They are primarily a choking hazard, so if your dog is okay now, maybe you just don’t give them grapes again in the future. Take care and thanks for your comment!
Our 9 week old Border Collie puppy, Lola, seems to get into Devon (or bologna) all the time. Is this healthy? Or bad. My sister was wondering that before she gave her German Shepherd dog some. Maybe someone can answer? And also, is “Processed Meat” good for Puppies.
Hi Marni,
Processed meats are not healthy for dogs because they are very processed (not natural meat at all), have a lot of sodium and also contain nitrates. These are not healthy for dogs or really for humans either so, while your dog can have it occasionally, do not make it a regular treat.
Hi and thank you for your comment. My pitbull mix also trembles a lot. The vet has told me that it is common with very muscular dogs who don’t have much fat on their bones. We got our dog a thunder coat and whenever we put it on her, she calms right down. I would recommend you try it. It amazes me every time! –
Garlic onions, chives, and leeks are poisonous.
Garlic is more poisonous then onions to your dog. It is part of the nightshade family and is poisonous. Raw eggs can lead to salmonella and e coli risks plus they can mess up your dog’s skin and coat. I’m not sure about cooked potatoes skins but better safe than sorry. Any kind of fruit seeds can be poisonous.
My dog Lola loves raw eggs. So does my Kelpie Stassy. All a fan of the egg-business. And they are not dead :/
Raw eggs are great for dogs. They help dogs put on weigh after disease and they contain proteins and vitamins that are great for skin and coat. Eggs do the same thing for humans and are cosmetic beauty secret. A dog’s digestive tract is different than that of a human. It is more acidic to combat these added risks. Not only that but most eggs nowadays are safe for humans to eat raw.
Patti, I would recommend that you ask your neighbor not to give your dog Pup-Peroni if it may be making your pup sick. They are safe for many dogs or they would not still be available for sale BUT they do contain many preservatives that may be upsetting your dog’s tummy. Your dog is probably sensitive to it. Better safe than sorry I say!
My 7 month old pup is out of food. He is a medium size pup (shepherd/boxer/pit mix) but I was going to boil hot dogs and cut them up for him until I get more food. Is this OK or not?
Hi Kelsea,
I would recommend that you not do this. Hot dogs have lots of nitrates which are not good for dogs at all. Even bread or some carrots might be better choices than hot dogs. Hope this helps.
For those of you beating up on cured meats. I get less nitrites from my home cured meats than you do from eating green leafy veggies such as spinach or celery. My dog is a blue heeler and on occasion I will give her a scrap of raw ham or bacon. It is the high heat from cooking that makes the nitrites not so healthy. I fight with my wife all the time about her sneaking the dog table scraps. Thanks to this site, after I read it to her, she has agreed to quit sneaking the dog scraps.
Dogs surely can’t have alcohol.
Lol. I’ve been feeding my dog all of what you’re not supposed to and she is a healthy 15 years old pitbull.
How about sweet potato skins? My Yogi loves them and, since I only eat the insides of a the baked sweet potato, I always give him the skin.
Sweet potato skins are safe for dogs. Just make sure you clean them well with a scrubber first.
I had a small terrier and my children fed her grapes. After 3 days, I noticed the dog was lethargic and weak and she wouldn’t eat. When I took her to the vet, they diagnosed her with kidney failure. She died that day. 🙁 Grapes are definitely a no no!
Hi Farrah,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts are with you.
Tobacco does not kill dogs because dogs don’t smoke it. They may eat it from time to time. Smoking it is very different than eating it. Also, Garlic should not be fed to dogs.
Very true! As I said on an earlier post about some people just posting to stir up a pot, indeed some are looking for any reason to sue another! So I will disclaim that my words are in my opinion only!
I appreciate the time and effort you put into trying to help others! Continue on, good luck!
My Border Collie/ GSD/ retriever mix does get some cooked bones at occasion like gatherings, parties and sometimes as a treat. Would it be find for him to have some? He had always been well. By the way, he is 4 years old and we call him Milo.
Hi Saluki Girl,
I would not recommend feeding your dog cooked bones as they are very likely to splinter and potentially hurt your dog’s digestive system. Here is an article that explains more, including xray photos, of why bones are a bad idea for Fido: http://www.petmd.com/dog/nutrition/evr_dg_raw_bones_or_cooked_bones
Can you please make a printer friendly version of this article. I wanted to post it on my fridge.
Thanks for your interest T! You can actually find a version for download here on our Pinterest page along with other helpful graphics: http://www.pinterest.com/pin/280630620504859078/
My dog died a month ago @ 16 years and she had cancer. Before she got sick, I used to give her Drs F&S’s Mega Tabs of Brewers Yeast and Garlic. She had these for years. Now, y’all are saying that you shouldn’t givie garlic to a dog for a long time. I understand the logic behind it, but isn’t a little somewhat like taking a baby asprin: good for you as a preventative?
You are right Janis, in small doses/moderation, garlic can be okay for dogs and actually help with things like fleas. But too much of a good thing could be deadly so keep it to a minimum. Sorry to hear about your pup passing 🙁
Can you sometimes give a dog some pineapple to eat? And what about those bones you buy at the pet store? Or are they cooked?
I’ve been told cheese is dangerous for dogs – something to do with the enzymes involved in the curdling process. I realise that “Milk and dairy” includes cheese, but perhaps it deserves an honourable mention on that merit alone?
I’ve fed my dogs goat and sheep plain cheeses and yogurt mixed in their food for years, once a month or so and never had a problem. In fact they are very healthy, happy and over 11 yrs old.
What I’ve read in a book about what to feed dogs is that cows’ dairy is not good for dogs; however, goats’ or sheep dairy is good, in moderation. If you’ve ever lived on a farm you would notice the dogs will snatch goats’ milk and leave cows’ milk and most every animal will steal in and break eggs to eat.
Yes I keep reading, here and there, that fat trimming can cause pancreatitis but I can’t seem to find an answer as to why it causes this. In fact you list reasons for everything else listed but this section. Thank you.
I am a patient of chronic pancreatic and have been since ’95. Foods high In fat causes the pancreatic ducts to work harder to break down sugars and get rid of unnecessary or non existing nutrients therefore becoming pissed off and inflamed, thus you get ITIS inflammation, OF THE PANCREAS…PANCREATITIS. I have to eat a low fat high fiber diet. Hope this helps.
Dogs love cat food, especially the smell of it. It just makes certain dogs with a lack of energy or exercise put on weight faster. It’s not that it’s bad for them. Please correct that on your list.
Hi Jordan and thank you for your comment. In most dogs, it is a minor caution, so long as the amount eaten is small. In that case, it would likely cause minor weight gain. However, the high protein levels in cat foods are quite different from that in dog foods because the two animals have different dietary needs. Dogs are omnivores (meats and plants) while cats are carnivores (meat only). So, if a dog were to eat too much high-protein cat food, overtime, it could develop kidney problems due to excessive urea accumulation in the body.
Hello, I am going to be a puppy mommy soon. I have had a few dogs, but always feed them dry dog food, with my new puppy I want to feed him homemade dog food, but I am unsure whats good and bad. Like garlic, some say it’s ok and some say it can kill your dog? And liver, I think liver is good, but again some say it’s good and others say it’s a bad thing? Can anybody help me. Does anybody have like a good meat loaf for dogs?
I made my dog’s food for many years, he lived to be 17. But I never put garlic in it. I have read many articles saying it is toxic to dogs, it affects their red blood cells. You can read more on the ASPCA’s website too: http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/toxic-and-non-toxic-plants/garlic
Karon, please would you look me up on FB and help with recipes for dogs. I want to give my boarders good fresh food, but need help with what. Thank you. Catrina Bennett.
About garlic… I know onions aren’t good for dogs, but garlic is in the same “family” as onion. Onions and garlic are both antioxidants, and dogs don’t have sweat glands like we do. Anyone know why onion is bad but garlic is good, considering they come from the same food family? And please, don’t give me an answer, ” because my vet and this article said so”.
About garlic… I know onions aren’t good for dogs, but garlic is in the same “family” as onion. Onions and garlic are both antioxidants, and dogs don’t have sweat glands like we do. Anyone know why onion is bad but garlic is good, considering they come from the same food family? And please, don’t give me an answer, ” because my vet and this article said so”.
You should look that up again. The reading I have done includes garlic as a danger to dogs because, like with onions, they lack certain enzymes to digest them properly and the damage to organs is cumulative rather than immediate.
Garlic can cure your dog of worms. My puppies had worms in their stool and coming out of their rear and we were told to give each a small piece of garlic and thank heavens it was better almost immediately.
i grew up on a farm and we would give our dogs two black berries and a small sliver of garlic once or twice a month for worms. The black berries work to cure children of pin worms too.
Small amounts of garlic is good. Large amounts can be poisonous.
I think you’re confusing anti-deodorant with antioxidant, anti dioxide = free radical destroyer not sweat inducer. There’s more than one way to rid toxins from the body and mainly it’s via the urinary tract not the bodies cooling system.
Arsenic found in seeds is not poisonous. It’s in a different form than the poisonous stuff. It’s just an old wives tale and when you write something that misleading and wrong you have to question the accuracy of every other thing that was written. Research your facts better.
Hi Jesse,
Thank you for your comment. The seeds do in fact contain a form of cyanide called amygdlin. And while it is extremely poisonous to all beings, it is not all that toxic in such the very small amount that is contained in the casing of the apple seeds.
However, if it were ingested and then chewed/crushed in vast quantities (compared to the weight of the dog who ate it), it could make the blood unable to deliver oxygen to the rest of the body. I have updated the article to add this clarification – thank you.
The humane society allows people with financial difficulties money for a vet. They don’t give it to the person but to your vet. It’s usually $500. So call the humane society and see.
Just read that turkey and chicken are good for dogs. Not sure about birds but definitely a healthy treat for dogs.
Fresh cooked turkey is normally fine. However, deli turkey has lots of additives and usually has extra ingredients such as onion powder, and anything onion is bad for dogs. Processed meats should not be eaten by dogs and only sparingly by humans. Generally, anything with sodium nitrite (in most processed meats) is toxic if eaten regularly.
Agreed. Thanks Heather for expanding on this.
As it was DELI Turkey check if it was flavored or spiced. If it was, it is likely there was something like onion, honey, or large amount of salt or some other spice which is not good for dogs. Ask the people that you bought it from for the ingredients on the label. All Deli meats have something added. Depending on what the added ingredient is will dictate what is to be done.
Don’t feed your dog deli meats of any kind…..that is people food…not for the dog! Dogs can have cooked ground turkey but not processed deli meats!
Every brand name company that makes dog food uses TURKEY. Both u and ur friend are very dull people!!! I find it irritating that people like you are even allowed to OWN dogs. There is such thing as a stupid question and u asked it!!! Your dog is BOARD and needs to go out for walks or maybe even a dog park. Make a friend with someone who also has a dog and basically arrange play dates for you dog. He’s sick of being stuck in the house and having to listen to you and ur dull friend!!!!
What is wrong w/ you to make such comments about people you do not even know! Keep your comments to yourself. If you do not have anything nice to say do not say anything at all.
That’s how I got here too. Pork gives my lot the trots ( loose stool).
I realize that this was a year ago… but it just makes me so mad that Justin feels like he knows exactly what is going on. First off my dog’s lips will never and has never touched processed dog food. How would you like to eat dried cereal nuggets day in and day out? The dog and cats in my home get homemade.
You are killing your dogs personally then. Homemade dog foods are always lacking in nutrients
Very true. Many people especially lot of disabled people shouldn’t own dogs. And not being mean but I knew a dog that was mistreated terrible because the owner was in a wheelchair and couldn’t take properly care for the dog. And I had to call for the dog’s removal. So you down there don’t justify disabled as a reason its OK to mistreat a dog cause its not.
I’m disabled, and my dog is better cared for than I am! He’s my baby, my best friend, and I make sure he’s happy and fed before I do anything else! I don’t know about everyone else, but my dog isn’t just a pet, he’s the most important part of my life!
You do realize that there are many disabled people that rely on dogs to help them daily. For some, that is the only companion they have. And by the way, the animals, not just dogs, that are trained to help the disabled are treated very well, like a family member! Think about what you say before you say it and do not lump all disabled people into one category! I’m disabled and my animals are my family members!
Many disabled people have dogs because they are disabled. I think people like you shouldn’t have dogs or procreate.
Honestly I believe there are people out there who get entertainment from making derogatory comments! Stir the pot and sit back and wait to see how many people they can offend!
I know, I’m appalled at all the insults I’m seeing from a simple meal blog for dogs. How dare someone generalize disabled people! Certainly, disabled people can care and even owner and pet get companion. Also, the murphy character needs more on his plate as far as then learning how to feed a dog! How about learning how to treating people with dignity while conversing online! Unfortunately, people like this will come along.
Thank you Jill! I agree!
We had to take our Cavalier King Charles Spaniel to the vet the first Christmas we had him. The first question the vet asked was if we’d been letting him have turkey. It’s really common to poison small dogs with it. Turkey is too rich for smaller breeds. Don’t be too quick to judge people for being cautious.
What about just the breast meat of a turkey? Is it safe for a small dog, for even a big dog? LOIS
We recommend not giving your dog turkey. Better safe than sorry. As you can see, Amy’s dog didn’t handle the turkey well. Some dogs are fine with it, while others become ill. To keep your dog safe, stick to his/her normal diet.
Justin, Did you ever think that the owner is disabled? I am & I live where I don’t have any one to walk my dog. And it ‘bored’ not ‘board’. I do the best I can for her & we do play inside to make her not as bored. My hubby died this year and my dog is my companion. You don’t know that person to judge them harshly.
😉 Ben, please read up on garlic. Although it is a natural antibiotic for humans, it is toxic to dogs. You can obtain a list of foods that are toxic to dogs, just type foods that are dangerous to dogs in Google. Have a super day!
Actually Kimmy, garlic can be beneficial for dogs in small amounts. Small amounts is the key phrase here. Ingesting large amounts of garlic can be toxic for dogs.
I find it irritating and amusing that you feel the need to insult someone you don’t even know over the internet over something so trivial. Why do you care? You just seem like a troll with poor grammar. All you are doing is making yourself sound like the “dull” one. If you’re going to be a troll, do it to the people who actually deserve it, and learn how to spell.
Pretty sure she said she has a dog..not a BOARD. It’s called 3rd grade grammar..who looks “stupid” now? stu·pid (stoÌ…o̅′pÄd, styoÌ…o̅′-)
adj. stu·pid·er, stu·pid·est
1. Slow to learn or understand; obtuse.
2. Tending to make poor decisions or careless mistakes.
Hi Denise,
Regular turkey is okay for dogs but the nitrates used to preserve deli meats, including turkey, are what is bad for them. Assuming you did not feed him a lot of deli turkey, than this is unlikely to be the issue. And given he is not vomiting or suffering from diarrhea, he is likely just having a little stomach bug.
And if in a day or two he is still not eating/drinking, please call a vet to at least get some professional advice.
Thanks and best wishes for a speedy recovery.
All so true. Great Advice!!
Cured meats are bad for dogs and humans. No matter how expensive the brand is, it’s just as bad as the cheap stuff. Don’t feed it to your dog and don’t eat it yourself.
So true. Thanks Tom!
Great post. My daughter has been begging for a dog for about 2 years now. Now that she is older I think its time to get one for her but I have never had a dog before so I am doing as much research as possible like what are the best vitamins for dogs and what they can and can not eat. I had no idea how many foods could harm your dog, this was so helpful. Thanks so much for sharing.
In case you never got a decent reply. Your dog may have anal sac/s that needs to be drained by you or the vet. Due to the smell, I would let the vet do it. Or they eventually burst and yes it’s strong enough to send you outside in 0 degrees to get away, (another sign is dragging their bum on carpet/grass).
If you have to drain your dog’s anal glands with any sort of frequency then you are feeding them bad dog food. Healthy dogs dont needs their anal glands expressed. In fact you are hurting your dog by doing it so often. You wouldn’t manually drain in any other gland in your body, so why this one?
Routine manual expression will reduce the ability of the anal glands to work on their own. The condition of the glands becomes compromised, and ultimately they become completely ineffective.
I agree, we have our Chihuahua’s “butt pumped” once a month along with his nails clipped at the vet. Good luck & hope it works. 🙂
Most groomers offer anal sac expressing for less than $10. My dogs both go in for nail trims, anal gland expressing, as well as getting their eyes and ears cleaned on a monthly basis. It’s only about $20 plus tip for both dogs here in AZ, so I’m not sure what your local prices would be of course. I’d imagine it’d be about the same unless you go to one of those high end “pet spas”. LOL.
My aunt’s doberman had farts that would drive us out of the house. She had a habit of giving him our leftovers from dinner, mixed with his dog food, quite often. so between the meat and veggies, something in the bran/fiber or protein families gave him gas! Do you feed him cooked meats or leftover veggies from your meals?
We really must be careful what we feed our dogs. What is safe to us, can be very different for a beloved pets. I am trying to create an ultimate source of information on what is, and what is not safe for dogs to eat. Human foods can be a great treat for dogs, you just have to know what you are doing.
Not enough emphasis was put on the type of chicken or turkey that’s okay for dogs — it does say okay to feed white meat but be warned: don’t give your dog the dark meat — especially turkey — very rich and high in fat.
Many human foods are okay for dogs to eat. For the most part they just need to be in moderation. However, I think people get carried away. They can't resist handing over tidbits from their plates, or other human food "treats" here and there. Over time this is bad for a dog's diet. Sticking to specific feeding times, and giving your dog food that is nutritionally designed for them, is far better over the long term.
While we may tend to treat our dogs and cats as children, NEVER give them the treats you'd give a child. FACT: Cats, though fussy eaters cannot taste sweet. Therefore a little bit of milk or cottage cheese is actually a better treat for your kitty than ice cream.
I disagree. According to Yahoo news. Milk is NOT good for cats. As a cat becomes an adult their digestive tract becomes lactose intolerant. While it might not kill them, it could cause diarrhea and other stomach upsets.
My friend got his black lab when it was a puppy from a farm. The dog used to munch on corn on the cob when it was a puppy and still loves to eat them to this day. I've never seen or heard that the dog had any problems with the cob or the corn. Have all the these things on the list been verified by credible sources? Not all dogs have problems with certain foods just like not all humans have problems with certain foods.
I believe they say that if the dog eats the cob that it could block the small intestine, not that the corn itself was bad for them.
Our black lab got the hulk of a corn on the cob stuck inside him and died as a result. I would say it’s best not to give these to your dog.
Corn cob’s can obstruct the stomach and/or intestines and can become life threatening. A friend’s dog had to have an emergency surgery due to eating a corn cob, and it almost cost the dog her life.
My sisters dog had 2000 dollar surgery from eating corn on the cob. Very bad for dogs!
Cob is dangerous!
Hi – In response to your question. It has cost me tons of money to have a small piece of cob removed from my dogs stomach. Cob is not digestable and therefor if it can’t pass the intestine the dog could die. Chance are that if your friends dog has eaten cob the cob is all still in its belly. The dog should be x-rayed to see.
My dog used to daintily eat the corn off the cob, just like a person would. So, the corn never caused a problem, but she certainly didn’t digest much of it, with most of it remaining intact!
This is why I will never give my dog a corn on the cob!
I've been feeding my 12 year old Dobe raw oily fish such as white bait/sardines/mackerel since he was a puppy and never had a problem?? Why would this be in the "not to feed your dog" list?? Or is that only meant for salmon?? Please let me know as I've started to feed this to my new puppy too. Very confused I know the oils in raw fish as well as DHA for bone and brain development is good for dogs…as well as a very shiny coat that it gives.
Hi Marlon . With anything raw you run the risk of parasites, however, the fish you need to be most concerned with are raw, anadromous fish (those born in fresh water, but spend a good portion of their lives in salt water, before returning to fresh water to breed) such as salmon, certain species of trout, smelt, shad, striped bass, and sturgeon. These are susceptible to a parasite that is extremely harmful to your pup. Hope this helps!
Under your list of foods NOT to give your dog you said…
Bones (uncooked) – When it comes to bones, he danger that cooked bones can easily splinter when chewed by your dog. Raw (uncooked) bones, however, are appropriate and good for both your dog's nutritional and teeth.
I think you need to fix that so it reads COOKED and not uncooked.
My vet says uncooked bones, not cooked.
Thanks, Dee. We'll make this change.
I have a German Shepherd, Boxer, Pit Bull mix who is obsessed with eggs. Scrambled, hard boiled, anyway you cook them she loves it. I'm happy to see that eggs are good for her 🙂
My dog is eating my slippers how can I get him to stop?
How about maybe putting the “good” shoes away?
How about maybe putting the “good” shoes away?
Take the fricken slippers away from him and grow a spine!!!
My dog likes yogurt is this ok?
I actually read online, while looking for things I could feed my pregnant dog and they actually recommended feeding them yogurt. I would say so.
I copied what the post said regarding garlic.
Garlic — Garlic is OK — and even beneficial — for your dog in small amounts.
It was onions that was in the “do not feed”, not garlic. The reason I got the one was because I thought there was a contradiction and saw that it was onions. It probably got confused because in our mines there married. I don’t know but either way above is what was said about garlic.
I notice that garlic is listed as toxic on every website that has a list of foods toxic to dogs. However, it is found as an ingredient in many dog foods and snacks, as well as homemade treats for dogs. Something just doesn't add up.
If dairy products are harmful to dogs, why has every vet I have ever had recommended cottage cheese and yogurt (without artificial sweetener) as a way to build up the "good" bacteria in the intestinal tract?
Our dog Rosie eats her own feces and probably also eats that of the neighborhood cats. She had been indoors in a large crate at a rescue center for 1.5 years before we adopted each other, which was years ago. She is fantastic except for that. Is there anything we can do to help her stop (and freshen her breath!)?
I had this problem with my big dog, started to give her banana mixed with her food took about 2-3 months and she finally stopped eating her poo! Maybe she was missing vitamins or minerals I tried this after seeing an episode of Cesar, the dog whisperer that treated this topic. I also give her some pineapple pieces once in awhile she loves it! Hope this helps!
My pup is 7 months old and just recently has taken to eating his feces. Would like to know if there is anyway of stopping him and is it harmful to him. He gets diarrhea quite often too.
I’ve been told by vets and my mom was told my Guide dogs school for the blind, to mix in spinach in their diet. If he is sharing a yard with other dogs you would need to feed them all spinach. It will make him not want to eat it.
She's lacking potassium. I heard banana helps.
I also wanted to point out dog pellets and kibble will not scrape off tarter. They actually cause a lot of gum disease, build up, and smelly breath. Kibble is soft enough to be broken down by a human like some of our crunchier foods and that doesn’t scrape tartar off of our teeth. Only things like bones and hard chews will knock of the tartar and prevent costly dental cleanings and dental bills.
What kind of bones were they being given? You should only allow them to freely chew on soft raw bones like necks, backs, any uncooked chicken bones. They will grind them up and eat them and this is fine. The danger is when it’s a large hard bone (or cooked bones) like a femur that they are gnawing on. Hard bones you give your dog should be larger than their head so they cannot grab on to gnaw or swallow it.
“dog pellets” don’t combat tartar build up. It creates tartar. Dog food companies only claim that but it is total bs. Bones clean dogs teeth. Yes, they have to be big.
I know it sounds gross, but my dog digs up earthworms (or maybe sucks them out of the lawn) and then eats them. What she doesn't eat she smooshes her face in and then rolls on them. Not only does her breath smell really bad but she then also has wormy body odor. I worry about diseases like salmonella or girardia plus it's just plain gross. Any comments?
Hi Jean, earthworms themselves aren't a cause for worry but more the bacteria and parasites they come across in the soil, specifically roundworms. Be sure to regularly check your dog's stool for the parasitic worms and, if you find them, work with your vet on a de-worming program. Hope this helps!
They eat what they eat and will throw up and you can see worms. Don't check your dog's poop every time because of this moron.
Are unsalted roasted sunflower seeds okay for dogs to eat?
How about clay soil. One just dug a hole and ate clay soil…then the other joined in, eating a clump the size of a large marble. It did break down as she ate it so not huge piece went in her belly. I've been giving the dog vitamins lately.
Great information! I had no idea about some of those foods.
How about jalapenos, bell peppers and spinach? My dog loves them…without the seeds, of course. I've only given her small slivers (uncooked) at a time and make sure there are no seeds present. The spinach is raw, too. She likes to chew the leaves. I've not noticed any side effects after she eats these. Do you know if they're okay to give her?
Hi Carol. Jalapenos are OK but may upset the digestive system. Bell peppers are also OK, as is spinach (in small doses.) We didn't find anything on sunflower seeds, and in regard to clay, your dog could be eating it for a number of reasons, from boredom to mineral deficiency. We recommend asking your vet to find out more.
I recently started feeding my Pit/Lab mixed puppies cooked hamburger meat. I have one question why are they not really drinking much water? They are three months old. Any reply would be appreciated.
They are not drinking because the meat has juices so you need to do that less and only leave the water bowl out. Worked for me.
All you dog lovers out there, please consider adding coconut oil and Turmeric to your dogs food. So many health benefits and a little goes a long way. My dog had a red rash from something he rolled in and the coconut oil put directly on his skin cleaned it up in no time. Look up all the ways these can benefit you and your Best Friend.
Can u provide a link please?
That stuff (coconut oil and turmeric) are excellent for human health too, so I don’t doubt they’d be excellent for canine health. Wikipedia has all the answers you may need. Coconut oil used to be thought of as a bad fat, but turns out it has medium chain fatty acids that are great for your metabolism. Plus it’s a clean non-GMO non-pesticide source of oil. Turmeric is a classic healthy herb, tons of literature about its positive effects only one google search away.
Hi, is it okay to feed my dog a hot dog? I have a Shih Tzu and he loves eating them. Any problems?
Hot dogs, like all processed meats, contain high levels of sodium. Dogs should not eat processed meats.
Thanks for your comments, Lisa! We've made some edits to our article based on further research of your assertions. Appreciate your input!
Does anyone know if mayonnaise is safe to give to a dog? Please help.
As far as I understand there is nothing inherently adverse in real, homemade mayo except the lemon juice, which is proportionately small. It depends on the intake. If a dog ate a whole jar of store bought mayo, I'd expect some digestive problems, diarrhea, etc., hopefully not much harm. If it's an aioli with onion or garlic, there's more risk.
I have only been a veterinary nurse for four years, and I have already seen multiple ex-laps to surgically remove chicken bones from dogs' tummies! I even saw a chicken neck come out of a small dog once. If it was my dog, I would totally avoid giving bones. Cooked bones of any kind are definitely a no-no.