Yes, it’s okay to share some food with your dog, as long as it’s a dog-safe food, served plain, and kept to small amounts. Plain cooked chicken, carrots or apple slices make great treats, but toxic foods like chocolate, grapes, onions, garlic and anything with xylitol are off-limits, and fatty, salty or heavily seasoned leftovers can upset your dog’s stomach or even trigger pancreatitis.
When it comes to feeding our four-legged companions, opinions are often divided. In this article, we’ll go over which foods can and cannot safely be shared with your pooch, and how to share without overdoing it.
Dogs Are Omnivores And Can Eat A Variety Of Different Foods
Fascinatingly, dogs are omnivores, which means they can digest both meat and plant foods. That’s why many everyday foods are perfectly safe for them in small amounts.
Good options to share include:
- Plain cooked chicken, turkey or lean beef, with no bones, skin or seasoning
- Plain cooked eggs
- Carrots, green beans, cucumber and plain cooked sweet potato or pumpkin
- Apple slices (without the core and seeds), blueberries, banana and seedless watermelon
- Plain cooked rice or oats
Nonetheless, some foods can make your pup ill, so it’s best to stick to simple, plain foods and introduce anything new in small amounts.
There Are Some Foods That Are Harmful To Dogs, So It’s Important To Know Which Ones To Avoid
Similar to people, dogs can have food allergies or sensitivities. On top of that, some foods that are harmless to us are genuinely dangerous to dogs.
For instance, onions, garlic, leeks and chives can damage red blood cells and cause anemia, while grapes and raisins can cause kidney failure, even in small amounts. Other common problem foods include chocolate, coffee and other caffeine, alcohol, macadamia nuts, and anything sweetened with xylitol (found in some sugar-free gum, candy, baked goods and peanut butters), which can cause a dangerous drop in blood sugar and liver failure. Cooked bones can splinter, and very fatty foods like bacon, fat trimmings and gravy can trigger pancreatitis. Takeout is another common trap, as we explain in can dogs eat crab rangoon.
Prior to feeding your pup anything, make sure you do enough research and double-check with your vet if there is ever any doubt. If your dog eats something toxic, call your vet or an animal poison control hotline right away, even if your dog seems fine, as some poisonings take hours to show symptoms.
Dogs love human food, but it’s important not to overfeed them
Dogs love human food. I mean, who can blame them? We’ve all seen the videos of dogs begging for table scraps, and let’s be honest, we’ve all been guilty of sneaking our furry friends a little something from our plate.
However, it’s important not to overfeed them. Dogs require a balanced diet just like humans do, and too much human food can lead to obesity and other health problems. A common guideline is to keep treats and extras, including table scraps, to no more than about 10% of your dog’s daily calories. Our dog calorie calculator shows how many calories your dog needs in a day, which makes it easier to see how quickly table scraps add up.
So the next time your dog gives you those big puppy eyes while you’re eating, remember that a little bit of self-control on your part will go a long way in keeping your best friend healthy and happy.
Sharing food with your dog is a great way to show them love and bond with them
Sharing food with your dog is a great way to show them love and bond with them. When you’re sitting down to enjoy a meal, your dog is always there by your side, hoping for a scrap or two. And what better way to show your furry friend how much you care than by sharing your food with them?
Of course, not all foods are safe for dogs, so it’s important to be selective about what you share. Stick to small pieces of plain, dog-safe food rather than leftovers from your plate, which are often loaded with salt, fat, onion or garlic.
One tip: if you don’t want a dog that begs at every meal, avoid feeding from the table. Instead, put the treat in your dog’s bowl after you’ve eaten, or use it as a reward during training. Your dog still gets the treat, and you get to eat in peace!
Just make sure you’re providing your dog with a balanced diet
Just make sure you’re providing your dog with a balanced diet that meets their nutritional needs. That means no more bags of Doritos or boxes of chocolates! Just as important as getting the right nutrients is making sure your dog doesn’t overeat.
Like humans, dogs can suffer from obesity if they consume too many calories. So make sure you’re not overfeeding your furry friend. Keep their meals moderate, and give them plenty of opportunities to burn off energy with playful walks and fetch sessions.
By following these simple guidelines, you can help your dog stay healthy and happy for years to come.
Check With Your Veterinarian If You’re Not Sure Whether A Food Is Safe For Your Dog
As with humans, each dog is unique – varying in size and shape- and their dietary requirements are just as distinctive. While some pups can consume almost anything without any issues, others may be intolerant to certain ingredients.
If your dog has a health condition such as kidney disease, diabetes, pancreatitis or food allergies, check with your veterinarian before sharing any human food, as even “safe” foods may not suit them. Your vet can also help you find the ideal diet for your canine companion.
Conclusion
Sharing food with your dog is fine in moderation, as long as you stick to plain, dog-safe foods and keep extras to around 10% of their daily calories. Never share chocolate, grapes or raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, alcohol, cooked bones or fatty leftovers. If your dog has a health condition, or you’re unsure about a food, check with your veterinarian first.
