When our pooch gives us those pleading puppy eyes, asking for a bite of what we’re eating, it’s not always in their best interest for us to give in and share with them. Not only are most human snacks flat out unhealthy for your dog, but some foods and ingredients can pose serious risks if fed to your four-legged companion.
Some of the most common asked questions on Google are: What human foods are toxic to dogs? Or, What fruits and vegetables are bad for dogs? So we've put together our list of ‘do’s & don’ts’ when it comes to snack time with your pup.
Fruits & Vegetables
Treating your dog to a variety of pup-safe fruits and vegetables is a great way to naturally give them a boost of vitamins, fibre, antioxidants, carotenoids, flavonoids and hydration. Should you be giving your Papillon the same amount as your Great Dane? Of course not (although your small pooch will try to convince you otherwise)! The key is to give your pooch no more than 10% of their daily caloric intake in the form of extras, such as fruit and vegetable snacks. Keep in mind that fruit is generally higher in sugar than vegetables, so it’s important to be a bit more moderate when giving your furry best-friend nature’s candy. Also, be sure to remove all stems, pits, seeds, tough skins or husks before serving, and that the fruit or veg you’re feeding them are free of added salt, sugar or spices.
✅ Do’s: Apples, bananas, blueberries, blackberries, butternut squash, bell peppers, broccoli, brussels sprouts, cantaloupe, carrots, celery, cucumber, courgette, green beans, kale, lettuce, mango, nectarines, oranges, papaya, peaches, pears, peas, pineapple, potato, pumpkin, raspberries, strawberries, spinach, squash, sweet potato, watermelon
🚫 Don’ts: Asparagus, Avocados**, chives*, cherries, corn on the cob***, garlic*, grapes (& raisins)*, grapefruit, leeks*, lemons**, limes**, macadamia nuts*, mushrooms, onion*, plums, raw potatoes**, tomatoes
*These are toxic to your dog. If your dog consumes even a small amount, act quickly, as it can become fatal. Take your dog to the vets immediately.
**Avoid these items, as they can greatly upset your dog’s stomach and/or in large amounts, can become toxic.
***While the corn itself is not toxic to dogs, the cob can cause an obstruction in their digestive system and a possible intestinal rupture if consumed.
Sweets & Treats
Us humans love to indulge in a tasty sweet now and again, but that doesn’t mean we should be sharing with Fido (unless it’s a couple pieces of fruit from the ‘do’ list above). Human treats, like muffins, cake, scones or donuts shouldn’t be split with your pup, as their high sugar, calorie and fat content can lead to your pooch gaining weight and risk developing other health issues. Plus, with human treats, it can be hard to be certain there aren’t any hidden toxic ingredients that your dog should definitely not be ingesting. This is why we recommend you stick to the following:
✅ Do’s: Dog treats (e.g., these store-bought or homemade ones listed here), unsalted nut butter (as long as it’s not macadamia nut butter and doesn’t contain the artificial sweetener ‘xylitol’ as an ingredient)
🚫 Don’ts: Alcohol, caffeinated tea, chocolate, coffee, raw yeast dough, anything with raisins, chocolate, nutmeg or artificial sweetener (xylitol) as an ingredient
Note: This is not a comprehensive list, so if you’re considering giving your pooch something that isn’t mentioned here, be sure to do your research or consult your vet before feeding it to them.
If we were to list everything that your dog can safely consume, we’d be here for dog years. For example, most dogs can consume what most dogs consume—meat and animal by-products. Just because most dogs can eat this doesn’t mean it’s the healthiest option for them or the best choice for their longevity. Our plant-based meals are scientifically tested as being nutritionally complete, with each can (and our soon to be released dry food) bursting with nutrients, antioxidants, and easily digestible plant-proteins—all without the gross ingredients hiding in your pooch’s traditional, meat-based dog food. Our food is made with whole-food ingredients (many of which are found on our fruit and veg 'do' list!) so you don’t have to worry about any mashed-up bones and beaks being found in there, only mashed-up butternut squash and other premium veggies.
If you ask us (and other plant-based pooches and pawrents that are part of our pack), our meals undoubtedly make it on the doggie ‘do’ list of what to eat.
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