Nutrition - What can dogs eat
The “Nutritional Insights for Healthy Pet Dogs” topic is huge, there are so many sub topics and questions. For example there is a table added below to highlight some of the foods included in questions… Can my Dog Eat ? Dogs are carnivorous but they can eat vegetables too and so they should! So the table below is just for quick reference and where there is additional information we have linked to an expanded article.
Also, it’s not just what can dogs eat it’s also what they can’t or shouldn’t eat! There are allergy test kits for dogs with sensitive stomachs and allergies so do consult with your vet if you have any concerns (its the only way to know for sure but it does involve a blood test carried out by your vet and your dog does have to be over 12 months).
It’s only in the last 20 years that health and wellbeing for our pet dogs has become mainstream. There is a fightback from the mass produced treat processors (because of questions like: Are dentastix bad for dogs?) and this is pushing prices up for natural treats (demand is high supply of high quality is limited).
Dogs are curious! Well dogs maybe not so much as a puppy! But still even after they have been trained not to eat rabbit, fox, horse poo they still do! Humans try to teach our dogs not to eat the wrong things! But just as we have to keep our eyes on toddlers we have to watch our four legged family members to make sure they don’t snaffle the wrong type of food. Chocolate for example is a no no for dogs. But I only discovered this for the first time as an adult 8 years ago when we got our first family dog. Bearning in mind I took my eyes off my son and he’d swallowed a shirt cufflink! So 4 hours in A&E and the X-Ray showed the cufflink clearly in his stomach. Thankfully it did come out and there was no damage. We just need to be aware of what is toxic foods for our dogs whilst also keeping an eye on them, just like we have to keep our eyes on toddlers.
But price should not put you off removing bad treats from your dogs diets and replacing them with healthy natural. Humans are in control of our dogs diets. Dogs, if left to their own devices would eat anything put infront of their noses unless your dog is like Evie she can be fussy! So lets make sure our dogs eat the best natural foods and chews available.
I know its a simple thing to say but in general dog foods are seperate to human foods. What’s good for humans may be toxic to a dog. We have put together a few articles that outline what a dog can eat or what a dog cant eat. The purpose isn’t to encourage feeding dogs these types of food if they are not toxic but more of a guide in case your dog does eat something that can be harmful. Corn on the cob for example or Avocado, its not a typcial food we would consider as part of our dogs diet but they maybe snaffle a piece from a plate during a BBQ. Natural foods and inparticular vegetables are added to dogs foods to add additional nutrients so its good to have an idea about different foods and how they may effect your dog if eaten. The below are food types commonly asked if dogs can eat them. And below the yes – no table there is an additional table just for the yes with a few nutritional details.
A few quick Do's and Don'ts
| Can Dogs Drink Alcohol? No | No |
| Can Dogs Eat Almonds? No | No |
| Can Dogs Eat Apples & Cores? Apples Yes, Cores No | Apples Yes, Cores No |
| Can Dogs Eat Avocado? No | No |
| Can Dogs Eat Bananas? Yes | Yes |
| Can Dogs Eat Blackberries? Yes | Yes |
| Can Dogs Eat Blueberries? Yes | Yes |
| Dog Broccoli Benefits – Nutritional Insights for a Healthy Pet Dogs Yes | Yes |
| Can Dogs Eat Brussel Sprouts? Yes | Yes |
| Can Dogs Have Caffeine? No | No |
| Can Dogs Eat Carrots? Yes | Yes |
| Can Dogs Eat Cauliflower? Yes | Yes |
| Can Dogs Eat Chocolate? No | No |
| Can Dogs Eat Cooked Bones? No | No |
| Can Dogs Eat Corn on the Cob? No | No |
| Can Dogs Eat Cranberries? Yes | Yes |
| Can Dogs Eat Grapes? No | No |
| Can Dogs Eat Liquorice? No | No |
| Can Dogs Eat Macadamia Nuts? No | No |
| Can Dogs Eat Mango? Yes | Yes |
| Can Dogs Eat Olives? Yes | Yes |
| Can Dogs Eat Onions? No | No |
| Can Dogs Eat Oranges? Yes | Yes |
| Can Dogs Eat Parsnips? Yes | Yes |
| Can Dogs Eat Peas? Yes | Yes |
| Can Dogs Eat Pineapple? Yes | Yes |
| Can Dogs Eat Potatoes? Cooked Yes, Raw No | Cooked Yes, Raw No |
| Can Dogs Eat Rhubarb? No | No |
| Can Dogs Eat Rice? Yes | Yes |
| Can Dogs Eat Salt? In small amounts, Yes | In small amounts, Yes |
| Can Dogs Eat Strawberries? Yes | Yes |
| Can Dogs Eat Sweet Potato? Yes | Yes |
| Can Dogs Have Sweeteners? No | No |
| Can Dogs Eat Watermelon? Yes | Yes |
| Can Dogs Eat Celery? Yes | Yes |
Introducing new foods to your dog’s diet should be done gradually and carefully to avoid any digestive upset or adverse reactions. Here’s a general guideline on how to introduce these foods:
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Start Slowly: Begin with a small amount of the new food. This allows you to observe how your dog reacts to it.
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Monitor for Allergies or Sensitivities: Watch for any signs of allergies or sensitivities, such as itching, vomiting, diarrhea, or changes in behavior. If you notice any adverse reactions, discontinue the food immediately and consult your veterinarian.
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Gradual Increase: If your dog tolerates the new food well, gradually increase the amount over a few days.
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Rotation: Incorporate a variety of the foods over a week to ensure a balanced intake of nutrients. Avoid giving multiple new foods at once; introduce one new food at a time.
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Moderation: Even healthy foods should be given in moderation. Treats and supplementary foods should not make up more than 10% of your dog’s daily caloric intake.
These calorie amounts are approximate and can vary slightly depending on the exact size and type of the food item. It’s always a good idea to monitor your dog’s weight and overall health when introducing new foods and adjust portions as necessary. If your dog has any specific health conditions or dietary needs, consult with your veterinarian for advice.
| Food | Health Benefits | Daily Amount | Calories |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apples | Rich in vitamins A and C, good for dental health, and high in fiber | 1-2 slices | 10-20 |
| Bananas | High in potassium, vitamins, biotin, fiber, and copper | 1-2 small pieces | 10-20 |
| Blackberries | High in vitamins C and K, antioxidants, and fiber | 1-2 berries | 1-2 |
| Blueberries | Rich in antioxidants, fiber, and vitamins C and K | 1-2 berries | 1-2 |
| Broccoli | High in fiber and vitamin C, low in fat | 1-2 small florets | 5-10 |
| Brussel Sprouts | High in vitamins C and K, antioxidants, and fiber | 1-2 small pieces | 5-10 |
| Carrots | Good for dental health, high in fiber and beta-carotene (vitamin A) | 1-2 baby carrots | 5-10 |
| Cauliflower | Rich in vitamins C and K, fiber, and folate | 1-2 small florets | 5-10 |
| Cranberries | Good for urinary health, rich in vitamins and antioxidants | 1-2 berries | 1-2 |
| Mango | High in vitamins A, B6, C, E, and fiber | 1-2 small pieces | 10-20 |
| Olives | Rich in vitamins and healthy fats (in moderation) | 1-2 pieces | 10-20 |
| Oranges | High in vitamin C, potassium, and fiber | 1-2 slices | 10-20 |
| Parsnips | High in vitamins C and B6, folic acid, and potassium | 1-2 small pieces | 10-20 |
| Peas | High in vitamins A, K, and B, fiber, and protein | 1-2 tablespoons | 10-20 |
| Pineapple | Rich in vitamins, minerals, and bromelain (an enzyme aiding digestion) | 1-2 small pieces | 10-20 |
| Potatoes (Cooked) | Good source of vitamins B6 and C, potassium, and fiber | 1-2 small pieces | 10-20 |
| Rice | Easily digestible source of energy, good for upset stomachs | 1-2 tablespoons | 10-20 |
| Strawberries | High in fiber, vitamins C and K, and antioxidants | 1-2 berries | 5-10 |
| Sweet Potato | Rich in fiber, vitamins B6 and A, and antioxidants | 1-2 small pieces | 10-20 |
| Watermelon | Hydrating, rich in vitamins A, B6, and C, low in calories | 1-2 small pieces | 5-10 |
| Celery | Low in calories, high in vitamins A, C, and K, good for dental health | 1-2 small pieces | 1-2 |
