You share everything with your dog, so naturally you want to share your food, too. Plus, he looks so cute when he’s begging!
If you’re wondering whether “people food” is safe for your dog, the answer is: Sometimes. It depends on the foods, and in some cases it depends on you knowing all of the ingredients used to make it. So before you share Thanksgiving dinner with your favorite four-legged pal, read up on foods that are safe versus those that are unsafe.
These foods are safe most of the time:
- Fish
- Ham
- Pork
- Quinoa
- Turkey
- Peanut butter (as long as it doesn’t contain xylitol, which can cause kidney problems)
- Yogurt
- Cheese (in small amounts, and assuming your dog isn’t lactose intolerant)
- Eggs; only if fully cooked
- Corn; it’s actually one of the main ingredients in many dog foods
- Coconut; this can actually be good for dogs, as it clears up bad breath and some skin conditions
- Cashews (in small amounts only)
- Bread (it’s not exactly good for them, but small amounts of bread crumbs in a recipe shouldn’t cause a problem)
On the other hand, some people foods are not safe for dogs! Steer clear of these (and check ingredients lists for complicated dishes to be sure none of these are included):
- Chocolate
- Cinnamon
- Ice cream
- Macadamia nuts
- Garlic
- Pecans
- Walnuts
- Almonds
- Onions
- Grapes/raisins
Of course, while these foods are common, this is hardly a complete list of those that are safe versus dangerous. If you’re curious about whether your dog can enjoy a certain treat, please call our office or bring a list of questions to your next appointment.
If your pet does eat something that should be off limits, you might notice weakness, pale gums, vomiting, diarrhea, irregular heartbeat, and even seizures. If you ever suspect a bad reaction to any food or treat, please do call us and bring your dog in right away.