Are Human Foods Ok to Give to Dogs?

Dogs are family members for many people. They share our lives and homes and we want to include them in everything, even our meals. It's only natural to want to share products and our food with them, but not all human foods are good for dogs. In fact, some human foods can be very dangerous for dogs. So, before you reach across the table and feed your dog a bite of your dinner, take a moment to learn which human foods are safe for dogs and which ones aren't.

Human Foods That Are Safe for Dogs

Many human foods are perfectly safe for dogs and can even be healthy for them. The hey however is moderation. Here are some examples of human foods that you can feel good about sharing with your dog:

• Peanut Butter: Most dogs love peanut butter and it's a great source of protein. Just make sure to check the label to make sure the only ingredients are peanuts and salt. Some brands add sugar or other ingredients that aren't good for dogs, so it's best to avoid those.

• Coconut: Whether served as oil, chunks or milk, coconut is a great source of healthy fats and fiber. It's also known to be helpful in treating digestive issues and boosting the immune system. Just make sure the coconut is unsweetened.

• Popcorn: Plain, air-popped popcorn is a healthy, whole-grain snack for dogs. Just be sure to avoid popcorn that's loaded with butter and salt.

• Green Beans and Carrots: They are low-calorie, nutrient-rich snack for dogs. They're also a good source of fiber, which can help regulate your dog's digestion.

• Cooked Chicken: It's a lean, protein-rich food that's safe for dogs to eat. Just be sure to remove the skin and bones before feeding it to your dog.

• Cooked Fish: It's a healthy, protein-rich food that's safe for dogs to eat. It's also a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, which have numerous health benefits. Just be sure to remove the bones before feeding it to your dog.

• Oatmeal: It's a healthy, whole-grain food that's safe for dogs to eat. It's also a good source of fiber, which can help regulate your dog's digestion.

• Yogurt: It's a healthy, protein-rich food that's safe for dogs to eat. Just be sure to choose a yogurt that doesn't contain any artificial sweeteners or flavorings, as those can be harmful to dogs.

• Pumpkin: It's a low-calorie, nutrient-rich food that's safe for dogs to eat. It's also a good source of fiber, which can help regulate your dog's digestion.

• Sweet potatoes: They are a healthy, nutrient-rich food that's safe for dogs to eat. They're also a good source of fiber, which can help regulate your dog's digestion.

• Watermelon: It's a healthy, low-calorie snack for dogs. It's also a good source of vitamins A and C, as well as antioxidants. Just be sure to remove the seeds and rind before feeding it to your dog.

Human Foods That Aren't Safe for Dogs

There are some common human foods that you should never feed to your dog. Some of these foods are poisonous to dogs, while others can cause gastrointestinal problems or other health issues. Here are some examples of human foods that you should avoid feeding to your dog:

• Chocolate: It's poisonous to dogs and can cause vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, and even death.

• Alcohol, Coffee and Tea: They are poisonous to dogs and can cause vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, and even death.

• Grapes and Raisings: They are poisonous to dogs and can cause kidney failure.

• Garlic and Onions: They are poisonous to dogs and can cause anemia.

• Macadamia Nuts: They are poisonous to dogs and can cause vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, and even paralysis.

• Tomatoes and Avocados: They are poisonous to dogs and can cause gastrointestinal problems.

Tips for Introducing Safe Human Foods to Dogs

If you want to give your dog some safe human foods, here are a few tips:

• It's important to introduce the food slowly and in small amounts. This will help you to see if your dog has any adverse reaction to the food.
• Pay attention to their stool. If you see any changes in their stool (e.g., diarrhea, vomiting), then stop feeding them the food and when in doubt, ask your Vet.
• Watch for allergies or skin irritation. Some dogs may be allergic to certain human foods or they may develop skin irritation from eating certain human foods. Be sure to watch for any signs of allergies or skin irritation in your dog after they eat human foods.

The Bottom Line

If you suspect your pup is having an allergic reaction, contact your veterinarian or emergency animal hospital immediately. Food allergies in dogs can also cause skin irritation which can range from mild to severe and can even lead to secondary infections, so it's important to seek medical treatment right away. Food allergies can also exacerbate existing skin issues in already allergy-prone wrinkly dog breeds. In such cases, we recommend using Squishface Wrinkle Paste which keeps moisture, yeast, fungus and other bacteria at bay resulting in happy, protected and fresh smelling wrinkles. Wrinkle Paste is not breed specific and will take care of dog wrinkles, tear stains and tail pockets for any breed. For best results we recommend cleaning the area of debris and applying fresh Wrinkle Paste once daily for 7 to 10 days.

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