What Foods Can Dogs Eat? What Dogs Can, Can’t & Shouldn’t Eat

I’m highly passionate about canine nutrition and have published many posts about dogs and food. One of my most popular posts discusses the the foods all dog breeds must avoid. Other posts deal with specific foods commonly found around the home. In this post I’m going to provide answers to the question… what foods can dogs eat?

This post will be a type of summary for a number of different foods we humans consume that our dogs have access to as a result. Many of these I’ve already written about individually in some detail and I’ll provide links to these throughout.

I hope to provide answers to questions you might have regarding the foods dogs can eat. I’ll look at specific foods, provide a yes, no or maybe and the reasons why certain foods might not be good for your dog to eat.

Can Dogs Eat Artichoke?

Yes… dogs can eat artichokes but care should be taken not to overfeed.

Artichokes offer potential health benefits to dogs, as long as they’re not preserved in oils and seasoned with ingredients that are potentially harmful (like garlic).

However, even treats that offer health benefits to dogs are not good if you overfeed them.

Find out more about dogs and artichoke?

Is Beef Jerky Bad for Dogs?

Dogs should NOT eat beef jerky if it’s been made for human consumption. Many such varieties of jerky include ingredients to enhance the flavour to make it more appealing to people.

Fats, spices, sugar, salt, sweeteners, garlic, onion and preservatives can be extremely dangerous for dogs in the short and long term. If you want to give your dog beef jerky make sure to give it a product made for canine consumption

Find out more about beef jerky.

Can Dogs Eat Brown Rice?

Yes, dogs can eat brown rice!

Brown rice provides a number of health benefits to dogs. It’s a carbohydrate so it delivers energy and fibre vital for a healthy digestive system. Brown rice is also packed with essential minerals and vitamins.

Can Dogs Eat Canned Chicken

Dogs can eat canned chicken as an occasional treat but only if it’s low in salt and has no other ingredients likely to make it poorly.

Find our more about dogs and canned chicken.

What About Carrots?

Yes, dogs can eat carrots!

Carrots are a very safe and healthy way of supplementing your dog’s diet with a range of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. They’re also very low in calories and contain zero fats.

Find our more about dogs and carrots.

Can Dogs Eat Cheerios?

Dogs can eat the original Cheerios as a treat in moderation. Most varieties of Cheerios will probably not cause harm, although you should certainly never overfeed them to your dog.

That said, always check the ingredients of the variety of Cheerios you’re thinking of giving your dog just to make sure. If you’re in any doubt, speak to a veterinary professional.

Find our more about dogs and Cheerios.

Can Dogs Eat Cheesecake?

Dogs shouldn’t eat cheesecake.

Cheesecake contains is high in fat and sugar and is loaded with empty calories. Most varieties of cheesecake won’t cause your dog serious harm but may lead to stomach upsets. However, some varieties of cheescake may contain ingredients that are harmful to dogs.

Our advice is to never knowingly give your dog cheesecake to eat and always strive to keep it out of your dog’s reach.

Find our more about dogs and cheesecake.

What About Chickpeas?

Yes, dogs can eat chickpeas.

Chickpeas are a great source of protein, fibre, vitamins and minerals…. indeed many dog food manufacturers use chickpeas in their products.

If you’re planning on using them at home to make chickpea based dog treats for example, be sure to use only unflavoured varieties that aren’t stored in a salt solution.

Can Dogs Eat Cilantro?

Yes, dogs can eat cilantro.

Cilantro, a herb used as an ingredient and garnish in recipes across the world, contains a number of vitamins and minerals beneficial to dogs.

That’s not to say that you should feed your dog cupfuls of cilantro though! Too much might cause gas and some dogs with plant allergies might not react well to it.

Find out more : Can Dogs Eat Cilantro?

Can Dogs Eat Cucumbers?

Yes, dogs can eat cucumbers!

Cucumbers make ideal healthy and natural treats for your dog at any time of the year. They’re completely safe for dogs, and they make an especially hydrating treat given they contain around 96% water. With a variety of vitamins and mineral, cucumbers are a great supplement and quite clearly a great food dogs can eat.

Can Dogs Eat Dragon Fruit?

Yes, dogs can eat dragon fruit… but only in moderation.

Dragon fruit is completely safe for them and it’s packed with antioxidants, vitamins and healthy fatty acids to bolster canine health.

However, dragon fruit only good in small doses. Like all fruit it contains sugar and an excess of sugar in a dog’s diet can result in tooth decay, obesity and stomach upsets.

Find out more: Can Dogs Eat Dragon Fruit?

Can Dogs Eat Figs?

Yes, dogs can eat figs… but only in moderation.

Figs contain a number of nutrients that may be beneficial to dogs, but they also contain sugar. Additionally, as with many other foods, some dogs may be sensitive to figs and experience allergic reactions if consumed.

Care should be take with fig leaves, branches and stems as they contain a milky substance that can make dogs poorly if they eat or chew them.

The sap can also cause blistering on skin when exposed to sunlight, so be careful not to get the sap on your dog’s body.

Find out more: Can Dogs Eat Figs?

Can Dogs Eat Greek Yoghurt?

Yes, all dogs can eat greek yoghurt… but with some caveats.

Although greek yoghurt is an excellent source of calcium and protein, as a dairy product it also contains lactose (though it’s lower in lactose than many other types of yoghurt). Lactose can cause gas and diarrhoea in adult dogs.

Furthermore, you must ensure that any yoghurt you give to your dog is plain and contains no sweeteners such as Xylitol, which is toxic to dogs.

find out more about dogs and greek yoghurt.

Can Dogs Eat Jicama?

Yes, dogs can eat jicama… but only the peeled and washed root of the plant. The white flesh of the jicama root can be a nutritionally rich treat for a dog as it contains many vitamins and minerals that help to support a variety of important bodily functions.

However, only the peeled root is edible as the leaves, stems, seeds and skin contain a poisonous substance called rotenone, which is commercially processed and used as a pesticide.

Find out more: Can Dogs Eat Jicama?

Can Dogs Eat Lime?

No… dogs shouldn’t eat lime.

Lime provides numerous health benefits to humans as it contains Vitamin C and antioxidants. However, you should avoid feeding lime to your dog.

In very small doses, lime juice won’t harm your dog but in larger doses it can cause vomiting and diarrhoea. Additionally, lime leaves and peel are toxic to dogs and can be a choking hazard.

It’s best not to allow your dog to eat lime.

Find out more about dogs and lime?

Can Dogs Eat Nectarines?

Yes, dogs can eat nectarines… but again there are caveats. Nectarines are rich in a range of important minerals and vitamins and as an occasional treat can provide a nutritious boost.

However the stones (pits), stems and leaves of nectarines contain cyanide and must never be eaten by dogs… or humans for that matter!

The stones are also a choking hazard and if swallowed whole can cause a digestive blockage.

While nectarine flesh is good for dogs to eat, don’t forget it’s high in fructose.

Find out more: Can Dogs Eat Nectarines?

Can Dogs Eat Papayas?

Yes… dogs can eat papayas! Papayas are considered a superfruit these days since they contain a range of nutritional benefits… to humans!

That said, the occasional chunk of papaya is unlikely to cause your dog any health concerns.

If you’re going to let your dog eat papaya be sure to remove the skin, which can cause a blockage. Also remove the seeds, which contain trace amounts of cyanide that will be toxic in large quantities.

Find out more: Can Dogs Eat Papayas?

Can Dogs Eat Pecans?

No… dogs can’t eat pecans! Pecans contains a toxin called juglone that causes severe stomach upsets, especially in small dog breeds.

Furthermore, it’s possible for dogs to suffer a condition called aflatoxicosis, a mycotoxin produced by a mould that grows specifically on pecans and other nuts. Aflatoxicosis is extremely serious and can be fatal.

Find out more: Can Dogs Eat Pecans?

What About Pepperoni?

Yes, dogs can eat pepperoni. However, as with salami, you need to tread carefully!

Pepperoni is high in fast and salt and of course it’s high in calories too. While it’s not poisonous, excessive overfeeding pepperoni to your dog can considerably shorten it’s life.

Pepperoni, like many cured sausages, often also contains garlic, which really isn’t something any dog should eat.

Find out more about why dogs shouldn’t eat pepperoni.

Can Dogs Eat Persimmon?

Yes, dogs can eat persimmon… but you need to exercise care.

The flesh of persimmons is delicious and nutritious: high in vitamins, minerals and fibre. However, the if your dogs eat the seeds of the persimmon, they can cause a digestive blockage, which can be very dangerous.

Persimmon is also high in sugar. Excessive sugar consumption can lead to obesity and a range of health problems.

If you’re going to give persimmon to your dog as a treat, don’t do so excessively and be sure to remove all the seeds.

Find out more about dogs and persimmon.

What About Pretzels?

Yes, dogs can eat pretzels, but they really shouldn’t at all.

An occasional pretzel snaffled by an opportunistic dog will likely not cause immediate harm. However, pretzels are high in sugar and salt. If your dog consumes a large amount of pretzels in one sitting, there is a real risk that your dog will experience a serious health issue.

Excessive salt consumption can lead to dehydration, which will make your dog extremely thirsty. In worst cases, it can cause sodium ion poisoning, which results in sickness, diarrhoea, seizures and even death.

Though one pretzel will probably not cause illness, it’s probably best to keep pretzels away from your dog at all times!

Can Dogs Eat Pumpkin?

Yes, dogs can eat pumpkin… but really just the flesh and the seeds.

Pumpkin flesh contains numerous vitamins and minerals and the seeds too can make a nutritious treat.

Pumpkin skin should be avoided though as it’s a choking hazard. The raw leaves and stem too contain prickly hairs that might cause a digestive irritation.

Find out more: Can Dogs Eat Pumpkin?

Can Dogs Eat Quinoa?

Yes… dogs can eat quinoa.

Quinoa contains a range of nutritional benefits for dogs… after all it’s a superfood! It’s high in protein, antioxidants and a range of important vitamins and minerals.

Some dog food manufacturers actually substitute use quinoa instead of grains to make gluten free feed.

Find out more about quinoa in this detailed post: Can dogs eat quinoa?

Can Dogs Eat Radishes?

Yes dogs can eat radishes!

Dogs can eat radishes but you should take care with them if they haven’t eaten them before.

Radishes have some nutritional value and can be a way to add low calorie and low fat treats to supplement a dog’s diet.

Additionally, never let your dog eat too many radishes because they may cause stomach upsets or gas if consumed in excess!

Find out more about radishes in this post: Can Dogs Eat Radishes?

Can Dogs Eat Raisins?

No, dogs should never eat raisins!

It might seem bizarre that something as innocuous to us as raisins, are actually toxic for dogs. They can cause liver and kidney failure.

It’s not known how or precisely how many raisins it takes to create a serious health problem like those I’ve mentioned, but it’s best never to feed raisins to a dog and always store them somewhere where you little friend can’t get to them.

Find out what happened when our Whippet ate raisins.

What About Raw Eggs?

No, dogs should not eat raw eggs.

Though there is some disagreement on this, raw eggs to have the potential to cause E. coli and salmonella infection. Both can have severe symptoms, and in the very worst cases they can be fatal.

Even though opinion about whether or not dogs should eat raw eggs differs, it’s probably safest not to feed your dog eggs that have not been cooked.

Can Dogs Eat Salami?

Yes, dogs can eat salami… but you need to be careful with it.

Many vets advise not to feed salami to dogs. Though it’s high in protein, it’s also high in calories, fat and salt. Excessive feeding of salami can lead all sorts of health problems over time.

Often, salami also contains garlic, which is a food dogs should avoid.

Find out more about feeding salami to dogs.

Can Dogs Eat Sunflower Seeds?

Yes, dogs can eat sunflower seeds in most cases… but you need to take care.

Firstly, sunflower seeds can be potentially harmful to dogs if they eat them with the shells on. The shells may cause stomach upsets or a gastrointestinal blockage.

Secondly, seeds prepared for human consumption can often be seasoned or flavoured with ingredients that are harmful to dogs.

Sunflower seeds are nutritionally rich but they’re also high in calories and fats so they may not be suitable for some dogs with certain health issues.

Find out more: Can Dogs Eat Sunflower Seeds?

What About Watermelon?

Yes, dogs can eat watermelon!

Watermelon is very low in calories (it’s 92% water after all) but high in minerals like potassium and vitamins A, B6 and C. It’s also a great food to hydrate your dog if it’s been playing hard when the temperature rises.

As with many foods dogs can eat, you still need to be careful.

Watermelon has lots of seeds… and seeds can cause a problem for many dogs if they block the intestine. Watermelon rind can also upset a dog’s stomach.

Assuming you remove the seeds and rind, watermelon is a perfectly safe treat for your dog.

Can Dogs Eat White Chocolate?

Dogs should never eat any chocolate made for humans. Although white chocolate isn’t as toxic to dogs as dark chocolate, it still contains small amounts of theobromine and caffeine… both toxic dogs in large enough quantities.

White chocolate is also high in sugar and fat, which will have consequences for any dog if eaten over the long term.

Our advice is do not give white chocolate to your dog.

Find out more: Can Dogs Eat White Chocolate?

Summary

I hope you’ve enjoyed finding out what foods dogs can eat.

This page will be one of the cornerstone posts at My Dear Whippet. I’m going to update it whenever I add an article that discusses particular foods that dogs can or can’t eat.

If you’d like to find out whenever I add new posts sign up to my newsletter.

Do you have any further questions about what foods can dogs eat? Please drop your questions or any thoughts you have about food dogs can eat in the comments at the end of this page.

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