Is it Safe for Dogs to Eat Human Food?

Let’s talk about whether it is safe to feed your dog human food.

It is something that the majority of dog owners do, and it can be difficult to refuse when your furbaby is giving you those puppy dog eyes.

But is it safe for dogs to eat human food?

It is a common misconception that dogs can eat anything that human beings eat, and while a dog probably will attempt to eat all of your food, there are a lot of human foods that are extremely dangerous to canines.

While dogs and humans are very similar, and there are lots of ways that you can treat your dog like a human being, one of these methods should not be feeding your dog human food. 

Toxic Foods For Dogs

You will probably know not to feed your dog chocolate as this is toxic to dogs, but what you might not be aware of is the fact that there are a lot of other foods that are poisonous to your dogs.

For example, garlic and onions are popular ingredients in lots of different meals that human beings enjoy, however, these same ingredients are extremely dangerous for your dog.

Even the smallest amount of garlic can cause your dog’s red blood cells to break down which can lead to a variety of other dangerous health conditions. 

But it is not only spices that can be toxic for your dog. In fact, there are a lot of foods that are “healthy” for human beings that could prove fatal for your dog.

In particular, certain fruit and vegetables could be very dangerous for your pup, including grapes and raisins, mushrooms, and even avocado. 

So even though you may want to treat your dog as if it is your child, and spoil it as much as possible, it is important that you only feed your dog with dog food.

Dogs do not understand which foods are poisonous to them, so they may even show interest in foods that contain these ingredients.

But to be on the safe side you should never feed your dog human food. No matter how much they beg. 

Your Dog Cannot Eat These Human Foods

Let’s go over a few more things that you should keep out of your dog’s diet (just in case you needed a little more info):

• Chocolate
• Onions
• Garlic & Spices
• Corn on the cob
• Chives
• Avocado
• Alcohol
• Artificial sweeteners
• Macadamia nuts
• Grapes and raisins
• Cooked bones

Dog Diet Top Tips

So, now you know as much as there is to know about apples and your dog, how about some more tips for ensuring your dog has the best-balanced diet? 

• Nothing but water. Although your dog might seem to enjoy other drinks and liquids, they should really only drink water. Water is full of minerals and is the absolute best for keeping your dog (and yourself!) healthy and well-hydrated.
  
  
• If in doubt, check with your vet. This will either seem like an obvious idea or an overreaction. But your dog can’t quite do everything that you might think. A lot of people assume that dogs can eat just about anything but this really isn’t true.

Dogs have trouble digesting a lot of human food. Their digestive system will vary depending on age, breed, and general health. So, when you first get your dog or when you next take them to the vet, double-check their diet with them. 

• If in doubt, ask a specialist. It’s a good idea to go to a pet store to get their food. It might be easier to pick it up at the grocery store, but even going once to see what is on offer is a good idea. The staff who work there will also be pretty knowledgeable and be able to give you some guidance and advice. 
  
  
• Everything in moderation. As mentioned above, we often think of dogs as almost carnivorous animals. But this is an inaccurate perception that often leads to dogs not being fed properly. There is a stereotype that dogs eat sausages, steak, and other heavy red meats. And while most dogs do love these foods, they should only count for a small portion of their diet.

Dogs do require protein and they are fine to eat red meats every now and then as a treat. But eating it on a regular basis, let alone for every meal, will give them digestive problems and even heart problems. They might seem okay now but it won’t be so good for them in the long run.

Because of this, make sure to include a range of fruits and vegetables in your dog’s diet. (Although make sure to double-check which are okay for dogs to consume as they can’t have everything).

Unlike cats, dogs aren’t obligate carnivores so they can actually eat a vegetarian or even a vegan diet. While this isn’t necessary, just always remember that fresh fruits and vegetables are good for both you and your dog!