While it's tempting to share your leftovers with your dog, it's crucial to know which foods are safe and which are toxic. Many human foods can be harmful or even fatal to dogs, and even safe foods should be given in moderation and prepared properly.
Safe Leftovers (in moderation and properly prepared):
- Plain, Cooked Meats: Lean, unseasoned chicken, turkey, or beef are good sources of protein. Ensure all bones, excess fat, and skin are removed, as cooked bones can splinter and cause blockages or tears, and fat can lead to digestive upset or pancreatitis.
- Fish: Cooked, deboned fish like salmon or tuna (prepared in water, not oil, and without spices) can provide omega-3 fatty acids and protein.
- Eggs: Scrambled or boiled plain eggs (fully cooked) are a great source of protein.
- Vegetables: Steamed or boiled plain vegetables like carrots, green beans, sweet potatoes, peas, broccoli, celery, butternut squash, and beets are safe and nutritious. Avoid adding butter, salt, or spices. Cooked pumpkin is also a good option. Spinach can be given in moderation, preferably steamed, due to oxalates that can interfere with calcium absorption.
- Fruits: Apples (without seeds), bananas, blueberries, watermelon, pineapple (peeled, no core), raspberries, blackberries, and ripe, plain red tomatoes are safe in moderation.
- Grains: Plain, cooked white rice or pasta can be a mild source of carbohydrates, especially for dogs with sensitive stomachs. Cooked oatmeal is also an option.
- Dairy: Plain yogurt and cottage cheese can be given in small to moderate quantities, though some dogs may have difficulty digesting dairy. Plain yogurt can offer probiotics.
- Peanut Butter: Unsalted, raw peanut butter without xylitol (an artificial sweetener highly toxic to dogs) is a good source of protein, healthy fats, and vitamins.
- Plain Bread: Small amounts of plain bread are generally okay, as long as it has no spices or raisins.
Leftovers and Foods to Absolutely Avoid:
Many common human foods are toxic to dogs and can cause serious illness or even be fatal. These include:
- Chocolate: Contains theobromine, which dogs cannot tolerate. Dark chocolate and baking chocolate are the most dangerous.
- Grapes, Raisins, Currants, and Sultanas: Can cause kidney failure, even in small amounts. This includes foods containing these ingredients, such as baked goods.
- Onions, Garlic, Chives, Leeks, and Shallots: These alliums contain toxins that damage red blood cells and can lead to anemia. This includes cooked forms and powders.
- Xylitol: An artificial sweetener found in many sugar-free products (gum, candy, baked goods, some peanut butters) that can cause a rapid drop in blood sugar and liver failure.
- Avocado: Contains persin, which is toxic to dogs and can cause vomiting and diarrhea. It also has a high fat content, which can lead to pancreatitis, and the pit is a choking hazard.
- Alcohol: Can damage kidneys, liver, heart, lungs, and the nervous system.
- Caffeine: Large amounts can be dangerous, especially for smaller dogs, and can damage organs and cause severe symptoms.
- Macadamia Nuts: Can cause weakness, muscle shakes, vomiting, high temperature, and weakness in the back legs.
- Cooked Bones: Can splinter and cause internal damage or blockages.
- Raw/Undercooked Meat and Eggs: May contain harmful bacteria like Salmonella and E. coli.
- Fatty or Processed Foods: Excess fat, oils, sauces, condiments, and high amounts of salt and spices can upset a dog's digestive system, lead to pancreatitis, or contribute to obesity.
- Bread Dough: Can rise in the stomach and cause problems.
- Fruit Pits and Seeds: Pits from peaches, plums, and cherries contain cyanide. Persimmon seeds can cause intestinal issues. Apple seeds also contain cyanide.
- Salt: Too much salt can be toxic and lead to water deprivation.
Important Considerations:
- Moderation is Key: Leftovers should be an occasional treat and not a primary part of your dog's diet to avoid nutritional imbalances, obesity, and behavioral issues like begging.
- Plain and Unseasoned: Always ensure any human food given to your dog is plain, cooked, and free from seasonings, butter, oils, or sauces.
- Freshness: Only offer fresh leftovers; discard anything that has started to spoil.
- Introduce Slowly: If your dog hasn't tried a particular food before, start with a very small amount to ensure they tolerate it well.
- Consult Your Vet: If you have any questions or concerns about feeding your dog human food, especially if your dog has underlying health conditions, consult your veterinarian.
Just now