What's on the Menu? Things in Your Kitchen Your Dog Can and Cannot Eat

Is your pup always eyeing the kitchen counter when you’re slicing up a yummy fruit or veggie? Or maybe you’ve noticed some sniffing action happening whenever you’ve tossed your popcorn in the microwave for a Netflix binge-kind-of-night. We know you love your pet, and everyone always says sharing is caring.

However, it’s best to be safe and know what kinds of snacks your dog can actually eat. 

Don’t worry! We’ve done the research for you and compiled a list of things you might have in your kitchen that your pooch can either enjoy (like some tangy pineapple slices) or that might be dangerous for your dog (avocado toast is just one toxic-for-Fido culprit). 

Keep reading to learn more, and check out our other blog that talks about some other types of foods you can share with your pup, too! 

Note: ALWAYS consult a veterinarian before feeding your dog anything other than their regular treats and kibble. Always wash fruits and vegetables that are safe for your dog BEFORE feeding. Some fruits and veggies have a coating or are treated with chemicals that could potentially harm your fluffy friend.

Can Dogs Eat Fruits?

1. Can Dogs Eat Bananas: Yes, but serve moderately. 

Health Benefits: 

Serving Recommendations: 

Bananas are high in sugar and should only be given as an occasional snack for your pup. Large dogs can eat ½ a banana a day, and small dogs can eat two to three small pieces a day. Peels are hard to digest and may cause a blockage, so be wary. Too many banana treats might cause a stomach upset.* 

You can:

2. Can Dogs Eat Apples: Yes, but serve moderately. 

Health Benefits:

Serving Recommendations:

One apple has about 19 grams of sugar, so it is recommended not to feed your pup a whole apple. Peels can get stuck between your dog’s teeth, as well. Do not feed the seeds or the core of an apple to a dog as they contain a small amount of cyanide and may act as a choking hazard. It’s best to serve moderate amounts of apple to your pooch, as too much of this good thing could cause a bellyache or diarrhea.* A slice or two (thoroughly washed) is safe for dogs of all ages. Your dog can even enjoy unsweetened applesauce safely (in moderation)!

3. Can Dogs Eat Strawberries: Yes, but serve moderately. 

Health Benefits:

Serving Recommendations:

With strawberries and your pup, fresh is the way to go! Avoid canned strawberries or strawberries in syrup. Wash the strawberry thoroughly and cut it into small pieces to prevent choking.* If your dog is smaller, you can try mashing the strawberry and/or berries, pureeing them, or adding them to your dog’s kibble. 

You can also:

4. Can Dogs Eat Watermelon: Yes, but serve moderately. 

Health Benefits:

Serving Recommendations:

Seeds in watermelon can be dangerous and cause intestinal blocking, so proceed with caution and remove the seeds or purchase seedless watermelon chunks. The rind should also be removed before feeding, as it may cause gastrointestinal upset.* 

You can:

5. Can Dogs Eat Blueberries: Yes, but serve moderately. 

Health Benefits:

Serving Recommendations:

Blueberries can be a choking hazard for smaller dogs and should be fed in moderation. Because they are small, they don’t need to be sliced or cut and can be fed both frozen or fresh. All treats should make up no more than 10 percent of your dog’s daily diet.*

You can:

6. Can Dogs Eat Grapes: No, this is toxic. 

Why not:

This goes for raisins, too. Grapes are highly toxic to your pooch, and even one grape or raisin can potentially be fatal. Kidney failure, abdominal pain, dehydration, lethargy, weakness, vomiting, diarrhea, and increased urine production are just a few of the possible side effects of grapes and raisins. Research has yet to pinpoint exactly what makes this food so dangerous to dogs.* 

Instead, try:

7. Can Dogs Eat Pineapple: Yes, but serve moderately. 

Health Benefits:

Serving Recommendations:

Proceed with caution when feeding this tasty, tangy fruit to your dog because it is also high in fiber and natural sugars. Large amounts can potentially lead to an upset stomach and diarrhea. Also, keep in mind that the core and spiny skin can be a choking hazard or cause obstructions.* Avoid canned pineapple and stick to the fresh, raw, sweet stuff. 

You can:

8. Can Dogs Eat Pumpkin: Yes, but serve moderately. 

Health Benefits:

Serving Recommendations: 

Experts recommend pure pumpkin for your hungry, furry family member, and also suggest being wary of canned pumpkin and never feeding pumpkin pie mix. Larger dogs can typically handle a tablespoon or two of pumpkin, while smaller dogs typically handle about a teaspoon or so per day. Veterinarians often recommend pure pumpkin to their doggy patients who might be experiencing some digestive upset because of pumpkin’s high fiber content.* 

You can:

9. Can Dogs Eat Tomatoes: No, this is toxic. 

Why not:

Though your pup can usually eat ripe tomatoes in moderation as an occasional savory snack, the plant itself is a member of the nightshade veggie family. In the green parts of the tomato plant, solanine and tomatine are common toxins that can be found, so the leaves, stems, and even green tomatoes can be dangerous to your dog.* 

10. Can Dogs Eat Cucumbers: Yes, but serve moderately. 

Health Benefits:

Serving Recommendations:

Too many cucumbers may cause gastrointestinal upset, and they can also pose a choking hazard to your pooch, so moderation and vigilance are key. It is recommended to slice up a cucumber before serving, and to follow the “10% Rule” — only 10% of your dog’s diet should be made up of treats and snacks.*

You can:

11. Can Dogs Eat Mango: Yes, but serve moderately. 

Health Benefits:

Serving Recommendations:

Check out our blog here exclusively about feeding your dog yummy mango treats, the nutrients inside mango flesh, and the possible hazards of feeding mango. 

12. Can Dogs Eat Oranges: Yes, but serve moderately. 

Health Benefits:

Serving Recommendations: 

Oranges contain sugar, so these should be given to your pooch in small amounts. Too much might cause GI upset.* The peel and seeds can also be dangerous for your dog, so make sure you peel and remove these bits to be safe.

You can:

13. Can Dogs Eat Avocado: No, this is toxic. 

Why not:

Avocados might be yummy on toast, but they’re definitely not a safe snack for your doggo pal. These fruits contain persin, which is a toxin present in the flesh, pit, leaves, and actual plant. Most of this toxin is concentrated in the avocado leaves. In excess, this toxin can cause GI upset, diarrhea, vomiting, and even myocardial damage. The core seed of the avocado is also a choking hazard. Avocado also has a high fat and calorie content, which could potentially lead to pancreatitis or weight gain.*

Can Dogs Eat Nuts?

1. Can Dogs Eat Almonds: Not toxic, but not recommended.

Why not:

Almonds are high in fat, which can potentially lead to pancreatitis, weight gain, or GI upset. Plus, if your dog consumes almonds it can cause symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, gas, loss of appetite, lethargy, and general discomfort. Not to mention they can cause obstructions in your dog’s esophagus, intestinal tract, or windpipe.* 

2. Can Dogs Eat Cashews: Not toxic, but not recommended.

Why not:

Cashews can be risky because they are high in fat and protein. High amounts of this snack can potentially lead to pancreatitis, GI upset, or weight gain. These nuts can also cause obstructions or pose a choking hazard to your dog.* Salted cashews can also potentially lead to salt toxicity.* 

3. Can Dogs Eat Peanut Butter: Yes, but serve moderately.

Health Benefits:

Serving Recommendations:

It is recommended to always opt for unsalted peanut butter, homemade peanut butter, or dog-safe peanut butter for your pooch. High levels of sodium, sugar, and other additives in traditional peanut butter brands can be dangerous for dogs. Too much of this treat might lead to pancreatitis or weight gain, too, so moderation is necessary. Plus, some peanut butter manufacturers have started using xylitol as a sugar substitute, which is highly toxic to your dog.* Search for pet-safe peanut butter and talk to your veterinarian first.

You can:

4. Can Dogs Eat Almond Butter: Yes, but serve moderately.

Health Benefits: 

Serving Recommendations:

Almond butter is safe for your pooch in moderation. Large amounts can lead to GI upset and because it is high in fat content, it could potentially lead to weight gain. Almond butter can also be difficult to digest for some dogs, and flavored or sweetened nut butter (especially ones with xylitol) can pose a threat to your pooch.* 

You can:

Can Dogs Eat Veggies?

1. Can Dogs Eat Carrots: Yes, but serve moderately.

Health Benefits:

Serving Recommendations:

Large, whole carrots can pose a potential choking hazard to your dog, especially smaller dogs, and should always be fed in moderation.*

You can:

2. Can Dogs Eat Broccoli: Yes, but serve moderately.

Health Benefits:

Serving Recommendations:

Experts contend that more than 25% of your dog’s daily intake of this leafy treat is considered toxic. The florets of the broccoli veggie also contain isothiocyanates, which can cause gastric irritation in some dogs. It might also pose a choking hazard, so smaller chunks are recommended.* Broccoli is safe for dogs either cooked or raw as long as no seasonings are added. 

What Else Can Dogs Eat?

1. Can Dogs Eat Grass: Proceed with caution. 

Health Benefits:

Proceed with Caution:

Though eating grass has been concluded by experts to be normal in domesticated dogs, it can still pose a threat.* Click here to learn more about why your dog might be consuming grass, and click here to learn some ways to stop your dog from eating grass. 

2. Can Dogs Eat Popcorn: Yes, but serve moderately.

Health Benefits:

Serving Recommendations:

We humans can enjoy popcorn riddled with butter, salt, and oil, but this type of popcorn can be dangerous to your dog and potentially lead to GI upset or weight gain. Experts recommend popcorn that is plain and air-popped served occasionally as a small snack for your dog.* Also keep in mind that kernels can potentially get stuck in your dog’s teeth or pose a choking hazard, so whole or partially popped kernels might be best kept away from your furry friend.

3. Can Dogs Eat Shrimp: Yes, but serve moderately.

Health Benefits: 

Serving Recommendations:

Though this small fishy treat has a truckload of possible benefits, they are high in cholesterol, so too many can potentially lead to unhealthy levels of cholesterol in your dog’s diet. Raw, uncooked shrimp also contain harmful microbes that may hurt your dog, and shrimp shells can be a choking and/or obstruction hazard. Experts say steamed shrimp is best the option for hungry pooches.* 

You can: 

Disclaimer: Consult with your dog’s vet before making any significant changes to their diet. Ask your vet if your dog has any history of allergies or needs an allergy test. Better to be safe than sorry!

Which foods from your kitchen does your pooch love to snack on?

We've gone ahead and enclosed a 10% OFF Coupon below for you to use in the store - remember, your puppy DESERVES to have the healthiest life! Click here to start shopping!

Resources:

1. Staff, A. K. C. (2022, March 24). Fruits & Vegetables Dogs can and can't eat. American Kennel Club. Retrieved from https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/nutrition/fruits-vegetables-dogs-can-and-cant-eat/.  
2. Copeland, K. (2022, January 13). 18 fruits & vegetables dogs can eat (with infographic). Pet Keen. Retrieved from https://petkeen.com/fruits-vegetables-dogs-can-eat/.  
3. Ellen Malmanger, D. V. M. (2021, August 24). Which fruits can dogs eat? PetMD. Retrieved from https://www.petmd.com/dog/nutrition/evr_multi_healthy_snacks.  
4. Richard Walther, D. V. M. (2021, June 29). What Fruits can dogs eat? A list of Good & Bad Fruits for Dogs. Pawlicy Advisor. Retrieved from https://www.pawlicy.com/blog/fruits-dogs-can-and-cant-eat/.  
5. 39 vegetables and fruits dogs can eat and can't eat. Pupford. (2022, April 4). Retrieved from https://pupford.com/vegetables-fruits-dogs-can-cant-eat/.  
6. Burke, A. (2018, March 19). Can dogs eat nuts? American Kennel Club. Retrieved from https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/nutrition/can-dogs-eat-nuts/. 
7. Lezzi, T., Dunn, L., & Zeller, J. (2021, April 28). Can dogs eat nuts? The Farmer's Dog. Retrieved from https://www.thefarmersdog.com/digest/can-dog-eat-nuts/.  
8. Burke, A. (2018, August 14). Can dogs eat almonds? American Kennel Club. Retrieved from https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/nutrition/can-dogs-eat-almonds/. 
9. Burke, A. (2018, March 19). Can dogs eat popcorn? American Kennel Club. Retrieved from https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/nutrition/can-dogs-eat-popcorn/.  
10. Staff, A. K. C. (2021, December 26). Why dogs eat poop and how to stop it. American Kennel Club. Retrieved from https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/why-dogs-eat-poop/.  
11. Meyers, H. (2022, March 8). Why does my dog eat grass? American Kennel Club. Retrieved from https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/advice/why-does-my-dog-eat-grass/.  
12. Burke, A. (2020, March 10). Can dogs eat shrimp? American Kennel Club. Retrieved from https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/nutrition/can-dogs-eat-shrimp/.  
13. Staff, A. K. C. (2022, April 3). Foods your dog should never eat. American Kennel Club. Retrieved from https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/nutrition/human-foods-dogs-can-and-cant-eat/.  
14. Elliott, B. (2017, December 14). Can my dog eat this? A list of human foods dogs can and can't eat. Healthline. Retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/human-foods-for-dogs.  
15. Benefits of pumpkin for your dog. East Side Animal Hospital. (2019, April 26). Retrieved from https://eahpet.com/2019/04/26/benefits-of-pumpkin-for-your-dog/.  
16. Stone, K. (2020, December 20). Can dogs eat almond butter? Lively Paws. Retrieved from https://livelypaws.com/blogs/news/can-dogs-eat-almond-butter#.