Can my pet eat this? A-Z list of human foods.

Dogs and cats should get most of their daily nutritional requirements from a complete and balanced diet consisting of quality pet food suited to your pets individual needs. However, many pets enjoy the occasional treat, sometimes consisting of human food. So what is safe?

Humans and pets consume and digest foods differently. Some foods that are safe and nutritious for humans to eat can be problematic for pets. Some are even toxic to pets and can cause severe health problems. On the other hand, there are several human foods that are safe for your pet to eat, when served as the occasional treat. Remember treats should make up less than 10% of your pets calorie intake for the day.

As with any new foods, talk to your vet before giving your pet human foods they haven’t eaten before. Every pet is different, just like humans. Even generally safe foods can have unexpected reactions so introduce new foods slowly and watch for allergic reactions or any signs of digestive issues. If you think your pet is having a negative response to the food they have eaten, get in touch with your vet immediately.

Almonds – no, dogs and cats should not eat almonds. Whilst they are not toxic like macadamia nuts, they are difficult for your pet to digest. They can block the oesophagus or damage the windpipe if not chewed properly. They are also high in fat and calories and have the potential to cause your pet to gain weight.

Apples – yes, dogs and cats can eat apples. You need to remove the seeds and core and cut the apple into small digestible chunks. Apple pieces can be frozen or kept in the fridge for a cool treat on a hot day.

Avocado – no, dogs and cats should not eat avocado. This is because avocados contain a fungicidal toxin called persin, which can be poisonous if consumed in large quantities. Persin is found in all parts of the avocado including the fruit, pip, leaves and bark.

Banana – yes, dogs and cats can eat banana. It can be given in small amounts as a treat, peeled and mashed or sliced. You can also remove the skin and freeze bananas. Slice them up for a cold treat you may both enjoy.

Blueberries – yes, dogs and cats can eat blueberries. They make a healthy treat as they are small, low in calories and offer vitamins, minerals and fibre which are all good for your pet.

Bread – yes, dogs and cats can eat baked bread. First, make sure it doesn’t contain any harmful ingredients like raisons and that it is low in sugar. Also, note that bread provides no nutritional value and is full of carbs which can cause your pet to gain weight so bread should only be offered as an occasional treat. Never feed your pet raw dough as it can cause digestive issues and block their intestines.

Cheese – is safe for most dogs, only in small quantities. However, it can cause digestive issues, such as diarrhoea, constipation and vomiting in some dogs due to the fat and lactose content. Cheeses like hard cheddars, mozzarella and parmesan have less lactose which can make them easier for your dog to digest. Never feed your dog blue cheese as it contains Roquefortine C, which can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, high temperatures and even seizures.  

Cats should not eat cheese. Cats are obligate carnivores, which means they depend entirely on meat for their essential nutrients. Cheese can upset a cat’s delicate digestive system. Cats with a dairy allergy can react to even a small bite of cheese.  

Chocolate – no, dogs and cats should not eat chocolate. Chocolate in all forms, especially dark or cooking chocolate can be very dangerous, even fatal for our pets. Symptoms of chocolate poisoning include vomiting, diarrhoea, rapid breathing, increased heart rate, tremors and seizures.

Corn – yes dogs and cats can eat corn. In fact they are most likely eating it already. Corn is a common ingredient found in commercial pet food and snacks. Only corn kernels should be offered, as the cob is too big and solid and a common cause of intestinal blockages.

Cucumber – yes, dogs and cats can eat cucumber, in small amounts. Feeding a whole cucumber however is too much and can upset their digestive system. Instead offer them small amounts, cut into bite size pieces so it’s not a choking hazard. Cucumbers are very high in water content, so it can help with their hydration too.

Eggs – yes, dogs and cats can eat cooked eggs. Avoid feeding your pet raw eggs as it can carry bacteria, such as salmonella which can cause serious gastrointestinal issues. Eggs are high in protein, vitamins and minerals, making them a healthy occasional treat.

Garlic – no, dogs and cats should not eat garlic. Garlic, onion, chives and leeks are in the Allium family and are poisonous to both dogs and cats if too much is eaten. These common ingredients are often found at the dinner table so avoid giving your pet leftovers for their meal or a treat.

Grapes – no, dogs and cats should not eat grapes. Grapes, raisons, currants and sultanas are toxic to dogs and cats. It’s easy to accidently drop these on the floor and many human treats are rich in these ingredients so be mindful when eating grapes and keep them away from your furry friends.

Mushrooms – store bought mushrooms designed for human consumption are safe for dogs and cats to eat, only in small quantities. However, they can only be fed plain, without any extra seasoning and ingredients such as garlic and onion which are not safe for pets. Never let your dog or cat eat wild mushrooms as some are toxic to pets.

Peanuts – yes, dogs and cats can eat peanuts, in small quantities. Test sparingly first to ensure they don’t cause digestive issues. Make sure peanuts are raw and unsalted. Peanuts are high in fat so only ever offer 1-2 and its best to chop them up so they aren’t a choking hazard.

Pineapple – yes, dogs and cats can eat pineapple, as a treat in small amounts. Fresh pineapple is a better choice than canned, which often comes in a sugary syrup. Pineapple is packed with vitamins, minerals and fibre making it a healthy snack. Remove the skin and core and cut into bit size chunks. Pineapple can also be frozen for a cool treat on a hot day.

Rice – yes, dogs and cats can eat rice. They can eat plain and cooked brown or white rice. Rice is easy for your pet to digest and can help relieve an upset stomach.

Strawberries – yes, dogs and cats can eat strawberries. They need to be washed, stems removed and cut up into bite size pieces to prevent them becoming a choking hazard. Strawberries are low in calories and high in nutrients, antioxidants and fibre, however they also contain sugar so make sure you only offer strawberries in small amounts as an occasional treat.

Watermelon - yes, dogs and cats can eat watermelon. The skin and seeds must be removed first as they can become a choking hazard. Watermelon can only be offered in small amounts as a treat due to its sugar content.

Dogs and cats should get most of their nutritional requirements from a complete and balanced diet consisting of quality pet food suited to your pets individual needs. Several human foods are also safe for your pet to eat, when served as the occasional treat. If you have any questions about your pets diet, please get in touch with us on 03 8784 4444.