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What can dogs eat?

Pet advice from Pet Protect

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What can dogs eat?

We’ve created a useful guide that identifies a variety of human foods that you can and cannot feed your dog.

If you are ever in any doubt, always check with your vet for their advice first.

Blackberries

Blackberries are safe for dogs in small quantities, and you should limit your dog to a small handful to be safe.

Eating too many can cause effects, including:

  • Diarrhoea
  • Gastrointestinal upset
  • Vomiting

Berries should only be given as a treat and your dog’s nutritional needs should be met by their regular food.

Almonds, cashews and peanuts

Cashews are generally safe to feed to your dog, as an occasional snack.

Try limiting the amount you feed to your dog and test them with a small piece to make sure they are not allergic.

They are high in protein fat, which is great for young, active dogs but harder on the system of older or overweight dogs.

Prunes and Plums

Dried fruits like prunes have a high sugar content that can cause digestive problems including, bloating. They are also high in fibre and act as a laxative, which can be good for human digestive systems but not for a dog.

The pit in plums can release cyanide, which is toxic to dogs. Because of the dangers that plum pits pose for dogs, it’s best to keep this fruit out of paws reach.

Hazelnuts

These nuts are not toxic to dogs, but are not recommended to be given to your dog.

If they are small as they can pose as a choking hazard and can cause an upset stomach or intestinal obstruction.

Dandelions

Dandelions aren’t toxic to dogs and can be added to their food to provide a natural source of vitamins including, vitamins A, C, K, D, and B.

They contain protein and minerals including calcium and manganese and can help support your dog’s digestive system.

Boiled Potatoes

Your can feed potatoes to your dog if they are classed as a treat and are included in the 10% treat rule.

You should avoid giving your dog raw or boiled potatoes as they’re not safe for dogs to eat and contain solanine.

An alternative to white potatoes is sweet potatoes. You can give these to your dog if they are cooked, and the skin is removed.

Beetroot

Your dog should eat beetroot in moderation and is a healthy source of vitamin C, fibre, folate, manganese, and potassium.

These vitamins and minerals are good for your dog’s digestion and immune system as well as a healthy skin and coat.

Corn on the cob

Corn on its own is not poisonous to dogs. A cob, if fed to your dog, can cause an obstruction in the digestive system, such as intestinal rupture.

Symptoms of gastrointestinal blockage include vomiting, inappetence, lethargy and pain. It’s best to stay away from feeding corn on the cobs to your dog and instead add a small portion of the corn to their normal food.

Pears

This fruit is a great treat to give to your dog and contains vitamin C, vitamin A, and fibre.

Pears fall amongst the 10% of treats rule and if you feed your dog too many pears, it may cause an upset stomach.

Make sure you cut the pear and remove any pips to avoid choking.

You should avoid feeding your dog canned pears as like all canned fruit, it contains a high amount of sugar that can irritate your dog’s digestive tract and lead to obesity.

Chia Seeds

Rich in nutrients, chia seeds and can be fed to your dog in small portions and added to their meals and snacks.

The seeds contain phosphorus, iron, zinc, potassium and magnesium.

They can help dogs with a large appetite feel fuller, cutting down on the food they eat.

Pet care advice when you need it the most.

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Our pet care service also offers behavioural and nutritional support, to help you take care of your pet.

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By Melissa Pickburn

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