What Food Can Your Dog Eat?

Ever had leftover food from lunch and wondered whether you could give it to your dog? If so, this blog post will answer your question!

FOODS SUITABLE FOR YOUR DOG

There are various human foods which are beneficial for your pup. Namely, fruit and vegetables, which give your pup vitamins, fibre and that canine crunch.

Pasta and Rice (plain and cooked)

• Pasta and Rice (plain and cooked)
• Meat
• Fish
• Pumpkin
• Carrots
• Spinach
• Lettuce
• Peanut butter
• Egg – not raw!
• Pears
• Sweet potato

However, there are also fruit and vegetables which are considered toxic to your canine friend. In many cases, it’s actually the seeds, pits or stems of these fruits that are poisonous. For example: An Apple is considered poisonous because of the seeds which are unhealthy for a dog, but if you slice it up leaving the skin attached and removing the seeds it’s a healthy treat! Apricot pits, cherry pits and peach pits are all toxic to dogs, although the fruit is ok.

IN MODERATION

The following are foods which may be unhealthy for your pooch if he eats them in large amounts. For example, giving your pup a lot of bread will cause it to gain weight. Also, giving it too much cheese may cause diarrhoea.

• Potatoes
• Broccoli
• Cheese
• Bread 
• Yogurt
• Tomatoes
• Fruit such as pineapple, banana, cherries, watermelon, apples, strawberries and blueberries

FOOD HARMFUL TO YOUR FURRY FRIEND

More importantly, as a dog owner, you need to be aware of the foodstuffs that are harmful for them in order to avoid giving it to them at all costs.

• Chocolate. It contains caffeine-like stimulants known as theobromine which, if ingested in large amounts can cause them vomiting, diarrhoea, irregular heartbeat, seizures and even death.
• Candy and gum is unhealthy and bad for their digestive system.
• Nuts. Certain types of nuts can cause toxic poisonings, an upset stomach or an obstruction in your dog's gastrointestinal tract.
• Onions and garlic. Large amounts cause damage to their red blood cells and can make them anaemic.
• Grapes and raisins. While this fruit is nutritious for you, it's toxic to dogs and can cause them kidney failure.
• Alcohol. Even drinking a small amount of alcohol can result in significant intoxication for a dog, which can lead to vomiting, seizures and even death.
• Avocado. Avocado leaves, fruit, seeds and bark contain a toxin called persin that can cause upset stomach and breathing difficulties.
• Pomegranates should also be avoided.
• Corn on the cob. The corn is digested however the cob blocks Fido’s intestine.
• Coffee, tea, and other caffeine. Caffeine in large quantities can be fatal.  Symptoms of caffeine poisoning include restlessness, rapid breathing, heart palpitations, muscle tremors, fits, and bleeding.
• Bones can splinter and cause an obstruction or lacerations of your dog's digestive systems. It's best to just give them the special bones created for dogs as a nice treat.

IF YOUR DOG EATS SOMETHING THAT IT SHOULDN'T

However always controlling what your dog eats may be difficult especially if their favorite hobby is wrecking the garbage bin! So if your dog swallows something it shouldn’t, contact your vet immediately. You can also make use of the following numbers in case of emergency:

• Animal Emergency Service – 5250 2000
  This is a 24 hour service. Your pet would be seen to and treated. Each call costs €5
• Veterinary Emergency Helpline – 7940 4030
• Professional advice will be given during an emergency
• Animal Welfare - 1717