Can dogs have cantaloupe? These 'people foods' are safe for your dog to eat
It's the age-old question: Can my dog eat this?
Many dog owners wonder what human foods their pooches can enjoy and boost their diet. There are a plethora of fruits, vegetables, grains, meats and other foods that are nutritional, harmful or somewhere in between for dogs to snack on.
Generally, many fruits and veggies can be frozen. The nutritious snacks enrich pups’ brains and help during hot weather, according to the American Kennel Club.
New foods should be integrated into a diet slowly and with care. Whenever making a change to your pet’s diet, make sure to consult your vet to guarantee your dog is eating the most nutritious diet possible.
What fruits are safe for dogs to eat?
Some fruits can be great supplementary snacks for dogs, but others can be very dangerous. Here are the American Kennel Club’s suggestions.
Safe:
Apples, but with no core and no seeds. For a sweet summer snack, these can be frozen.
Bananas as treats are OK, but their high sugar content means they shouldn’t be part of your pooch’s regular diet.
Bell peppers are safe for dogs, but stems and seeds should be removed to prevent digestive issues. The red bell peppers are the most nutritious. Bell peppers should be served with no additional spices or mix-ins.
Blueberries are great snacks for dogs. They can be used for training purposes instead of dog treats, as well.
Cantaloupe is safe; however, the melon has a high sugar content, so it should be given in moderation. This treat can be frozen for pups to snack on during hot days.
Coconuts have some powerful qualities like helping to minimize bacteria, viruses, bad breath and skin ailments. Coconut milk and oil are also safe for your pooch. Dogs should not chew on the outside of a coconut because it can be a choking hazard.
Cranberries, dried or otherwise, are safe in small amounts. Some dried cranberries contain high amounts of sugar, so those should be shared in moderation.
Cucumbers are great for weight loss in dogs and are very hydrating. Refrigerated or frozen slices are great summer snacks for pups.
Kiwis are safest when the skin is removed and should be given to dogs in moderation.
Mangoes are packed with healthy vitamins, so they are mostly safe for dogs. The pit should always be removed because it contains cyanide, and due to a high sugar content, mangoes should only be given as treats on occasion.
Olives are safe when consumed in moderation after pits are removed. Dog owners should steer clear of giving dogs pickled or seasoned olives.
Oranges are safe when the peel and seeds are removed.
Peaches are safe when the pit, which contains cyanide and is unsafe for dogs, and the outer skin is removed. Fresh peaches are ideal because alternative options, such as canned or jarred, can contain extra sugar. These can be great snacks to freeze for a sweltering summer heat treat.
Pears are safe when the pit and seeds are removed because they contain cyanide.
Pineapples are sweet snacks for dogs when the outside peel and crown are removed. Canned and jarred pineapples shouldn’t be given to dogs due to the additional sugar content.
Pumpkins are great snacks for dogs, one of the best. A canned option can be given to dogs, so long as it is labeled as 100% pumpkin puree. Pumpkins can be safely served from home, too, so long as owners roast and peel them before offering the treat to their furry friend. This fruit helps digestive issues in dogs, such as constipation or diarrhea.
Raspberries can be given to dogs on occasion and should be limited to no more than eight ounces at a time. They’re best for older dogs because they combat joint pain with their anti-inflammatory properties. These can be served both fresh or frozen.
Squash takes many different forms, all of which are safe for dogs to consume. This food is best for dogs after being steamed or roasted, with no additional seasonings.
Strawberries are safe in moderation due to their high sugar content and can be served both fresh or frozen.
Watermelon can be eaten after the rind and seeds, which can cause intestinal issues, are removed. This melon is primarily water and is a great resource for hydrating your dog on a hot day.
Unsafe:
Avocados, as they can cause sickness in dogs, such as vomiting or diarrhea. This fruit contains persin, which is a natural toxin found throughout avocados. Some skin and coat avocado-based products are OK, but consumption by dogs should be avoided.
Cherries contain cyanide and can poison dogs. The only part of the cherry dogs can safely eat is the fruit, but the pit is very dangerous for them to eat. In dogs, cyanide prevents blood cells from receiving ample oxygen. If a dog consumes cherries, it should be treated as an emergency. Some signs include dilated pupils, difficulty breathing and red gums.
Grapes and raisins should never be given to dogs because they can cause acute, sudden kidney failure. Dog owners should take special care to ensure that grapes or raisins couldn’t be foraged from the trash or eaten from other areas within their canine’s reach.
Tomatoes, especially when they’re green, can be very bad for pups. They contain a substance that is toxic to dogs called solanine, and it can make them sick when eaten in large quantities.
Vegetables
Some veggies are great for dog’s diets, according to AKC. Others, however, not so much. See how they rank.
Safe:
Broccoli is best for dogs when served cooked and on occasion. Otherwise, your pup might experience some stomach inflammation.
Brussels sprouts are great for dogs, but may give them gas. These veggies should be served in moderation.
Cabbage is a safe food for your pooch but should be served in moderation to avoid gas.
Carrots are a great food for dogs. They are low calorie, high in fiber and great for your pup’s teeth.
Celery is not only safe, but it also promotes heart health, possibly combats cancer and can give your canine fresher breath.
Corn is a frequent ingredient in dog food, so it is safe for dogs so long as it’s off the cob.
Green beans are safe in almost all forms, canned included, so long as they are unsalted and plain. These are great frozen snacks, too.
Peas are almost always safe, unless they are canned and salted. They can be fresh or frozen.
Spinach is an OK treat but should only be given in moderation.
Unsafe:
Asparagus has no real risks, but it also doesn’t have any nutritional value for dogs. It won’t hurt them, but it also won’t help much.
Mushrooms found in the wild can be toxic for dogs. It’s advised to avoid the fungi altogether than risk your dog getting sick or dying. However, store-bought mushrooms are OK for dogs.
Onions are a no-go. Along with leeks and chives, this vegetable can cause major and potentially catastrophic stomach issues and can make red blood cells burst. Even in small amounts, your dog should never eat onions. Japanese breeds such as Akitas and Shiba Inus are especially sensitive.
Grains
Sensitivity to grains varies from pooch to pooch. AKC advises to change your dog’s diet if they have repeated diarrhea; however, going to the vet to discuss food options and allergies is the best first step.
Safe:
Bread with no spices, raisins or harmful additives is safe, but it doesn’t provide any significant nutritional value.
Oatmeal is a great snack in moderation. Since it contains a good deal of fiber, it could hurt a pup’s stomach if consumed in excess. Oatmeal should be prepared with water instead of milk since dogs are sensitive to dairy. Avoid any type of flavored oatmeal.
Quinoa is a common ingredient in some dry dog foods and is a safe food.
Wheat is safe on a dog-to-dog basis.
Meats
Meat is generally safe for dogs since it's a large part of their stereotypical diet; however the way its prepared can sometimes be tedious. Here’s what AKC has to say about ensuring that meat is safe for your dog to consume:
Safe:
Chicken is safe for dogs, and you can even supplement your pup’s dry food with cooked chicken.
Fish is a common ingredient in dog foods and can reduce inflammation. It’s a great safe food when prepared properly. When introducing fish to your pup’s diet, take it slow and monitor their reactions. It should not be seasoned or cooked in oils and all bones should be removed.
Pork is easy for dogs to digest and rarely causes allergic reactions in pups. It’s a good safe food.
Ham isn’t super nutritional in nature, but sharing the meat is fine on occasion.
Salmon is great for dogs when served fully cooked. Undercooked or raw salmon is not safe as it can cause parasites that are dangerous to dogs.
Shrimp is fine, as long as the shell is removed and they are fully cooked.
Tuna is fine in moderation, so long as it is fresh and cooked. Canned tuna with no additional salt or oil is OK on occasion. This fish is at high risk for mercury, though, so it should be fed to dogs with caution.
Turkey that is plain and unseasoned is safe for dogs. Owners should remove bones, fat and skin.
Miscellaneous foods
There are a host of foods that experts have decided dogs can or can’t eat. Some aren’t fruits, vegetables grains or meat, but could still have some health benefits for dogs. Here’s some other foods AKC advises are safe for dogs:
Safe:
Cashews are OK in moderation as long as they’re unsalted.
Cheese is a safe treat on occasion. Dog owners should make sure their pet isn’t lactose-intolerant, which isn’t very common in canines but is still possible.
Honey can be consumed by dogs in small quantities. Similar to humans, eating honey helps with pollen allergies.
Milk is OK for dogs on occasion, but water is better.
Peanut butter in its most raw, unsalted form is a great source of protein for your pooch. However, peanut butters that are sweetened with xylitol, a sugar substitute, should not be consumed by dogs.
Peanuts are great for dogs, but only in moderation. They should be unsalted.
Popcorn is fine for dogs to eat in small amounts, so long as it is unsalted, unbuttered and air popped. Dogs should not be given unpopped popcorn kernels.
Yogurt is fine, so long as it contains minimal sugar or added flavors. Yogurt with artificial sweetener should not be given to your dog.
Unsafe:
Chocolate is never safe for dogs and is extremely toxic. Dark chocolate is the most dangerous, however, any amount of the sweet can have devastating side effects. If a dog ingests any amount of chocolate, AKC recommends that they are taken to the vet.
Cinnamon is not safe for dogs as it can make them very sick or disrupt their breathing. In extreme cases, it can cause liver disease.
Eggs that are fully cooked are safe and nutrition-rich for dogs. They can help to reduce stomach issues but should never be served raw or undercooked.
Garlic is extraordinarily toxic for dogs. It can cause anemia, or a lack of red blood cells that transport and distribute oxygen through the bloodstream, a high heart rate or even make them collapse. These effects can happen hours or days after the dog consumes garlic.
Ice cream has a lot of sugar and is not safe for dairy-sensitive dogs.
Macadamia nuts could negatively affect your dog’s nervous system and are extremely toxic.
Medication
Dogs do not react the same as people when it comes to medicine. Some medications are safe for our furry friends, but most are dangerous, AKC found.
Safe:
Benadryl, in some cases. It can be used to treat motion sickness, travel anxiety or allergies, however, dog owners should talk with their veterinarian prior to giving their pooch Benadryl to make sure it’s the right decision and that there are no underlying factors.
Most other medications made for humans are toxic and possibly life-threatening for dogs. AKC created a full list of dangerous medicines and their potential side effects for dogs.
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Can dogs have cantaloupe? These foods are safe for dogs
