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10 “People” Foods for Dogs

10 dog-approved people foods will provide your dog with variety and a nutritional boost!

Can my dog eat that? Apples, salmon, pumpkin, beans, yogurt... people foods that are safe for your dog to eat. As a responsible and informed dog lover, you probably know that too much “people food” can make your dog ill or overweight, but there are some human foods that can be safely added to your dog’s meals in moderation to give a nutritional boost to Queenie’s diet and add a bit of variety to her food bowl. Just remember: any additions to your dog’s meals shouldn’t comprise more than 25 percent of her weekly caloric requirement.

Are you worried that your dog has food allergies? Check out Food Allergies in Dogs.

1. Yogurt is a good source of available calcium and protein. When choosing yogurt, pick one that has live active bacteria and no sugars or artificial sweeteners. The active bacteria may act as probiotics. If your pooch is pudgy, make sure that you pick fat-free yogurt but not one that contains fat substitutes (e.g., Simplesse or Olestra). Frozen yogurt is a nice summer treat for dogs.

2. Flax seed (ground or oil) is a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential fatty acids that are good for skin and coat. Whole flax seeds are best if ground right before feeding as this type of fat can go rancid quickly. Flax seed can also be added to your dog’s diet as a source of fibre. Flax oil is a more concentrated form of omega- 3 fatty acids without the fibre. Make sure that you store the oil or seeds in the fridge in an air tight dark container.

3. Salmon is a fatty fish which is also a good source of omega- 3 fatty acids. These fats support the immune system and can be beneficial for skin and coat health. There has also been some indication that they may benefit dogs with allergies. You can feed salmon or salmon oil. If feeding salmon, make sure it’s cooked before serving, as raw salmon can carry a parasite that can make your dog sick.

4. Pumpkin is a good source of fibre and beta carotene (a source of vitamin A). Dogs need fibre in their diet. The current trend is towards highly digestible diets that lower stool volume and this is not necessarily a good thing. Keeping the GI tract moving helps keep the cells lining the gut healthy.

5. Sweet potatoes are another source of dietary fibre and contain vitamin B6, vitamin C, beta carotene, and manganese. Sweet potatoes are great sliced and dehydrated as a chewy treat for your dog. There are so many dog treats on the market that we often overlook the simple, healthy, and reasonably priced treats available at our grocery store.

6. Green beans are a good source of plant fibre, vitamin K, vitamin C, and manganese. If your dog has a tendency to put on weight, then replacing some of her regular food with green beans is a great low calorie way to fill her up and help her maintain a healthy weight. Many dogs enjoy green beans frozen.

7. Eggs are a great source of very digestible protein, riboflavin, and selenium. For some dogs that are prone to digestive upset, eggs can give them a little protein boost. Adding eggs to your dog’s food is a healthy treat. Make sure to use cooked whole egg, as raw egg whites can cause biotin deficiency. If you do a lot of training with your dog, consider taking cooked eggs to your next class as training treats.

8. Brewer’s yeast is the yeast that’s left over from making alcohol. Dogs seem to really enjoy the tangy taste of brewer’s yeast. It’s full of B vitamins which are good for skin, coat, and carbohydrate metabolism. Make sure you’re using brewer’s yeast (available at health food stores), not baking yeast which will make your dog sick. Brewer’s yeast can spice up your dog’s appetite. Just sprinkle a little on the food of a picky eater and watch her dive into her food.

9. Apples are wonderful crunchy treats for your dog. Apples with the skin on are full of plant chemicals (phytonutrients) that are thought to be protective against some types of cancer in humans. They are a source of vitamins A and C and fibre. Apple seeds, however, contain cyanide so your dog should not be allowed to eat the core. Though the effects of a few apple seeds will likely not harm your dog, the deleterious effects can accumulate over time if allowed to eat apple seeds regularly.

10. Oatmeal is a good source of soluble fibre. This can be beneficial for some older dogs that may have trouble maintaining bowel regularity. Oatmeal is also an alternative source of grain for dogs that are allergic to wheat. It can be fed in conjunction with probiotics to enhance their function. Keep in mind oatmeal should always be fed cooked and plain with no sugar or flavouring. As always, check with your veterinarian before making any major changes to your dog’s diet, especially if they are on any medications. Upsetting the vitamin and mineral balances in your dog’s diet can have negative effects on your dog’s health and some medications interact badly with some nutrients. The aim of most dog owners is to give their dogs the best diet possible. Good nutrition coupled with a health care program may result in extending your dog’s life by as much as 15 percent. The suggestions above are not meant to replace your dog’s normal, balanced diet. Rather, they are ideas for alternative treats or for adding a little variety to your dog’s meals.

Can Dogs Eat Eggs?

Historically, dogs stole eggs from birds’ nests and ate them raw, shell and all. Today, most of us don’t let our dogs wander far and wide in search of unguarded nests, but eggs are still a good source of food for dogs, especially in homemade diets.

Eggs are high in protein and contain many essential amino acids and fatty acids. When boiled or cooked, they make excellent treats or dietary supplements for dogs. Not only are eggs a healthy and nutritious snack for dogs, they can even help settle upset stomachs. Talk to your veterinarian about how many eggs to feed your dog per day. While eggs are generally safe for most dogs, overfeeding your dog can result in obesity and other health problems.

 



 

Can I Feed My Dog Raw Eggs?

There are a few concerns about feeding raw eggs to your dog that dog owners should be aware of:

Salmonella - Just like humans, dogs are at risk of contracting Salmonella, and handlers who feed raw eggs to their dogs are also at risk of catching this disease.

Biotin Deficiency - Prolonged feeding of raw egg whites can also lead to a biotin deficiency, as they contain an enzyme that ties up biotin and prevents absorption of biotin into the body. Biotin is a B complex vitamin that supports healthy skin, digestion, metabolism, and cells.

While these side effects are rare, most veterinarians recommend cooking eggs before feeding them to your dog, as long as the eggs are cooked or boiled plain without oil, butter, salt, or other potentially harmful additives.

Can Dogs Eat Chicken?

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12 human foods dogs can eat and 5 they shouldn't

Whether you feed your pet table scraps or supplement his diet, here are good and bad foods for Fido.

We know it's best to avoid feeding man's best friend with table scraps, but sometimes those puppy-dog eyes get the best of us and we can't resist slipping them a treat from our plates.

But just because a food is good for us doesn't necessarily mean it's safe for dogs.

Here's a list of dog-approved people foods, as well as some items you should never share with your canine companion.

Keep in mind though that every dog is different, so try these foods in small amounts, and if your dog has a reaction to any of them, consult a veterinarian.

Do-your-doggie-good foods

Give your dog some peanut butter and watch his tongue go nuts. (Photo: Madeline G/Shutterstock)

1. Peanut butter: Giving your dog the occasional tablespoon of unsalted peanut butter is a treat you can both enjoy. (Just make sure your brand of peanut butter doesn't contain xylitol.) It's a great source of protein and healthy fats for dogs, and it's a perfect photo opportunity for you.


2. Yogurt: High in protein and calcium, plain yogurt is an ideal treat for dogs, especially if your pooch suffers from digestion problems. Make sure you opt for yogurts that don't contain added sugar or artificial sweeteners.


3. Oatmeal: Oatmeal is a good source of fiber, making it great for dogs with bowel irregularity issues, and it's also safe for dogs with wheat allergies. Before serving it to your pet, cook the oatmeal and don't add any sugar.


4. Chicken: If your dog requires extra protein in his diet, cooked, unseasoned chicken is an easy addition to his regular food. It also makes a good meal replacement if you're out of dog food.


5. Salmon: Dogs can benefit from omega 3 fatty acids too, so slip some cooked salmon into the food bowl for a healthier, shinier coat.


6. Broccoli: This vitamin-rich vegetable can be a great occasional nutrition boost for dogs. However, it shouldn't make up more than 10 percent of a dog's diet as it could cause gastrointestinal irritation.


7. Pumpkin: You can serve your dog pumpkin — raw or in a can — as a source of fiber or vitamin A. It's also a helpful addition to doggie diets if your pooch is experiencing digestion problems.


8. Green beans: Nutritious and low in calories, green beans are a good choice that will load dogs up with iron and vitamins. Make sure to feed your dog only fresh beans or canned ones with no added salt. Something to consider: Most types of beans contain a type of protein called lechtins that, depending on the amount, can cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhea if not destroyed by cooking. Green beans only contain 5 to 10 percent of the lechtins in kidney beans, which cause the most problems, and green beans are typically safe when eaten raw. If you're still concerned, you may want to cook your green beans before serving them to your dog (or your family).


9. Cottage cheese: This bland food is high in calcium and protein, so it can be a good addition to dog food. However, avoid it if your dog has issues digesting dairy.


10. Other cheese: In small quantities, cheese is a great treat for pets, says the American Kennel Club, as long as your dog isn’t lactose intolerant (which is rare for dogs, but possible). Choose lower-fat options like mozzarella.


11. Carrots: This vegetable is low in calories and high in fiber and vitamins. Plus, crunching on carrots can be good for dogs' teeth.


12. Eggs: If your pooch needs a protein boost, scramble an occasional egg for a healthy snack. Eggs are high in protein, but they're also high in fat, so don't give your pet too many of them. Don't feed raw or undercooked eggs to your dog, cautions the American Veterinary Medical Association. There's the risk of contamination from bacteria such as salmonella, and that can make your dog sick.

Foods not fit for Fido

Keep chocolate away from your pet. (Photo: successo images/Shutterstock)

1. Chocolate: You've likely heard that you're never supposed to feed a dog chocolate, and there's a reason for that. That delicious candy contains caffeine-like stimulants known as methylxanthines. If ingested in large amounts, chocolate can cause vomiting, diarrhea, irregular heartbeat, seizures and even death.


2. Grapes and raisins: While this fruit is nutritious for you, it's toxic to dogs and can cause kidney failure.


3. Onions: They may make you cry, but they can make your dog very sick by causing damage to his red blood cells.


4. Avocado: Avocado leaves, fruit, seeds and bark contain a toxin called persin that can cause upset stomach and breathing difficulties.


5. 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.

Can Dogs Eat Chicken?

Considering how many dog foods contain it, it’s a safe bet that you can feed your dog chicken. In fact, it’s a good source of protein, and cooked chicken can even be substituted for or added to his regular meal.

Most sources recommend against raw chicken, due to the risk of salmonella or bacterial infections, although the movement toward raw food, including raw chicken and raw chicken bones, is growing. But if you're not sure about raw food diets, any unseasoned roasted, poached, grilled, or baked chicken can be served on its own, mixed with your dog’s regular meal, or served as a treat. You can even mix it with a healthy grain, and a vegetable such as string beans or other vegetables safe for dogs,for a special homemade dinner.

There are two things to be aware of before serving your dog chicken.

• Some dogs are allergic to chicken, and it ranks among the top 10 allergy-inducing ingredients. The most common allergens are beef, dairy, wheat, egg, chicken, lamb, soy, pork, rabbit, and fish.


• Be sure to take chicken off the bone. Cooked chicken bones splinter easily, which can cause choking or a gastrointestinal tract puncture

 



 

If you’ve determined that your dog happily and healthily eats chicken, go ahead and let him enjoy it. And, just for fun, try these homemade, vet-approved chicken recipes for dogs: a yummy mini omelette or frozen chicken treat.

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Can Dogs Eat Corn?

As summer approaches, so does the season for grilling and backyard barbecues. For the next few months, the variety of smells from all the delicious foods served is enticing to us and also to our four-legged friends.

Foods such as corn, both on and off the cob, are summertime staples and, chances are, your dog is going to want you to share. While some of the foods you’re grilling and serving might be unsafe to share with him, luckily for him, corn is not one of them.

RELATED: Fruits and Vegetables Dogs Can and Can't Eat

 

Is it Safe to Feed My Dog Corn?

It’s not unsafe or terrible if you feed your dog corn, a small amount won’t harm him; just make sure that you do so in moderation. Corn is one of the most popular cereal grains in the world and may contain a good amount of several vitamins and minerals, depending on the type of corn.

In fact, you’ll find corn in a variety of dog foods; manufacturers favor this grain because it is relatively inexpensive. Many veterinary nutritionists agree that corn for dogs is not a problem and in fact, can be part of a well-balanced diet. However, you should confirm that your dog is not allergic to corn prior to giving it to him.

 

Does Corn Have Any Nutritional Value for Dogs?

The answer is yes. It is not just a filler in dog foods, it also has nutritional benefits. It is a good source of protein, carbohydrates, linoleic acid, and antioxidants. Despite that fact that carbs get a bad rap, certain sources of carbs (like corn) also provide essential nutrients, such as protein, fat, fiber, and vitamins. Carbohydrates also can be a good source of fiber, which promotes gut health and motility.

 

Is it Safe for My Dog to Eat Corn on the Cob?

No matter how lovingly your dog looks at you while you’re enjoying a piece of corn on the cob, do not share it with him. There is a risk that he will choke on it, and if he ingests the cob it can cause a serious intestinal blockage. It is not a food you should have your dog gnawing on. And although it might seem like something he would have a hard time consuming, if he is hungry enough, he’ll have no problem whittling down that cob.

RELATED: Human Foods Dogs Can and Can't Eat

 



 

Alarming indicators that your dog might have ingested the cob are: dehydration, lethargy, reduced activity, repeated vomiting, loss of appetite, and diarrhea. If you notice any of these signs, seek veterinary assistance without hesitation.

 

Can My Dog Have Popcorn?

As long as it’s unsalted and unbuttered, a few pieces are fine. Plain, air-popped popcorn, which is light and natural, can be a good treat every now and then; it’s high in fiber, and the additional carbohydrates provide extra energy.

RELATED: Can Dogs Eat Popcorn?

It’s the bucket of popcorn loaded with salt, butter, and other flavors that is unhealthy, so no matter how lovingly your dog looks at you, or how excited he gets over this snack, keep it far enough away that he won’t be stealing pieces behind your back.

If you choose to share some natural popcorn with your dog, make sure all of the kernels you’re feeding him are popped. In most batches you make, there are going to be a handful of pieces that don’t completely pop; for a dog, those are the pieces that aren’t digestible and can cause an upset stomach. Popcorn that gets stuck between their teeth can cause problems, such as tooth decay and gum disease. And just like when their humans eat too much popcorn, it will add calories to their daily intake.

Can Dogs Eat Dried Cherries?

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Maybe. Cherries do have some health benefits. They contain fiber, antioxidants, and vitamins A and C. But dried fruits tend to have higher sugar content, which isn’t good for your dog. Some brands also contain added sugar or corn syrup, which you definitely want to avoid. Too many cherries can cause digestive upset, and you must make sure the pits have been removed, as these contain small amounts of cyanide that are toxic to dogs. The bottom line: a few dried cherries shouldn’t hurt your dog, but there are safer, healthier treats out there.

For More Information

We offer a collection of articles on foods that are healthy or dangerous for dogs to eat, covering everything from grains, fruits, and vegetables. You might also be interested in reading “Can My Dog Eat Cherries?“

The information provided in this article is not a substitute for professional veterinary help.

Can Dogs Eat Cherries?

When it comes to cherries, they’re one of the most beneficial (and delicious) fruits known to mankind. Hey, ask me, I have a whole section in my fridge dedicated to cherries when the season arrives!

But, when it comes to your four-legged friend, one might ask, can dogs eat cherries? Are cherries good for dogs to eat?

Can Dogs Eat Cherries? The Short Answer

The short answer to this question is, YES, BUT ON SOME CONDITIONS (more on that in this article), you can feed your dog cherries.

If you were to abide by certain conditions and “check the boxes” to each one of them, then feeding your dog cherries is completely fine. But, if you don’t abide by these conditions, that’s when cherries become bad for your dog to eat.

By the end of this article, you may find that feeding your dog cherries isn’t worth your time (or money) and that you prefer to feed them another fruit for the same purposes, such as strawberry or apples.

This is so important that you don’t just close this page right here and now but continue to read on, so we’ll say it again, there are certain conditions you must meet before giving your dog cherries to eat.

What are they? Let’s get into it!

How To Give Dogs Cherries The Proper Way

Before you give your dog cherries to eat, you must meet certain conditions so they can consume it safely.

– First off, any cherry that will be fed to your dog must be freshly picked and in its most natural form.

Feeding your dog any other form of cherries such as dried cherries, cherries that come packed in a jar and drowning in their sugar-filled juice, processed cherries, etc .. should be off limits. Stick to the most natural form of cherries, and nothing but that.

– Remove any stems, pits and leaves that might be on the cherry. Make sure your dog only eats the flesh of the cherry and nothing but the flesh.

Feeding your dog whole cherries as they are is one of the most dangerous and risky things you could ever put your dog through in their entire life.

Yes – it’s that life threatening! All of the aforementioned parts of the cherry are toxic to dogs, and the pit even takes things further by risking having your dog choke on it and/or suffering from digestive problems after it enters their system.

– Remove the seeds from the cherry because they contain Cyanide, which can be toxic to your dog. Cyanide (when ingested in toxic amounts) limits the oxygen uptake by your dog’s body cells, causes dilated pupils, leads to difficulty in breathing, shock, and sometimes even death.

So make sure you remove any seeds from the cherry before you feed it to your dog!

If you were to check what the ASPCA has to say about cherries and toxicity in dogs, they specifically warn against having your dog get anywhere near the cherry stems, pits, leaves and seeds, as they are all toxic to dogs and could very well prove to be fatal to your dog.

How Much Cherries Should I Feed My Dog?

Start off by giving your dog a very small piece of cherry, and watch out for the following in your dog. If you notice any of these signs in your dog after they eat a very small piece of cherry, do not feed them cherries any more.

• Difficulty breathing


• Widened pupils


• Bright red gums


• Upset stomach


• Diarrhea

(Quick note: These symptoms may not appear right away after your dog ate a large amount of cherries or cherries that weren’t properly prepared for them to consume – these symptoms may take a little time to be clearly visible and may get worse as time passes. So, you have to actively monitor your dog for changes and act immediately once you’ve seen enough).

What To Do If Things Go Wrong

Besides diarrhea and an upset stomach (which could be properly dealt with at home and isn’t that serious of a sign), if your dog experiences any of the other mentioned signs, you should immediately get them to the veterinarian or the nearest emergency pet care center near you.

These signs could be signs of great danger, especially if you suspect/find out that your dog made their way into a big supply of cherries and had their heart’s desire.

In such cases, any reluctance in getting them professional medical treatment on time can put your dog’s life at great risk.

Keep your dog’s consumption of cherries a once-in-a-while occasion, and make sure it doesn’t become too frequent.

After all, cherries are very sweet (although the sugar they contain is 100% natural sugar), but you don’t want your dog getting used to something that’s so sweet, even if it’s only fruit and not some processed junk food.

Even though the aforementioned symptoms will almost always appear in your dog only if they’ve eaten a large amount of cherries all at once, or if they’ve eaten an acceptable amount of cherries but ones that didn’t have their seeds, stems, pits or leaves removed from them, there are some exceptions and some dogs will exhibit some of these symptoms when fed just a very small amount of cherries.

It all depends on whether or not your dog is allergic to cherries, and how much of an extra amount of cherries their body can tolerate.

In the most extreme of cases, your dog could get seizures and/or go into a potential state of coma, but in order for that to happen, they must eat an unheard of amount of cherries that weren’t properly prepared, and that instance rarely ever manages to take place.

Even when you make sure you remove the seeds from the cherry and don’t allow your dog to get anywhere near the cherry’s stems, pits and leaves, it’s argued that the cherry flesh in and of itself could potentially pose a cyanide toxicity risk for your dog.

While this may be technically true, you won’t have to worry about this if you stick to the recommendation of only feeding your dog a few cherry pieces and only on occasion. It’s the people that make a regular habit out of feeding their dogs cherries and in large quantities that have to worry about this issue.

Why Should I Give My Dog Cherries?

Even though cherries are one of the best fruits that people can eat, there isn’t really that much of a need for your dog to be eating them.

Sure, it’s completely safe for you to feed your dog some cherries now and then, or have them as part of the ingredients of a dog treat you prepare at home, but as far as your dog benefiting health wise from eating cherries, don’t get too excited about that.

With that being said, here are some of the characteristics that make cherries one of the best and healthiest fruits ever.

– Rich in Vitamins A, C, E, potassium, magnesium, iron, folate and fiber (even though the amounts of fiber found in cherry are a little less than the amounts of fiber found in some other fruits like apples and strawberry)

– Rich in antioxidants (most notably of which are anthocyanins and melatonin)

– Reduce risk of heart disease

– Reduce inflammation

– Reduce joint pain and soreness (perfect if you have a physically active dog)

– Regulates heart rhythms

– Improve quality of sleep

– Improves brain health

– Decreases memory loss

– Decrease possibility of arthritis

– Decrease possibility of cancer

Dogs Coming Across Cherry In Gardens

A word of caution must be said to anyone who has a garden at home and likes to grow plants/trees that yield fruit, make sure that your dog doesn’t have access to parts of your garden where the cherry tree is.

If your dog does have un-monitored access to that part of your garden, they’ll gladly treat themselves to some cherries from the cherry tree, all while eating the pits, leaves, seeds and everything bad that we’ve been talking about in this article.

Conclusion: Can Dogs Eat Cherries?

To wrap things up, YES you can feed your dog a small piece of cherry or two on rare occasions.

But, due to the cyanide in them and the potential toxicity risks they pose on your dog, I wouldn’t risk it.

There are a wide variety of different fruits that are excellent for your dog you could focus on, and feeding your dog cherries requires you to spend much more time and effort on the subject than you really should be spending.

If you insist on feeding your dog cherries, make sure to only give them 1-2 small pieces on rare occasions, and make sure to prepare it the right way, removing any stems, leaves and pits from them.

Also, ensure that any cherries you have at home are kept well out of your dog’s reach, because if you’re not there with them and they manage to make their way into a goldmine of cherries, they will eat everything in sight – and that only spells big trouble.

Can Dogs Eat Eggplant?

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Eggplant is probably one of the most ignored vegetables in the produce section, leading a life of misconception based on its outdated reputation. Most people think eggplant is either spicy or flavorless, both of which aren’t true. Actually, eggplant can be quite delicious if it’s prepared properly and not overcooked. It’s also very good for you because it’s naturally high in a variety of essential nutrients and vitamins. If you’re considering adding some to your dog’s diet, take some precaution before you think about serving your dog.

Is Eggplant Safe for Dogs?

Fed in moderation, eggplant is safe for dogs, but they should be monitored closely afterwards in case they have an allergic reaction to it. Eggplant belongs to the nightshade family, a common allergen for both dogs and humans. Tomatoes are also a species of nightshade, and experts disagree on the safety of allowing dogs to have tomatoes due to their alpha-tomatine.

Aside from being a nightshade species, eggplant is an excellent source of fiber, which is necessary for a functioning digestive tract. It’s low in calories, so combined with its high fiber content, it’s a great option for dogs on a diet who don’t feel like they’re getting full off of their regular food.

Eggplant is also rich with phytonutrients, which are essential for preventing various diseases. Eggplant contains the phytonutrients nasunin and chlorogenic acid. These fight off diseases like cancer, heart disease, and neurological dysfunction. The vegetable is also bursting with vitamins like B6 and K and minerals like potassium, folate, and niacin. While your dog’s food contains a balanced proportion of vitamins and minerals, it never hurts to have a little extra from a fresh source.

The vegetable is also bursting with vitamins like B6 and K and minerals like potassium, folate, and niacin. While your dog’s food contains a balanced proportion of vitamins and minerals, it never hurts to have a little extra from a fresh source.

Allergic Reactions to Eggplant in Dogs

If your dog has never had eggplant before, it’s important you feed them a very small amount to see if they experience any type of reaction. Dogs who have a history of allergies shouldn’t be given eggplant, but if they’ve never had an allergic reaction to anything, eggplant probably won’t affect them.

A minor reaction will include itching, rashes, or an upset stomach. A more serious reaction will present in the form of vomiting, a painful stomach, or even facial swelling. If it’s a minor reaction, you should touch base with your veterinarian to see what they want you to do.

Some dogs may need an antihistamine, while very minor reactions will pass on their own. A serious reaction, especially if it includes vomiting or a swollen face, should be seen immediately by your veterinarian for treatment.

Feeding Eggplant to Your Dog

If your dog isn’t allergic to eggplant, it’s still important to be wary of how you’re preparing your eggplant. Some dogs might like it raw and all you have to do is dice it and put it into their food. Other dogs might not like it raw, and roasting it definitely brings out its flavor better.

If you’re roasting it, use oil or butter very lightly. Skip seasonings because dogs can’t handle high amounts of salt and garlic/onion powder are toxic. Eggplant parmesan is a very popular dish, but your dog won’t be able to tolerate the amount of fat, dairy, and garlic that are in the dish.

Before you introduce a new vegetable into your dog’s diet, you should always consult with your veterinarian, especially if your dog is older and could have a kidney condition. If your pup is on a quality dog food, then they don’t necessarily need any additional foods to be nutritionally balanced.

Anything you feed your dog should be used for treat or snack purposes, and it never hurts to replace commercially prepared treats with something a bit healthier.

Can Dogs Eat Garlic

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Onions, garlic, chives, and leeks are in the Allium family, and are poisonous to both dogs and cats if the dose is right. Garlic is considered to be about five times as toxic as onions for cats and dogs. Certain breeds and species seem to be more sensitive: Japanese breeds of dogs (e.g., Akita, Shiba Inu) and cats. Onion and garlic poisoning results in oxidative damage to the red blood cells (making the red blood cells more likely to rupture) and gastroenteritis (e.g., nausea, oral irritation, drooling, abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea). Other clinical signs of anemia may be seen, and include lethargy, pale gums, an elevated heart rate, an increased respiratory rate, weakness, exercise intolerance, and collapse. Onion and garlic poisoning may have a delayed onset, and clinical signs may not be apparent for several days. While minute amounts of these foods in some pets, especially dogs, may be safe, large ingestions can be very toxic.

If you suspect your dog or cat have onion poisoning or garlic poisoning, call your veterinarian or Pet Poison Helpline for treatment recommendations.

Poison type: Foods

Alternate names: Allium, Alliaceae, chives, leeks, disulfides, thiosulfates, anemia, onions

Can dogs eat garlic?

If you look at any dog-centered poisonous plant list garlic is there. Don’t fret! You have nothing to fear and everything to gain.

I’ll set your mind at ease by telling you how to properly prepare garlic for dogs for maximum health benefits, and how much you can safely feed your dog.

First, here’s why garlic is such a wonderful plant …

Garlic’s Properties

• Garlic is high in inulin, amino acids, sulphur, zinc, potassium and phosphorus. It also contains vitamin A, C, calcium, magnesium, manganese, selenium, germanium and B-complex vitamins.


• Garlic’s pungent energy warms the body. Pungent herbs move energy upwards and outwards to the body’s surface, improving circulation. Garlic also has an affinity for the lungs, large intestine, spleen and stomach.


• Garlic helps detoxify the body. It supports beneficial bacteria in the digestive tract and eliminates harmful bacteria. I use it in the fall, winter and early spring as a detox and to balance out the digestive system.


• As a liver enhancer, garlic breaks down wastes before they enter the bloodstream. It also helps your dog assimilate nutrients and eliminate wastes through the entire digestive tract.


• Garlic is high in sulphur and fructans (inulin and oligofructose). Fructans can cause digestive upset in dogs suffering from leaky gut, inflammatory bowel disease and irritable bowel syndrome. When undigested fructans ferment in the small intestine, they cause bloating, gas and constipation. Your dog’s digestive system needs to be healthy before you feed her garlic.

6 Ways Garlic Can Help Your Dog

Here are some ways garlic helps keep your dog healthy:

1. Prevents the formation of blood clots (anti-platelet)


2. Decreases cholesterol build up (anti-cholesterolemic)


3. Widens blood vessels (vasodilator)


4. Helps prevent the formation of tumors (anti-tumor)


5. Stimulates the lymphatic system to remove wastes


6. Antibiotic, antifungal and antiparasitic

Garlic has other uses in addition to these health benefits.

Garlic As A Flea And Tick Repellent

Garlic may help you in the war on fleas and ticks if you feed it to your dogs during flea and tick season. It takes a couple of weeks for garlic to build up in your dog’s natural coat oil, so start feeding it before the bug season starts.

I don’t bathe my dogs too much during flea and tick season.  One good soapy wash and you’ll have to start the build-up process again. To avoid this, use a Castile soap for bathing, or use cornstarch or Fuller’s Earth as a dry shampoo (but use these sparingly … you don’t want to dry out your dog’s coat too much).

When using garlic as a flea and tick repellent, feed each day for two weeks, then twice a week for maintenance.

(Note: Garlic is also good for repelling mosquitos. Click here to visit our top mosquito repellent article …)

Garlic To Help Fight Cancer

Garlic for dogs has shown promise with cancers of the colon, lung, stomach and rectum. The compounds in garlic increase immunity and enhance natural killer cells. Natural killer cells destroy pathogenic bacteria and cancer cells.

While there are few clinical trials studying the anti-cancer effects of garlic, the National Cancer Institute reports that several population studies show an association between increased garlic intake and reduced risk of several types of cancer.

The Importance Of Fresh Raw Garlic

My clients always ask, “can I use the pre-chopped garlic in the jar?” or “How about the peeled whole clove garlic in the bag…it’s organic?”

My answer is always NO.

When I say fresh, raw garlic I really mean fresh, raw, organically grown garlic … the kind that stays in the husk until 10 to 15 minutes before you feed your dog.

Buy garlic that’s produced in the United States, preferably grown locally or in your own garden. Make sure you know where your garlic comes from. All garlic isn’t created equal.

For example, Chinese garlic consistently tests positive for unsafe levels of arsenic, heavy metals and chlorine.  Don’t risk your dog’s health by using it!

So, again, just to be clear: use fresh, raw, organic garlic whenever you’re supplementing or feeding garlic for dogs. Nothing from a jar!

Why is this important?  It’s because you need active enzymes and whole plant synergy to get the true benefits of garlic.

• Raw garlic contains two enzymes: allinn and alliinase. When you crush, mince or chop garlic, these enzymes combine to create the enzyme allicin. Allicin is the active medicinal ingredient in garlic that gives it those antibiotic, anti-cancer, antiviral and antioxidant properties.


• When you feed raw garlic you’re getting highly effective whole plant medicine and nutrition. A plant’s effectiveness doesn’t come from the action of any single chemical. Garlic extracts don’t provide the hundreds of chemical constituents working together as they do in a plant. For example, the Kyolic aged garlic extract that you can buy at health food stores doesn’t contain any allicin.  

Concerns When Using Garlic For Dogs

Garlic is safe for your dog when you feed it in appropriate amounts as I’ll explain later. However, there are some cautions.

Pregnant Dogs

Always be cautious with any medicine or supplement for pregnant dogs. Consult your holistic veterinarian when feeding garlic to expectant mothers. Garlic also changes the taste of breast milk so avoid feeding it to nursing dogs.

Puppies

Don’t give garlic to puppies under six months. Puppies eight weeks or less don’t produce new red blood cells so never give them garlic. For puppies aged six months to a year, you can be cautious and feed half the regular dose.

Breed Specific Issues

Veterinary herbalist Susan Wynn warns against giving garlic to Akitas and Shiba Inus. These breeds are more sensitive to the hemolytic effects of oxidants such as N-propyl disulphide found in garlic. Consult your holistic vet if you have concerns about your dog’s breed related risks.

Drug Interactions

Garlic can interact with several types of medications. Here’s the short list:

• Immune suppressants


• Heart medications


• Chemotherapy drugs


• Blood thinners


• Insulin


• Antacids


• High blood pressure drugs.

Don’t use garlic if your dog is on any of these drugs.

Since garlic affects blood clotting don’t use it two weeks before any scheduled surgery.

Why Garlic Scares People

Conventional veterinarians panic when you tell them you’re feeding garlic to your dog.

Don’t do that – it’ll kill her! is a typical response.

That’s false.

Garlic related deaths are practically non-existent compared to the number of deaths that frequently-prescribed drugs like Rimadyl cause.

Here’s an excerpt from Veterinary Pet Insurance’s website:

Wow! That’s quite a scary warning. My sixteen-year-old pug should have died when he was two.

Research Caused The Misunderstanding

The reason for this misleading information is that most research studies base their findings on the effects of garlic extracts, excessive dosages and unnatural delivery methods. Researchers rarely use fresh garlic for dogs because it’s difficult to measure variances in whole plant medicine. Evidence-based research doesn’t know what to do with the “food as medicine” paradigm.

One study in particular helped create garlic’s reputation as a food that can harm your dog. This study by K W Lee et al fed 5 grams of garlic per kilo per day to the dogs.

That’s an excessive amount. It means you’d need to feed about four full heads of garlic (or 60 cloves) to a 75 lb Golden Retriever, or 23 grams of garlic (6 to 8 cloves) to a 10 lb dog, before they’d experience any adverse effects.

Definitely don’t feed this much!

Garlic contains thiosulphate, the chemical responsible for causing Heinz body hemolytic anemia.  This type of anemia causes oxidative damage to red blood cells that shortens their life. Red blood cells oxygenate tissues. Hemolytic anemia causes a decrease in these cells, which can lead to sickness and even death.  Symptoms of hemolytic anemia include diarrhea, loss of appetite, lethargy, pale gums, rapid breathing and dark urine.

Want to avoid hemoytic anemia?  Feed the right kind of garlic (by now you know that means fresh) and the correct dosage.

Proper dosages of raw garlic don’t contain high levels of thiosulphate. Bone marrow continually produces red blood cells. This means your dog would have to receive an excessive dose over a long period of time – or an extremely large dose – to cause death.

How To Prepare Garlic For Dogs

Mixing allinn and alliinase forms allicin, the active medicinal ingredient in garlic.

Peel the cloves then mince, chop or crush your fresh garlic and let it sit 10 to 15 minutes before use.  Allicin degrades quickly, so use the garlic immediately after the “sitting” period for maximum benefit. I measure and chop up my garlic and set my timer for 10 minutes.  Measure out the right amount of garlic for your dog’s body weight and mix it into her food.

How Much Garlic Should You Give Your Dog?

For consistency and exact dosing, I use a measuring spoon.  Clove size differs so using cloves as a measurement is subject to interpretation.

Using a level measuring spoon, feed the following amount per day, according to your dog’s weight:

I use garlic in the fall, winter and early spring, while some people use it all year. When feeding garlic for health, I recommend feeding garlic every other week. Work with your holistic practitioner to find the most effective garlic supplementation schedule for your individual dog.

A Last Word On Garlic For Dogs

Everything in nature can be toxic in certain amounts. Common salt can kill and so can water. Yes, garlic for dogs may be dangerous when fed improperly, but that shouldn’t keep you from using it now that you know how to do it safely.

Don’t think you can get the dosage right? Don’t want to mince, chop or crush garlic throughout the week?  Don’t have time to let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes before use?

Then don’t feed garlic to your dog. It’s that simple.

Can Dogs Eat Mushrooms

[caption id="attachment_668" align="aligncenter" width="560"] can-dogs-eat-mushrooms[/caption]

 

If you're reveling in a meal that includes mushrooms while your precious pooch is looking up at you longingly, then you're well aware of the frustration of having to ignore him. However, in some cases, mushrooms may be a totally safe and rare reward for your hungry little canine.

Safety

The only kind of mushroom that is safe and acceptable to offer to your cutie is available at the supermarket. If the mushroom is safe for you to eat and is on sale at your local grocery store, then it likely is safe for your doggie, too, notes the ASPCA.

Diet Interruptions

In some cases, doggie digestive systems act up when a new and foreign food item enters their diet. Because of this frustrating possibility, allow your little one to eat only a minimal amount of cooked mushrooms -- and only once in a while. Rapid changes in diet can lead to major discomfort in canines -- think diarrhea woes and tummy ache -- yikes. Try to avoid this by exercising serious moderation when it comes to feeding your pet cooked mushrooms. If you notice your pet displaying these symptoms even after just a small amount, consider not giving him mushrooms again.

Wild Mushrooms

Wild mushrooms are a 100 percent "no-no" for your doggie; they can indeed be dangerous and toxic. If you ever allow your dog to eat any mushrooms growing outdoors, he could experience serious poisoning -- no, thank you. According to the ASPCA, pets that consume wild mushrooms may incur damage to the kidney or liver, and possibly even serious neurological and digestive consequences. Sometimes, toxic mushrooms can even be fatal to pets. Even if you have no reason to think that a mushroom growing in your yard is toxic, don't take the chance. It's simply not worth the risk to your dog's health and happiness.

Seasonings

If you do decide to offer your doggie a small amount of cooked mushrooms from the supermarket -- say one or two of them -- make sure to keep them plain and free of any seasonings or extras. Butter, for example, is a dairy product that includes milk, and dogs often are incapable of properly digesting lactose. Excessive salt also may be toxic to doggies. Bland is best when it comes to feeding your pet cooked mushrooms.

Mushroom Poisonings in Dogs and Cats

Dogs and Cats and Mushrooms

Pets have been known to eat mushrooms in yards and while on walks. While 99% of mushrooms have little or no toxicity, the 1% that are highly toxic can cause life-threatening problems in pets. Take extra care to keep pets away from areas where mushrooms might be growing.

If you suspect that your pet has consumed a poisonous mushroom, contact your veterinarian, pet emergency hospital, or the animal poison control center (note: there is a fee for using this service). Once help has been secured, it is advisable to try to get the suspect mushrooms identified. NAMA provides a list of volunteers who are able to assist with identification in poisoning cases. It is best to get help if you are not familiar with mushroom identification.

Mushroom Toxins Affect Dogs and Cats Differently

Dogs take a special interest in both Amanita phalloides and Inocybe species, quite possibly because of their fishy odor. Amanita phalloides is well known to be a deadly species but Inocybe species and the Clitocybe species that also contain muscarine can be lethal to dogs. Muscarine has not caused any human fatalities that we are aware of and so dogs must be uniquely sensitive to this compound. Some Scleroderma species are also lethal to dogs (and pigs) but not to humans, but the toxin, to our knowledge, is not known.

Amanita phalloides	Amanita muscaria	Amanita pantherina

 

Both Amanita muscaria and Amanita pantherina are frequently eaten by dogs. They too have a fishy odor. The toxins ibotenic acid and muscimol are not lethal to humans but in rare instances can cause death in dogs. Though cats rarely consume mushrooms they are particularly attracted to dried Amanita muscaria and Amanita pantherina, sometimes with lethal results.

If a dog or cat has consumed Amanita muscaria or Amanita pantherina, the administration of atropine can intensify a coma-like sleep, greatly increasingly possibility of death.

See the NAMA Mushroom Poisoning Syndromes page for more specific information.

Patience Advised with Coma-Like Sleep

As is the case with humans, dogs typically go into a deep coma-like sleep a few hours after eating Amanita muscaria or Amanita pantherina. Recovery is generally complete about 6 hours (but as long as 72 hours) later. While doctors never euthanize humans while in a coma-like sleep, sometimes the decision to euthanize is made with dogs. In most cases, the dog will recover — so patience is advisable.

See an in-depth article on this topic, Animal Poisoning by Amanita pantherina and Amanita muscaria: A Commentary, by Michael Beug and Marilyn Shaw.

Dogs and Amatoxin Poisonings

A great many dogs dies each year from consuming mushrooms containing amatoxins. The symptoms are characterized by a 6-12+ hour delay in symptoms then severe GI distress and refusal to eat or drink (most often caused by ingestion of Amanita phalloides, Amanita bisporigera or Amanita ocreata, though the Galerina marginata group, the Conocybe filaris group and Lepiota subincarnata also contain amatoxins). In one recent California case, a dog was saved by aggressive rehydration therapy plus needle aspiration of the bile from the gall bladder (contact www.petsreferralcenter.comor phone 510-219-0112 for more information if you have a dog that you suspect has consumed amatoxins). For a review of treatment strategies, see "Amatoxin Poisoning in North America 2015-2016".

What You Can Do

If your pet may have been poisoned by mushrooms, try to get a sample of the same mushroom or mushrooms from where they were found. This will help aid in identification.

Place any available material in a paper bag or waxed paper, not plastic and refrigerate until it can be examined. Note where the mushrooms were collected in case the mushrooms may have been contaminated by uptake of pesticides or heavy metals from lawns, roadsides or industrial areas.