Did you know that around 48 million American households own a dog? Dog ownership is insanely popular not only because it’s fun to have a companion, but also because dog owners receive health benefits as well!

Owning a dog is great, but what’s even better is knowing what human food can dogs eat and can’t eat. Fret not, this article contains the top takeaways for human food for dogs so that you’ll know your best friend’s diet inside and out.

1. Dogs Can Eat Fruits and Vegetables

Dogs can eat fruits and vegetables safely. Common fruits such as apples, blueberries, watermelon, and bananas are all safe for dogs to consume. The same goes for vegetables like carrots, green beans, and peas.

But dogs can’t have grapes. This is because consuming the fruit may result in sudden kidney failure, which may eventually lead to death. Not being able to metabolize flavonoids, tannins, and monosaccharides from grapes may be the cause of grape toxicity in dogs.

2. Dogs Can Eat Lean Meats

As a diligent pet parent, you want to feed your dog the best possible diet. The good news is that lean meats are generally safe for dogs to eat.

Just be sure to avoid giving your dog fatty meat, as it can cause gastrointestinal issues. Also, avoid giving your pooch any bones, as they can splinter and cause internal damage.

3. What Human Food Can Dogs Eat In General: Foods High in Protein and Low in Fat

In general, foods that are high in protein and low in fat are good for dogs.

Dogs need protein to build and repair their muscles, and fat is essential for their overall health. If you want to know if dogs can have whipped cream, check this article linked here for the explanation.

4. Dogs Can’t Eat Chocolate

Chocolate is off-limits for dogs. The main concern with feeding chocolate to dogs is the theobromine content. Theobromine is a bitter alkaloid of the cacao plant that is poisonous to dogs.

Symptoms of theobromine poisoning in dogs include vomiting, diarrhea, increased urination, increased heart rate, tremors, and seizures. In severe cases, theobromine poisoning can be fatal.

5. Dogs Can’t Consume Caffeine and Alcohol

Caffeine is toxic to dogs because it is a stimulant. It can cause their heart rate to increase and can lead to seizures. It is also a diuretic, so it can cause dehydration. 

Dogs can’t have alcohol too because it is poisonous to them and their kidneys can’t process it.

Be Mindful of What Your Dog’s Food

Dogs can eat a lot of the same food as humans, but there are some things they can’t eat. On the whole, it’s best to avoid feeding your dog human food, as their digestive systems are different from ours and they can’t process some of the things we can.

If you do want to share your food with your furry friend, make sure to check with your vet regarding what human food can dogs eat before feeding your pet anything new.

Interested in learning more about taking care of your pooch? Take a look at the blog for more helpful articles about caring for your pet.