Can My Dog Eat This Nut and Dried Fruit? A List of Human Foods Dogs Can and Can’t Eat

Dogs and humans metabolize foods differently.

For this reason, some foods are safe for humans to eat but may be toxic and potentially deadly for dogs.

On the other hand, there are many human foods that are perfectly safe and even healthy for dogs to eat as an occasional treat.

This article gives an overview of 53 foods and whether or not your dog can eat them.

 

1. Peanut Butter: Can Eat

Peanut butter is a healthy and safe treat for dogs to eat in moderate amounts. However, it is best to limit your dog’s peanut butter intake. Since peanut butter is high in fat and calories, it may lead to weight gain if he eats too much. Also, make sure to feed your dog plain, unsalted peanut butter.

 

2. Cashews: Limit

You should limit your dog’s intake of cashews. Plain, unsalted, and roasted cashews are safe for most dogs to eat in moderation. However, cashews are high in fat and calories and may lead to weight gain and pancreatitis when consumed in excess.

For these reasons, you should limit your dog’s intake to one or two cashews a day or less.

 

3. Macadamia Nuts: Can’t Eat

Dogs should never eat macadamia nuts.

Macadamia nuts contain an unknown toxin that may lead to vomiting, muscle weakness, tremors, hyperthermia, and depression when dogs consume them, even in small amounts.

Additionally, macadamia nuts have a high-fat content, which may elevate your dog’s triglyceride levels and potentially lead to pancreatitis.

 

4. Almonds: Limit

It is best to limit almonds in your dog’s diet.

Although plain, unsalted almonds are generally safe for dogs to eat in small amounts, they are difficult for dogs to digest and may lead to vomiting and diarrhea.

Almonds are also high in fat and calories and have the potential to cause weight gain and pancreatitis in dogs. If you feed your dog almonds, it is best to give very small servings.

 

5. Peanuts: Limit

Plain, unsalted peanuts are safe for dogs to eat in small quantities.

Similar to other nuts, peanuts are high in fat and may contribute to weight gain and pancreatitis if your dog eats too many of them.

Additionally, peanuts often contain added ingredients like salt that could be harmful to dogs. If you feed your dog peanuts, it is best to only give him a few plain peanuts at a time.

 

6. Grapes and Raisins: Can’t Eat

You should never feed grapes or raisins to your dog.

Grapes and raisins contain toxic compounds that are harmful to dogs. They have the potential to lead to rapid kidney failure and death.

Even small amounts of grapes and raisins can make your dog sick, so it’s important to avoid giving them to your dog altogether.

 

7. Blueberries: Can Eat

Blueberries are safe and nutritious for dogs to eat.

Blueberries are a rich source of disease-fighting antioxidants and provide a significant amount of vitamins, minerals, and fiber, all of which may benefit your dog’s health.

Moreover, blueberries are low in calories and small in size, making them an excellent health-conscious treat for your dog.

 

8. Pineapple: Can Eat

Fresh pineapple is safe for dogs to eat in small amounts.

Additionally, pineapple is full of many vitamins, minerals, and fiber, making it an excellent nutrient-dense snack for your dog.

Similar to other foods, dogs may experience symptoms like nausea and diarrhea if they eat too much pineapple. Thus, it is best to feed your dog a small amount of pineapple at a time.

 

9. Blackberries: Can Eat

You can safely feed your dog blackberries.

Fresh or frozen blackberries are a healthy treat for dogs. They are low in calories and rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Additionally, blackberries are a great source of fiber.

If your dog enjoys blackberries, you can feed him a few each day as a treat.

 

10. Mango: Can Eat

Dogs can eat mango as an occasional treat.

Mangoes are very healthy for dogs in small amounts, as they provide several vitamins and minerals, in addition to lots of fiber.

Before you feed your dog mangoes, make sure to peel them, as the skin can be hard for him to digest. Additionally, the pit should be removed to prevent choking.

 

11. Strawberries: Can Eat

Your dog can safely eat strawberries in moderation.

Strawberries make a very healthy treat for dogs, as they are low in calories but high in nutrients, antioxidants, and fiber.

Before feeding your dog strawberries, make sure to cut them into small pieces to prevent choking.

 

12. Cherries: Limit

Dogs can eat fresh, pitted cherries in moderate amounts.

However, you should not allow your dog to eat cherry pits. Cherry pits contain cyanide, which is poisonous to dogs when consumed in large amounts. Additionally, cherry pits are a choking hazard.

Cherries may also cause upset stomachs and diarrhea in dogs if they eat too many. If you feed your dog cherries, limit him to one or two cherries at a time.

 

The Bottom Line

Some foods are safe and healthy for dogs to eat, while others are harmful and could even be deadly.

All foods should be introduced into your dog’s diet gradually, so you can monitor him for adverse effects like allergic reactions.

Even if a food is deemed “safe” for dogs to eat, a rule of thumb is to feed it to your dog in moderation. This can help prevent weight gain and other negative effects.

Keep in mind that all dogs are different. One dog may tolerate a food just fine, while another experiences adverse effects.

Nevertheless, it can be enjoyable to give your dog a treat every once in a while. Just make sure to only feed him foods that are non-toxic to dogs.

If you have questions about specific serving sizes of foods to feed to your dog, ask your veterinarian.

 

Source: Healthline