A Food Guide: What You Can and Can’t Feed Your Pets

As pet owners, we often find ourselves tempted to share our meals with our furry friends. Dogs especially have that “puppy eye” stare down perfectly, and let’s be honest, cats will just help themselves. However, not all human foods are safe for dogs and cats.

While some foods can be beneficial, others can be downright dangerous, leading to serious health issues or even life-threatening conditions. Understanding what’s safe and what’s not is essential for keeping your pets healthy and happy. In this Pet’s Food Guide, we’ll explore the top foods you can and can’t feed your dogs and cats, backed by veterinary advice and medical research.

Foods You Can Feed Your Dogs and Cats

Cooked Meat

Cooked, lean meats like chicken, turkey, and beef are excellent sources of protein for both dogs and cats. Protein is crucial for maintaining muscle mass, supporting their immune system, and providing energy. When offering meat to your pets, ensure its cooked thoroughly and free from seasoning, sauces, and bones. According to Dr. Jennifer Coates, a veterinary advisor for PetMD, “Cooked lean meats are a great addition to a pet’s diet in moderation, as they provide essential amino acids that support overall health.”

Carrots

Carrots are a healthy snack for dogs and cats alike. They’re low in calories, high in fiber, and packed with vitamins, including vitamin A, which is essential for good vision. Carrots also promote dental health by helping to clean your pet’s teeth as they chew. Cut the carrots into bite-sized pieces to prevent choking, especially for smaller animals.

Pumpkin

Pumpkin is another fantastic food that can benefit both dogs and cats. It’s rich in fiber, which aids in digestion and helps with both constipation and diarrhea. Additionally, pumpkin is loaded with beta-carotene, which converts to vitamin A in the body. Ensure that you feed your pet plain, cooked pumpkin without any added sugars or spices.

Blueberries

Blueberries are a superfood packed with antioxidants that help combat free radicals in the body. These small berries are also high in fiber and vitamin C, making them an excellent treat for dogs and cats. According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), “Blueberries are safe and nutritious, providing essential vitamins that can improve your dog’s overall health.”

Green Beans

Green beans are a nutritious and low-calorie treat that dogs and cats can enjoy. They’re rich in vitamins C and K, as well as fiber and manganese. Green beans are especially great for pets that need to lose weight, as they provide a feeling of fullness without the extra calories.

Foods You Should Avoid Feeding Your Dogs and Cats

Chocolate

Chocolate is one of the most well-known toxic foods for dogs and cats. It contains theobromine and caffeine, both of which are highly toxic to pets. Even small amounts can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, seizures, and in severe cases, death. Dark chocolate and baking chocolate are particularly dangerous due to their higher concentration of theobromine.

According to the Pet Poison Helpline, “Chocolate poisoning is a common emergency in pets, and owners should always seek immediate veterinary care if they suspect their pet has ingested chocolate.”

Grapes and Raisins

Grapes and raisins can cause acute kidney failure in dogs and cats, even in small amounts. The exact substance in grapes that causes this reaction is unknown, but the effects can be severe. Symptoms of grape or raisin toxicity include vomiting, lethargy, and loss of appetite. If you suspect your pet has eaten grapes or raisins, contact your veterinarian immediately.

Onions and Garlic

Onions and garlic, whether raw, cooked, or powdered, are toxic to both dogs and cats. These foods contain compounds that can damage red blood cells, leading to anemia. Symptoms of onion or garlic poisoning include weakness, vomiting, diarrhea, and breathlessness. The Pet Poison Helpline advises pet owners to avoid all forms of onions and garlic, as even small amounts can be harmful.

Xylitol

Xylitol is a sugar substitute commonly found in sugar-free gum, candies, and baked goods. It’s extremely toxic to dogs and can cause a rapid release of insulin, leading to hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). Symptoms of xylitol poisoning include vomiting, loss of coordination, and seizures. In severe cases, xylitol can lead to liver failure and death. While cats are less likely to ingest xylitol due to their taste preferences, it’s still important to keep xylitol-containing products out of reach of all pets.

Avocado

Avocados may be a healthy food for humans, but they are dangerous for dogs and cats. Avocados contain a substance called persin, which is toxic to many animals, including dogs and cats. Persin is found in the fruit, pits, leaves, and bark of the avocado plant. Ingesting avocado can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, and even more severe complications like myocardial damage. The ASPCA warns pet owners to keep avocados out of reach, as even a small amount can be harmful to pets.

Alcohol

Alcohol is dangerous for pets and should never be given to dogs or cats. Even small amounts can cause vomiting, diarrhea, central nervous system depression, difficulty breathing, and in severe cases, coma or death. Alcohol can be found in various forms, including beer, wine, liquor, and even some desserts and raw bread dough. The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center emphasizes that “alcohol and pets do not mix—avoid giving your pet access to any alcoholic beverages or products containing alcohol.”

SAFE, but in Small Amounts

Spinach

Dogs can eat spinach, but this leafy green shouldn’t be a go-to vegetable because it contains oxalic acid. According to the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, soluble oxalates block your dog’s ability to absorb calcium. Although your dog would need to eat a significant amount of spinach for it to cause an issue, it’s always better to err on the side of caution.

Cheese and Dairy Products

While many dogs (and some cats) can tolerate small amounts of cheese or other dairy products, large quantities can lead to gastrointestinal upset, including diarrhea and vomiting. This is particularly true for pets that are lactose intolerant. Even those that tolerate dairy well should only have it as an occasional treat.

Rice

Plain, cooked rice is often recommended for pets with an upset stomach. While it is generally safe, too much rice can lead to weight gain and may contribute to an unbalanced diet if fed in large quantities regularly. It’s best used as a supplement to their regular food, not a replacement.

Eggs

Cooked eggs are a good source of protein and can be a healthy treat. However, feeding too many eggs can contribute to high cholesterol and lead to weight gain due to their fat content. Raw eggs should be avoided due to the risk of salmonella.

Keeping Your Pets Safe – Our Philosophy

At Backyard Pet Services, we believe that a healthy pet is a happy pet, and that includes knowing which foods to avoid. Our staff is educated on the most common toxic foods and how to handle emergencies, should they arise. Additionally when your pet has any specific dietary needs or restrictions, we make sure to accommodate these while your pet is under our care.

If you’re ever in doubt about what to feed your dog or cat, our experienced team is here to help. We can provide guidance on safe treats, healthy alternatives, and general pet nutrition. Plus, with our range of services, you can rest assured that your furry family member is in good hands—even when it comes to their diet.
For more tips on pet care and nutrition, or to book one of our services, visit our website at Backyard Pet Services. We’re here to keep your pets safe, healthy, and happy—every step of the way.

Conclusion

As responsible pet owners, it’s crucial to understand the dietary needs and restrictions of our furry friends. While it’s tempting to share our favorite snacks with them, not all human foods are safe for pets. By knowing which foods are safe and which are harmful, you can prevent accidental poisoning and ensure that your dogs and cats live long, healthy lives.

Remember to always consult your veterinarian before introducing new foods into your pet’s diet, especially if your pet has any pre-existing health conditions. Additionally, if you suspect your pet has ingested something toxic, seek immediate veterinary care. By staying informed and vigilant, you can keep your beloved pets safe from harm.