It’s tempting to share food with your pup, but not everything on your plate is safe for them to eat. While some human foods provide health benefits, others can be toxic—even in small amounts! A piece of fruit or a spoonful of peanut butter might be a tasty treat, but certain ingredients can cause digestive issues or worse. Knowing which foods to offer and which to avoid helps keep your dog happy, healthy, and out of harm’s way.
Unsafe: Grapes and Raisins
Grapes and raisins may seem harmless, but they are highly toxic to dogs and can cause sudden kidney failure. Even a small amount can lead to severe health complications, including vomiting, lethargy, loss of appetite, and dehydration. Some dogs may experience symptoms within hours, while others develop issues days later.
The exact toxin in grapes remains unknown, making it impossible to determine a safe threshold. If your dog accidentally eats grapes or raisins, contact a veterinarian immediately. Inducing vomiting and providing prompt medical treatment can improve the chances of recovery. To avoid accidental ingestion, keep grapes and raisin-containing foods (like granola bars and trail mix) out of reach. No matter the amount, it’s safest to keep these fruits off your pup’s menu.
Safe: Blueberries
Blueberries are packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and fiber, making them an excellent treat for dogs. These tiny berries help support immune function, brain health, and digestion while being low in calories. Their natural sweetness makes them a great alternative to processed dog treats. Blueberries also contain phytochemicals that may help reduce the risk of certain diseases.
Serve them fresh or frozen for a refreshing summer snack. Because they are soft and small, they pose little choking risk, even for small breeds. However, moderation is key—too many may cause mild digestive upset. Always wash berries before serving to remove any pesticides. With their numerous health benefits, blueberries are a safe, nutritious, and tasty addition to your dog’s diet.
Unsafe: Xylitol
Xylitol is a sugar substitute found in sugar-free gum, candy, peanut butter, baked goods, and even some dental products. While harmless to humans, xylitol is extremely toxic to dogs, causing a rapid release of insulin that leads to life-threatening hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). Even small amounts can cause vomiting, weakness, seizures, and liver failure.
Symptoms can appear within 30 minutes of ingestion, making immediate veterinary intervention critical. If you suspect your dog has eaten anything containing xylitol, seek emergency care right away. Always check ingredient labels before giving your pup peanut butter or other treats. Since xylitol poisoning can be fatal, avoiding all sugar-free or artificially sweetened foods is the safest approach for protecting your dog.
Safe: Pumpkin
Pumpkin is a nutritious and safe food that can support your dog’s digestive health. Rich in fiber, it helps regulate bowel movements and is a natural remedy for both constipation and diarrhea. Pumpkin is also packed with beta-carotene, which supports vision health and a strong immune system. Pure, unsweetened canned pumpkin is the best option! Avoid pumpkin pie filling, which contains added sugars and spices.
A tablespoon of pumpkin mixed into your dog’s food can promote gut health without adding unnecessary calories. Its mild flavor makes it an easy addition to meals or a standalone treat. While pumpkin is highly beneficial, too much can cause an upset stomach, so introduce it gradually. With its many benefits, pumpkin is a safe and valuable supplement for dogs.
Unsafe: Onions and Garlic
Onions and garlic contain compounds that can damage a dog’s red blood cells, leading to anemia. Even small amounts—whether raw, cooked, powdered, or dehydrated—can be toxic over time. Symptoms of onion and garlic poisoning include weakness, lethargy, pale gums, vomiting, and difficulty breathing. Since garlic is often found in sauces, seasonings, and even baby food, it’s important to check ingredient labels before sharing human food.
Onion toxicity can be especially dangerous because symptoms may take days to appear. If your dog consumes onions or garlic, immediate veterinary care is necessary. Treatment may include inducing vomiting, administering activated charcoal, or providing IV fluids. To keep your pup safe, avoid feeding them foods seasoned with onion or garlic, even in small amounts.
Safe: Peanut Butter
Peanut butter is a dog-friendly treat packed with protein, healthy fats, and essential vitamins like B and E. It’s great for stuffing into puzzle toys or using as a training reward. However, not all peanut butter is safe—some brands contain xylitol, an artificial sweetener that is highly toxic to dogs.
Always choose natural, unsweetened peanut butter without added salt or artificial ingredients. A small spoonful makes for a delicious and nutritious snack, but due to its high fat content, moderation is key. Excessive peanut butter intake can lead to weight gain or digestive upset. To make it extra fun, freeze peanut butter in a Kong toy for a long-lasting treat. When chosen carefully, peanut butter is a safe and beloved favorite among dogs.
Unsafe: Chocolate
Chocolate is one of the most well-known toxic foods for dogs, containing theobromine and caffeine, both of which can overstimulate the nervous system and heart. Dark chocolate and baking chocolate have the highest levels of theobromine, making them even more dangerous than milk chocolate. Symptoms of chocolate poisoning include vomiting, rapid breathing, restlessness, increased heart rate, and seizures.
Even a small amount can be harmful, especially for small breeds. If your dog ingests chocolate, contact a veterinarian immediately. Treatment may involve inducing vomiting, administering activated charcoal, or providing IV fluids. Keep all chocolate products, including cocoa powder and chocolate chip cookies, out of reach. No matter how much they beg, chocolate should never be on a dog’s treat list.
Feeding Your Dog Safely Starts with Awareness
Sharing food with your dog can be a fun way to bond, but knowing what’s safe and what’s harmful is essential for their well-being. While foods like blueberries, pumpkin, and peanut butter provide health benefits, toxic ingredients like grapes, onions, and chocolate can pose serious risks.
Always double-check ingredients before offering human food, and when in doubt, consult your vet. A little caution goes a long way in keeping your pup happy, healthy, and safe.