The Pet-friendly food meter for dogs: what’s safe and what’s not?

While human food can be a quick alternative to solving your pup’s nutritional needs, it can also prove dangerous for your pooch. The digestive system of dogs greatly differs from the digestive system of a human, and because of this, not all foods that are safe for humans to consume are pet-friendly foods.

But how do I know which foods are safe for my dog, you ask? 

Related: A Complete Guide on Puppy Care for First Time Owners.

The pet-friendly food meter for dogs is a list of human foods that are rated on a scale of how safe or not safe they are for dogs to eat. The meter is represented on a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 deeming the food safe and a rating of 1 deeming the food very unsafe. This list exists to answer the question most dog owners have asked at least once in their lifetime: “Can I feed my dog [insert human food]?” The answer is always going to be different depending on the meal in question. 

Read on to discover the human foods you can and can’t incorporate into your dog’s diet.

The Pet-friendly food meter

5: Very safe, 4: safe, 3: moderately safe, 2: moderately unsafe, 1: very unsafe

  1. Carrots 

Pet-friendly food meter rating: 5

Why is it safe? 

If you crack open a can of dog food, chances are you see chunks of carrots mixed up with the beef and gravy. This is enough to prove that this vegetable is safe for dogs to consume. Carrots are great for dogs for a great number of reasons. They contain nutrients like vitamin A and potassium which are beneficial to your pup’s health. They’re also very useful when it comes to your dog’s dental hygiene; raw carrots can double as natural dental chews. Because of their crunchy texture, they can also double as chew toys for teething puppies.

  1. White Rice

Pet-friendly food meter rating: 4

Why is it safe? 

White rice is quick to prepare and easy to digest, making it a good meal to add to your dog’s diet. Because of its blandness, it is also commonly recommended as a meal for sick dogs. However, it’s important to note that white rice should be given in moderation to your pup. Because it has a significant effect on blood sugar, it’s better to mix the rice with other nutrients like proteins and vitamins to give it a balanced effect.

  1. Mango

Pet-friendly food meter rating: 4

Why is it safe? 

Mangoes are packed full of vitamins and fiber, making them very nutritious for dogs. However, it’s important to note that you should refrain from giving your pup the peel and pit of the mango. This is because the peel may be harder to digest and the pit contains traces of cyanide which can be fatal to your pup. Make sure to always peel your mangoes and slice them before feeding them to your pup. Also, feed them this fruit in moderation; too much mango consumption can cause bellyaches or even diarrhoea. 

  1. Eggs

The Pet friendly food meter rating: 4

Why is it safe?

Eggs are perfectly safe for your pooch to consume. They are a great source of protein, fatty acids and vitamins, making them an excellent dietary supplement. Even the egg shell is full of calcium, so it can be included in your pup’s meal. You can feed your dog eggs in any form. Just make sure to always get natural, good quality eggs if you want to go the raw route to avoid food poisoning and always make sure your eggs are well cooked to avoid your dog contracting diseases like salmonella.

  1. Salmon

Pet-friendly food meter rating: 3

Why is it safe? 

Salmon is an easily digestible meal that can be given to your dog in moderation. It has a lot of health benefits: it’s full of omega-3 fatty acids that support their immune system, keep their coat shiny and help manage any skin allergies they may have. Remember that you must feed your dog salmon in moderation; it contains a lot of fat, so dogs with existing weight issues should stay clear of it. Also, make sure to cook it well to avoid food poisoning.

  1. Chocolate

Pet-friendly food meter rating: 1

Why is it not safe? 

Yes, it’s not a myth: chocolate is dangerous for your dog to ingest. This is because it contains methylxanthines, specifically theobromine, which is very harmful to your pooch. Chocolate can cause vomiting, excessive urination, diarrhoea, irregular heart function, muscle tremors, seizures and in extreme cases, death. The amount of theobromine in chocolate differs depending on the type of chocolate, but just to be safe, keep all types of chocolate far away from your pup. 

  1. Cheese

Pet-friendly food meter rating: 3

Why is it safe? 

Cheese is safe for your dog, but only when fed in moderation. It’s a healthy snack; it contains calcium, vitamin A, fatty acids, proteins and B-complex vitamins. However, just like salmon, because of its high concentration of fat, it shouldn’t be a meal regularly fed to your dog to avoid obesity. Some kinds of cheese should also be avoided because of herbs they contain like garlic and onions which are toxic to dogs. Also remember that cheese, while low in lactose, can be potentially upsetting for dogs with high lactose intolerance. Make sure to consult a veterinarian if you aren’t sure about your pup’s stance on lactose.

  1. Pineapple

Pet-friendly food meter rating: 4

Why is it safe? 

Packed full of minerals and vitamins like potassium, iron, manganese, vitamin C and vitamin B6, pineapples make a tasty, healthy, and nutritious snack for dogs. It also contains bromelain, which is an enzyme that makes it easier for dogs to absorb proteins. However, it’s high in fiber and sugar, so it’s a snack that should be fed in moderation so that it won’t have a negative effect on your pooch’s digestive system. 

  1. Mushrooms

Pet-friendly food meter rating: 3

Why is it safe? 

This edible fungi is low in calories, fat, cholesterol and salt, and contains minerals, antioxidants, and vitamins B and D. Raw or cooked, mushrooms are safe for dogs to eat. Just make sure the mushrooms you feed your dog are the non-toxic ones we have in stores. Feed them mushrooms with other meals to complete their balanced dog food intake.

  1. Onions

Pet-friendly food meter rating: 1

Why is it not safe? 

Keep onions far away from your dog. It only takes a small amount to make your pup sick. Every single part of the onion is dangerous. They contain a toxin called N-propyl disulfide, which causes a breakdown of red blood cells. The breakdown of red blood cells can lead to anemia in dogs. Anemia means the body’s organs can’t get enough oxygen, and in extreme cases, this can lead to organ failure or death.

  1. Banana

Pet-friendly food meter rating: 4

Why is it safe? 

Bananas are a super food. They’re high in potassium, vitamins, fiber, and low in calories, cholesterol and sodium. However, they also have a high sugar content, so because of this, they should be given in moderation to avoid weight gain and/or obesity. Give your pooch this fruit as a treat from time to time. 

  1. Watermelon

Pet-friendly food meter rating: 4

Why is it safe? 

Watermelon is low in calories, fat and cholesterol. It is also packed full of nutrients like potassium and vitamins A, B6 and C. They also have a high water-content, making them a great source of hydration. Just make sure to always remove the seeds and rind of the watermelon before giving them to your pup to avoid any intestinal blockage or gastrointestinal upset.

  1. Avocado

Pet-friendly food meter rating: 2

Why is it not safe? 

When fed in small increments, avocados can be perfectly fine for your pooch. They are packed with vitamins, fatty acids and antioxidants. However, they contain a substance called persin. Dogs are more resistant to persin compared to other animals, according to veterinarians, but that doesn’t mean it won’t cause adverse effects for your pooch. When taken in large amounts, avocados can cause vomiting, myocardial damage, diarrhoea and even death.

  1. Garlic

Pet-friendly food meter rating: 1

Why is it not safe? 

Garlic contains a substance called thiosulfate which is toxic to dogs. This substance causes oxidative damage to the red blood cells, which can result to anemia. Ingestion of garlic can also lead to garlic toxicity which can also cause symptoms of gastrointestinal upset like vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, loss of appetite, dehydration and depression.

  1. Apples

Pet-friendly food meter rating: 4

Why is it safe? 

Low in protein and fat, and packed with fiber and vitamins A and C, apples are great snacks for dogs, especially the older ones. Of course, like most human foods, while they’re safe, strive to feed them to your pup in moderation. Also, remember not to include the seeds and core when feeding. The seeds contain small traces of cyanide, and while these small amounts may not be harmful to your dog, it’s always good to stay on the safe side and avoid any unnecessary risks.

Wrapping Up

As you incorporate human foods into your dog’s diet, make sure you also monitor their nutritional needs. Different dogs metabolize food in their own ways. Depending on various factors like age and individual health issues, dogs have a very tricky diet and delicate nutritional needs. They can eat certain things in limited quantities at different stages of life. They can also have allergies! As a pet parent, you have to be aware of their nutritional needs to adjust their diets and the nutrients they intake to be on par. When in doubt, make sure to always ask a veterinarian for advice. 

At DulhamVet, we take your pet’s health and diet very seriously. Would you like to know more about your pet’s dietary restrictions? Hit us up today!

 

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