Find out if popular holiday food will make your dog sick
The holidays are here, which means relatives feeding your dog under the table. You may be asking yourself ‘can dogs eat ham’ or ‘can I give my dog a bone?’ Make sure you know what’s safe and what isn’t for your pup. The last thing you want this holiday season is for your dog to get sick. You can prevent this if you know what food is safe for dogs and what isn’t. Of course, make sure you are not indulging your dog with too much food that is not in their regular diet. This can make them sick as well.
Can dogs eat ham?
Answer: Yes.
Recommended: No.
Reason: While ham is a protein, there are much better options for dogs with meat. Additionally, ham you buy at the store contains a lot of sodium, which can be toxic to dogs. Ham also has a higher fat content than most meats, which isn’t ideal for your dog either.
Can dogs eat bones?
Answer: No.
Recommended: No.
Reason: Veterinarians caution against feeding your dog a bone of any kind. Feeding your dog bones can lead to mouth and tongue injuries, obstruction of the throat or intestinal tract, having bone fragments pierce the lining of their stomach and intestines, choking, and more.
Can dogs eat turkey?
Answer: Yes.
Recommended: If you feed them turkey safely. This includes skipping the skin, making sure there are no bones, and giving your dog small quantities.
Reason: Turkey is not toxic to dogs and is rich in nutrients including protein, phosphorous, and riboflavin. It’s super important to watch out during the holidays because turkeys are rarely cooked plain. So all of that extra stuff (think butter and seasoning) will make your dog sick.
Can dogs eat marshmallows?
Can dogs eat marshmallows?Answer: Technically yes, sugar-based marshmallows are not toxic.
Recommended: No.
Reason: So if your pup eats like one regular sugar-based marshmallow, they should be fine. But of course, marshmallows are essentially sugar, which is bad for your dog’s health. Some marshmallows can be toxic if they contain certain sweeteners. So this is just not worth it, ever.
Can dogs eat onions?
Answer: No.
Recommended: No.
Reason: Onions contain a toxin called N-propyl disulfide that breaks down red blood cells, causing hemolytic anemia in dogs. All parts of the onion plant are toxic and should never be given to dogs. Additionally, you need to make sure your dog does not ingest onion powder, which is in a surprisingly large count of foods.
Can dogs eat cranberries?
Answer: Yes.
Recommended: In moderation.
Reason: Cranberries are not toxic to dogs and can even have health benefits in small quantities. Too many cranberries can upset your dog’s stomach. Many dogs do not like the taste of cranberries because they are very tart.
Can dogs eat peppermint?
Answer: Technically yes, it’s not toxic.
Recommended: No.
Reason: Peppermint can cause vomiting and an upset stomach to your dog, so this is food to steer clear of giving your dog. This includes everything from candy canes to peppermint bark to starlight mints. Peppermint is also often combined with the sweetener Xylitol, which is a toxic ingredient to dogs. In addition to peppermint, the common mint plant is also toxic to dogs.
Can dogs eat oranges?
Answer: Yes.
Recommended: Yes, in small quantities.
Reason: Dogs can eat oranges as they are a great source of potassium, vitamin C, and fiber. It’s recommended to only give your dog the flesh of the orange, so no peel or seeds.
Can dogs eat ginger?
Answer: Yes.
Recommended: Yes, in small quantities.
Reason: Dogs can eat ginger in small doses. Ginger contains beneficial antioxidants to dogs that can help with blood circulation, nausea, motion sickness, arthritis, and stomach issues.
Can dogs eat brown rice?
Answer: Yes.
Recommended: Yes.
Reason: Brown rice can have multiple health benefits for your dog. Feeding your dog brown rice can help optimize their digestive function, provides a good source of protein and carbohydrates, and it is full of minerals and vitamins.
Can dogs eat pistachios?
Answer: Yes.
Recommended: No.
Reason: Foods that are high in fat like pistachios can cause pancreatitis in dogs. The health risks outweigh the benefits in this food. If you want to give your dog nuts, opt for a safer and unsalted choice like peanuts and almonds.
Can dogs eat celery?
Answer: Yes.
Recommended: In small quantities.
Reason: Celery could be a crunchy option every once in a while for your dog if they seem to enjoy it. Celery contains vitamins A, C, and K, as well as potassium and folate. Crunching on celery is also good for your pup’s teeth, gums, and breath.
Can dogs eat crescent rolls?
Answer: Plain crescent rolls are not toxic.
Recommended: No.
Reason: Croissants are typically made with eggs, flour, sugar, yeast, water, and butter. These ingredients are mostly considered safe for dogs in small portions. However, most croissants have additional ingredients in them, and many of those are highly toxic. Examples of these include chocolate, raisins, and vegetable oil. So it’s safer to not give crescent rolls to your dog.
Can dogs eat radishes?
Answer: Yes.
Recommended: Yes, in moderation.
Reason: Radishes are safe to feed your dog in moderation and contain fiber, vitamin C, and potassium. Your dog may get a tummy ache though or just not like the taste, so make sure it’s a very small piece if giving to your pup.
Can dogs drink milk?
Answer: Yes, if they are not allergic or lactose intolerant.
Recommended: It’s ok occasionally and in very small moderation.
Reason: Dogs can have a difficult time digesting milk without the abundance of the enzyme lactase that breaks down sugars in milk. So if your dog gets a lick of your ice cream or licks up milk from the floor it shouldn’t be a big deal.
Can dogs eat broccoli?
Answer: Yes.
Recommended: In small quantities, given there are no seasonings or oils added.
Reason: Dogs can benefit from nutrients from broccoli, including calcium, potassium, and vitamin K. Make sure you are giving your dog this vegetable in small quantities. Broccoli florets contain isothiocyanates, which can lead to gastric irritation in your pup.
Can dogs eat pomegranates?
Answer: Yes.
Recommended: No.
Reason: Pomegranate seeds contain tannins which can cause canine stomach issues. The seeds are not technically poisonous to your dog. The safest way for your dog to eat pomegranates would be measured out and cooked into high-quality dog food by professionals. So every day pomegranate that you may be munching on isn’t vetted this way and not optimal for your pup.
Can dogs eat pecans?
Answer: No.
Recommended: No.
Reason: Pecans are susceptible to mold, which contain tremorgenic mycotoxins. These can lead to seizures, tremors, and neurological damage in your dog. This tree nut may also contain the natural poison aflatoxin.
Can dogs eat popcorn?
Answer: Yes, as long as it’s air-popped.
Recommended: As a treat in small quantities.
Reason: Giving your dog air-popped popcorn is fine for the occasional treat. However, any added seasonings, butter, sugar, etc. can be unhealthy for your dog, and you should steer clear of.
For more information:
Check out our post about toxic food for dogs.
