Whether you are planning an adventure in DIY pet treats or considering giving into those adoring eyes just waiting for your last bite of breakfast, it’s important to know which people foods are safe for your pets to eat, and which are not.

Our pets don’t always know which foods will make them sick (as evidenced by the Hershey Kisses foil you’ve found scattered across your floor the morning after Valentine’s Day)… this means that you need to know for them, and do your best to protect them from the foods that can make them ill.

But there are some foods that are good for your pet, too. Foods that can boost their health and improve their overall wellness; and it’s good to know about those foods, too.

Understand what’s what when it comes to pets and people food, and if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to give us a call.

Foods Your Pet Needs to Avoid

There are a number of human foods that are toxic to your pet. If ingested, these foods can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and even seizures.

Chocolate (the darker the chocolate, the more toxic it is)

Xylitol (an artificial sweetener often found in sugar-free foods)

Onions and garlic

Macadamia nuts

Grapes and raisins

Raw dough

Mushrooms

Rhubarb

Alcohol

Hops

Foods Your Pet Can Eat

Although there are a number of people foods that pose a considerable threat to your pet’s health, there are some human foods that are actually good for, and can benefit, your pet. The following foods can be beneficial by providing certain nutrients and minerals that your pet may not get in his or her normal diet:

Fish (especially salmon)

Apples (but not the seeds)

Bananas

Pumpkin

Carrots

Green beans

Leafy greens

Blueberries

Cantaloupe

Foods Your Pet Should Have in Moderation

In addition to the good and the bad, there are also those human foods that fall in between.

Give these people foods to your pet in small quantities and only occasionally. Too much of these good foods could be a bad thing:

Dairy, specifically cheese and yogurt

Peanut butter

Eggs that are fully cooked

Fiber-rich foods (too much can cause digestive issues)

Before you embark on any serious cooking for your pet (beyond the occasional pet treat recipe), please consult with your vet to learn more about your pet’s specific nutritional needs. Like us, certain foods can improve or exacerbate medical conditions, and that is something you should be aware of prior to feeding your pet people foods.

If you have any other questions about pets and people food, please don’t hesitate to give us a call.