The Good And Bad Foods In Your Dog’s Bowl

Your dog’s dinner might look like a bland pile of brown kibble or a gourmet mix that could rival your own lunch. But not every bite is a belly-friendly one, as some ingredients are wagtails, and others stir up tummy trouble. So, let’s take a look at what deserves a spot in your pup’s dish… and what deserves the boot.

Good: Cooked Chicken

Cooked chicken is a surefire way to win over your dog’s heart and stomach. It’s gentle on the belly and packed with meaty goodness that dogs crave, especially when they’re feeling under the weather or turning their nose up at kibble. Just skip the skin and ditch the bones.

Bad: Grapes And Raisins

Grapes and raisins are silent troublemakers in the dog world. You won’t smell anything odd, and your dog won’t flinch at the taste, but those innocent little fruits can flip your pup’s health upside down. One minute, your dog is chewing happily; the next, you’re dealing with a seriously upset stomach—or worse.

Good: Carrots

These are the ultimate guilt-free treat. Give one whole for a chewy distraction, or slice them into sticks and toss them across the room for a game of snack fetch. However, always wash them thoroughly and cut them into bite-sized pieces to prevent choking, especially for small breeds or enthusiastic gulpers.

Bad: Chocolate

Chocolate acts like chaos in a dog’s body. It messes with their heartbeat, makes them shake, and can even cause them to lose control. Don’t be fooled by how small the piece looks, as it only takes a nibble to send things spiraling. So, keep it far from reach, no matter how many tail wags you get.

Good: Pumpkin

There’s something magical about a spoonful of pumpkin when it comes to dogs. Pumpkin’s soft texture makes it a comfort food for canines. But don’t go diving into the pie section, as those spiced-up versions are a no-go. You want the plain kind, like the orange goo you’d use for baby food.

Bad: Onions And Garlic

While these ingredients jazz up your meals, they wreak havoc on your dog’s red blood cells, slowly draining energy and leaving behind all kinds of internal mess. What’s worse? That’s because danger doesn’t wear a warning label.

Good: Cooked Salmon

Salmon is the kind of food that turns a boring dinner bowl into a fine dining experience. A small fillet, cooked gently without oils or spices, can have your pup licking their chops with pure joy. It also leaves their coat shiny. Just remember, salmon is a luxury item—not a daily feast.

Bad: Macadamia Nuts

Rare but potent, macadamia nuts rank high on the no-go list for dogs despite being perfectly fine for people. They can cause muscle weakness, tremors, vomiting, and a noticeable drop in coordination. Some dogs recover quickly, but others suffer for days.

Good: Blueberries

Tiny, juicy, and bursting with color, blueberries are like nature’s candy for your dog. Drop a few on the floor, and you’ll witness a wild game of “fruit chase” across your kitchen tiles. You can also freeze them for a summer treat or mash them into their breakfast.

Bad: Cooked Bones

Crack! That’s the sound of a splintered bone slicing into a dog’s throat. These sharp fragments can injure the mouth or intestines, leading to serious internal damage or blockages. So, if you’re clearing plates or tossing scraps, make sure bones head to the trash, not the food bowl.

Good: Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are the kitchen MVP when it comes to feeding your dog something warm and wholesome. Whether you bake them, mash them, or cube and roast them into chewy nuggets, dogs dig in like it’s the highlight of their day.

Bad: Avocados

Avocados contain persin, a natural substance found in the leaves, skin, pit, and sometimes even the flesh. While dogs are less sensitive to persin than other animals, the real risks come from the large, slippery pit that poses a serious choking or blockage hazard. It might lead to gastrointestinal upset or discomfort.

Good: Plain Greek Yogurt

A spoonful of Greek yogurt turns breakfast into a creamy delight. Just make sure it’s plain and unsweetened, and you’ve got yourself a cool treat that’ll keep tails wagging. Its thick texture feels indulgent, like dessert without the sugar crash.

Bad: Raw Bread Dough (With Yeast)

Unbaked bread dough rises with warmth, and your dog’s stomach provides the perfect cozy environment. Once ingested, the dough continues expanding, putting pressure on the stomach and causing bloating and pain. Even worse, yeast fermentation releases gas and alcohol, causing internal reactions.

Good: Green Beans (Unsalted, Unseasoned)

These long, lean veggies are the secret weapon for pet parents looking to sneak something healthy into snack time. Served raw, they crunch like a chew toy; steamed, they melt in the mouth. Add them as a side to your dog’s dinner, or hand one over like a stick-shaped reward.