Yeses and Noes in a dog’s menu or what is good and what is dangerous for a dog to eat!

Published on 17/01/2024
Category Nutrition

When we talk about dog cuisine, we must first start with the fact that in addition to beneficial foods, there is also a list of prohibited, toxic, and dangerous dog products. There are also food groups that are recommended to be given in moderation. Another very important point is the fact that both humans and animals often have allergies to different foods. That is why it is extremely important to consult your vet and if needed do the necessary tests!

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Let’s get started! It’s good to remember that when cooking for your furry friend you should not use spices! This is especially important; your dog doesn’t need them and they can seriously harm their health. You should also not use fats such as oil, olive oil, butter. If you really feel like adding fat to your friend’s food, you can use Coconut Oil. I’ll dedicate a special section to it a little later. However, the fact is that when meat is cooked, it releases its fat and there is no need to add extra. In the same way, vegetables release their nutrients and impart not only flavour but also aroma that is enticing enough for your pet. And one more little tip, always wash all the products you are going to cook with well!

I’ve attached a food chart that you can use to prepare a meal for your dog. It’s not completely comprehensive, rather it’s basic, and in time we’ll talk in detail about these and other foods, and what makes them healthy, harmful, or dangerous.

CategoryFood
Beneficial/SafeApples (without the seeds, which are toxic!)
Beneficial/SafeWatermelon
Beneficial/SafeCucumbers
Beneficial/SafeCarrots
Beneficial/SafePeaches (without the stone as it is toxic!)
Beneficial/SafeGreen beans
Beneficial/SafePears
Beneficial/SafeCourgettes
Beneficial/SafeGreen pepper (not hot)
Beneficial/SafeMeat (cooked only)
Beneficial/SafeFish (cooked only and carefully deboned to the smallest bone)
Beneficial/SafeNatural oatmeal/ porridge/ oatmeal
Beneficial/SafeCoconut oil*
Beneficial/SafeRice
Beneficial/SafeCottage cheese
Beneficial/SafeNatural yoghurt (without colors and sweeteners)
To be consumed in moderationTo be consumed in moderation / Serve Moderately
To be consumed in moderationBananas
To be consumed in moderationMelon
To be consumed in moderationBlueberries
To be consumed in moderationStrawberries
To be consumed in moderationBroccoli
To be consumed in moderationBrussels sprouts
To be consumed in moderationPeas
To be consumed in moderationPumpkin
To be consumed in moderationSweet potato
To be consumed in moderationPotato
To be consumed in moderationRed pepper (not hot)
To be consumed in moderationSpinach (cooked only)
To be consumed in moderationEggs
To be consumed in moderationBread*
Prohibited / ToxicAvocados
Prohibited / ToxicCherries
Prohibited / ToxicGrapes
Prohibited / ToxicRaisins
Prohibited / ToxicLemon
Prohibited / ToxicOrange
Prohibited / ToxicGrapefruit
Prohibited / ToxicTangerines
Prohibited / ToxicTomato
Prohibited / ToxicMushrooms
Prohibited / ToxicRhubarb
Prohibited / ToxicOnions
Prohibited / ToxicGarlic
Prohibited / ToxicFruit stones and seeds
Prohibited / ToxicNuts
Prohibited / ToxicSeeds, seeds, pits
Prohibited / ToxicMacadamia
Prohibited / ToxicSugar
Prohibited / ToxicCandy
Prohibited / ToxicChocolate
Prohibited / ToxicCorn cob
Prohibited / ToxicAcorns
Prohibited / ToxicChestnuts
Prohibited / ToxicYeast
Prohibited / ToxicSpicy
Prohibited / ToxicCheese and yellow cheese
Prohibited / ToxicDough products*

Did you notice the asterisks? They are there for a reason! Here is why in a few more lines…

Take note of coconut oil. This is the fat you can use for your dog after all. It contains lauric acid and helps strengthen the immune system. It also helps fight bad breath, boosts energy levels, improves digestion, reduces allergic reactions, improves your dog’s cognitive function, and relieves skin conditions such as hot spots, flea allergies, and itchy skin. Coconut oil is a high source of protein. It’s a great way to add value to your food by enhancing taste and flavor. Don’t go overboard with the fat though, as we said you can do without it. Use it wisely!

Bread has the second asterisk. It can’t be said that bread is bad for dogs, but it’s certainly not the most beneficial food for them. First to note is that it’s forbidden to give them bread containing seeds, nuts, raisins, garlic and other spices. These are harmful and toxic additives for dogs. Plain white or rye bread is fine with some caveats. You can supplement your pet’s food with bread croutons (without spices), but you should not give them all the time. It is a bad idea to make bread as the basis of their menu. Bread, on its own, can provide the body with various important elements, such as iron, magnesium, calcium, and vitamin B6. At the same time, it contains a lot of carbohydrates, and your dog does not need to take them in large quantities because they are difficult for their body to absorb. Lastly in relation to bread – give it in moderation and in small amounts. Almost forgot – bread bloats your pet’s stomach (just like a potato) and it can cause gas, which is another reason to be cautious!

And one last asterisk: Dough products = NO = FORBIDDEN = DANGEROUS!!

Cheesecakes, cupcakes, saltines, biscuits, muffins, pretzels, croissants, pies, pizzas, and all derivative savory and sweet snacks are absolutely forbidden!!! And there is nothing strange about that. Every single food listed contains quite a few ingredients. The problem is that many of these ingredients are dangerous and harmful. They can seriously affect your pet’s health, and we don’t want that.

In conclusion, any food you prepare must be well-balanced. Its goal is to be beneficial and to cover your dog’s daily needs. Always cook the meat. Wash fruits and vegetables well. Wash eggs before using them, although the shells will go in the bin, there is a risk of salmonella contamination. Be responsible for your friend’s health. Consult a vet if you have any worries. And never go to extremes – be careful. On the website, you will find recipes to help you prepare a daily menu for your tail wagger.

It will make me happy to be able to help you and for you to keep coming back to the site to find new, interesting, and useful information.

My wish for you: ALWAYS COOK WITH LOVE!