Human Safe Does NOT Always Mean Pet Safe

Those puppy-dog eyes can make it incredibly difficult to say no when your dog is begging for a bite of your dinner, but please know what’s safe before giving your pet anything off your plate!

While plenty of human foods are perfectly safe for dogs in moderation, some seemingly harmless foods can be toxic or dangerous. Before sharing what's on your plate, it's always worth checking whether it's actually safe for your pet first.

Some well-known foods to keep away from dogs include chocolate, grapes and raisins, onions and garlic, xylitol (an artificial sweetener), and alcohol, but please know there are MANY more foods to keep away from your pets. This is just the tip of the iceberg.

Other foods may not be poisonous but can still cause problems. Fatty foods can lead to stomach upset and, in some cases, pancreatitis, while cooked bones can splinter and cause serious injuries or blockages. My dog recently went to the emergency vet for a cooked bone that splintered, and luckily he’s healthy now, but not after a hefty bill and a lot of stress.

Portion size matters, too. Even a food that's safe for dogs shouldn't necessarily make up a large part of their diet. Treats and table scraps should be given in moderation, and it's important to remember that a small piece for us can be a much larger portion relative to a dog's size.

Be especially careful with foods that contain multiple ingredients. Something like a piece of plain chicken may be perfectly fine, while chicken covered in garlic, onion, heavy seasoning, or a rich sauce may not be. When you're unsure about an ingredient, it's better to check before sharing.

And what should you do if your dog eats something potentially toxic? Don't wait for symptoms to appear. Contact your veterinarian or a pet poison service as soon as possible and tell them what your dog ate, approximately how much, and when they ate it. Having the food packaging or ingredient list available can also be helpful.

Sharing a snack with your best friend can be a fun way to make them feel included, but their health comes first, always. When those puppy-dog eyes come out, take a second to make sure the treat you're sharing is one they can safely enjoy! A quick internet search can save you a lot of worry.