10 Human Foods That Are Safe (and Unsafe) for Dogs and Cats

Introduction

We've all experienced those pleading eyes or persistent meows while enjoying our meals – our furry companions hoping for a taste of what's on our plate. While sharing food can be a wonderful bonding experience, it's crucial to understand that not all human foods are suitable for our pets.

Some foods from our kitchen can provide excellent nutritional benefits for dogs and cats, complementing quality pet foods like those offered by WholeBuddy. However, other seemingly innocent foods contain compounds that can be toxic to their systems, potentially causing serious health issues or even proving fatal in some cases.

This comprehensive guide will explore 10 human foods that are safe to share with your pets and 10 foods that should never make their way into your pet's bowl. By being informed, you can make better decisions about what treats to offer your four-legged friends while keeping them safe and healthy.

Safe Human Foods for Dogs and Cats

1. Cooked Lean Meat (Chicken, Turkey, Beef)

Safe for: Dogs & Cats

Why it's beneficial: High-quality protein supports muscle development, immune function, and overall health. Lean meat provides essential amino acids that both dogs and cats need as part of their diet.

WholeBuddy understands the importance of quality protein sources, which is why their premium pet food formulations, such as their Superfood 65 range, feature freshly prepared meats with up to a 65% total animal content.

How to serve: Always feed cooked, boneless meat without any seasoning. Remove all skin and visible fat, and avoid cooking with oils, butter, salt, garlic, or onions. Cut into appropriately sized pieces to prevent choking.

2. Carrots

Safe for: Dogs & Cats

Why they're beneficial: These crunchy vegetables are low in calories but rich in fibre and beta-carotene. They support eye health, promote good digestion, and can even help clean your dog's teeth as they chew.

How to serve: Raw carrots make excellent crunchy treats, especially for dogs. Alternatively, you can lightly steam or cook them. Always cut into small, manageable pieces to prevent choking hazards, particularly for smaller pets.

3. Blueberries

Safe for: Dogs & Cats

Why they're beneficial: These tiny superfoods are packed with antioxidants, vitamins C and K, and fibre. They support immune system health, brain function, and can help protect cells from damage.

WholeBuddy incorporates beneficial superfoods, including berries, in their Superfood 65 range, creating holistic nutrition that supports your pet's overall health beyond just meeting basic nutritional requirements.

How to serve: Wash thoroughly and serve fresh as occasional treats. Many pets enjoy frozen blueberries as a refreshing snack, especially during warmer months. The small size makes them perfect for training treats.

4. Plain Pumpkin (Not Spiced or Sweetened)

Safe for: Dogs & Cats

Why it's beneficial: Pumpkin is a digestive powerhouse, rich in fibre that can help with both constipation and diarrhoea. It's also packed with vitamins A, E, and C, plus beneficial minerals.

How to serve: Use plain, pureed pumpkin (canned is fine as long as it's 100% pumpkin without added sugar, spices, or fillers). Start with small amounts – a teaspoon for cats and small dogs, up to a tablespoon for larger dogs.

5. Cooked Eggs

Safe for: Dogs & Cats

Why they're beneficial: Eggs provide an excellent source of protein, amino acids, fatty acids, and multiple vitamins. They contribute to healthy skin, coat, and muscle development.
How to serve: Always serve eggs cooked – either scrambled or hard-boiled – without added butter, oil, salt, or seasonings. Raw eggs pose a risk of salmonella and may interfere with biotin absorption.

6. Apples (Without Seeds or Core)

Safe for: Dogs & Cats

Why it's beneficial: Fish is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, which promote healthy skin, coat, and brain function. It's also high in quality protein and easily digestible when cooked properly.

WholeBuddy's range includes fish-based recipes like our Salmon with Sweet Potato formulas, which harness these benefits while providing complete nutrition. Our Freshtrusion® process ensures maximum nutrient retention and digestibility.

How to serve: Always serve fish fully cooked and boneless. Avoid seasoning or oil. For cats, occasional small amounts of canned tuna (in water, not oil) can be a treat, but shouldn't be a staple due to potential mercury concerns.

8. Green Beans

Safe for: Dogs & Cats

Why they're beneficial: These vegetables are low in calories but high in fibre, vitamins K and C, and minerals. They make excellent treats for pets who need to maintain or lose weight.

How to serve: Fresh, steamed, canned (without salt), or frozen green beans are all acceptable. Ensure they're cut to an appropriate size for your pet to prevent choking.

9. Plain Yoghurt (Unsweetened, No Artificial Sweeteners)

Safe for: Dogs & Cats

Why it's beneficial: Plain yoghurt contains probiotics that can support digestive health. It's also a source of calcium and protein. Some pets with mild digestive issues may benefit from small amounts of yoghurt.

How to serve: Offer only plain, unsweetened yoghurt with active cultures. Always check the ingredient list to ensure it doesn't contain xylitol, which is extremely toxic to pets. A teaspoon for small pets or a tablespoon for larger dogs is sufficient.

10. Oatmeal

Safe for: Dogs & Cats

Why it's beneficial: Oatmeal is an excellent source of soluble fibre, which can be especially helpful for senior pets with irregular digestive systems. It also provides vitamins and minerals that support overall health.

How to serve: Always cook oatmeal thoroughly with water (not milk) and serve plain without sugar, honey, milk, or flavourings. Allow it to cool completely before offering a small amount to your pet as an occasional treat.

Human Foods That Are Toxic to Dogs and Cats

1. Chocolate

Toxic to: Dogs & Cats

Why it's dangerous: Chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine, stimulants that pets cannot metabolise effectively. These compounds can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, increased heart rate, tremors, seizures, and in severe cases, death.

What to do: If your pet consumes chocolate, contact your veterinarian immediately. Darker chocolates (such as baking chocolate and high-percentage cocoa) are more dangerous than milk chocolate, but all types should be kept away from pets.

2. Grapes & Raisins

Toxic to: Dogs & Cats

Why they're dangerous: Even small amounts of grapes or raisins can cause sudden kidney failure in pets. The toxic substance in these fruits has not been identified, and sensitivity varies between animals.

What to do: If your pet consumes any amount of grapes or raisins, consider it an emergency and contact your veterinarian immediately. Watch for symptoms like vomiting, lethargy, and reduced urination.

3. Onions & Garlic

Toxic to: Dogs & Cats

Why they're dangerous: All members of the allium family (onions, garlic, chives, leeks) contain compounds that can damage red blood cells in pets, leading to anaemia. Cats are particularly sensitive to these effects.

What to do: Avoid feeding any form of onions or garlic (raw, cooked, dried, or powdered). If your pet consumes a significant amount, contact your veterinarian. Watch for symptoms like weakness, vomiting, and breathing problems.

4. Avocado

Toxic to: Dogs & Cats (particularly the pit and skin)

Why it's dangerous: Avocados contain persin, a fungicidal toxin that can cause vomiting and diarrhoea in dogs and cats. The pit also presents a serious choking hazard and potential for intestinal blockage.

What to do: Keep all parts of avocados away from pets, especially the pit, skin, and leaves. If your pet consumes avocado flesh in small amounts, monitor them, but ingestion of the pit requires immediate veterinary attention.

5. Alcohol & Caffeinated Drinks

Toxic to: Dogs & Cats

Why they're dangerous: Pets are highly sensitive to alcohol, which can cause severe intoxication, respiratory depression, coordination problems, coma, and even death. Caffeine can cause similar neurological and cardiac issues as chocolate.

What to do: Never offer pets alcoholic beverages or caffeinated drinks (coffee, tea, energy drinks, soda). If accidental consumption occurs, contact your veterinarian immediately.

6. Macadamia Nuts

Toxic to: Primarily Dogs

Why they're dangerous: Even small amounts of macadamia nuts can cause weakness, hyperthermia, vomiting, tremors, and difficulty walking in dogs. The toxic mechanism is not well understood.

What to do: Keep all macadamia nuts and products containing them (like cookies) away from pets. If consumption occurs, contact your veterinarian promptly.

7. Raw Dough (Yeast Dough)

Toxic to: Dogs & Cats

Why it's dangerous: Raw dough can expand in the warm environment of a pet's stomach, causing painful bloating and potential twisting of the digestive tract. Additionally, as yeast ferments, it produces alcohol which can lead to alcohol poisoning.

What to do: Keep raw dough out of reach when baking. If your pet consumes raw dough, contact your veterinarian immediately as it may require emergency treatment.

8. Xylitol (Sugar Substitute)

Toxic to: Primarily Dogs

Why it's dangerous: This sweetener causes a rapid insulin release in dogs, leading to dangerously low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia). It can also cause liver failure. Even small amounts can be life-threatening.

What to do: Check ingredient lists carefully, as xylitol is found in many sugar-free products including gum, candy, some peanut butters, baked goods, and even some medications or supplements. If consumption is suspected, seek emergency veterinary care immediately.

9. Dairy Products (In Large Amounts)

Problematic for: Many Dogs & Cats

Why they're concerning: Most adult pets are lactose intolerant to some degree. Large amounts of milk, cheese, or ice cream can cause digestive upset, diarrhoea, vomiting, and discomfort.

What to do: While small amounts of certain dairy products (like plain yoghurt) might be tolerated by some pets, it's best to limit dairy consumption. If your pet shows signs of discomfort after consuming dairy, eliminate it from their treats.

10. Cooked Bones

Dangerous for: Dogs & Cats

Why they're dangerous: Cooked bones, especially poultry bones, can splinter when chewed, creating sharp fragments that can cause mouth injuries, choking, intestinal punctures, or blockages.

What to do: Never give your pet cooked bones of any kind. Instead, provide appropriate commercial chew toys, dental treats, or, if suitable for your pet, specially designed raw bones recommended by your veterinarian.

The Importance of Quality Daily Nutrition

While occasional safe human food treats can be enjoyable for your pet, their primary nutrition should come from high-quality pet food formulated to meet their specific needs. WholeBuddy offers premium nutrition options that provide complete and balanced meals for your furry companions.

WholeBuddy's innovative manufacturing processes, such as our Freshtrusion® technology, ensure maximum nutrient bio-availability by gently cooking ingredients at just 82°C to protect valuable proteins and enhance digestibility. Our ranges include:

• Peptide+: Advanced nutrition using hydrolysed proteins that are easier to digest and less likely to trigger allergies
  
• Superfood 65: Premium recipes containing 65% total animal ingredients and beneficial superfoods
  
• Grain Free: Formulations ideal for pets with grain sensitivities
  
• Super Premium: High-quality nutrition at accessible price points

These specially formulated foods provide the consistent nutrition your pet needs daily, making occasional human food treats truly supplementary rather than dietary staples.

Final Thoughts

Sharing appropriate foods with your pets can be a wonderful bonding experience and, in some cases, provide additional nutritional benefits. However, it's crucial to know which foods are safe and which could potentially harm your furry companions.

Always introduce new foods gradually and in small amounts, even if they're on the "safe" list. Every pet is unique, and some may have individual sensitivities or allergies. Monitor your pet after introducing any new food and discontinue if you notice any adverse reactions.

When in doubt about whether a particular food is safe for your pet, it's always best to consult with your veterinarian before sharing. Your vet can provide personalised advice based on your pet's specific health needs, age, and medical history.

By making informed choices about the human foods you share with your pets and providing quality daily nutrition like WholeBuddy's pet food ranges, you can enhance their diet safely while avoiding potentially dangerous situations. Remember, the best treats are those that keep your four-legged friends both happy AND healthy!

References

• American Kennel Club. (2023). "Human Foods Dogs Can and Cannot Eat."
  
• American Veterinary Medical Association. (2022). "Pet Food Safety."
  
• ASPCA Animal Poison Control Centre. (2023). "People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pets."
  
• "Human Foods Dogs Can Eat: Complete List." The Vets.
  
• "Human foods for dogs: Which foods are safe for dogs?" Medical News Today.
  
• "Can My Dog Eat This? A List of Human Foods Dogs Can and Can't Eat." Healthline.
  
• Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. (2022). "Toxic Foods for Pets."
  
• Royal Veterinary College. (2022). "Human Foods That Are Dangerous for Your Pet."

Disclaimer : This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional veterinary advice. Always consult with your veterinarian about your pet's specific nutritional needs and before introducing new foods into their diet.