Dogs can eat apples, but only in moderation and with the core and seeds removed, as these parts contain cyanide, pose a choking hazard, and excess sugar/fiber can cause tummy upset; apples offer fiber, vitamins, and dental benefits when prepared correctly as a healthy, low-calorie treat.
Yes, apples are a fantastic addition to your dog's diet. They provide vitamin A, vitamin C and dietary fibre. They also provide a way to keep your dog's teeth clean and can help freshen their breath. But before you feed apples to your dog, always remove the core and the seeds.
Avocados are high in fat, which can cause pancreatitis, an inflammation of the pancreas, a digestive organ. In some cases, this condition can even be fatal. Some dogs can develop pancreatitis even if they only eat a small amount of avocado pulp.
Dogs should not eat grapes, raisins, currants (can cause kidney failure), avocados (persin toxin), cherries, plums, peaches, apricots (pits/seeds contain cyanide & are choking hazards), or citrus fruits like lemons/limes (cause stomach upset). Also avoid the green parts of tomatoes and wild berries, and be cautious with seeds/pits from many fruits due to cyanide and obstruction risks.
Remove the Seeds and Stem: The seeds and stem of an apple are a potential choking hazard for dogs, plus apple seeds contain small amounts of the poison cyanide. While the amount of cyanide in apple seeds is not likely to make your dog sick, it's best to avoid them.
Common toxic foods for dogs
Yes and no. Dogs can eat tomatoes in moderation, but only ripe ones. Don't offer your dog tomatoes in large quantities or frequently and make sure to avoid feeding them green tomatoes as they contain substances that can be harmful to them.
Although blueberries are a healthy treat, their small size could present a choking hazard for some dogs. Eating too many could also result in digestive upset. Cavities in dogs are rare but may form if they eat too much sugar. Blueberries may be healthy, but they also contain sugar, so feed in moderation.
Heartworm disease is among the top silent killers of dogs and cats, and it's a slow and insidious disease which gradually incapacitates them. By the time pet owners notice the giveaway signs of this disease, serious damage may already have been caused.
Dogs should not eat onions, garlic, leeks, and chives (Allium family) as they cause anemia; avocados due to potential toxicity and blockage from pits; green parts of tomatoes and potatoes, and unripe tomatoes as they contain toxic solanine; and corn cobs which are a choking/blockage hazard, though cooked corn kernels are fine in moderation. Wild mushrooms are also a major risk, and some sources suggest limiting peas due to links with heart disease.
Healthy fruits for dogs
Grapes and grape leaves contain tartaric acid, a substance that affects the taste, smell, and quality of wine. Scientists discovered that tartaric acid could be what makes grapes toxic to dogs. Until there's more research, it's recommended to keep dogs away from grape leaves.
No, dogs shouldn't eat onions. These vegetables contain a compound called N-propyl disulphide which is highly toxic for dogs. This compound can cause the breakdown and eventual destruction of red blood cells and lead to anemia. In extreme cases, onion poisoning can be fatal for dogs.
Dogs can eat oranges in moderation. The fleshy part is safe, but remove the peel, pith, and seeds first. Oranges provide some nutritional benefits. They contain vitamin C, potassium, fiber, and antioxidants, but these are not essential because commercial dog food is already balanced.
Plain, cooked potatoes (boiled, baked, or mashed without butter or seasoning) are best for dogs. Avoid raw potatoes, green parts, fries, and heavily seasoned dishes, which can be toxic or cause digestive issues. Moderation is key. All treats combined should make up no more than 10% of your dog's daily diet.
Yes, a dog can eat strawberries. If you're looking for a fun and safe treat to help expand your dog's palate, strawberries are an excellent choice. Like many other fruits and berries, strawberries are a healthy snack choice for dogs.
The 3-3-3 rule for dogs is a guideline for the adjustment period after adoption, outlining three phases: 3 Days (decompression, feeling overwhelmed/scared), 3 Weeks (starting to settle in, learning routine, personality emerges), and 3 Months (feeling secure, bonded, and truly at home). It helps new owners manage expectations and be patient as their rescue dog transitions, emphasizing calm energy, routine, and space in the early days to build trust.
The hardest "commandment" (command) to teach a dog is often considered Recall ("Come"), due to powerful natural instincts to explore or play, followed by impulse control commands like "Leave It/Drop It", and complex obedience actions like the "Finish" (positioning at the handler's side) or "Heel", requiring intense focus and self-control, especially with distractions like other dogs or interesting sights/smells.
Blue-Green Algae (BGA) can contain harmful biotoxins that cause rapid (often within minutes) and severe seizures or liver failure. These are cyanobacteria that can be found in lakes, ponds, and rivers.
There's no single "number one" food, but chocolate, grapes/raisins, and foods containing the artificial sweetener xylitol are among the most dangerous and common toxic items, causing issues from vomiting and seizures to kidney failure or death; other major threats include onions/garlic, alcohol, and fatty/cooked bones that can splinter. Always contact your vet immediately if your dog eats anything suspicious.
The best vegetables for dogs are nutrient-rich, low-calorie options like carrots, green beans, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, and spinach, providing vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants, but should be served cooked (for starchy ones) or raw (carrots, green beans) in moderation as treats. Always avoid toxic veggies like onions, garlic, and grapes, and remember treats shouldn't exceed 10% of their diet.
Here is a list of healthy fruits and vegetables to treat your dog with, as well as a few yummy recipes for homemade dog treats!
Yes, dogs can eat both black and green olives with no issues. The same rules apply for both - they should have no pips nor any added flavourings, just serve plain. Also don't feed too many olives; they are high in sodium and this can make your pooch unwell.
Nothing in plain, cooked pasta is toxic to your dog. But it definitely isn't good for your dog, either. The delicious noodles we so enjoy are largely made up of flour, eggs, and water—and although there are some healthy components to pasta, noodles are mostly empty calories for our four-legged friends.
Yes, dogs can have ripe tomatoes in small amounts. The worry about tomatoes being toxic comes from tomatine, a compound found mostly in the green parts of the plant, including the stems, leaves, and unripe (green) tomatoes. These parts can make dogs sick.