What foods can and cannot be eaten by dogs? And quantities.

Dogs can eat a wide variety of foods. They are omnivores and can therefore digest and obtain nutrients from both plant and animal foods. To keep them properly fed, we simply offer them foods that contain the nutrients they need.

Some plant-based foods that dogs can eat.

FRUITS THAT DOGS CAN EAT

Apples: source of fibre and vitamin C. The seeds and core must be removed. We can offer them in small pieces without skin. One or two slices for small dogs and up to half an apple for large dogs. 

Bananas: rich in potassium and vitamin C. Small pieces or mashed bananas can be offered. One or two slices for small dogs and half a banana for large dogs.  

Watermelon: high water content and refreshing. Seeds and rind should be removed. We can give half a slice to small dogs and up to two slices to large dogs.

Strawberries: rich in antioxidants and vitamin C. We can offer them in small pieces, one strawberry to small dogs, and 2-3 to large dogs. 

Blueberries: rich in antioxidants and vitamin C. They help the health of the bladder mucosa and are recommended for urinary problems. In small dogs we can give 5-10 and in large dogs up to 20-30.

Fruit can be given raw or cooked, chopped or mashed.

We should always supervise when we offer them a new food, and the amount given should be anecdotal. The amount of fruit should never replace their dose of complete feed.

VEGETABLES THAT DOGS CAN EAT

Carrots: source of vitamin A, fibre and beta-carotene. Steamed or cooked it is easier to digest. We can offer a few slices to small dogs and up to half a carrot or one to a large dog.

Peppers: vitamin C and rich in fibre. Cooked, they are easier to digest. We must remove the seeds and the stem part. It has no toxic substances, so we can offer it in moderation, not because of toxicity, but to avoid displacing their whole food.

Courgette: high in fibre, contains vitamins and minerals. Like other vegetables, it is best digested when cooked.

Pumpkin: high in fibre, if cooked it helps digestion.

Broccoli and cauliflower: rich in vitamin C and antioxidants. They should be given in very small quantities.

Potato and sweet potato: source of carbohydrates, fibre and minerals. In this case, cooking is mandatory so that toxins are destroyed.

The quantities of vegetables are around 50-100 grams for small dogs and up to 300 grams for large dogs.

Remember to always introduce vegetables gradually into the diet of our companions and in small quantities to avoid and detect possible digestive problems. 

CEREALS THAT DOGS CAN EAT

Cereals should always have been processed to be digested and we should avoid commercial products with excessive fats or seasonings. If we cook them ourselves, we should avoid oils and salt. Cereals contain a large amount of nutrients that are beneficial for our companions.

Rice: White or brown rice is a source of easily digestible carbohydrates for dogs. They can help us with digestive problems or to add variety to their diet.

Oatmeal: provides soluble fibre, iron and phosphorus. Due to the way it is presented, it is usually easier to make biscuits or add to porridge.

Barley: barley is a source of fibre, vitamins and minerals. It can be used in the form of flour to make biscuits or porridge.

Wheat: Wheat provides carbohydrates and other nutrients. In dogs, sensitivity or intolerance to wheat is not very common but we cannot rule it out, as with other foods. 

In small dogs we can offer between half a cup and a cup a day. In larger dogs up to 4 or 5 cups depending on weight.

LEGUMES THAT DOGS CAN EAT

Pulses are a good source of protein, fibre and other nutrients beneficial to dogs. Some safe and healthy legumes are:

Lentils: excellent source of protein, fibre and minerals such as iron and zinc. They are rich in folates. We can give them simply cooked or mashed.

Chickpeas: rich in protein, fibre and minerals. They are a good source of energy for dogs and help to satisfy their appetite. We can offer them whole, cooked or cooked as tostones or in a softer hummus-type spread.

Beans: Beans and black, red or white beans are high in protein and fibre. They also provide nutrients such as potassium. They can be simply cooked or pureed.

We must bear in mind that pulses should always be given very well cooked, otherwise they can be very indigestible due to their anti-nutrients. We should always introduce them very gradually so that their digestive system can adapt. 

Each dog is unique and may have different needs and tolerances. It is therefore advisable to consult a vet before including new legumes in your dog's diet. This will ensure that they are suitable for their health and well-being.

OTHER PLANT-BASED FOODS THAT DOGS CAN EAT

Natural vegetable yoghurts without sugars or sweeteners.

Small quantities of vegetable milks.

Raw vegetable oils such as coconut, linseed, sunflower or olive oil, we can give them half a teaspoon for every 5 kilos of weight per day.

Nutritional yeast, rich in B vitamins and antioxidants.

Crushed linseed, rich in omega 3.

Seaweed: rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and fatty acids.

Turmeric: a superfood that provides antioxidants, with anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. 

All of these foods should be given in small amounts unless your vet prescribes a treatment.

Many foods have nutrients that may be contraindicated in some animals, so always ask your vet if your pet can take them and in what proportions. For example, bananas or chickpeas are contraindicated in renal patients due to their high phosphorus content.

Foods of plant origin that dogs cannot eat.

Chocolate. Contains theobromine, which is toxic to dogs.

Onions. Can cause problems in the digestive system of dogs, depending on the amount ingested.

Avocado. Contains persin, a substance toxic to dogs.

Fruits with pits. Such as cherries or peaches, as the pits can cause choking or poisoning.

Grapes and sultanas. Can cause kidney damage in dogs.

Excess salt and salty foods. Can cause dehydration and health problems.