Just like humans, dogs enjoy a nice treat once in a while and just like humans, it’s important to remember that everything should be in moderation.
What human foods are safe treats for my dog?
When it comes to giving your dog healthy treats from your kitchen, many fruit and vegetables make a great snack. Carrots, apples slices, green beans and broccoli are great as they have a satisfying crunch to them but remember, cruciferous vegetables can cause gastric irritation in dogs just like they can in humans! As with any treat, they still need to be given in moderation as even carrots and apples have a higher sugar content than your dog might be used to.
Sweet potatoes are high in fibre, so they aid digestion and they have lots of vitamins and minerals. Due to their sweet flavour, they make a great dog treat and you’ll find sweet potato in some of our dog foods and treats here at Pets Corner.
What treats are bad for my dog?
Your vet will always be able to give you the best advice when it comes to feeding your dog, but we know some foods we eat every day can be incredibly poisonous to pets. Apple seeds have a form of cyanide in them and should never be fed to a dog. Chocolate and caffeine are enjoyed by us but incredibly toxic to dogs. Raisins and grapes should also be avoided as they have been shown to cause kidney failure.
Every dog owner should also be aware of Xylitol. This is a very common sugar substitute, it’s found in lots of human foods and whilst it’s perfectly harmless to us, it is toxic to dogs. Xylitol is often found in sugar free products like mouthwash and chewing gum, but it’s also used in some peanut butters which can be a favourite treat for dogs. Always check the label of anything you’re feeding your pet and if you suspect they might have consumed it, you should seek veterinary advice immediately.