What can a dog eat and what should it avoid?

Can a dog eat apple? What do dogs prefer to eat? Is mint toxic to dogs? Many dog owners will recognize this: you are walking your puppy, or maybe even your adult dog, and before you know it, your loyal four-legged friend has grabbed something again. Other dog owners like to spoil their pet with something extra from time to time. A dog's digestive and metabolic system works very differently from ours. Many people wonder what a dog can and cannot eat. We share the most frequently asked questions with you.

What should dogs not eat?

❌ Avocado: can cause vomiting and diarrhea. In some cases, it can even lead to pancreatitis.

❌ Caffeine: this is very bad for dogs. Caffeine speeds up breathing and heart rate.

❌ Mushrooms and fungi: dogs that eat mushrooms can go into shock and may eventually die.

❌ Chocolate: the substance theobromine in chocolate is very toxic to dogs. The purer the chocolate, the more theobromine it contains.

❌ Grapes: can cause kidney failure and eventually death. Dogs should not eat grapes.

❌ Garlic: eating (large amounts of) garlic can cause stomach cramps and anemia.

❌ Nuts: most nuts are not good for your dog. Especially macadamia nuts and walnuts are unsuitable.

❌ Raw potato: raw potato contains solanine, which is toxic. Cooked potatoes lose this substance and can be given.

❌ Raw pork: raw pork can contain Aujeszky’s disease, which is fatal for dogs.

❌ Tomatoes (unripe): all green parts of the tomato contain solanine and tomatine. This is toxic to dogs.

❌ Onion: eating onion causes stomach cramps and can also cause anemia.

❌ Xylitol: this substance is found in chewing gum, toothpaste, and peppermint. If your dog eats this, they can experience symptoms like vomiting, weakness, or seizures. In very severe cases, your dog can go into a coma.

Which vegetables can a dog eat?

Vegetables contain vitamins, minerals, enzymes, fatty acids, and fibers. For us humans, it is obvious that we need these, but they can also be a good addition for your dog! Below is a list of vegetables suitable to give to your dog:

✅ Alfalfa

✅ Endive

✅ Asparagus

✅ Beetroot

✅ Celery

✅ Cauliflower

✅ Broccoli sprouts

✅ Kale (in moderate amounts)

✅ Chinese cabbage

✅ Zucchini

✅ Cucumber

✅ Parsnip

✅ Pumpkin

✅ Snow peas

✅ Red cabbage

✅ Radish

✅ Brussels sprouts

✅ Swiss chard

✅ Green beans

✅ Snap beans

✅ Belgian endive

✅ White cabbage

✅ Carrots