To Give Table Scraps or To Not Give Table Scraps. What Can Dogs Eat?

Your dog is a member of your family, so it’s only natural to want your four-legged family member to enjoy some of your holiday meals. But is that turkey leg safe for your dog? What can dogs eat over the holidays and all year long?

First, let’s start by acknowledging the great table scraps debate. Some dog owners are completely against table scraps, while others serve their dogs scraps on china dishes.

According to an SWNS poll, “More than seven in 10 dog owners admit their pup gets more table scraps during the holidays than any other time of the year.” Plus, they found “more than two-thirds (64%) of owners deviate from their dog’s typical diet during the holiday season.”

The truth is that sometimes table scraps are perfectly fine, and other times they are especially dangerous.

The good news is that most dog parents try to be safe when it comes to giving their dog table scraps.

The poll conducted on behalf of ORIJEN High Protein Dog Biscuits found, “Four in five always check to make sure the table scraps are safe before feeding it to them.”

Ideally, you want to feed dogs food that mimics the dog food they eat normally. Good dog food typically contains a mix of meat, grains, vegetables, and fruit.

However, even some of the foods found in the major food groups that are safe for humans are unsafe for dogs (such as grapes).

If you have a feeling you won’t be able to turn down your dog’s puppy eyes and begging paws this holiday season, use this list as a guide to know what dogs are safe and unsafe for dogs.

What Can Dogs Eat? Protein.

Fortunately, most meat is good for dogs. However, you have to make sure that the meat is fully cooked, and all the bones are removed. This means not giving your dog the turkey leg at Thanksgiving. Bones can splinter and cause problems in your dog’s digestive system.

Chicken: Cooked chicken can be added directly to dog food or given as a special treat.

Turkey: Turkey is fine, but you want to be sure to remove the skin and fat.

Pork: Pork is a healthy choice for dogs.

Lean beef: Lean beef is safe for dogs.

Fish: Fish is a safe choice, and fish such as salmon and sardines are beneficial.

Eggs: Eggs are a great source of protein for dogs.

Cheeses: Most dogs can handle cheese in small doses.

Yogurt: Plain yogurt is safe for dogs, but you want to avoid any with added sugar or artificial sweeteners.

Peanut Butter: As long as it does not contain xylitol, peanut butter is a healthy treat for dogs.

What Can Dogs Eat? Fruits and Vegetables.

Bananas: Bananas are fine for dogs, on occasion.

Blueberries: Blueberries are a healthy snack for dogs.

Apples: As long as you remove the seeds and the core and cut the apple into slices, apples are healthy for dogs.

Seedless watermelon: If the seeds and rind are removed, watermelon is good for dogs.

Tomatoes: Dogs can only eat ripe tomatoes. They cannot eat unripe tomatoes or tomato-based products.

Pumpkin: Pure pumpkin is a healthy treat for dogs. Pumpkin pie, however, is not.

Carrots: If carrots are cut into bite-sized pieces, they are safe for dogs.

Green beans: Dogs can eat raw or cooked green beans. Make sure no garlic or onions are added to them, though.

Broccoli: Dogs can enjoy broccoli in moderation.

What Can Dogs Eat? Grains.

Corn: Corn is a common ingredient in dog food, so it is safe for dogs. Just be sure to remove it from the cob.

Quinoa: Quinoa makes a healthy substitute for corn for dogs.

Oatmeal: Oatmeal without added sugar or artificial flavors is good for dogs.

Rice: Plain white rice works well for dogs with upset stomachs.

Bread: Small amounts of bread are safe for dogs.

What Foods are the Most Dangerous for Dogs?

Now that you know which foods dogs can eat safely from the table, be sure to familiarize yourself with this list of foods that are unsafe for dogs to eat.

• Chocolate
• Grapes and raisins
• Onions
• Garlic
• Avocados
• Lemons & limes
• Coffee & tea (caffeine is a no-no for dogs)
• Any foods containing Xylitol (commonly found in chewing gum)
• Macadamia nuts
• Foods with high sodium content, such as bacon
• Cinnamon

[Related Read: National Poison Prevention Week: How to Protect Your Pup]

Before you give in to the temptation to feed your pup some of your holiday dishes, make sure you are selecting foods that are safe for him to eat.

Super Scoopers can’t help you feed your dog, but we can help you clean up the messes that come after a meal. Contact us for a one-time-only holiday poop scooping or sign up for regular service!