List of Safe Foods for a Canine

Dog owners often assume that anything a dog will eat must be safe for it or the dog would not eat it. This is not the case. Dogs have a habit of eating just about anything, safe or not. Some foods can make dogs severely ill or even cause death in a canine.

  1. Manufactured Dog Food

    • Most dog foods are safe for canines to eat. The best brands have all the nutrients dogs need to be healthy. Nonetheless, dog food, like human food, can contain contaminants and dogs can die of food poisoning from dog food. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration keeps a comprehensive list of dog food recalls. Dog owners should consult this list before purchasing dog food.

    Ice Cream

    • Certain ice creams are safe for dogs, but only in moderation. Only allow dogs one spoonful of ice cream at a time and keep an eye on the dog for signs of lactose intolerance (vomiting and diarrhea). Ice creams that are not safe for dogs include chocolate, raisins, nuts, apples or coffee. It may be wisest to stick with plain vanilla.

    Eggs

    • Eggs are good for dogs because they have a lot of protein and vitamins. Some people add a raw egg to dry or canned dog food. Others do not feel comfortable feeding dogs raw egg, so they cook it. Either way, the egg is good for the dog and presents little risk. Salmonella poisoning is uncommon among canines.

    Meat

    • Meat is an essential component of the canine diet. Just about any type of meat will do, unless the dog has allergies. Fish and poultry have protein and vitamins that a dog needs, but the owner should remove the bones and cook the meat before the dog eats it. Beef and pork pose less risk for small bones and certain parasites, but there is always a risk of parasites and bacteria with raw meat.

    Vegetables

    • Vegetables have the same benefits for dogs as they do for humans, vitamins and nutrients that aid in digestion and overall health. Broccoli, carrots, green beans and cabbage are healthy and safe for canines. However, some vegetables, particularly tomatoes and onions,, are not safe for dogs to eat. Tomatoes can cause tomato plant poisoning and onions can cause anemia.

    Offal and Bones

    • Offal (the innards and organs of animals) is a natural and safe food for dogs. Offal, such as kidney, liver and heart contain protein, vitamins and nutrients. The safety of bones in a dog's diet is a matter of debate among professionals. Some say bones are dangerous for the dog's teeth and digestive system. Others point out that bones are part of the diet of wild dogs. They contain vitamins and help clean the teeth. When it comes to bones, it is best to talk to a veterinarian before giving bones to a dog.