What Dogs Can and Cannot Eat

A computer science graduate, Brian Kezer has worked with both technology and people for more than a decade. He has held jobs as an operations analyst and a program analyst that had him working with communications equipment and satellite systems. In his free time, however, Brian Kezer enjoys the company and care of dogs.

Many dog owners will be familiar with their dog’s curiosity for human food; it is often hard to resist their longing whines. However only certain foods off their owner’s plate will be safe for them.

To begin with human food that is safe for canine companions, plain bread is neither here nor there as it does no harm but also has no nutritional value. Another carbohydrate the dogs can eat is corn, but only the kernels. Among fatty foods, cashews and peanuts are the two types of nuts that dogs can consume safely; this also means that they can eat peanut butter. Fish, shrimp, and eggs are acceptable food for dogs as well.

More important than knowing foods that are safe is knowing which human foods are toxic and should never be eaten by dogs. Chocolate is famously poisonous; even a small amount will make large dogs sick; a large helping can prove fatal. Garlic is also potentially lethal but its effects may take a few days to emerge; that is why it is important to monitor dogs who have eaten garlic. Macadamia nuts are poisonous too; they affect canine nervous systems and can impair the animal's ability to walk.