Tag: pet nutrition

Welcome to “Can My Dog Eat That?,” our series that answers some obvious (and not-so-obvious) questions about what your dog can and can’t safely eat. You can view some of the previous foods we’ve looked at in our “Can my dog eat that?” guide. Today we answer the question “Can dogs eat cat food?” Read on!

As many dog parents will tell you, some dogs will eat anything. From crumbs on the floor, a forgotten snack, or even the cat’s food. So is it ok if they sneak some of your cat’s food? Let’s find out.

Can Dogs Eat Cat Food?

Yes, dogs can eat cat food, but it’s not advisable for their health. This applies to both dry and wet cat food. While an occasional small amount may not harm a healthy adult dog, regular consumption can lead to negative health effects due to the higher protein and fat content in cat food. To ensure your dog’s well-being, it’s best to stick to a complete diet specifically formulated for their nutritional needs.

Is Cat Food Bad For Dogs?

It’s important to realize that dogs and cats are very different animals and their nutritional requirements are not the same. While feeding cat food in small amounts may not harm your dog, feeding only cat food can lead to nutritional imbalances and health issues. It’s best to provide a balanced diet of dog food formulated specifically for dogs to ensure their optimal health.

Additionally, cat food typically contains higher levels of specific amino acids, such as taurine and arginine, which are part of a cat’s nutritional requirements, while dog food is formulated with a different balance of amino acids to meet the nutritional needs of dogs.

What Happens If My Dog Eats Cat Food?

You turn your back for a minute and realize “Oh no, my dog ate cat food!” The next thought you may have is “Can a dog die from eating cat food?”

If your dog eats cat food once or twice, they might experience mild gastrointestinal upset, such as diarrhea or vomiting, due to the higher meat-based protein and fat content found in cat food compared to dog food. Pancreatitis can also be a concern for dogs that are sensitive to fat. Dogs may also show signs of an upset stomach or bloating, especially if they consume too much cat food or have sensitive stomachs. While occasionally sneaking small amounts is usually not dangerous, it’s important to monitor your dog for any adverse reactions. If your dog seems lethargic, continues to vomit, or shows other concerning symptoms, it’s best to consult your veterinarian for advice.

In the long term, consistently eating cat food can lead to serious health issues for dogs. Since kitty food is formulated to meet the nutritional needs of cats, it contains higher levels of protein and fat, which can cause weight gain and obesity in dogs if consumed regularly. Over time, this imbalance may result in nutritional deficiencies, as dogs require different vitamins and minerals than cats. Additionally, for dogs with chronic health issues such as kidney or liver disease, feeding foods with high protein levels can exacerbate their symptoms.

If your dog frequently eats your cat’s food, it’s important to transition them back to a balanced dog diet to prevent these long-term complications. Dog foods are specially formulated to meet the nutritional requirements for your dog. Regular veterinary check-ups can help monitor their health and address any concerns.

How to Stop My Dog From Eating Cat Food

If your dog’s interest in cat kibble becomes a habit, you may need to consider additional steps to manage their fixation on other food. Consider relocating the cat’s food bowl to a spot that’s out of your dog’s reach. Generally, cats are more agile and can often access places that are off-limits to dogs, so relocate the cat’s bowl higher; or you can also feed them in separate rooms.

Can Dogs Eat Cat Treats?

Generally, cat treats are not dangerous for dogs, but it is not recommended that they eat them regularly. It’s always important to read the ingredients list for any potential hazards if your dog does eat kitty treats. And make sure this does not become a habit; cat snacks can be exceptionally high in fat, which may cause pancreatitis or obesity in dogs.

Instead of feeding cat treats, give your dog treats designed for dogs or healthy snacks like bite-sized carrot, cucumber or sweet potato slices. These tasty snacks are not only nutritious, they can also provide a satisfying crunch that most dogs enjoy.

Can Dogs Eat Dry or Wet Cat Food?

As a dog owner, there may be times when you find yourself out of dog food, and the only option available is feeding them cat food. For healthy adult dogs, a meal or two of wet or dry cat food may not pose a significant problem. However, it’s crucial not to risk your dog’s health by feeding kitty food for an extended period.

So can dogs eat cat food? While it’s not necessarily dangerous for dogs to consume cat food occasionally — as in cases of a temporary shortage or if they sneak a few bites — it’s not advisable. Cat food is specifically formulated to meet a cat’s unique dietary needs, which differ from those of dogs. Feeding your dog cat food can lead to digestive upset, pancreatitis, and may create a nutrient imbalance long term. For your dog’s overall health, it’s always best to stick to a diet specifically designed for dogs.

Welcome to “Can My Dog Eat That?,” our series that answers some obvious (and not-so-obvious) questions about what your dog can and can’t safely eat. You can view some of the previous foods we’ve looked at in our “Can my dog eat that?” guide. Today we answer the question “Can dogs eat potatoes?” Read on!

Taters. Spuds. Pommes de terre. Whichever name you use, potatoes are a popular vegetable at the dinner table. That’s possibly because, much like mushrooms, they’re such a versatile ingredient: we’ve got mashed potatoes, roasted potatoes, baked potatoes, boiled potatoes, potato salad, potato soup, tater tots, French fries — the list goes on. With all of these options passing by their nose, there’s a good chance that your dog is going to beg you for a taste of your ’taters at some point. So should you give in? Can dogs eat potatoes?

The short answer is yes, it’s OK if dogs eat potatoes as long as the potatoes are cooked and plain. But there are a few more things you should know about potatoes before your dog slurps down a spoonful of spud.

Can Dogs Eat Cooked Potatoes?

If you’re going to feed your dog potatoes, they should be cooked. As you’ll read later on, raw potatoes can cause an upset digestive system for dogs. Whichever method you use to cook potatoes, don’t add salt or butter to them because these aren’t healthy for dogs. You should feed your dog plain potatoes that don’t have any toppings or seasonings — especially if the seasonings are toxic to dogs (garlic and onion powder).

For example, if you’re making mashed potatoes, get a spoonful out for your dog before you put the butter, salt or other ingredients in that make it so tasty for you. Similarly, instant mashed potatoes are not good for your dog if they have seasonings mixed in with them.

Are Potatoes Good for Dogs?

Yes, potatoes are healthy for dogs if they are plain, cooked and fed in moderation. Potatoes are often used in commercial dog foods as a carbohydrate source. Carbohydrates provide energy and help promote gastrointestinal health. Potato protein is used as a protein source in some high-protein dog food recipes. Potatoes are also a good source of some vitamins and minerals.

Can Dogs Eat Raw Potatoes?

No, don’t let your dog eat raw potatoes. They can be hard to digest, potentially causing gastrointestinal issues. Additionally, if your dog bites off large chunks of hard, raw potato, they could choke. Cooking the raw potato breaks down the starch and lectin in the potato making it easier to digest (and easier to eat). You should also avoid cooking raw potatoes that have green spots or have started to sprout (see the garden section below).

Can Dogs Eat Potato Skin?

No. Potato skins can be hard to digest and can upset your dog’s digestive tract, so it’s best to feed them potatoes without the skin on. If you baked potatoes with the skin on, scoop out the potato and give that to your dog — before you add the sour cream, butter, cheese, chives and bacon, of course. You should also make sure your dog can’t hunt down any raw potato skins you’ve peeled.

Can Dogs Eat French Fries?

No. Any type of oil-fried potato, like French fries, tater tots and hash browns, is not healthy for dogs due to the fat content. If you feed your dog one or two French fries, they’ll probably be OK, but large amounts of fatty food can cause pancreatitis or an upset digestive tract. The large amount of salt that can be in or on fried food is also not healthy for dogs.

Can Dogs Eat Sweet Potatoes?

Yes. Sweet potatoes have the same guidelines as potatoes — as long as sweet potatoes are cooked and don’t have any toppings or seasonings, your dog can eat sweet potatoes. Fun fact: despite their similar name, sweet potatoes are actually distant relatives of potatoes.

Can Dogs Eat Potatoes from the Garden?

No. Potatoes belong to the nightshade family of plants which also includes tomatoes and eggplants. Nightshades contain glycoalkaloids (solanine and chaconine in the case of potatoes) which can be toxic in large amounts. Potato plants, green potatoes and sprouts contain solanine, and raw potatoes and skins contain chaconine. In toxic amounts, these glycoalkaloids can cause an upset digestive tract as well as other symptoms. If your dog eats large amounts of a potato plant, raw potatoes, green potatoes or potatoes with sprouts, contact your veterinarian.

Can Dogs Eat Potato Chips?

No. The thing that makes potato chips sooo tasty is the seasonings on them. But the seasoning may contain ingredients like garlic and onion powder that are toxic to dogs. Potato chips are usually high in salt and fat which isn’t good for dogs either. So letting them lick the seasoning and chip crumbs from the bottom of the bag is not a good idea!

Keep the Potato Portions Petite

If you do decide to give your dog some potato, use it as a treat or food topper. It shouldn’t be used to replace your dog’s diet and shouldn’t be more than 10 percent of their daily calorie allowance. A small dollop of plain mashed potatoes on top of your dog’s kibble is a good place to start. As always, check with your veterinarian before changing your dog’s diet, including adding new foods.

Can My Dog Eat Potatoes?

Yes, it’s OK if dogs eat mashed potatoes or any other type of cooked potato, as long as they’re plain with no seasonings or toppings. Stay away from raw potatoes and potato skin, though, and remember to only give your dog potatoes as a treat.

Welcome to “Can My Dog Eat That?,” our series that answers some obvious (and not-so-obvious) questions about what your dog can and can’t safely eat. You can view some of the previous foods we’ve looked at in our “Can my dog eat that?” guide. Today we answer the question “Can dogs eat nuts?” Read on!

Not All Nuts Are Toxic to Dogs, But They’re Not Healthy Either

If you’re snacking on some nuts, you might think, “What’s the harm in tossing one or two nuts to my furry friend” (who’s over there drooling and giving you sad puppy dog eyes). Well, there are a few types of nuts that could harm your dog. The general rule is that you should avoid giving your dog nuts as a special treat, because even if they’re not toxic, nuts are not healthy for dogs. Other crunchy snacks are a better alternative, like popcorn that has been air-fried with no toppings.

Are Nuts Bad for Dogs?

If we put nut toxicity aside for a minute, one of the main problems with nuts is that, like coconut, most have a high fat content and are loaded with calories. If your dog is overweight or obese — or even if they’re not — a high-fat, calorie-dense treat like nuts is not a great idea.

Additionally, if your dog consumes a large serving of nuts in one sitting, they could develop pancreatitis, which is commonly triggered by a sudden increase in fat in a dog’s diet. Many nuts are also coated in salt, and too much salt (sodium) is unhealthy for dogs.

Certain nuts pose choking hazards for dogs, especially for small dogs. Notorious for scarfing down food instead of chewing it carefully, dogs can choke on nuts if they swallow them whole or in large pieces. Nut husks or shells and some of the nuts themselves can be hard to digest and could cause an intestinal blockage or damage to the intestine, which could require surgery.

Will Nuts Make My Dog Sick?

There are a few reasons why most nuts can make dogs sick. The coating or seasoning used on nuts may be toxic, for example, chocolate or garlic or onion seasoning. Some nuts themselves (e.g., macadamia nuts) are toxic to dogs, and should never be fed to your dog. Additionally, any nut that is moldy is not safe for dogs to eat. Mold can produce toxins (mycotoxins) that can make dogs sick, including vomiting, tremors and seizures.

Which Nuts Are Safe for Dogs to Eat?

There are some nuts which are not toxic and don’t pose choking hazards; however, any type of nut fed in large amounts is not healthy for dogs. So if you’re feeding your dog any of the nuts which are considered “safe” for dogs (e.g., cashews or peanuts), make sure it’s only in small amounts.

Can Dogs Eat Acorns?

No. As well as being a choking hazard, acorns contain tannins which can cause vomiting and diarrhea.

Can Dogs Eat Almonds?

No. Almonds are a choking hazard, especially for small dogs. Almond nut butters are safe in small quantities as long as they don’t contain the artificial sweetener xylitol.

Can Dogs Eat Brazil Nuts?

No. Brazil nuts are not toxic, but they do have one of the highest fat contents and are difficult for dogs to digest.

Can Dogs Eat Cashews?

Cashews that are roasted (not raw cashews) are safe for dogs in very small quantities. They can be a choking hazard, though.

Can Dogs Eat Macadamia Nuts?

No, do not feed macadamia nuts to your dog as they are very toxic to dogs. They produce gastrointestinal and neurological signs in dogs that include lethargy, vomiting, fever, loss of coordination, muscle weakness and tremors. If your dog eats macadamia nuts, contact your veterinarian immediately.

Can Dogs Eat Peanuts?

Unsalted peanuts are safe in small quantities as long as they’re not seasoned. Many dogs eat peanut butter which is safe in small amounts as long as you purchase peanut butter brands that don’t contain the artificial sweetener xylitol. As much as dogs love it, too much peanut butter isn’t healthy for dogs, either.

Can Dogs Eat Pecans?

No. Pecans are not toxic, but they are at risk of mold and mycotoxin production and could cause an intestinal blockage.

Can Dogs Eat Pistachios?

No. Pistachios are not toxic to dogs, but they are potential choking hazards, are difficult to digest and could cause an intestinal blockage. Pistachios are also susceptible to mold, which can result in poisoning from mycotoxins produced by the mold.

Can Dogs Eat Walnuts?

It depends on whether they’re English or black walnuts. English walnuts, commonly used for cooking, are generally safe in small amounts. Black walnuts, however, contain the chemical juglone, which can cause an upset stomach. Walnuts are also susceptible to mycotoxin-producing mold which is harmful to dogs.

Can Dogs Eat Trail Mix?

Other than nuts, many trail mixes contain ingredients that are toxic to dogs, like chocolate and raisins. So avoid sharing your trail mix with your dog.

My Dog Ate Nuts. What Should I Do?

If your dog ate toxic nuts, moldy nuts or too many nuts of any type, contact your veterinarian or an after-hours emergency clinic. You could also call an animal poison control center, ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center or Pet Poison Helpline.

Can Dogs Eat Nuts? It Depends!

There’s not a clear answer to “Can my dog eat nuts?” It depends on the type of nut, the amount eaten and the condition of the nut (e.g., moldy walnuts). But there are certainly much healthier treats for dogs to eat which have fewer calories and a lower fat content.

Welcome to “Can My Dog Eat That?,” our series that answers some obvious (and not-so-obvious) questions about what your dog can and can’t safely eat. Today we answer the question “Can dogs eat ham?” Read on!

You’ve been busy in the kitchen all day, cooking delicious foods like potatoes, roast turkey and sugar-glazed ham, and they’re ready to serve at the dinner table. You’re gone 30 seconds to get the side dishes, and you come back to find your drooling dog staring longingly at the ham. Or, if your dog’s a mischievous one, you find them on top of the table helping themselves.

So should you give in and throw your dog a tidbit of ham? Should you be concerned if they devoured half the ham before you could chase them away from the table? Well, anyone (human or canine) is going to feel bad after eating half a glazed ham. But there are a few reasons why even a small amount of ham isn’t a good idea for dogs.

Most Ham Isn’t Low Fat

Sure, you can buy 96 percent fat-free sliced ham, but most ham is not considered a low-fat food. Fat can be difficult for dogs to digest, and too much fat at one time can cause an upset digestive tract (e.g., vomiting and diarrhea). If your dog helped themselves to the holiday ham, there’s a good chance pancreatitis will ensue, as suddenly eating a high-fat meal is a common trigger. Not to mention, if your dog is regularly snacking on ham or other high-fat treats like coconut, the high fat intake can also lead to obesity.

Sugar, Salt and Preservatives, oh My

Depending on how it was prepared, ham can contain a high amount of sugar — which is not healthy for dogs. But the bigger problem is that ham is high in sodium (salt). The preservatives used to cure ham are also sodium-based. Too much salt in their diet can contribute to hypertension (high blood pressure) and heart disease. If your dog has chronic kidney disease, they should avoid ham (and other high-sodium foods) because hypertension can damage their kidneys further. Salt can also be toxic to dogs if they consume excess amounts of it, causing vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, excessive thirst and urination.

How much sodium is in ham? According to one example on USDA FoodData Central, a 2 oz. portion of “maple glazed honey coat ham” contains 571 mg of sodium. That’s over twice the daily allowance of sodium (200 mg) recommended by the Committee on Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats (for adult dogs weighing 33 pounds and consuming 1,000 calories per day). This means it doesn’t take much ham to put your dog over their recommended sodium intake for the day.

Ham Bones Are Not Chew Toys

A cooked ham bone may look like a tasty chewy treat for your dog, but any cooked bone can splinter into sharp pieces and puncture parts of their digestive tract. Pieces of bone could also cause a blockage in their digestive tract that requires surgery. Make sure you dispose of ham bones and anything used to wrap or tie meat (e.g., strings, bags, packaging) in a sealed trash bag and then in a container that your dog can’t get into.

The bottom line is that the very occasional tidbit of ham is not likely to cause problems for a healthy dog. Just don’t make ham a regular part of your dog’s diet — particularly if they’re already overweight. Give them a healthy treat instead.

RELATED POST: Can My Dog Eat That? Hot Dogs

Welcome to “Can My Dog Eat That?,” our series that answers some obvious (and not-so-obvious) questions about what your dog can and can’t safely eat. Today we answer the question “Can dogs eat cranberries?” Read on!

We’re just a few short weeks from cranberry season! And by “cranberry season,” we mean “the holidays” because that’s when cranberries suddenly appear everywhere, from on the dinner table next to the turkey to the holiday decorations. So it’s the perfect time to examine whether you can share that can-shaped, sliceable purple goop (and all the other tasty cranberry concoctions, too) with your favorite begging buddy.

In short, unlike grapes, cranberries alone are not toxic to dogs. But as with nearly every other fruit or vegetable, there are preparation methods and other circumstances that make a simple “yea or nay,” not so simple. When fed properly, they’re a tasty, nutritious snack.

Cranberries Are a Superfood

First off, let’s look at any nutritional benefits of the tart red fruit that might benefit your dog. Cranberries are considered a “superfood.” For the uninitiated, a superfood is a food that has particularly high nutritional value. These nutrient-packed foods are key sources of antioxidants, omega fatty acids, fiber, vitamins, minerals and protein. Cranberries are no exception, as they offer high levels of vitamins C, K, E and B, not to mention manganese and copper.

In pet food, superfoods are considered “functional” ingredients. Functional ingredients provide bonus benefits beyond basic nutrition when they are part of a complete and balanced diet. Antioxidants, omega fatty acids and fiber provide some of these bonus benefits.

But Are Cranberries Super Good for Dogs?

You can feed your dog both fresh and dried cranberries without worry, if you do so in moderation. But preparation matters. They have to be plain, with the stems removed, and absolutely NOT from any kind of fruit mix. You see, dried cranberries are often mistaken for raisins, which are extremely toxic to dogs. No trail mix for Rufus!

Check the sugar levels of your cranberry offerings. Many dried cranberries have added sugar to take the edge off the tart flavor, and that sugar adds up quickly in such a little berry. Sugar or not, you should feed a medium or large dog only a small handful at most, and small dogs should only receive two or three in one sitting.

And while cranberry juice is known for helping humans get over urinary tract infections, it won’t help your dog. While a small amount of the tasty beverage won’t hurt your dog, they shouldn’t drink anywhere close to enough to help flush their urinary tract. Most cranberry juices are loaded with sugar so should just be avoided in general.

But Can My Dog Eat Cranberry Sauce?

This is why you’re reading this blog, isn’t it? Everyone at the table, your dog included, is eyeballing that jellied cylinder of cranberry sauce with either delight or disgust. If your dog is one of the delighted ones, should they partake? Just a slice?

Once again, a little bit of festive jellied cran won’t hurt your dog, but it’s probably best avoided since most recipes (canned and the more visually palatable homemade) are loaded with sugar. Too much sugar can cause vomiting or diarrhea in dogs, which is not something you want to deal with under the Thanksgiving Day table. For dogs with diabetes or other sugar-related health issues, it’s a much more serious issue.

Dogs and cranberries mix cautiously. If you absolutely must include your dog in the holiday spread, it’s best to offer up just a few plain cranberries. Fresh is best, and dried is OK if you’re absolutely sure they haven’t been mixed with dastardly raisins. It’s not the most festive answer, but neither is getting out the carpet cleaner at the holiday gathering!

RELATED POST: Can My Dog Eat That? Beverages!