What meat is safest for dogs

A guide to safe and not-so-safe dog bones

What is the safest bone to give a dog?

Each dog is unique and has their individual needs. However, many agree that the safest bones are synthetic bones and certain types of natural bones. Be sure to steer clear of smaller, brittle bones like those from chicken, turkey, pork, or rib bones; as these can splinter and pose a choking hazard.

Do vets recommend bones for dogs?

Your dog might love gnawing on bones, but many vets say you need to choose chews carefully. There are potential risks, including choking, intestinal blockage, and even fractured teeth. Instead of raw bones, opt for edible synthetic bones or hard chews designed specifically for dogs.

What is the safest thing for a dog to chew on?

Edible synthetic bones and hard chew treats are some of the safest options for your dog to chew on. Some dogs also enjoy rawhide chews, made from the inner layer of cow or horse hides.

What do vets recommend dogs chew on?

Veterinarians typically lean towards recommending synthetic bones, hard chew dog treats, or bully sticks for your dogs chewing needs. These options dont just keep them occupied they can also support your dogs dental health. As always, keep a watchful eye on your dog while theyre enjoying their chew.

What are the best natural bones for dogs?

Options for natural dog bones can vary, but beef and ham bones are popular choices. Some pet parents also opt for edible raw bones like chicken wings and necks, or turkey necks. But vets say you should be cautious with these natural options, even if theyve been processed in a pet-safe way. Raw bones carry a risk for illness and small, cooked bones can splinter.

Are Benebones safe for dogs?

Benebones, a synthetic chew option, can indeed be a safe choice for many dogs. However, factors such as the dogs size, chewing habits, and the specific Benebone product can affect the safety of the chew for your dog. Its always a smart move to chat with your vet before introducing new foods and chewing items into your dogs routine.

The best herbs and spices for dogs, approved by vets

Not all spices and herbs are good for your dog and some can create serious problems. Spices that are perfectly good for pet owners can wreak havoc on your dogs system from abdominal pain to vomiting and even death. Find out what to keep away from your dog to keep them safe.

1. Garlic

Keep garlic away from your dog. Its extremely toxic to your dog and contains a compound called organosulfur that adversely impacts your dogs red blood cells, overwhelming the cells antioxidant properties. It changes the blood cells shapes that leads to potential rupturing. If the red blood cells change and break, less oxygen is transported to your pets tissues, organs, and muscles. This leads to decreased energy, anemia, organ failure, and possibly death.

Symptoms of ingestion:

• Lethargy
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Nausea
• Weakness
• Abdominal pain
• Pale gums
• Red urine

What garlic products to avoid: Garlic powder, garlic cloves, chutney, pasta, soups, sauces, butter, oil, and baby food with garlic flavoring.

How to avoid ingestion: Since garlic is found in many human foods, keep all forms of garlic in high cupboards away from your dog. If youre growing garlic in your garden, place a fence around the plants as a preventative measure.

What to do if your dog ingests garlic: If your dog ingests garlic, immediately take them to your vet.

2. Cocoa powder

Similar to chocolate, cocoa powder is an important spice to keep out of your dogs diet. It contains a compound like caffeine known as theobromine which speeds up your pets heart rate and impacts your dogs nervous system. Cocoa powder is seriously dangerous for dogs and can even increase the likelihood of heart problems like a heart attack.

Symptoms of ingestion:

What cocoa powder products to avoid: Cocoa powder, granola bars, chocolate mousse, puddings, smoothies, hot cocoa, dark chocolate, and cocoa butter.

How to avoid ingestion: Many of us keep cocoa powder on hand in the kitchen for baking. Make sure to wipe off baking surfaces and utensils after use to prevent your dog from ingesting the powder.

What to do if your dog ingests cocoa powder: Call your vet immediately if your dog consumes cocoa powder. Your vet may induce vomiting. They may also want to give your dog activated charcoal, which can help prevent any remaining chocolate in their stomach from being absorbed into your dogs bloodstream.

3. Nutmeg

This sweet-smelling spice may be everything nice to pet parents, but to your dog its anything but. Nutmeg is dangerous for dogs and is made with the toxin myristicin that causes abdominal pain when ingested in large amounts. The Pet Poison Helpline notes that symptoms can occur for up to 48 hours and in small doses a reaction is unlikely to take place.

Symptoms of ingestion:

• Abdominal pain
• Vomiting
• Drowsiness
• Over excited
• Death in serious cases

What nutmeg products to avoid: Cookies, eggnog, curries, sauces, bechamel sauce, mulled wine, chai tea, and apple pies.

How to avoid ingestion: To avoid ingestion, store nutmeg and nutmeg products in overhead shelves.

What to do if your dog ingests nutmeg: It depends on how much your dog consumes. In small amounts the chances of toxicity are low. If your dog ingests a large amount of nutmeg, contact your vet or Pet Poison Helpline for help.

4. Onions and chives

Onions and chives have the same effect as garlic does on your pet. Both raw and cooked versions are harmful to your dogs health. The kitchen staples contain N-propyl disulfide known to cause red blood cells to rupture. This could lead to anemia, organ failure, and possibly death.

Symptoms of ingestion:

• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Pale gums
• Abdominal Pain
• Weakness

What onion and chive products to avoid: Table people foods containing onion, onion powder, french onion soup, creamed onion, salads, vegetable stocks, and some baby foods.

How to avoid ingestion: Keep all onions and chives out of your dogs reach by storing on higher shelves in a cool pantry.

What to do if your dog ingests onion or chives: Contact your veterinarian as soon as possible as they may want to induce your pet to vomit.

5. Salt

Salt is a flavorful addition to most foods, but salt can be harmful to your dog. Recommended sodium intake is low for dogs and with too much salt in your dogs diet it can lead to negative effects and even sodium ion poisoning.

Symptoms of ingestion:

• Excessive thirst
• Frequent urination
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Depression
• Fevers
• Seizures

What salt products to avoid: Table salt, ocean water, processed meat, chips, cheese, fries, salted nuts, soup, salad dressing, lunch meats, instant noodles, and pretzels.

How to avoid ingestion: With so many products with salt, its best to keep salty foods off the coffee table and in high places where your dog is less likely to access them.

What to do if your dog ingests salt: If you suspect your dog has consumed too much salt, contact your vet immediately.

6. Paprika

Paprika may be flavorful for pet owners, but its harmful to your dog. Although its not toxic, its made with the ingredient capsaicin which leads to many gastrointestinal problems.

Symptoms of ingestion:

• Upset stomach
• Diarrhea
• Skin and eye irritation
• Nasal irritation
• Gastrointestinal issues

What paprika products to avoid: Hungarian cuisine and certain seasonings

How to avoid ingestion: Avoid all paprika products all together to keep your dog from ingesting the spice.

What to do if your dog ingests paprika: If your dog consumes paprika, theyre likely to have minor reactions. However, in large doses you may want to contact their veterinarian.

7. Pepper

Like paprika, pepper has similar effects on canines. Small amounts shouldnt create serious problems, however in larger amounts it can create stomach problems and irritations.

Symptoms of ingestion:

• Gastrointestinal issues
• Skin and eye irritations
• Diarrhea

What pepper products to avoid: Black pepper.

How to avoid ingestion: Store black pepper in a spill-proof container in your spice cabinet to keep it out of your dogs reach.

What to do if your dog ingests pepper: Follow the same directions for paprika.

8. Mace

Similar to nutmeg, mace is a common herb that isnt safe for your dog to consume. In large amounts, mace can create serious problems.

Symptoms of ingestion:

• Abdominal pain
• Vomiting
• Central nervous system issues
• Drowsiness

What mace products to avoid: Indian cuisine, hot dogs, homemade pickles, stews, and curries.

How to avoid ingestion: Store mace in a closed container to avoid consumption.

What to do if your dog ingests mace: If you suspect your dog ingested a large amount of mace, call your veterinarian.

9. Tea tree oil

Tea tree oil is okay for your dog only as a topical treatment. If your dog ingests tea tree oil, it can lead to poisoning.

Symptoms of ingestion:

• Decreased body temperature
• Weakness
• Tremors
• Coma

What tea tree oil products to avoid: Any products that contain more than one to two percent concentration.

How to avoid ingestion: If you apply a topical treatment of essential oils on your dog, prevent them from licking it off themselves. If this proves to be difficult, stop using tea tree oil all together.

What to do if your dog ingests tea tree oil: Make sure to contact your veterinarian or Poison Helpline immediately.

10. Yuca

Grown in the desert, this herb is known to irritate your dogs intestine and create stomach problems if consumed at a high dose.

Symptoms of ingestion:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Bloating
• Intestinal irritation

What yuca products to avoid: Fried, boiled, and mashed yuca.

What to do if your dog ingests yuca: In small doses, the herb is safe for your dog to consume. However, if your dog ingests large doses contact your veterinarian.

11. Hops

Hops are very dangerous for your dog due to their chemical compounds. The compounds increase your dogs body temperature rapidly which can lead to organ damage in severe cases.

Symptoms of ingestion:

• Panting
• Abdominal pain
• Seizures
• Increased heart rate
• Overexcitement

What hops products to avoid: Beer or fresh hops.

What to do if your dog ingests hops: If you suspect your dog ingested hops, contact your veterinarian as soon as possible. They will likely treat your dog with charcoal or induced vomiting.

People Foods Dogs Can and Cant Eat

Dedicated dog lovers tend to be very kind people. We share our hearts and homes (and for some lucky pups, even the foot of our beds) with our canine pals. Surely there is nothing wrong with sharing our favorite people foods with our dogs too, right? Not necessarily. Many of the foods, such as fruits and vegetables, that people digest just fine can wreak havoc on a dogs body, causing severe health problems. On the other hand, some of the foods people eat can be introduced to a dogs diet just fine, and even provide health benefits such as joint strength, better breath, and allergy immunity.

But before giving your dog foods thatyoucrave, read on and learn which foods are safe, and which can send your dog straight to the emergency vet. And always be mindful that even healthy foods fed in excess can lead to canine obesity, a major health concern for U.S. dogs. Always choose a quality dog food as your dogs main diet.

Human Food Safety for Dogs

Almonds: No, dogs shouldnt eat almonds. Almonds may not necessarily be toxic to dogs like macadamia nuts are, but they can block the esophagus or even tear the windpipe if not chewed completely. Salted almonds are especially dangerous because they can increase water retention, which is potentially fatal to dogs prone to heart disease.

Bread:Yes, dogs can eat bread. Small amounts of plain bread (no spices and definitely no raisins) wont hurt your dog, but it also wont provide any health benefits either. It has no nutritional value and can really pack on the carbohydrates and calories, just like in people. Homemade breads are a better option than store-bought, as bread from the grocery store typically contains unnecessary preservatives, but its best to avoid it altogether.

Cashews:Yes, dogs can eat cashews. Cashews are OK for dogs, but only a few at a time. Theyve got calcium, magnesium, antioxidants, and proteins, but while these nuts contain less fat than others, too many can lead to weight gain and other fat-related conditions. A few cashews make a nice treat, but only if theyre unsalted.

Cheese:Yes, dogs can eat cheese in small to moderate quantities. As long as your dog isnt lactose intolerant, which is rare, but still possible in canines, cheese can be a great treat. Many kinds of cheese can be high in fat, so go for lower-fat varieties like cottage cheese or mozzarella. Many dogs enjoy their very own dog-specific Himalayan dog chew made of dried cheese (but we dont recommend sharing it).

Chocolate:No, dogs should never eat chocolate. This isnt just an urban legend. Chocolate contains toxic substances called methylxanthines, which are stimulants that stop a dogs metabolic process. Even just a little bit of chocolate, especially dark chocolate, can causediarrheaandvomiting. A large amount can cause seizures, irregular heart function, and even death. Do not have chocolate in an accessible location for your dog. If your dog does ingest chocolate, contact a veterinarian orPet Poison Helplineas soon as possible.

Cinnamon: No, dogs shouldnt eat cinnamon. While cinnamon is not actually toxic to dogs, its probably best to avoid it. Cinnamon and its oils can irritate the inside of dogs mouths, making them uncomfortable and sick. It can lower a dogs blood sugar too much and can lead to diarrhea, vomiting, increased, or decreased heart rate, and even liver disease. If they inhale it in powder form, cinnamon can cause difficulty breathing, coughing, and choking.

Coconut: Yes, coconut is OK for dogs. This funky fruit contains lauric acid, which can help combat bacteria and viruses. It can also help with bad breath and clearing up skin conditions like hot spots, flea allergies, and itchy skin. Coconut milk and coconut oil are safe for dogs too. Just be sure your dog doesnt get its paws on the furry outside of the shell, which can get lodged in the throat.

Corn:Yes, dogs can eat corn. Corn is one of the most common ingredients in most dog foods. However, the cob can be hard for a dog to digest and may cause an intestinal blockage, so if youre sharing some corn, make sure it is off the cob. (Or just opt for a squeaky corn toy instead.)

Eggs: Yes,dogs can eat eggs. Eggs are safe for dogs as long as they are fully cooked. Cooked eggs are a wonderful source of protein and can help an upset stomach. However, eating raw egg whites can contribute to biotin deficiency, so be sure to cook the eggs all the way through before giving them to your pet.

Fish:Yes, dogs can eat fish. Fish contains good fats and amino acids, giving your dog a nice health boost. Salmon and sardines are especially beneficial salmon because its loaded with vitamins and protein, and sardines because they have soft, digestible bones for extra calcium. With the exception of sardines, be sure to pick out all the tiny bones, which can be tedious but is definitely necessary. Never feed your dog uncooked or undercooked fish, only fully cooked and cooled, and limit your dogs fish intake to no more than twice a week.

Garlic: No, dogs shouldnt eat garlic. Like onions, leeks, and chives, garlic is part of the Allium family, and it is five times more toxic to dogs than the rest of the Allium plants. Garlic can create anemia in dogs, causing side effects such as pale gums, elevated heart rate, weakness, and collapse. Poisoning from garlic and onions may have delayed symptoms, so if you think your dog may have eaten some, monitor him or her for a few days, not just right after consumption.

Ham: Yes, dogs can eat ham. Ham is OK for dogs to eat, but certainly isnt the healthiest for them. Ham is high in sodium and fat, so while sharing a small piece is all right, it shouldnt be a continuous habit.

Honey: Yes, dogs can eat honey. Honey is packed with countless nutrients such as vitamins A, B, C, D, E, and K, potassium, calcium, magnesium, copper, and antioxidants. Feeding dogs small amounts of honey can help with allergies because it introduces small amounts of pollen to their systems, building up immunity to allergens in your area. In addition to consuming honey, the sticky spread can also be used as a topical treatment for burns and superficial cuts.

Ice cream:No, dogs shouldnt eat ice cream. As refreshing of a treat as ice cream is, it contains lots of sugar so it is best not to share with your dog. Also, some dogs have an intolerance to lactose. To avoid the milk altogether, freeze chunks of strawberries, raspberries, apples, and pineapples to give to your dog as a sweet, icy treat.

Macadamia nuts: No, dogs should never eat macadamia nuts. These are some of the most poisonous foods for dogs. Macadamia nuts, part of the Protaceae family, can cause vomiting, increased body temperature, inability to walk, and lethargy. Even worse, they can affect the nervous system. Never feed your dog macadamia nuts.

Milk:Yes, dogs can have milk. But be cautious. Some dogs are lactose-intolerant and dont digest milk well. While it is OK for dogs to have a little milk, owners should be cognizant of the symptoms of lactose-intolerance and might want to stick to giving their dogs water.

Peanut butter: Yes, peanut butter is OK for dogs. Peanut butter can be an excellent source of protein for dogs. It contains heart-healthy fats, vitamins B and E and niacin. Raw, unsalted peanut butter is the healthiest option. Read the label carefully to be sure the peanut butter does not containxylitol, a sugar substitute that can be toxic to dogs.

Peanuts:Yes, dogs can eat peanuts. Unlike almonds, peanuts are safe for dogs to eat. Theyre packed with good fats and proteins that can benefit your dog. Just be sure to give peanuts in moderation, as you dont want your dog taking in too much fat, which can lead to pancreas issues. Also, avoid salted peanuts. Too much salt is hard for dogs to process.

Popcorn: Yes, dogs can eat popcorn. Unsalted, unbuttered, air-popped popcorn is OK for your dog in moderation. It contains riboflavin and thiamine, both of which promote eye health and digestion, as well as small amounts of iron and protein. Be sure to pop the kernels all the way before giving them to your dog, as unpopped kernels could become a choking hazard.

Pork: Yes, dogs can eat pork. Pork isa highly digestible protein, packed with amino acids, and it contains more calories per pound than other meats. Pork also may be less likely to cause an allergic reaction in some pets compared to other proteins.

Quinoa:Yes, quinoa is OK for dogs. You can now find quinoa in some high-quality dry dog foods. The strong nutritional profile of quinoa makes it a healthy alternative to corn, wheat, and soy starches that are often used to make kibble.

Salmon:Yes, dogs can eat salmon. As mentioned above, fully cooked salmon is an excellent source of protein, good fats, and amino acids. It promotes joint and brain health and gives dog-immune systems a nice boost. However, raw or undercooked salmon contains parasites that can make dogs very sick, causing vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, and, in extreme cases, even death. Be sure to cook salmon all the way through (the FDA recommends at least 145 degrees Fahrenheit) and the parasites should cook out.

Shrimp:Yes, shrimp is OK for dogs. A few shrimp every now and then is fine for your dog, but only if they are fully cooked and the shell (including the tail, head, and legs) is removed completely. Shrimp are high in antioxidants, vitamin B-12, and phosphorus, but also low in fat, calories, and carbohydrates.

Tuna:Yes, dogs can eat tuna, but only in small amounts. In moderation, cooked, fresh tuna is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, which promotes heart and eye health. As for canned tuna, it contains small amounts of mercury and sodium, which should be avoided in excess. A little bit of canned tuna and tuna juice here and there is fine prepared only in water, not oil as long as it doesnt contain any spices.

Turkey:Yes, dogs can eat turkey. Turkey is fine for dogs, but be sure to remove excess fat and skin from the meat. Dont forget to check for bones; poultry bones can splinter during digestion, causing blockage or even tears in the intestines. Any meat with excessive salt, seasonings, onions or garlic should not be fed.

Wheat/grains:Yes, dogs can eat wheat and other grains. Dogs do not have to be grain-free; it is perfectly OK for them to have grains. In fact, grains like wheat and corn are great sources of protein, essential fatty acids, and fiber. If your dog has certain allergies, however, it might be best to avoid grains, but it truly depends on your dog. Ask your veterinarian for recommendations.

Yogurt:Yes, yogurt is OK for dogs. Plain yogurt is a perfectly acceptable snack for dogs. However, some dogs may have trouble digesting dairy products. If your dog can digest it, the active bacteria in yogurt can help strengthen the digestive system with probiotics. Plain yogurt is the best choice. Avoid any yogurts with added sugar, and skip all yogurt with artificial sweeteners.