The 10 Best and Worst Foods for Dogs, According to a Vet

As a dog lover, you want to ensure that your pup lives the longest and healthiest life possible. Eating the same dry kibble every day can make life pretty mundane for any living being. Still, it can be challenging to filter through the social media advice, ad messaging and endless claims by supposed experts. So what is the truth about canine nutrition?

We spoke with veterinarian Brian Collins, D.V.M., at the Cornell Richard P. Riney Canine Health Center. “Feeding your dogs fresh food provides variety in their lives and is good for their mental well-being and their gut,” said Collins. 

Before diving into specific foods, there are a few general guidelines dog parents should know. Beware of additives (especially xylitol), and stick with natural whole foods. Consider whether your dog has preexisting conditions, is taking medication, their size, or if your dog generally has a tough time swallowing, in which case food should be cut into smaller pieces. While there is a movement to cook for dogs, this does require the guidance of an animal nutritionist. “There is a science to ensure your dogs are getting the proper amount of carbs, protein, fat and nutrients like calcium and other vitamins and minerals,” said Collins.

Look into other ways to provide nutritional enrichment with slow-feeding puzzle bowls or toys that allow you to feed your dog whole healthy foods between meals, like frozen pupsicles. And as a general rule, when in doubt, consult your local vet!

Here are the top 10 best and worst foods for dogs, according to a veterinarian. 

5 Best Foods for Dogs

1. Apples

Apples are a great source of vitamin C, vitamin A, potassium, antioxidants and fiber, which are good for dogs. Be sure to cut the apple into pieces as you would for a human, and avoid feeding your dog any seeds as those can be toxic and cause gastrointestinal tract blockages. 

2. Blueberries

Blueberries are high in vitamin C, fiber, antioxidants and phytochemicals, making them a healthy choice for humans and for our canine friends. “Frozen berries can be great to cool your dog down,” said Collins. Keep a bag of organic frozen blueberries in your freezer for hot days as a sweet treat or to throw into a meal. 

3. Peanut Butter

Peanuts are an excellent source of protein, and peanut butter is great for masking medication, bath time and for putting into enrichment toys. Be sure that your peanut butter is as plain as possible and free of additives like palm oil, sugar and salt. Many natural-foods stores will have machines that make peanut butter from raw unsalted peanuts. 

4. Cucumber

Green veggies high in fluid content like cucumbers, green beans and zucchini are great, especially for dogs that have ravenous appetites or are trying to achieve a more healthy body weight, according to Collins. Cucumber in particular is low in calories and high in vitamin B, vitamin C, vitamin K, potassium and magnesium. Be sure to cut off the ends and cut the cucumber into smaller pieces to avoid choking. Some vets also advise to peel the skin. 

5. Meat

Lean meat cooked in water or its own juices, without seasoning or excess oils and fats, is ideal. Collins encourages caution when it comes to feeding dogs bones, as hard bones can crack a dog’s teeth, get stuck in the roof of their mouth, or cause GI tract obstruction. Lean meat, such as chicken or turkey, without skin and carefully picked off the bones, tends to be a safe choice.

5 Worst Foods for Dogs

1. Macadamia Nuts

Macadamia nut toxicosis is characterized by vomiting, weakness, hyperthermia and central nervous system depression. “We see a lot of dogs that have accidentally eaten macadamia nuts around the holidays,” Collins shared. If you are baking with nuts or if your dog is prone to grabbing food off a plate or table, be extra careful.  

2. Grapes and Raisins

Ingesting just one grape can cause incurable kidney failure in dogs, according to Collins. If your dog has ingested a grape, raisin or foods containing those ingredients like raisin bread, contact your veterinarian or animal hospital immediately, as vets have medication that can help a dog vomit before the toxins are absorbed into the body. If you can’t get to a vet, hydrogen peroxide could work as a last resort (but check with a vet first). 

3. Chocolate

Chocolate contains caffeine and theobromine, two chemicals that affect a dog’s central nervous system and heart and act as diuretics that can cause dehydration. The darker the chocolate (the higher the cacao content), the more lethal the dose could be. This means that any foods containing caffeine, like coffee, should be avoided. 

4. Alliums

Onions, garlic, leeks and chives are all part of the Allium genus of plants, which contain N-propyl disulfides and thiosulfates that can cause damage to dogs’ red blood cells. Beware when cooking with these veggies, as a tiny piece can cause a lot of harm to pets, especially smaller dogs. And while we may not readily give these vegetables alone to our pets, they are often hidden in sauces and seasoning for meat and other foods. 

5. Chewing Gum

Anything containing xylitol is highly poisonous to dogs. Even a small amount of xylitol will cause a dog’s blood sugar to plummet to dangerous levels, leading to vomiting, loss of balance, tremors and possible liver failure. “I don’t keep chewing gum in my home at all,” says Collins, who has three dogs of his own. Even if a dog doesn’t immediately show symptoms, they may need to be monitored overnight by a vet. Xylitol can be one of those sneaky additives hiding in some peanut butters and sugar-free desserts including light ice creams and baked goods. 

The Bottom Line

The love we have for our canine besties knows no bounds, and maybe reading this article has given you some food for thought (pun intended). All good pet parents are interested in giving their dogs the best lives while they are on Earth with us. The good news is that you don’t need to go to extremes or spend a lot of money. There are some simple fresh foods that are easy to throw in your grocery cart. Plus, adding more fresh fruits and veggies will only benefit ourselves, the humans we love and the dogs who make our lives exponentially brighter. 

Resources: If your dog has ingested something toxic and your vet is unavailable, you can call either of these 24/7 emergency hotlines: Pet Poison Helpline: 855-764-7661 // ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center: 888-426-4435