Healthy Food for Happy Pets

The American College of Veterinary Nutrition (ACVN) states your dog's individual nutritional needs are based primarily on age, size, health, and breed. Most dogs thrive on a healthy homemade food diet, however it can be harmful in certain cases or with certain health conditions.

Homemade dog food is not recommended for dogs less than one year old or those that are pregnant or lactating. Please speak to your vet before making major changes or implementations to your pets diet. 

WHAT FOODS CAN DOGS EAT?

• Eggs (cooked): Loaded with vitamins, minerals, and protein. 
• Fish (cooked): Good source of protein. Fish like salmon contain high levels of omega-3 fatty acids to reduce inflammation, improve cardiovascular health, and maintain skin/fur health. 
• Fruit: Apples, bananas, blackberries, blueberries, coconut, oranges, pineapple, mango, strawberries, and watermelon are chock full of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Be sure to remove any seeds and stems from fruit.
• Grains (cooked): Plain brown Rice, corn, and oats are nutrient dense carbohydrates and are good sources of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. 
• Greek Yogurt (plain): High in protein and probiotics for gut health.
• Meat (cooked): Chicken, beef, pork, and turkey are great sources of easily digestible protein, healthy fat, vitamins, and minerals.
• Organ Meat (cooked): High protein, vitamin and mineral density. Liver contains anywhere from 10 to 100 times the nutrients then that of muscle meat. Add in moderation to avoid vitamin/mineral toxicity. 
• Pasta (cooked): Excellent source of resistant starch to promote gut health.
• Peanuts & Peanut Butter (unsalted): Rich in vitamin B6, vitamin E, phosphorus, potassium, and niacin. Has a high fat content and should be eaten in moderation (as a treat).
• Vegetables (raw or cooked): Broccoli, carrots, celery, cucumbers, green beans, peas, and zucchini are rich in vitamins A, C, E, D, & K as well as potassium, magnesium, and calcium. Low in calories and high in fiber, antioxidants, phytonutrients and enzymes. 
• Vegetables (cooked): Be sure to fully cook starchy vegetables like potatoes, squash, and pumpkin to make them easier to digest. Rich in fiber and nutrients like vitamin C & B6, iron, and magnesium.

WHAT FOODS ARE TOXIC TO DOGS?

• Alcohol: Cannot be digested. Causes CNS depression, organ damage, hypothermia, hypoglycemia, and difficulty breathing.
• Apricot: Stems, leaves, and seeds contain cyanide, a neurotoxin that disrupts cellular respiration leading to rapid tissue damage and death.
• Avocado: Contains the chemical persin that causes gastrointestinal upset and in some cases organ failure.
• Caffeine: Found in coffee, tea, chocolate, soda, energy drinks and some medications. Causes damage to the central nervous system and cardiovascular system and is often fatal.
• Cherries: Pits contain cyanide. 
• Chocolate: Contains theobromine and caffeine that cause symptoms leading to severe dehydration, internal bleeding, seizures, and death. 
• Grapes & Raisins: Contain chemicals that cause rapid kidney failure and death. 
• Lemons & Limes: Contain psoralen that causes severe gastrointestinal upset.
• Macadamia, Walnuts & Cashews: Contain the chemical juglone that causes neurological symptoms (seizures) and gastrointestinal upset.
• Nutmeg: Found in many baked goods can cause cardiovascular and neurological issues. 
• Onions & Garlic: Contains thiosulfate that damages red blood cells and causes anemia.
• Peaches & Plums: Pits contain cyanide.
• Rhubarb: Contains oxalate crystals that can cause kidney failure.
• Wild Mushrooms: Many contain toxins that damage various organs or the nervous system.
• Xylitol: A sweetener found in candy, gum, toothpaste, and baked goods. Can cause hypoglycemia, a dangerous drop in blood sugar, and liver failure. 

**Do your research and consult with a veterinarian before adding new foods to your dogs diet.