Question 1

Can my dog eat açai berries?

Accepted Answer

Açai berries are not good for dogs to eat. 

Do not panic if your dog accidentally eats one or two, more than this, however, could cause vomiting and excessive thirst, and, if left unchecked could cause kidney issues. This is because the same compound in chocolate known to be poisonous to dogs, theobromine, is also present in açai.

Many berries are labelled as superfoods, and can be very beneficial for dogs to eat. Açai berries, unfortunately, are not one of those.

Question 2

Can dogs eat almonds?

Accepted Answer

Almonds are safe for dogs to eat, and are best fed as a crushed nut or powder as there is a risk of choking or intestinal blockage if they are fed whole. Your dog’s individual digestive health will determine how likely this is to occur, but you should always try to err on the side of caution with nuts.

Some almond brands sometimes contain a mould toxin called aflatoxin, which can contribute to skin issues, nausea or even, in extreme circumstances, seizures in dogs. The mould is all down to how the almonds are stored, which, as the end buyer, can be difficult to identify.

Otherwise, almonds can provide useful additional fatty acids, vitamins and minerals to your dog's diet.

Question 3

Can dogs eat apples?

Accepted Answer

While the flesh of an apple is safe for dogs to eat – and can be nutritious too – apple pips are not good for dogs (they even contain some cyanide!).

Apples are best fed as a once in a while snack or as a treat if your dog likes them. Like most fruits they are sugar-rich and not as nutritious as leafy green vegetables or berries.

Question 4

Can my dog eat apricots?

Accepted Answer

Apricots are safe for dogs to eat but the stone from an apricot is not. 

Apricots can be given as an occasional snack or treat, as they provide a small amount of  vitamin C and A. As with most fruits, however, they can be higher in sugars than, say, leafy and nutritious vegetables, so try and feed them sparingly.

Question 5

Can my dog eat artichokes?

Accepted Answer

Globe artichokes and Jerusalem artichokes are safe for dogs to eat. Artichokes sold in oil may not be healthy for dogs, however.

Like many vegetables, globe artichokes are fairly high in minerals, like magnesium, as well as a range of B vitamins and vitamin C. Your dog will likely digest globe artichokes better if you cook the vegetables first.

The most useful, purported, attribute of globe artichokes, is their ability to support the liver in detoxification. As a member of the thistle family, like milk thistle, globe artichokes contain the antioxidants cynarin and silymarin, which are both thought to positively impact liver function.

Jerusalem artichokes are also good for dogs to eat. These are more of a root than a vegetable, and do not need to be peeled before feeding to your dog. They do, however, need to be lightly cooked for proper digestion to occur. This root vegetable is high in the fibre inulin, a well-known prebiotic that feeds and sustains the good bacteria of your dog’s microbiome. Jerusalem artichokes also contain a fair amount of iron and potassium.

Question 6

Can dogs eat asparagus?

Accepted Answer

Asparagus is safe for dogs to eat. In fact, asparagus is one of the most useful vegetables for dogs due to its strong prebiotic content, coupled with above average amounts of vitamin K and vitamin B9 (folate).

These nutrients all make the asparagus great for your dog's digestive system, supporting and even enhancing digestive function.

Asparagus can contribute to the natural balance of your dog's gut bacteria and also contains useful flavonoids and anti-inflammatory compounds, such as quercetin.

You can feed asparagus to your dog a few times a week, perhaps rotated with other prebiotic foods too. Aim to feed lightly cooked, chopping off the bottom third of the vegetable, which can be tough to digest even after cooking.

Question 7

Can my dog eat aubergine?

Accepted Answer

Aubergine is not toxic to dogs. However, it is not suitable for dogs with inflammatory conditions or dogs with kidney ailments. 

Many dogs carry internal inflammation showing up as skin ailments or joint issues, Kidneys can also be compromised without outward symptoms showing so it is better to offer other, more useful, vegetables such as leafy greens or those from the cucumber family.

While your dog accidentally eating some aubergine should be okay, we wouldn't recommend that you add any to your dog’s food bowl.

Question 8

Can dogs eat avocado?

Accepted Answer

The stone and the rind of an avocado are unsafe for a dog to eat, and they can sometimes even cause vomiting and poisoning. The flesh of an avocado is also felt to be unsafe as it contains similarly toxic traces.

Controversially, some dog food companies have begun adding avocado to their foods. While avocados do contain some useful nutritious fatty acids there is little need for them to be in your dog’s diet, as, in any event, there are more nutritious fruit discussed throughout this page that you could give to your dog instead.

Question 9

Can my dog eat bacon?

Accepted Answer

While it shouldn’t be unsafe if snapped up in small amounts, bacon is often far too high in salts and preservatives to be healthy for your dog.

Natural freeze-dried meat treats are a much tastier safer option.

Question 10

Can dogs eat bananas?

Accepted Answer

Banana is safe for dogs. Ripe bananas can be a good prebiotic for a dog, supporting the balance of essential gut bacteria.

They also contain a good amount of potassium, copper and B6, each useful for anxiety, skin conditions and liver health. Bananas do, however, contain a fair amount of sugar and so should be fed sparingly. If your dog likes them, they could act as a great squishy alternative to cheese for hiding tablets in!

Question 11

Can my dog eat beef ribs?

Accepted Answer

Dogs benefit from raw bones but must never eat cooked beef rib bones. Cooked bone is dry, often brittle and is known to cause digestive issues, and may even damage your dog’s mouth. Raw bones, however, are full of moisture, chewy, flexible and have been part of wild dog diets since the dawn of evolution.

Raw fed diets will often have raw beef rib bones included. And many dogs on this diet swallow raw bones whole. Typically, this is safe and makes digestion easier as dogs do not have digestive enzymes in the mouth as we do; for dogs, digestion begins in the stomach. A dog's oesophagus is designed to stretch and cope with smaller raw meaty bones.

Larger bones such as beef ribs then become leisurely, chewing bones rather than meal bones. If your dog has eaten cooked rib bones of any kind, perhaps stolen from a leftover garden BBQ plate, you must keep an eye on them and call your vet if you are worried.

Question 12

Can dogs eat bee pollen?

Accepted Answer

Bee pollen is safe for dogs, and while it is a food type in some respects – mostly because it really is so nutritious – ultimately it is a supplement.

You can add it to your dog’s food as an anti-oxidant, anti-microbial supplement; bee pollen is also known as a liver protectant, boosting the function of your dog’s liver. A medium-sized dog could have around ½ teaspoon. It is safe for them to have a bit more, but medicinal amounts are typically around this dosage.

Question 13

Can my dog eat beetroot?

Accepted Answer

Yes, your dog can eat beetroot, however it would need to be cooked if included as part of a meal.

Due to its starchy, sugary make-up, we would recommend that you only give beetroot to your dog in small amounts.

Question 14

Can dogs eat biscuits?

Accepted Answer

Dogs shouldn’t really eat biscuits. The ingredients that make up biscuits are not good for dogs: dairy, wheat, grains, sugars or sweeteners. The final product contains saturated and heat-altered fats that can contribute to inflammation, yeasts, skin and joint issues.

Biscuits also usually contain a lot of sugar, which can upset your dog’s blood sugar levels and lead to behavioural problems, high-energy and even aggression in some dogs.

As we humans look for alternatives to sugar, many biscuits are being created with sweeteners instead of sugars, and some of these sweeteners are toxic to dogs.

With the vast range of dehydrated meat-based, super healthy, treats available for dogs nowadays there is simply no need to take the risk with food items like biscuits.

Even biscuits labelled "for dogs" can have many grain-based ingredients that contribute to blood sugar imbalances, inflammation and yeast infections. The Bonio might be iconic but it’s not nutritious.

Question 15

Can dogs eat blackberries?

Accepted Answer

Blackberries are safe for dogs. Many dog owners will notice their dogs picking them in the autumn months from hedgerows.

Blackberries contain a good amount of the mineral, manganese, which is partly how they get their rich dark colour.

If your dog has skin ailments, digestive complaints, anxiety or need a boost to their bone growth, extra natural manganese is useful. As with many berries, blackberries are also a prebiotic, supporting the balance of microbiome in your dog’s digestive system. Depending on the size of your dog, as few or a handful is enough to add to your dog’s food bowl, and they can be added daily.

Question 16

Can my dog eat blackcurrants?

Accepted Answer

Blackcurrants are not entirely safe for dogs. They are in the grape family and, while we have not read definitive science that says they are toxic, we know that they contain compounds that can impact a dog’s kidneys.

A more beneficial option would be blackberries or blueberries which are both safe and nutritious for dogs.

Question 17

Can dogs eat blueberries?

Accepted Answer

Blueberries are safe for dogs. They are in fact one of the better fruits that you could add to a dog’s meals.

Blueberries are a wonderful prebiotic, helping to support and balance your dog’s microbiome. Depending on the size of your dog, you could add a few or a handful to their bowl of food every day. Blueberries have a good amount of vitamin K, C and manganese all super for boosting and repairing the digestive system.

Finally, they contain useful anti-oxidants that can help with repair and oxidative stress linked to ageing and/or high-activity.

Question 18

Can my dog eat bones?

Accepted Answer

Yes, dogs can eat and chew on raw bones but they must never eat cooked bones.

Cooked bone is dry, often brittle and is known to cause digestive issues, and may even damage your dog’s mouth. Raw bones are full of moisture, chewy, flexible and have been part of wild dog diets since the dawn of evolution.

When fed a raw diet dogs often have raw meaty bones included. Many dogs on this diet swallow smaller raw bones whole – simply gulping them. See our beef ribs example above for why this can be beneficial for a dog's digestive system.

We've written extensively on feeding bones to dogs – why not read more if you're concerned or are keen to add bones to your dog's diet.

Question 19

Can dogs eat brazil nuts?

Accepted Answer

Yes, if fed as a crushed nut or powder, then brazil nuts are safe for dogs to eat. 

There is a risk of choking or intestinal blockage, however, if they are fed whole.

Some brands of brazil nuts also have a mould toxin called aflatoxin, which is not ideal for a dog to eat and can contribute to skin issues, nausea or even – in extreme circumstances – seizures. The mould is all down to the storage, which, as the end buyer, is difficult to predict.

If they have been kept in an appropriate way, with no aflatoxin growth, then crushed brazil nuts or powder can provide useful additional fatty acids and a good amount of selenium, which is often deficient in dogs' diets.

Brazil nuts also have lots of magnesium as well as and some iron and calcium too.

Question 20

Can my dog eat broccoli?

Accepted Answer

Yes, dogs can eat broccoli. Feed broccoli cooked as an addition to meals to add lots of nutrients, including vitamin C and vitamin K.

One of the best things about broccoli is that its bioactive compounds, like kaempferol, are proven to reduce inflammation and even to protect from cell damage in certain types of cancers.

Increased vitamin C can also help dogs experiencing anxiety or stress or recovering from an injury.

Question 21

Can dogs eat Brussels sprouts?

Accepted Answer

Dogs can eat Brussels sprouts raw or cooked, but, as with all vegetables, dogs will usually digest them better if they are diced or lightly cooked and can be included regularly on your dog’s menu to help relieve ailments such as arthritis or skin issues.

High in vitamins C and K, Brussels sprouts are great for your dog’s immune system, for blood clotting, and bone health. The high vitamin C content also ensures your dog can absorb lots of iron from the meat they eat.

Believe it or not, Brussels sprouts are one of the best plant sources of omega 3 fatty acids too, which, coupled with their antioxidant content, makes them great for reducing inflammation.

Question 22

Can dogs eat butternut squash?

Accepted Answer

Butternut squash is safe for dogs. And cooked squashes can be used as an alternative to pumpkin in balancing out digestive issues such as constipation or loose stools.

Butternut squash is high in vitamin A – worth noting if you feed quite a few organ meats. Butternut squash also has useful amounts of B vitamins (including B1 and B6), as well as the minerals magnesium and manganese.

Question 23

Can my dog eat cabbage?

Accepted Answer

Yes, dogs can eat cabbage; cooked or raw it's safe for your dog to eat. Cabbage is most beneficial for your dog however when it is fermented into Sauerkraut.

Sauerkraut made with green cabbage and no vinegar, has been shown to act as a natural probiotic, supporting the balance of your dog's microbiome and potentially ameliorating digestive issues. Sauerkraut is fairly easily made at home with green cabbage or found ready-made from health food stores.

Question 24

Can my dog eat carrots?

Accepted Answer

Yes, your dog can eat carrots, which are safe and nutritious for dogs. They are a starchy, more sugary vegetable though, and so are best suited to more active dogs if given as an everyday food item.

Carrots contain lots of the antioxidant beta carotene, which is converted to vitamin A, and needed for healthy skin and mucus membranes. Some dogs enjoy carrots raw as a treat to chomp on. They will be better digested if lightly cooked or finely chopped.

Question 25

Can I give my dog cake?

Accepted Answer

Dogs shouldn’t eat cake. The ingredients that make up cakes are not good for dogs: dairy, wheat, grains, sugars or sweeteners. Cake can upset your dogs’ blood sugar levels and lead to behavioural problems, hyperactivity and even aggression, and some of the sugar-substitute sweeteners are toxic to dogs.Nowadays, with the vast range of dehydrated meat-based, super healthy, treats available for dogs, there is simply no need to take the risk with (ultra-)processed foodstuffs like cake.

Question 26

Can dogs eat cashew nuts?

Accepted Answer

Yes, cashews are safe for dogs to eat and are always better fed as a crushed nut or powder (as there is a risk of choking or intestinal blockage if they are fed whole).

Cashews are, technically a type of seed, which due to their softness are typically more easily digested. Some brands of cashews might have a mould toxin called aflatoxin, which is not ideal for a dog to eat and can contribute to skin issues, nausea or even in extreme circumstances seizures.

Outside of aflatoxin growth, cashews can provide useful additional fatty acids and lots of lovely magnesium, which they are pretty high in, with magnesium much needed to work with calcium in both skeletal building and the immune response.

Question 27

Can dogs eat cauliflower?

Accepted Answer

Cauliflower is safe for dogs to eat, whether raw or cooked – ideally steamed to keep in the nutrients – and has plenty of vitamins B, C and K.

Cauliflower is actually packed with useful compounds, such as antioxidant carotenoids and glucosinolates. In fact, the antioxidants in cauliflower have even been shown to offer anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory effects.

Why not try offering some to your dog at least once a week?

Question 28

Can dogs eat celery?

Accepted Answer

Dogs can safely eat celery. Celery is high in water content, making it a practical treat or meal addition for your dog in the summer months – providing hydration and nutrition at the same time.

This salad vegetable has small amounts of the minerals magnesium, manganese and even calcium, as well as B vitamins and a fair amount of vitamin K.

With over 20 anti-inflammatory compounds so far discovered in celery, it can aid with inflammation. Moreover, as celery is so packed with water, it can be safely eaten raw; cooked celery would be less nutritious.

Question 29

Can dogs eat cheese?

Accepted Answer

Dogs can eat cheese as a very occasional treat, or could be used as a high-value find during scent.

While not toxic to dogs, cheese – particularly derived from cows – is not ideal for them either, due to growth hormones and residual antibiotics. Cheese is often also high in saturated fats, which your dog cannot efficiently extract energy from.

Question 30

Can my dog eat cherries?

Accepted Answer

Your dog should not eat cherries. The stone is a real worry as it is high in cyanide but the flesh also contains traces of the same toxic compounds.

Your dog should be fine if they eat the odd cherry, without the stone, but if they were to eat a handful, make sure to keep an eye on them and have your vet's number handy!

Question 31

Can I give my dog chicken bones?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can give your dog raw chicken bones but they must never eat cooked chicken bones. 

Cooked chicken bone is dry and especially brittle as it has many air pockets inside that support the bird in flight. In fact, cooked bones of all kinds are known to cause digestive issues, and may even damage your dog’s mouth.

Try not to worry if your dog swallows raw chicken wings whole as it can make digestion easier; dogs’ oesophagi are meant to stretch to cope with smaller raw meaty bones like chicken wings.

Question 32

Can dogs eat chickpeas?

Accepted Answer

Yes, dogs can eat chickpeas. However, chickpeas fall short on quite a few of the amino acids that dogs need and so wouldn’t be sufficient as a protein source alone.

Unless you were attempting to feed vegan proteins to your dog, chickpeas and chickpea flour might be better swapped with complete protein sources, or, alternatively, at a push, combined with cooked white rice to make a complete protein.

Question 33

Can dogs eat chilli peppers?

Accepted Answer

While chilli peppers are not poisonous to dogs, they are unsafe due to the irritation they can cause to a dog's gut, where the compound, capsaicin, is often too much for a dog's digestive tract.

Most dogs likely wouldn’t eat a chilli pepper alone but if your dog has eaten some – perhaps mixed in with scraps – it may be worth keeping an eye on them and ringing your vet if needs be.

Ornamental peppers often grown and safe to consume by humans are not safe for dogs. These contain a compound called Solanaceae which can be toxic to dogs.

Question 34

Can dogs eat chocolate?

Accepted Answer

No, dogs cannot eat chocolate. Chocolate is not safe for dogs; it can even be toxic in certain doses. While every dog is different the darker the chocolate the higher the risk of poisoning, vomiting, seizures and kidney problems.

If your dog has eaten chocolate, we urge you to contact your vet.

Question 35

Can dogs eat Christmas pudding?

Accepted Answer

No, your dog should not eat Christmas pudding. If it contains dried fruits, like raisins and currants, it could even cause your dog severe kidney issues.

Christmas pudding also usually contains wheat or cereal flour and sugar, which are to be avoided by dogs too. Not to mention the alcohol content often present!

Please contact your vet if your dog has eaten your Christmas pudding this year!

Question 36

Can dogs eat coconut?

Accepted Answer

Yes, dogs can eat coconut. Coconut flesh, milk, juice and oil are all safe for dogs. The natural flesh can be a fun addition to your dog’s diet rather than an everyday part of their meal – although you should avoid sugared or sweetened versions.

Coconut water is safe for dogs and contains many nutrients including potassium, manganese, natural sodium and electrolytes to support hydration. Dogs do not need very much to benefit, and over-consumption could lead to vomiting.

Coconut oil is perhaps the best known and most useful part of a coconut for your dog. The oils contain anti-microbial compounds, including lauric acid, which can boost healing of skin issues, when used daily – both topically and in the diet.

Many dogs enjoy coconut so much that they will lick it off a spoon, which can be more fun than simply adding it to their bowl!

Question 37

Can dogs drink coffee or tea?

Accepted Answer

No, dogs cannot drink coffee or tea. While these drinks might not be toxic for dogs, and they may appear to sometimes enjoy the taste of a cuppa, they can cause digestive upsets and contribute to adrenal fatigue.

It is not recommended to give dogs caffeine full-stop as it could lead to dehydration. Even caffeine-free tea, which can contain residual caffeine should be avoided.

Question 38

Can dogs eat courgette (zucchini)?

Accepted Answer

Dogs can eat courgette. From the same family as cucumbers, courgettes also contain a lot of water, making them easier for a dog to digest than some vegetables.

If fed lightly cooked, courgettes can provide useful amounts of vitamin C for your dog, supporting injury recovery or at times of stress. Courgettes also contain vitamin A, B vitamins and many minerals, including manganese, phosphorus, copper and potassium.

While courgettes are safe for dogs to eat, they do not contain as many nutrients for dogs as other green vegetables.

Question 39

Can dogs eat cranberries?

Accepted Answer

Cranberries are safe for dogs and are one of the best berries that dogs could eat.

Cranberries are unusual in that they contain an abundance of specific antioxidant compounds that reduce inflammation, support heart and kidney health and can even function as a minor antihistamine.

Some of the compounds they contain also act to prevent bacteria such as e.coli from affecting your dog’s bladder and urinary tract; cranberries are also wonderful for relieving urinary tract infections (UTIs).

Cranberry powder is a practical way to add a higher amount of medicinal value to your dog’s diet. Cranberry sauce is safe in small amounts (but often contains unhealthy amounts of sugar, which is better avoided). Lastly, cranberry juice is often high in sugar and lower in overall nutrition and so is the least beneficial form of cranberry for your dog.

Question 40

Can dogs eat crisps?

Accepted Answer

Crisps are not ideal for dogs – some may even contain enough salt to upset your dog's digestive system or even affect their kidneys.

The odd, accidentally, fed or found crisp is unlikely to cause such issues. Nonetheless, crisps contain heat-altered fats called trans-fats that can lead to inflammation, digestive issues and discomfiting skin conditions.

Many dogs fed a diet of processed food become used to sodium and similar flavourings to crisps that are added to pet foods. This naturally leads them to crave crisps but is not a sign they need them.

It is best not to begin feeding your dog crisps to prevent them craving these often unhealthy additives.

Question 41

Can dogs eat custard apples (cherimoya)?

Accepted Answer

Yes, dogs can eat the flesh of the cherimoya fruit but its seeds are poisonous to dogs, and even to humans.

The flesh has a creamy texture which is where its "custard apple" alias comes from. Cherimoya is contains a lot of carbohydrate (mostly as sugar) and so isn’t an ideal food for dogs.

If your dog manages to eat custard apple seeds, we would recommend calling your vet.

Question 42

Can dogs eat cucumbers?

Accepted Answer

Yes, dogs can eat cucumbers, best for them when eaten raw. They are, in fact, one of the better anti-inflammatory salad vegetables dogs can eat.

Not only do cucumbers provide wonderful hydration for dogs but they also contains many phytochemicals, such as ligands, flavonoids and triterpenes, which have been shown to positively influence inflammation and inflammatory conditions (such as digestive complaints or itchy skin).

It is safe to add cucumber to a dog's meal every day for wellbeing reasons or even as a vitamin-rich treat.

Question 43

Can dogs eat dragon fruits?

Accepted Answer

Sort of: dogs can eat the typically white flesh of the dragon fruit, and, unusually, its seeds too, but the typically pink skin of the fruit might be better avoided.

While not replete with vitamin C, dragon fruit provide many other nutrients, including useful amounts of magnesium, known as the nerve mineral, which works with calcium for bone health.

Because your dog can eat the seeds of a dragon fruit too they can provide beneficial fatty acids that are great for skin and joint health. Dragon fruit is also a great prebiotic for your dog with studies showing its potential in supporting the gut microbiome in dogs.

Your dog could enjoy dragon fruit a couple of times a week, or once a week if they are having a variety of fruit or vegetables.

Question 44

Can dogs eat durian?

Accepted Answer

Durian flesh is safe for dogs. As with almost all fruits, however, the seeds and rind are not good for them. The seed is more like a stone in size and easily removed.

Despite its slightly off-putting smell, durian is incredibly nutritious. Containing rich amounts of B vitamins – B1, B2, B3, B6 & B9 – as well as magnesium, manganese, potassium and, of course, vitamin C.

If your dog likes this fruit, you can add this once a week or so as a treat/snack or contribution to variety in their meals.

Question 45

Can dogs eat edamame?

Accepted Answer

Yes, dogs can eat edamame beans.

And yet, much of soya grown is genetically modified and so edamame (which are simply young soya beans) may be better avoided unless you know they are organic.

Broccoli and kale might be better green options for your dog.

Question 46

Can dogs eat eggs?

Accepted Answer

Yes, dogs can safely eat eggs, both the egg white and the yolk. 

Raw eggs can be fed to your dog as part of a raw diet but remember, given eggs contain bird embryos, that if your dog has shown intolerances to that bird they might be allergic to their eggs too. For instance, most shop bought eggs are chicken eggs, so that dogs with chicken allergies might also be allergic to their eggs. This isn’t always the case, but can be.

Egg cooked with milk or even butter is still safe for dogs, however if you are cooking the egg specifically for them you do not need to add those ingredients. In fact, it is often better not to do so.

Why not look for eggs from different birds such as quail, duck or goose to introduce different nutrition to your dog?

Question 47

Can my dog eat elderberries?

Accepted Answer

Small amounts of the ripe black or purple looking elderberries are safe for dogs to eat. Too many, however, may cause vomiting, as unripe berries or any other part of the plant (such as the leaves) are not safe for dogs.

As there are many other useful, safe berries for dogs, it is better to leave elderberries out of your dog’s diet.

Question 48

Can my dog eat escargot (snails)?

Accepted Answer

While, yes, cooked, food-raised escargot should be safe for your dog to eat, the risk with  snails generally is that they could contribute to lungworm. And so, ultimately, cooked or not, snails are probably best avoided.

Question 49

Can my dog eat fennel?

Accepted Answer

Despite looking a bit like an onion, fennel is actually good for dogs to eat – if they like it! 

Fennel has quite a pungent liquorice-like flavour that may put dogs off eating it.

Fennel seeds are of the most use to your dog. They are fantastic for relieving digestive discomfort and have strong anti-inflammatory properties. A couple of teaspoons of these can be made into a tea, strained and given for your dog to lap up; they can also be added directly to food to help with gas or digestive discomfort.

To fully benefit from the medicinal herbal support of fennel seeds we would recommend that you speak to a veterinary herbalist.

Question 50

Can dogs eat figs?

Accepted Answer

Your dog can eat fig fruits but should avoid the plant's leaves or stem.

As with many fruits, figs are relatively high in sugars and so might be best used as an occasional treat rather than as a meal addition.

Figs can occasionally be used to help relieve constipated dogs. Your dog would only need one or two for this support; cooked pumpkin is thought to be a better laxative food, however.

Question 51

Can dogs eat garlic?

Accepted Answer

Yes, your dog can eat garlic in small, medicinal, doses. 

Garlic is a well-known, natural, antibiotic and prebiotic, meaning it will balance your dog’s microbiome, helping simultaneously to reduce any negative bacteria while supporting the growth of beneficial bacteria. Further, garlic is sometimes used as a blood purifier to put off biting insects, such as fleas.

We would recommend you speak to a veterinary herbalist about dosages for specific antibiotic requirements, however, safe amounts tend to be around ¼ of a clove for a toy or small dog (4-7kg), ½ a clove for a medium dog (5-18kg) and one clove (not bulb!) for a larger dog (20kg and up).

Our nutrition specialist, Caroline, has garlic as her go to herb for if her dog has, say, eaten something stinky out on a walk, or is showing signs of an infection, and simply chops it up before adding it to her dog’s meals. To this end, to ensure it is of the most use as an antibiotic, garlic is better fed as and when rather than simply given every day.

Question 52

Can dogs eat ginger?

Accepted Answer

Yes, dogs can eat ginger, however, it is better utilised as a herbal remedy than a food.

Most dog owners know that ginger is useful for nausea and motion sickness and so can be helpful for car travel.

The safest amount of minced, or very finely chopped, ginger to add to your dog’s food is around ¼ of a teaspoon for a toy or small dog (4-7kg), ½ teaspoon for a medium dog (5-18kg) and ¾ teaspoon for a larger dog (20kg and up).

Many studies have shown ginger to be both anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer, and so the herb is worth looking into. A veterinary herbalist can further support you with specific doses for ailments.

Question 53

Can dogs eat goji berries?

Accepted Answer

Dogs can eat goji berries – also known as wolf berries, although nobody seems to know why!

These berries are high in vitamin A, B2, iron and copper, as well as zinc, potassium and vitamin C, and, unusually for berries, they also contain a decent amount of selenium, a mineral important for immune system health and brain function.

Goji berries are also packed with antioxidants. For dogs, it is always better to provide the real berries rather than the dried versions, have a higher sugar content per gram. However, as these berries are often difficult to buy whole, you could consider a powder.

Goji berries are a food, not a medicine, and so there is no ‘dosage’ for supporting ailments Use common sense to provide a small amount of the powder to dogs depending on their size, a few times a week. Or as directed by a canine health professional.

Question 54

Can dogs eat gooseberries?

Accepted Answer

No, dogs cannot eat gooseberries.

If your dog has eaten (more than two) gooseberries and is vomiting or appears otherwise lethargic, please do contact your vet.

Question 55

Can dogs eat grapefruit?

Accepted Answer

While grapefruit is safe for dogs to eat, due to its acidity, too much could cause digestive upset.

Grapefruit is high in sugar so is not ideal for dogs, and the bitter taste is likely to put dogs off anyway.

Question 56

Can dogs eat grapes?

Accepted Answer

No. Grapes are not known to be safe for dogs. They contain a compound that affects their kidneys – even one grape can be bad for your dog.

The severity of ill effects depends on the dog's size, the amount of grapes that they have eaten and the dog's general health. In any event, your dog is likely to vomit after eating grapes initially but could go on to suffer seizures.

We would suggest calling your vet if you are worried that your dog has consumed grapes, raisins or sultanas.

Question 57

Can I give my dog gravy?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can give gravy to your dog in small amounts but bear in mind that there will often be ingredients in it that are not great for them to eat or drink in volume.

Salt levels are often high in gravy and instant gravy also often contains wheat, preservatives and colourings, all of which should be avoided.

Question 58

Can dogs eat green beans?

Accepted Answer

Dogs can eat green beans and will find them easier to digest if you feed them cooked.

Like many green vegetables, green beans contain good amounts of vitamin C, A and B9 (folate), which your dog’s body needs for healthy red blood cells and to convert any carbohydrate they may eat – such as those in vegetables – into useable energy.

Green beans also contain a good amount of both calcium and magnesium, two minerals that work together to ensure healthy joints, immune and nervous systems.

Question 59

Can dogs eat guava?

Accepted Answer

Yes, dogs can eat the flesh of guava fruit but you  should avoid feeding them guava skin, peel or pips. 

Guava contains one of the highest amounts of in vitamin C in a fruit, which can be helpful for dogs if they are under stress or healing from an injury.

Vitamin C is also involved in collagen repair, so is also very useful for dogs with skin ailments.

Your dog only needs a few cubes of guava every now and again in order to benefit from it.

Question 60

Can dogs eat halloumi?

Accepted Answer

Halloumi is safe for dogs to eat but can be high in salt, so keep an eye on your dog’s thirst if they do eat some.

Halloumi is traditionally made from sheep's milk but most supermarket halloumi is made from cows’ milk, which is worth noting should your dog suffer (cow) dairy allergies or intolerances.

Question 61

Can dogs eat haricot beans?

Accepted Answer

Yes, your dog can eat a haricot bean, even a few. Nonetheless, haricot beans hold little nutritional value to a dog.

They are better left for species that enjoy them as part of their diet. If they are fed, however, haricot beans to be first cooked, as it is unlikely that your dog could digest them raw.

Question 62

Can my dog eat hazelnuts?

Accepted Answer

Hazelnuts are safe for dogs to eat, if fed as a crushed nut or powder. There is a risk of choking or intestinal blockage if they are fed whole.

Some brands of nuts also have a mould toxin, called aflatoxin, which is not ideal for a dog to eat and can contribute to skin issues, nausea or even, in extreme circumstances, seizures.

Hazelnuts with no aflatoxin growth, either powdered or crushed, can provide useful additional fatty acids and vitamins and minerals.

Question 63

Can my dog eat honey?

Accepted Answer

Yes, honey is safe for dogs to eat, in small doses, however, while it is a healthier version of sugar, it is still sugar.

Manuka honey is wonderful for skin healing, and safe if a dog licks it. It would be worth asking your herbal vet about using it if your dog has an ulcer or wound that is proving tricky to heal.

Be wary, however, that the majority of supermarket honey is created by forcing queen bees to procreate and feeding worker bees sugars instead of the honey they need to be healthy. Ultimately, we love nature and nature really needs healthy bees to survive, so please try and buy honey from responsible sources if you do buy it for you or your dog.

Question 64

Can my dog eat ice cream?

Accepted Answer

Ice cream is usually packed with fat, sugars and/or sweeteners and so is not recommended unless it has been specially formulated for dogs.

As a dairy product, ice cream is not toxic to dogs but they will likely find the diary proteins and sugars (namely lactose) hard to digest.

Dog ice creams, on the other hand, are usually created with potato starches or coconut oil and some kind of natural flavourings. Do check the ingredients for any potential intolerances your dog may have.

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