Cat and Dog-Friendly Foods
With so many options and recommendations for treats, it’s hard to know which ones are actually safe to share with our four-legged friends. Pets have different digestive systems than humans, which means some ‘people foods’ that are safe for us to eat may not be safe snacks for dogs or cats. However, the safe ones can provide pets with important nutrients and health benefits.
Here, we’ll explore the many different cat and dog-friendly food items found in most cupboards and refrigerators, as well as the snacks you should try to avoid.
Safe Fruits for Dogs & Cats
The following fruits are safe for your dog or cat to eat. However, fruits are higher in sugar than vegetables and should be limited in overweight pets. Be sure to always wash all fruits and remove any rinds, inedible skins, pits, and seeds before feeding to pets.
- Apples
- Bananas
- Blueberries
- Strawberries
- Raspberries
- Apricot
- Cantaloupe
- Watermelon
Toxic Fruits for Dogs & Cats
You should always try to steer clear of the following fruits as they can be harmful or even detrimental if consumed by pets. Additionally, citrus fruits should be avoided. Although they are non-toxic, they can cause upset stomachs.
- Raisins
- Grapes
- Avocado
- Cherries
- Lemons
- Limes
- Grapefruit
Safe Snacks for Dogs & Cats
Outside of fruits, there are a number of other cat and dog-friendly food items your furry friends can enjoy, such as some types of vegetables, meats, and even breads. However, consider boiling or steaming cruciferous veggies like broccoli and cauliflower as this makes them much easier to digest. Cats may also need vegetables to be pureed before consuming.
- Baked bread
- Cooked eggs
- Peanut butter (no xylitol)
- Pumpkin (canned/cooked)
- Cooked salmon
- Cooked/deboned chicken
- Cooked/deboned turkey
- Green beans
- Raw/cooked broccoli
- Cauliflower
- Cabbage
- Carrots
- Brussels sprouts
- Asparagus
- Spinach
- Sweet potato
Unsafe Snacks for Dogs & Cats
Never feed your pets garlic or onions in any form: raw, cooked, or even powdered—they’re toxic for our furry friends. Foods that are toxic to pets can cause damage to the red blood cells, which then burst. Additionally, while corn does not contain toxins, it’s a highly common allergen among animals and should be avoided. Other drink items or foods to not give dogs or cats include:
- Chocolate
- Mushrooms
- Rhubarb
- Yeast dough
- Alcohol
- Caffeine
- Cooked and raw bones
- Gum and candy (xylitol)
- Macadamia and other nuts
- High-fat content meats and foods
For questions regarding pet-friendly foods and snacks, contact any one of our 21 AZPetVet locations today! If your pet has consumed any of the food items listed as harmful, contact the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 1-888-425-4435 or Pet Poison Hotline at 1-855-764-7661.