You’re snacking — your dog is staring. Can they have some? As a 24/7 emergency hospital in Marietta, GA, we treat dogs who’ve eaten something they shouldn’t more often than you might think. Here’s your clear, vet-approved guide.

 

The 80/20 Rule

A complete commercial dog food should make up at least 80% of your dog’s diet. The remaining 20% can include safe whole foods as enrichment — not meal replacements.

 

Safe Foods

• Apples: Remove seeds and core; vitamins A & C
• Bananas: High in potassium; limit due to sugar
• Blueberries: Antioxidant-rich; low calorie
• Carrots: Good for teeth; cut small
• Cheese: Safe in small amounts; watch for lactose sensitivity
• Cooked chicken: Plain, boneless, unseasoned only
• Cooked eggs: Excellent protein; avoid raw
• Cooked fish: Rich in omega-3s; remove all bones
• Peanut butter: Must NOT contain xylitol
• Plain cooked rice: Easy on digestion; great for upset stomachs
• Strawberries, watermelon, pineapple, mango, cantaloupe, blackberries: Safe in moderation; remove pits/rinds/seeds

 

Cooked broccoli, cucumbers, corn kernels, cooked shrimp — All safe in small amounts

 

Never Give These to Your Dog

• Grapes & raisins: Can cause acute kidney failure; any amount is dangerous
• Xylitol (in gum, candy, some peanut butter): Extremely toxic
• Corn on the cob: The cob causes intestinal blockage requiring surgery
• Avocado skin & pit: Contains persin; toxic to dogs
• Unripe tomatoes, leaves, stems: Contain solanine; toxic

 

When to Call an Emergency Veterinarian

If your dog ate grapes, raisins, xylitol, chocolate, macadamia nuts, onions, or swallowed a corn cob — come to Dogwood immediately. Open 24/7, emergency walk-ins welcome. Signs of toxicity: vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, tremors, drooling, collapse.

 

When in doubt, call us first before waiting to see if symptoms develop: (404) 609-1234.