Chris asks
What human foods can dogs eat?Our expert advice
Advice by Sue Ketland, Dog behaviour and training specialist
Similarly to humans, dogs are classed as ‘monogastric’ meaning they have a relatively simple digestive tract. They have specific components to break down their food but the downside of this means they’re unable to metabolise food that’s not doggy-friendly. A lot of ingredients in human foods are fatal to dogs, sometimes in the smallest quantities.
If your dog has eaten something they shouldn’t have, take them to the vet as soon as possible, for treatment and recovery.
If your dog eats something you’re concerned about, and there is not an out of hours service at your vet, contact the animal poisons helpline on 01202 509000; there is a fee for this call, but they can triage your concerns about what your pet has eaten, and how much in relation to their weight, and give you advice on whether veterinary treatment is needed.
Give any advice from this helpline to your vet, as it will help them make decisions on treatment options if necessary.
More information
There are many foods humans eat, which are toxic to our canine companions, so it’s best to stick to dog food and treats to keep your pet fit and healthy!
Research what foods, household items and plants can be poisonous to our pets; the poison helpline’s website is a good source for this.
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