Ensuring your dog receives proper nutrition and hydration is paramount to their overall health and well-being. As a loving pet owner, you naturally want the best for your furry friend, and understanding What Can Dogs Eat And Drink safely is a crucial part of that care. While commercial dog food forms the cornerstone of most canine diets, many human foods can also be offered as healthy treats or supplements. Conversely, certain foods are highly toxic and must be strictly avoided. This guide will delve into the essentials of canine diet and hydration, providing practical advice to keep your dog thriving.
The Essentials: Water, The Foundation of Canine Health
Water is arguably the most vital nutrient for your dog, essential for nearly every bodily function, from regulating body temperature to transporting nutrients and lubricating joints. Without adequate hydration, a dog’s health can quickly deteriorate, leading to serious issues.
Generally, dogs need about one ounce of water per pound of body weight per day. However, this can vary based on their activity level, diet (dry food requires more water than wet food), and environmental conditions. Active dogs, puppies, and nursing mothers will typically require more water. Always ensure your dog has access to fresh, clean water. Their water bowl should be cleaned daily to prevent bacterial growth, and refilled with cool water regularly.
Signs of dehydration can include lethargy, sunken eyes, dry gums, and reduced skin elasticity (skin tenting). If you notice your dog isn’t drinking and is also not eating, it’s a serious concern, and you should contact your vet straight away. To encourage water intake, ensure their bowl is clean and filled with fresh, cool water. You can try adding a small amount of tuna juice (avoiding brine or oil) to their water, or offer ice cubes to lick or chew on. The cooled water from poaching plain chicken can also be a tempting and safe option.
Core Diet: Commercial Dog Food – The Balanced Approach
For most dogs, a high-quality commercial dog food provides a balanced and complete diet. These foods are formulated to meet the specific nutritional needs of dogs at different life stages, from puppies to seniors.
- Dry Kibble: Economical and convenient, dry kibble helps maintain dental health by reducing plaque and tartar buildup.
- Wet Food: Often more palatable and hydrating, wet food can be beneficial for dogs with dental issues or those who need extra moisture in their diet.
- Raw and Home-Cooked Diets: While some owners choose these options, they require careful planning with a veterinary nutritionist to ensure they are nutritionally complete and safe. Improperly balanced raw or home-cooked diets can lead to serious deficiencies or excesses.
When choosing a dog food, look for options that list a named meat source as the primary ingredient. Always consult your veterinarian to determine the best diet for your dog, considering their age, breed, activity level, and any specific health conditions. For a deeper dive into feeding choices, learn more about what should you feed a dog.
Safe Human Foods for Dogs: Healthy Treats and Supplements
While commercial dog food should be the primary source of nutrition, many human foods can be safely given to dogs in moderation as treats or to supplement their diet. Always introduce new foods slowly and in small quantities to monitor for any adverse reactions. Remember, these should not replace their balanced dog food.
- Fruits: Apples (without seeds), bananas, blueberries, cantaloupe, cranberries, mango (peeled, pitted), oranges (small amounts), peaches (without pit), pears (without seeds), pineapple, raspberries (in moderation), strawberries, watermelon (seedless, without rind). These are great sources of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
- Vegetables: Carrots, celery, green beans, peas, broccoli (small amounts), Brussels sprouts, pumpkin, sweet potatoes, spinach. These can provide fiber and essential nutrients.
- Lean Meats: Cooked chicken (boneless, skinless), turkey (boneless, skinless), lean beef, and fish (cooked, boneless, such as salmon or tuna in water). These offer excellent protein sources.
- Grains: Cooked white rice, plain pasta, oatmeal, and plain bread in small quantities.
- Dairy (in moderation): Plain yogurt (with live active cultures), small amounts of cheese. Some dogs are lactose intolerant, so observe for digestive upset.
- Eggs: Cooked eggs are a good source of protein.
- Peanut Butter: Unsalted and unsweetened peanut butter, ensuring it does not contain xylitol, a highly toxic artificial sweetener.
For more detailed information on beneficial human foods, explore what human food can dogs eat as treats and what human food that dogs can eat.
Infographic on why dogs might not eat their food, including pain, anxiety, and illness.
Foods Dogs Should Never Eat: The Dangerous & Toxic List
Just as there are safe options, there are numerous human foods that are highly toxic or dangerous for dogs, even in small amounts. Knowing these can be life-saving.
- Chocolate: Contains theobromine, which is toxic to dogs. Dark chocolate and baking chocolate are the most dangerous.
- Grapes and Raisins: Can cause acute kidney failure in dogs, the mechanism of which is still unknown.
- Onions, Garlic, Leeks, Chives: Belong to the Allium family and can cause damage to a dog’s red blood cells, leading to anemia.
- Avocado: Contains persin, which can be toxic to dogs in large quantities, particularly in the pit and skin.
- Xylitol: An artificial sweetener found in many sugar-free products (gum, candies, peanut butter) that can cause a rapid and severe drop in blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and liver failure.
- Alcohol: Extremely dangerous, causing intoxication, central nervous system depression, and even death.
- Caffeine: Found in coffee, tea, and energy drinks, caffeine can cause heart palpitations, hyperactivity, and seizures.
- Macadamia Nuts: Can cause weakness, vomiting, tremors, and hyperthermia.
- Fatty Foods/Grease: While not immediately toxic, excessive fat can lead to pancreatitis, a painful and potentially fatal inflammation of the pancreas. This includes cooked bones, which can splinter and cause internal damage.
- Bones (cooked): Cooked bones can splinter and cause choking or internal perforations. Raw bones carry bacterial risks.
- Yeast Dough: Can rise in the stomach, causing bloating and potentially life-threatening gastric dilatation-volvulus (bloat). The yeast also produces alcohol.
- Salt: Large amounts of salt can lead to sodium ion poisoning, causing vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, and seizures.
If you suspect your dog has ingested any of these harmful foods, contact your veterinarian or an emergency animal hospital immediately. For a comprehensive list of what to avoid, refer to what foods dogs can t eat. It’s also vital to understand what is the one meat that dogs should never eat, which is often related to preparation rather than the meat itself (e.g., heavily seasoned or fatty meats, or cooked bones).
Understanding Your Dog’s Appetite: When They Won’t Eat or Drink
While focusing on what dogs can eat, it’s equally important to recognize when they won’t eat or drink, as this can be a significant indicator of underlying health issues. A sudden loss of appetite is often a sign that something is amiss, either with their health, emotional state, or even the food itself.
Medical Reasons for Refusal to Eat
Being off their food can be one of the first signs of illness in a dog. Potential medical causes include:
- Pain in the Mouth: Tooth decay, infections, gum disease, or a broken tooth can make eating painful.
- Stomach/Tummy Problems: Viruses, infections, inflammation, gastrointestinal obstructions, or worms can all cause stomach upset. Scavenging or sudden changes in diet are common culprits.
- General Pain: Dogs are adept at hiding pain, but it can manifest as a refusal to eat.
- Organ Issues: Problems with the heart, lungs, liver, pancreas, or kidneys can lead to a general feeling of unwellness and loss of appetite.
- Infections or Viruses: Similar to humans, dogs may feel generally unwell and lose their appetite when battling an infection or virus.
- Medication Side Effects: Some medications can cause nausea or reduced appetite, though this is uncommon.
Behavioral Reasons for Not Eating
Like humans, dogs are emotional creatures, and stress, anxiety, or changes in routine can affect their appetite.
- Environmental Changes: Moving home, construction noise, fireworks, thunderstorms, or the introduction of new pets can be stressful.
- Routine Changes: A death in the family, the loss of another pet, a breakup, or changes in your work schedule can disrupt a dog’s sense of security.
- Separation Anxiety: Some dogs may refuse to eat when left alone, waiting for their owner’s return.
If stress or anxiety is the cause, normal feeding patterns usually return once the stressor is removed or the dog adjusts. Some dogs may require additional support from a vet or a dog behaviorist.
Fussy Eating and Food-Related Problems
Sometimes, a dog’s refusal to eat isn’t due to illness or stress, but rather pickiness or issues with the food itself.
- Fussy Eaters: Some dogs learn that by refusing their regular food, they might be offered more appealing alternatives. This “neophilia” (liking new tastes) can be reinforced if owners constantly switch foods.
- Overfeeding: Too many treats or snacks throughout the day can lead to a dog refusing their main meal because they’re simply not hungry. Treats should make up no more than 10% of their daily caloric intake.
- Food Quality: The food might be old, stale, expired, or spoiled. Airtight containers, checking expiry dates, and proper storage in a cool, dry place are crucial.
- New Formula: A “new improved formula” might not appeal to your dog. Gradual transitions over 7-10 days are often necessary when switching foods.
When to Contact Your Vet
It’s crucial to know when a lack of appetite warrants veterinary attention. Contact your vet immediately if your dog:
- Hasn’t eaten anything in the last 24 hours.
- Hasn’t eaten in the last 12 hours and is also sick or has diarrhea.
- Isn’t eating and is also not drinking.
- Is losing weight.
- Seems unusually tired or lethargic.
- Shows other signs of illness (coughing, constipation, straining to defecate).
- Displays signs of dental issues (mouth pain, bleeding gums, excessive drooling, pawing at their face).
Practical Tips for Feeding and Hydration
Maintaining a consistent and healthy approach to feeding and hydration is key for your dog’s well-being.
- Portion Control and Schedule: Stick to recommended portion sizes based on your dog’s weight, age, and activity level. Establish a regular feeding schedule (e.g., twice a day) to create routine and help manage their appetite.
- Making Food More Enticing: If your dog is a reluctant eater, try these tips:
- Add a small amount of lukewarm water to kibble and let it soak to soften.
- Gently warm canned dog food to body temperature in the microwave (stir thoroughly and test to prevent hot spots). Warming enhances the aroma, making it more appealing.
- Mix in a small amount of cooled, boneless, skinless boiled chicken.
- Hand-feeding can also tempt some pets who are usually reluctant.
- Ensuring Fresh Water: Always provide constant access to fresh, clean water. Consider a ceramic or stainless steel bowl to reduce bacteria, and clean it daily. For dogs who don’t drink much, a pet fountain might encourage more intake.
Remember, never force-feed a dog that isn’t eating. This can create a negative association with food and increase stress. If you’re concerned about your dog’s eating or drinking habits, professional veterinary advice is always the best course of action.
Conclusion
Understanding what can dogs eat and drink safely is fundamental to responsible pet ownership. A balanced diet of high-quality commercial dog food, supplemented with carefully chosen safe human foods in moderation, forms the cornerstone of canine health. Equally important is ensuring constant access to fresh water and recognizing the signs that your dog might not be eating or drinking due to illness or stress. Always prioritize accurate information and consult your veterinarian for personalized advice regarding your dog’s nutritional needs and any health concerns. By providing proper nutrition and hydration, you contribute significantly to your dog’s long, happy, and healthy life. For more insights into canine health and nutrition, explore additional articles on our website.
