What Human Food Can Pomeranians Eat? Your Safe & Unsafe List

As a devoted Pomeranian owner, you might often find yourself with leftover delicious human food after a meal and wonder if you can share a morsel with your furry friend. It’s a natural inclination to want to treat your beloved companion, and many owners, myself included, occasionally give their Pomeranians bits of our dinner to avoid waste. However, this curiosity quickly leads to an important question: what human foods can Pomeranians safely eat, and which ones are strictly off-limits?

Navigating the world of human food for dogs can be complex. While some fresh, whole foods, particularly certain animal proteins, are perfectly safe and even beneficial for your Pomeranian, others can pose significant health risks, ranging from mild digestive upset to life-threatening toxicity. Generally, small amounts of foods containing sugar and carbohydrates might be permissible occasionally. However, human foods laden with high amounts of caffeine, excessive sugar, sodium, artificial additives, and preservatives should always be avoided. Furthermore, Pomeranians can be prone to specific food allergies, making careful selection even more crucial. Understanding the distinctions between safe and unsafe foods is paramount to ensuring your Pomeranian’s health and happiness.

Essential Facts About Human Food for Pomeranian Dogs

To give you a quick overview, here are the key facts regarding feeding human food to your Pomeranian:

Pomeranians can safely enjoy a variety of human foods, primarily lean animal proteins and certain fruits and vegetables.
Foods high in caffeine, sugar, sodium, artificial additives, or preservatives are detrimental and should never be given.
It’s vital to know which specific human foods are safe for regular consumption (like turkey, chicken, fish, bison) and which should only be offered sparingly as rare treats (like crackers or plain bread).
Absolutely avoid a specific list of highly toxic human foods such as macadamia nuts, walnuts, pecans, grapes (and their derivatives like raisins, currants), chives, leeks, shallots, garlic, onions, chocolate, coffee grounds, and cinnamon.
Pomeranians are highly susceptible to food allergies, often triggered by chemicals and additives found in human food.
Harmful substances like caffeine, MSG, high salt levels, xylitol (an artificial sweetener), and various artificial food dyes must be strictly avoided.
To prevent accidental consumption of dangerous foods, establish clear rules for visitors regarding feeding your Pomeranians. Only household members should feed them, or visitors must always check with you first.
For optimal health, consider providing home-cooked meals alongside raw feeding. If commercial food is preferred, choose high-quality brands (e.g., Royal Canin, Purina, Wellness Complete) with transparent labels, free from harmful ingredients and additives.

A small, fluffy Pomeranian dog happily looking at a bowl of fresh, healthy human food options like carrots, berries, and meat, illustrating safe foods for Pomeranians.

What Human Foods Can Pomeranians Eat?

Pomeranians are notorious for their enthusiastic appetites and their ability to charm their way into getting treats. If you offer them human food, chances are they’ll happily gobble it up. This means the responsibility falls squarely on your shoulders to know precisely what foods are safe and what could potentially harm them. It’s not enough for just you to know; every member of your household should be aware of these distinctions.

Creating clear lists of safe and unsafe foods is an excellent strategy. You can use the comprehensive guides below to help you. Consider printing them out and displaying them prominently in your kitchen or where you typically feed your dogs. This ensures that a quick check can prevent any accidental mix-ups. You might even discover that your Pomeranian enjoys certain safe human foods you never considered offering before!

A close-up of a tiny, cute Pomeranian puppy sitting next to a colorful plate of various human foods, some safe and some potentially unsafe, highlighting careful feeding choices for small dogs.

1. Feed Your Pomeranian These Foods Anytime

This extensive list comprises human foods that are generally safe and healthy for your Pomeranian to consume whenever you wish, in appropriate portions. These are typically whole, natural foods that provide beneficial nutrients.

Proteins:

Turkey: Cooked, plain, skinless, boneless turkey is an excellent source of lean protein.
Chicken: Similar to turkey, cooked, plain, skinless, boneless chicken is highly digestible and a great protein source.
Fish: Cooked, deboned fish (like salmon, cod, or whitefish) provides Omega-3 fatty acids, which are great for skin and coat health. Ensure it’s not seasoned or fried.
Bison: A lean, nutrient-rich red meat that many dogs enjoy.
Hamburger Meat (Lean): Cooked thoroughly and drained of fat, plain ground beef can be a good protein supplement.
Venison: Another lean protein option, often used in hypoallergenic dog foods.
Crawfish & Shrimp: Cooked and peeled, these can be offered as occasional treats. Remove all shells and tails.
Pork: Cooked plain pork, without excess fat or seasoning, can be given in moderation.
Beef Liver: Rich in vitamins and minerals, cooked liver can be given sparingly as a treat.
Lamb: Cooked and plain, lamb is a good source of protein and essential amino acids.

Vegetables:

Asparagus: Cooked and cut into small pieces, it’s safe in moderation.
Carrots: Excellent for dental health when raw and a good source of Vitamin A. Can be served raw or cooked.
Beets: Cooked beets can provide vitamins and fiber.
Bell Peppers: Green, red, yellow, or orange bell peppers (without seeds or core) offer vitamins, especially Vitamin C.
Green Beans: A low-calorie, high-fiber snack, served raw or steamed.
Kale: In moderation, kale can provide vitamins K, A, and C, but avoid excessive amounts due to oxalates.
Broccoli & Cauliflower: Small amounts of steamed florets are fine, but large quantities can cause gas.
Cucumber: A hydrating, low-calorie treat.
Lettuce: Safe and hydrating, but offers limited nutritional value.
Zucchini: Cooked or raw, a healthy, low-calorie vegetable.
Peas: Fresh or frozen peas are a good source of vitamins and minerals.
Yams & Potatoes: Cooked and plain, without any butter or seasoning, these are safe carbohydrate sources. Sweet potatoes (yams) are particularly nutritious.

Fruits:

Watermelon: Seedless and rind-free, it’s a hydrating and refreshing treat.
Strawberries & Raspberries: Rich in antioxidants and vitamins.
Mangoes: Peeled and pitted, a sweet treat in moderation.
Blueberries: A superfood packed with antioxidants.
Kiwi Fruit: Peeled and cut into small pieces, it’s safe and vitamin-rich.
Plums: Only the flesh, thoroughly pitted. The pit is toxic.
Pineapple: Peeled and cored, in small quantities.
Honeydew Melon & Cantaloupe: Seedless and rind-free, hydrating and safe.
Apples: Sliced, seedless, and core-free. Apple seeds contain cyanide.
Bananas: A good source of potassium and vitamins, in moderation.
Nectarines & Peaches: Only the flesh, thoroughly pitted. The pits are toxic.
Pears: Sliced, seedless, and core-free.

Other:

Eggs: Cooked eggs (scrambled or boiled) are an excellent source of protein.
Peanuts & Peanut Butter: Unsalted, unsweetened, and xylitol-free peanut butter is a popular treat. Peanuts in moderation are also safe.
Cheese: Small amounts of plain, low-fat cheese can be a treat, but some dogs are lactose intolerant.
Honey: In very small amounts, honey can be a safe treat, but it’s high in sugar.
Cottage Cheese: Low-fat cottage cheese can be a good source of protein for some dogs.
Quinoa & Rice & Pasta: Cooked plain, these are safe sources of carbohydrates.
Flaxseeds & Sunflower Seeds (shelled): Small amounts can provide healthy fats, but be cautious with whole seeds.
Cashews: Unsalted and roasted (not raw) in very small quantities.

Remember to always remove seeds, pits, and rinds where applicable, as these can be toxic or cause choking. Preparing these foods plain, without seasonings, spices, or added fats, is crucial. If you’re curious about [what foods can I give my dog](https://dogcarestory.com/what-foods-can-i-give-my-dog/) beyond this list, always research first.

2. Your Pomeranian Should Only Consume These Foods Sometimes

The foods on this list are not inherently harmful but should be given sparingly due to their lower nutritional value or higher fat/sugar content. Think of these as occasional treats, not staple foods.

List 2 foods include:

Crackers & Bread: Plain, unseasoned varieties in small amounts. Offer minimal nutritional benefit and are mostly carbohydrates.
Waffles: Small plain pieces, without syrup or toppings. High in carbs and sugar.
Popcorn: Plain, air-popped, unsalted popcorn. Kernels can be a choking hazard.
Bacon: High in fat and sodium. A very tiny, infrequent piece may be okay, but it’s best avoided.
Marshmallow: Pure sugar, no nutritional value. Best to avoid or offer only a tiny piece very rarely.
Guava: The flesh (without seeds) can be given in small amounts.
Coconut: Small amounts of fresh coconut flesh are safe, but coconut water and oil should be given cautiously as they can cause digestive upset in some dogs.
Potato Chips: Very high in salt and fat. Best avoided entirely.
Maple Syrup: Primarily sugar. Offer very, very rarely and in tiny amounts, or avoid.

While these foods might be tempting, following my expert opinion, it’s often best to never give them to your Pomeranian. However, the decision ultimately rests with each owner regarding these “occasional treats.”

Which Human Foods Shouldn’t My Pomeranian Eat?

On the other side of the coin are human foods that your Pomeranian should either strictly avoid or never eat at all. These fall into two critical categories.

3. These Foods Are Usually Meant to Be Avoided (The “Grey Area”)

This category includes foods that may not be immediately toxic but carry risks due to processing, additives, or potential for digestive upset. It’s best to be careful with these, especially if you observe any adverse side effects in your Pomeranian. These are the “grey area” foods that you might be tempted to give in tiny amounts, but it’s generally safer to choose not to feed them at all.

An adorable cream-colored Pomeranian puppy looking curiously, representing the sensitive digestive systems of young Pomeranians and the importance of avoiding harmful human foods.

List 3 foods include:

Meatloaf: Often contains onions, garlic, and high levels of seasoning, all of which are harmful to dogs.
Processed Cheese: High in sodium and artificial ingredients.
Macaroni and Cheese: Contains dairy, which can upset some dogs’ stomachs, and is high in fat and salt.
Ice Cream: High in sugar and dairy; can cause digestive upset.
Pickles: Very high in sodium and may contain garlic or other seasonings.
Almonds & Pistachios: While not toxic, they are difficult for dogs to digest and can be a choking hazard, especially for small Poms. They also pose a risk for pancreatitis due to high fat content.
Wheat & Corn: While not toxic for all dogs, these are common allergens and can cause digestive issues in sensitive Pomeranians.
Tacos: Highly seasoned and often contain onions, garlic, and fatty meats.
Spam: Extremely high in sodium and fat.
Sausages: High in fat, sodium, and often contain seasonings like garlic and onion.
Margarine: Pure fat with no nutritional benefits; can lead to pancreatitis.
Ham & Deli Meats: Very high in sodium and often contain nitrates and other preservatives.
Infant Formula: Formulated for human babies, not dogs. It lacks the correct nutrient balance and can cause digestive issues.
Hot Dogs: High in fat, sodium, and nitrates. Choking hazard for small dogs.

When considering [what meat dogs should not eat](https://dogcarestory.com/what-meat-dogs-should-not-eat/), many of the processed meats on this list fit that description due to their additives and high fat/sodium content.

4. Foods You Should Never Feed Your Pomeranians (Highly Toxic)

This final and most critical list includes human foods that your Pomeranians must NEVER eat. These items can cause severe illness, organ damage, or even be deadly. This is where understanding [what meat should you not feed your dog](https://dogcarestory.com/what-meat-should-you-not-feed-your-dog/) and other food types becomes absolutely critical.

List 4 foods include:

Macadamia Nuts, Walnuts, Pecans: Highly toxic, causing weakness, vomiting, tremors, and hyperthermia. Even small amounts can be dangerous.
Grapes (including raw, jelly, jam, and juices), Currants, Raisins: Can cause acute kidney failure, even in small quantities. The exact toxic mechanism is unknown.
Chives, Leeks, Shallots, Garlic, Onions: All members of the Allium family are toxic to dogs, causing red blood cell damage (hemolytic anemia). Garlic is significantly more potent than onions.
Chocolate: Contains theobromine, which is highly toxic to dogs. Dark chocolate and baking chocolate are the most dangerous. Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, seizures, and heart problems.
Coffee Grounds & Anything Containing Caffeine: Caffeine is a stimulant that can be fatal to dogs, causing restlessness, rapid breathing, heart palpitations, and seizures.
Cinnamon: While not technically toxic in small amounts, large quantities can irritate a dog’s mouth and digestive tract, causing vomiting, diarrhea, and liver damage. Cinnamon oil is more concentrated and dangerous.
Wild Mushrooms: Many varieties are highly poisonous and can cause liver failure, neurological damage, or death. Only feed store-bought, edible mushrooms if at all.
Cherries: The pits, stems, and leaves contain cyanide and are toxic. The flesh itself is fine but usually not worth the risk of accidental pit consumption.
Seeds & Fruit Pits (of apples, apricots, peaches, plums, cherries, etc.): Many fruit seeds and pits contain cyanide, which is poisonous. They are also choking hazards.
Tomato Sauce: Often contains onions, garlic, and artificial ingredients, which are harmful. Raw, ripe tomatoes are generally safe, but the green parts (stems, leaves, unripe fruit) are toxic.
Yeast Dough: Can cause painful gas and bloat as it rises in the stomach, and also produces alcohol as a byproduct, leading to alcohol poisoning.
Anything with Xylitol: This artificial sweetener is extremely toxic to dogs, causing a rapid and severe drop in blood sugar (hypoglycemia), liver failure, and death. It’s found in many sugar-free products like gum, candies, certain peanut butters, and some oral care products.
All Restaurant Food: Often heavily seasoned with salt, sugar, oils, and spices like garlic and onion, making it generally unsafe for dogs.

Dangerous Chemicals and Additives in Food

Beyond just whole foods, many hidden dangers lurk in processed human foods and even some low-quality dog foods. Modern agriculture and food production often involve chemicals and additives that, while sometimes deemed harmless for humans, can be highly detrimental to Pomeranians.

Some common chemicals and substances to be wary of include:

Caffeine: A potent stimulant found in coffee, tea, chocolate, and energy drinks. Can cause hyperactivity, tremors, seizures, and cardiac issues.
MSG (Monosodium Glutamate): Often used as a flavor enhancer, sometimes referred to as “Chinese super salt.” While not acutely toxic in small amounts, large quantities can cause digestive upset and neurological issues in sensitive dogs.
High levels of salt (Sodium): Excessive salt intake can lead to sodium ion poisoning, causing vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, seizures, and even death.
Xylitol: As mentioned, this artificial sweetener is extremely dangerous and can be fatal.

Regarding additives, human food often contains ingredients that are harmless to people but pose significant risks to dogs. Pomeranians, with their often sensitive digestive systems and propensity for allergies, are particularly vulnerable. Additives to be strictly avoided include:

BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene) & BHA (butylated hydroxyanisole): These are synthetic antioxidants used as preservatives. They have been linked to health problems in some studies, including potential carcinogenicity.
Corn and Wheat Gluten: Common allergens for dogs, often leading to skin issues, digestive problems, and ear infections.
Propylene Glycol: Used as a humectant (to retain moisture), it is chemically similar to antifreeze, although less toxic. It can cause digestive upset and is controversial in pet food.
Ethoxyquin: A chemical preservative used in some commercial dog foods and agricultural products. It has raised health concerns, particularly regarding liver and kidney function.
Rendered Fat: Often a byproduct of meat processing, it can be of inconsistent quality and may contain unhealthy fats or residues.
Food Dyes (Blue 2, Red 40, Yellow 5 and 6, 4-MIE): These artificial colors offer no nutritional value and have been linked to hyperactivity and other health issues in humans and animals.

Gaining a strong understanding of these chemicals and additives, both in your own food and your Pomeranian’s, is crucial. It not only helps you protect your furry friend when they enjoy a “leftover” but also empowers you to make healthier choices for your entire family.

Don’t Allow Others to Feed Your Pomeranian

Pomeranians have an undeniable charm, especially when guests visit. They become a flurry of excitement, soaking up attention and, more often than not, employing their expert begging skills for snacks or table scraps. It’s almost impossible for visitors to resist their adorable pleas.

However, it’s absolutely crucial that you don’t allow visitors to be tempted into feeding them. As an owner, you’ve taken the time to become an expert on [What Human Food Can Pomeranians Eat](https://dogcarestory.com/what-human-food-can-pomeranians-eat/) and what’s unsafe. You can’t expect your guests to possess the same depth of knowledge.

To pre-empt any trouble and keep your Pomeranian safe, establish clear household rules for animal feeding:

Visitors Must Check with You First: Any individual not residing in your home must obtain your explicit permission before offering any food to your Pomeranians.
Only Household Members Feed: Alternatively, implement a stricter rule that only those who live in the house are permitted to feed your Pomeranians human food.

You can choose one of these options or adapt them based on who is visiting. These straightforward guidelines will significantly reduce the risk of your beloved Poms consuming something harmful.

Can Pomeranians Become Spoiled Dogs?

If you hear someone say their dog refuses to eat commercial dog food and only wants human food, it’s a classic sign of a spoiled pup. In such cases, the dog has essentially taken control of its diet, dictating what it will and won’t eat.

To rectify this common problem, the most effective approach is to temporarily stop giving your Pomeranian human food altogether. Consistency is key here. After a period, you can observe their behavior and reintroduce very small, safe amounts of human food if their attitude towards their regular dog food has improved. If your dog has become a picky eater, you might need some strategies on [what to do to get your dog to eat](https://dogcarestory.com/what-to-do-to-get-your-dog-to-eat/) their kibble.

While some dogs may develop a preference for human food, it’s vital to remember that they also require commercial dog food. High-quality dog food is specially formulated to provide a balanced array of vitamins, minerals, and other essential nutrients necessary for a dog’s overall health. Human foods, while some are safe, may offer these nutrients at different levels or lack certain critical components altogether.

Give Your Pom The Best Quality Pomeranian Dog Food

Striving to feed your Pomeranian the best possible diet is a cornerstone of responsible pet ownership. For Pomeranians over 12 months of age, an ideal diet often involves a balanced combination of thoughtfully prepared home-cooked meals and raw feeding. This approach allows for greater control over ingredients and nutrient quality. If you’re considering this option, remember that these meals must be nutritionally complete and balanced, potentially with veterinary guidance.

However, if preparing home-cooked meals or adopting a raw diet isn’t practical for your lifestyle, do not despair. The market offers numerous reputable brands of commercial dog food designed to keep your Poms healthy and happy. When selecting the best food for your dog, it’s paramount to scrutinize the ingredient label. Look for brands that explicitly state they use minimal or no artificial food additives. If a label is vague or doesn’t provide this information, it’s often a red flag, suggesting the inclusion of harmful additives or questionable ingredients not suitable for canine consumption.

When researching healthy dog foods, focus on labels with easily recognizable ingredients and avoid those with a long list of unpronounceable chemicals. Unfortunately, some unethical dog food companies prioritize cost-cutting over canine health, incorporating inferior ingredients and waste products. Always be extremely cautious when purchasing commercial dog food. Your veterinarian is an invaluable resource for this, as they can usually recommend several reputable local or national companies that produce high-quality, safe dog food. They might even guide you on [what yogurt is good for dogs](https://dogcarestory.com/what-yogurt-is-good-for-dogs/) or other supplements if needed.

Best Food for Pomeranian Puppy?

For the youngest members of our Pomeranian family, the best food for a Pomeranian puppy is typically a high-quality commercial puppy food specifically formulated for small breeds. These foods are designed to meet the unique nutritional needs of growing puppies, supporting their rapid development and energy levels.

Some excellent quality brands of Pomeranian dog food that are generally well-regarded include: Royal Canin, Purina, Nature’s Recipe, Wellness Complete, Blue Wilderness, and Hill’s Science Diet. This list is a great starting point, though many other reputable brands are available. Always choose a formula appropriate for their life stage (puppy, adult, senior) and consult your vet for personalized recommendations.

References and Further Reading:
[1] Official Standard of the Pomeranian (AKC). American Kennel Club, 2011.
[2] English Kennel Club Pomeranian Breed Standard, 2017.
[3] Denise Leo, The Pomeranian Handbook.
[4] Milo G. Denlinger “The Complete Pomeranian.”
[5] Kimbering Pomeranians “1891-1991”.
[6] William Taplin’s “The Sportsman’s Cabinet.”
[7] E. Parker “The Popular Pomeranian.”
[8] Lilla Ives “Show Pomeranians.”

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