Dog Care

Food and Nutrition

Featured in Food and Nutrition

Two whole yellow lemons and a sliced lemon on a wooden cutting board, the sour citrus fruit that is not safe for dogs to eat

Can Dogs Eat Lemons? Vet's Citric Acid Risks Guide

No, dogs should not eat lemons. The citric acid, essential oils, and psoralens in the peel and flesh commonly cause vomiting, drooling, diarrhea, and in larger amounts, nervous-system effects. Here is exactly what to watch for.

Carol Bryant

April 22, 2024

All Articles

Sort by:

A small white ceramic bowl of fresh red raspberries on a wooden surface, the low-sugar antioxidant berry safe for dogs in moderation

Food and Nutrition

Can Dogs Eat Raspberries? Yes, Safe Portions + Xylitol

Yes, dogs can safely eat raspberries in moderation. The trace xylitol that AI Overviews keep warning about is well below the toxic threshold. Here is the vet-backed math and portion guide.

Carol Bryant

Dec 14, 2023

Crispy cooked salmon skin pieces beside a cooked salmon fillet portion, the safe preparation method for dogs

Food and Nutrition

Can Dogs Eat Salmon Skin? Cooked vs Raw, Explained

Yes, dogs can eat fully cooked, plain salmon skin in moderation. It is rich in omega-3 fatty acids for skin and coat health. Never feed raw salmon skin, which can carry parasites that cause salmon poisoning disease.

Carol Bryant

Apr 29, 2024

A small white ceramic bowl filled with plain unsalted cashew nuts on a wooden surface, the safe form of cashews for dogs in moderation

Food and Nutrition

Can Dogs Eat Cashews? Safe Portion + Pancreatitis Risk

Yes, dogs can eat plain unsalted cashews in tiny amounts as an occasional treat. The fat content makes them a pancreatitis risk, and salted, flavored, or mixed-nut versions are unsafe. Here is exactly how much by dog size.

Carol Bryant

Oct 30, 2023

Small white ceramic bowl of ground pumpkin seed powder with whole pepitas scattered nearby, the safe preparation for dogs

Food and Nutrition

Can Dogs Eat Pumpkin Seeds? Portions, Risks, Benefits

Yes, dogs can eat plain pumpkin seeds in moderation. The safe portion is roughly 1/2 teaspoon of ground unsalted seeds per 20 pounds of body weight. Here is exactly how to prepare them.

Carol Bryant

Apr 8, 2024

Two whole tangerines and a peeled tangerine showing bright orange segments on a wooden surface, the citrus fruit dogs can have in small amounts

Food and Nutrition

Can Dogs Eat Tangerines? Safe Portions + Citrus Risks

Yes, dogs can eat tangerines in tiny amounts. The flesh is less acidic than lemons but still high in sugar and citric acid. Always remove the peel and seeds. Here is exactly how much by dog size.

Carol Bryant

Apr 22, 2024

Plain baked sweet potato fries on a wooden board beside a fresh sweet potato, the healthier homemade alternative to fast-food french fries for dogs

Food and Nutrition

Can Dogs Eat French Fries? The Honest Vet Answer

A single plain unsalted French fry is not dangerous for most dogs, but the salt, fat, and seasonings in restaurant fries cause GI upset, pancreatitis, and sodium risks. Use safer swaps like baked sweet potato instead.

Carol Bryant

Mar 4, 2024

A small stack of cured pepperoni slices on parchment paper, the high-sodium salty meat that is not safe for dogs to eat

Food and Nutrition

Can Dogs Eat Pepperoni? Sodium + Nitrate Vet Guide

No, dogs should not eat pepperoni. The sodium, nitrates, fat, and added spices (often including garlic and onion powder) make it one of the riskiest deli meats. Here is what to do if your dog snags a slice.

Adriana Guolo

Mar 4, 2024

A pomegranate fruit cut open showing ruby-red arils inside, beside a small bowl of arils, not recommended as raw fruit for dogs

Food and Nutrition

Can Dogs Eat Pomegranate? Why Vets Recommend Skipping

No, dogs should not eat raw pomegranate. While pomegranates are not toxic to dogs, the tannins and acidity in the seeds and arils cause vomiting and diarrhea in most dogs, and the tough rind is a choking and blockage hazard.

Adriana Guolo

Jan 26, 2024

Two slices of plain whole-wheat sandwich bread on a wooden cutting board, the safe form of bread for dogs in moderation

Food and Nutrition

Can Dogs Eat Bread? Safe Types and Raw Dough Risks

Yes, dogs can eat small amounts of plain white or whole wheat bread as an occasional treat. Avoid raisin bread, garlic bread, raw yeast dough, and any bread containing xylitol or chocolate.

Carol Bryant

Oct 30, 2023