First and foremost, a dog should eat a fully balanced meal that meets its needs for protein, fat, vitamins and minerals. As a supplement, most dogs tolerate a range of common ingredients such as boiled chicken, egg, carrot, apple without seeds, blueberries and cucumber. But just as important as knowing what dogs can eat is knowing the foods that never belong in a dog's bowl. Chocolate, onion, garlic, grapes, raisins, avocado and xylitol (a sweetener found in, among other things, chewing gum) can be directly dangerous, even in small amounts.
Below we go through what forms the foundation of a dog's diet, which human foods are safe to share, what you should keep well away from, and how best to build a meal around your dog's age, size and needs.
What does a dog eat as a daily foundation?
At its core, the dog is an omnivorous relative of predators. It thrives best on a diet with a high proportion of animal protein, supplemented by fat, a moderate carbohydrate content and the right vitamins and minerals. Protein from meat and fish provides the amino acids the dog uses to build muscle, coat and a strong immune system, while fats provide energy and help with the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.
A well-composed meal makes the daily work easier for you, because it already contains everything the dog needs in the right amounts. At ESSENTIAL FOODS, all dog meals are prepared from fresh produce and human-grade ingredients, so you don't have to calculate the balance of nutrients yourself every single day. That is the foundation, and anything you may give alongside it should be regarded as a supplement and not as a replacement.
Which human foods can dogs eat?
Many of the ingredients we eat ourselves are fine for your dog in reasonable amounts. Lean meat such as boiled chicken, turkey and beef without spices and marinade is a safe snack, and the same applies to boiled fish without bones. Eggs are an excellent source of protein when boiled, and most dogs enjoy them.
Among vegetables, the dog can eat carrot, cucumber, broccoli and green beans, preferably steamed or boiled so they are easier to digest. As for fruit, apple without seeds and core, blueberries, strawberries and banana are good choices that provide both flavour and fibre. If you want to be completely sure that what you give suits your particular dog, ESSENTIAL FOODS' nutrition advisers are ready by phone, chat and email and are happy to advise on feeding, food and nutrition.
Always give new ingredients in small amounts at a time, and keep an eye on how the dog reacts. Even safe foods can cause loose stools if they are served in portions that are too large or too suddenly. If you want to share with your dog in a training situation, ESSENTIAL FOODS' dog treats are an easier alternative, because they are dosed for exactly that purpose.
Which foods are dangerous for dogs?
Some foods never belong with a dog, no matter how pleading the eyes are. Chocolate contains theobromine, which dogs cannot break down as efficiently as humans, and dark chocolate is particularly problematic. Onion and garlic can damage the dog's red blood cells, and this applies to raw, boiled and dried forms as well as powders in ready-made dishes.
Grapes and raisins can be toxic to dogs, even in small amounts, and the reaction varies unpredictably from dog to dog. Avocado, macadamia nuts, alcohol and foods with the sweetener xylitol, found in sugar-free chewing gum and certain baked goods, also belong on the list of things that must be kept well away. In addition there are cooked bones, which can splinter, and very spicy, salty or fatty human food, which strains the stomach unnecessarily.
If your dog accidentally gets hold of any of this, or if you are in doubt about the amount and the severity, you should contact a vet. Only a vet can assess whether there is cause for concern, and what, if anything, should be done.
How to adapt the meal to age and life stage
What a dog should eat depends greatly on where it is in life. A growing puppy needs more protein and energy per kilo of body weight than an adult dog, because the body is building bones, muscles and organs at a rapid pace. That is why the puppy should have a meal composed for exactly this stage.
ESSENTIAL FOODS' BEGINNING series is created for the finest start, with luxurious, grain-free puppy meals, fresh produce, human-grade ingredients and carefully selected local and regional delicacies, entirely without grain and unnecessary fillers. You will find them gathered under puppy & junior, and if you have just got a puppy, it is worth diving into the entire Puppy universe, where the advice comes directly from ESSENTIAL FOODS. A good starting point is the guide the ultimate puppy guide, which takes you through the first months.
The adult dog needs a meal that maintains healthy weight and energy, and here you will find relevant options under adult. When the dog enters its senior years, the needs change again. A senior dog often moves less and needs a meal that supports the golden years without being a burden. You will find the meals for this life stage under senior.
Can small dogs eat the same as large ones?
Small dogs can eat the same ingredients as large ones, but their needs and appetite are different. A small dog has a higher metabolism per kilo, and it eats smaller portions at a time. That is why small pieces in a suitable size fit their mouth and digestion better, and it makes it easier for the dog to chew and absorb the meal.
Conversely, large and very large breeds need a nutritional profile that takes their weight and joint health into account, especially while they are growing. ESSENTIAL FOODS has gathered meals by size, so you easily find the right one for your particular dog under for small dogs and for large dogs. Regardless of size, the principle is the same: a balanced meal first, and any extra ingredients only as a well-considered supplement.
What can dogs with a sensitive stomach eat?
If your dog has a tendency towards an upset stomach, loose stools or gas, it is often a matter of keeping the diet simple and predictable. Frequent changes in ingredients and many different treats throughout the day can strain a sensitive digestion, so here it is about finding a meal the dog thrives on and sticking to it.
Some dogs benefit from a grain-free meal if their digestion is delicate or there is a suspicion that grain does not sit well. ESSENTIAL FOODS' grain-free selection is a good place to start if you want to try that route. You can also take a closer look at meals designed with a gentler profile, under sensitive stomach. If you experience persistent stomach problems, however, you should always discuss it with a vet, so that any underlying causes are ruled out.
How much and how often should the dog eat?
The amount depends on the dog's weight, age and activity level. A dog with a high activity level burns more than a dog with a more moderate everyday life, and the portion should reflect that. Most adult dogs do fine with two meals a day, while puppies need to eat more often, because they cannot hold as much at a time.
A good rule of thumb is to follow the feeding guide on the meal and adjust according to how the dog maintains its weight. If you can feel the ribs without clearly seeing them, and the dog has a visible waist seen from above, you are usually on track. If you are in doubt about whether your dog is in the right range, the guide does your dog have a healthy weight gives you a concrete basis for assessing it. Treats and extra ingredients should be counted in the overall tally, so they do not imperceptibly lead to overweight.
Once you know the foundation, the safe ingredients and the dangerous foods, feeding your dog becomes both simpler and safer. Build everyday life around a balanced meal, serve any extra ingredients in moderation, and keep the dangerous foods completely away, and you give your dog the best conditions to thrive day after day.