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Top things to never feed a pet you're sitting

SB avatar for blog author Sabine Berger
Sabine Berger
12 May 20218 min read

Updated 29/09/2023

We know our four-legged friends are big opportunists when it comes to food. Unfortunately, there are a lot of foods out there that our dogs really shouldn’t be eating.

As pet sitters, our main responsibility is always to properly care for the pets under our watch, which — just like cuddle duties and belly rubs — includes making sure they are healthy, happy, and snacking safely whilst their owners are away.

So, if you've been asking yourself “can dogs eat grapes?” or want to know if avocados are fine for dogs to eat, then read on for a list of some of the most toxic foods you should never feed a dog you're pet sitting (or indeed any dog!)– as well as some ideas for fruits, veggies, and other snacks you can safely let the pooch munch on! 

It’s important to keep in mind that this is not a complete list. So, always check before feeding a dog under your care anything other than their ordinary dog food. As always, if you suspect that a pet under your care may have eaten something they shouldn’t have, contact the pet’s veterinary clinic immediately in order to get individual advice.

What shouldn’t I feed a dog I’m pet sitting?

What can dogs eat? And what can dogs not eat? The owner you're sitting for should have given you a thorough run-through of their pet's diet and needs, but if your protégé’s owner has allowed you to give your new pet pal a treat or two of your choice (after all, it's their vacation, too!), then here’s a handy list of some of the main things you should avoid feeding a dog at all costs:

1. Xylitol (sugar substitute): Xylitol is a sugar substitute and is often found in popular treats such as gum, sugar-free sweets, and many brands of peanut butter. Unfortunately, xylitol is extremely toxic to dogs, and even a small amount can cause low blood sugar and, eventually, liver failure. So, while it probably goes without saying that you shouldn’t feed your dog gum, if you’re wondering what kind of peanut butter you can feed it, the answer is one that does not contain xylitol. Even then, be careful, though! Too much peanut butter of any kind will likely leave the fur baby with pancreatic issues – there are way healthier snacks for the little pupper (just have a look at the next section!).

2. Grapes: One very frequent question among dog owners and sitters is: can dogs eat grapes? And the answer is ... (wait for it!) No! Innocuous as they may seem, dogs should never eat grapes. Grapes (and raisins, which are just dried grapes, after all) are highly toxic to dogs and can result in serious illness, even leading to fatal kidney failure. But why can’t dogs eat grapes? Well, we don’t exactly know. Interestingly enough, scientists aren’t quite sure yet which component exactly makes grapes toxic for dogs, but the most likely culprits are flavonoids, tannins, or monosaccharides, which dogs can’t properly metabolize. It’s important to note that the toxic dose for grapes and raisins is not known and the toxic dose seems to vary from pet to pet. So, it’s vital to contact your veterinary clinic immediately if you suspect your pet may have ingested any quantity of grapes or raisins. Your veterinarian will be able to advise on the next best step for the pooch.

3. Avocado: It’s a much-loved food for us humans, but avocados (in particular, the pit and skin of an avocado) contain a toxin called persin, which is poisonous to dogs and can cause vomiting and/or diarrhea. Avocado can make dogs feel really unwell and can cause serious health issues. 

4. Onions: Onions, and in fact all members of the ‘allium’ family (which includes garlic, shallots, leeks, and chives) are poisonous to dogs. Feeding a dog an onion can cause stomach upset, vomiting, and diarrhea, so be sure to keep these off the menu. Depending on the amount your pet has eaten, onions can cause poisoning in dogs, and in the worst cases, this poisoning can be fatal. It’s recommended to keep all foods containing onions and garlic away from your pet!

5. Caffeine/theine: Coffee, and other caffeinated drinks (including black/white/green tea, which contains a very similar compound, theine) are very dangerous and toxic to dogs. Even small amounts can be fatal, so be sure to never leave half-full mugs and pots, coffee grinds, or tea bags where the pooch could reach them.

6. Macadamia nuts: While some nuts are suitable for dogs in moderation, macadamia nuts are highly toxic to dogs. Just a handful of these nuts can cause serious, even fatal, reactions, including muscle shakes and weakness, vomiting, and panting.

7. Chocolate: Most people know how bad chocolate is for dogs, but what many don’t realize is that even a small amount can make your dog sick. The theobromine in chocolate is what causes this (with dark chocolate being the worst culprit), and can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, and even death. Usually, the toxic dose correlates with the body weight of the dog, but not always. That’s because different chocolates can contain different amounts of the toxic compound, theobromine. If you suspect your dog may have eaten any amount of chocolate, contact your veterinary clinic as soon as possible. Keep the chocolate wrapper so you can advise them of the weight of the chocolate, and the percentage of cocoa it contains. This will help your veterinarian advise you of the next best step for your pet.

8. Bones: Although bones were traditionally seen as suitable for dogs to eat, it is highly recommended not to feed any dogs any bones, regardless of whether they are raw, frozen, or cooked. This includes bones from chicken, pork, beef, lamb, and any other animal species. Feeding items such as beef/pork knuckles and antlers are also not recommended. Any item that is too hard for you to make a dent in with your fingernail without bending your fingernail is unsuitable for your dog to chew on.

Both raw, frozen, and cooked bones are extremely common causes of stomach upset, choking, and food poisoning in our beloved pets. Chewing on any type of bone is a very common cause of broken and very painful teeth in dogs. Thankfully, there are much more suitable treats for our pets than bones/antlers that we can give them to enjoy, which we will discuss later in this article. 

9. Raw meat or eggs: Raw meat and eggs are further foods you wouldn’t expect to be bad for your dog, but both can contain very harmful bacteria (which would ordinarily be killed off during the cooking process) that can potentially lead to food poisoning — and therefore very poorly puppers. So, if you wanna treat your four-legged friend to a meaty treat, we’d recommend sticking to a veterinary-approved dog chew!

10. Salt: Too much salt could result in excessive dehydration in dogs or even lead to sodium ion poisoning. Possible symptoms of sodium ion poisoning are vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, seizures, or, in the worst case, even death. This means no chips or other salty snacks for your dog buddy, even if it’s tempting to share a pack while cuddling on the couch.

It’s strongly recommended to always contact your veterinarian if you have any suspicion that the pet under your care may have eaten something they shouldn’t have. Seeking prompt veterinary care will give your pet the best chance of making a recovery. 

Trusted tip: Remember, as part of your sitter membership, you get free 24/7 access to expert veterinary advice while on a sit. To get in touch, simply visit your dashboard.

So — what can dogs eat?

Now that we’ve covered what dogs can’t eat – what can dogs eat? If grapes and avocados are out of the question, which fruits can dogs eat safely? And what about veggies? Here is some inspiration for tasty, perfectly safe, and even healthy snacks for your four-legged buddy!

What fruits can dogs eat?

As discussed previously, chocolate and grapes are toxic for dogs. Never worry, there are quite a few other fruity snacks your pooch may munch on. For example:

  1. Apples (remove seeds and core)
  2. Bananas (lots of sugar, so feed in moderation)
  3. Watermelon (remove rind and seeds)
  4. Blueberries
  5. Cranberries (not every dog’s favorite)
  6. Mango (remove pit)
  7. Pears (remove seeds)
  8. Oranges (remove seeds and skin)
  9. Strawberries (lots of sugar, so feed in moderation)
  10. Peaches (remove pit)

It’s important to note that although they are non-toxic, all of these fruits can potentially cause an upset stomach in dogs, even in small quantities. Some dogs have much more sensitive digestive systems/stomachs than others. So, it’s important to discuss with the pet’s owners what foods they can and cannot have beforehand. 

What vegetables can dogs eat?

Not just fruit, veggies, too, are great for your doggo! Some that can be a safe snack in small quantities are:

  1. Cooked potatoes (never raw)
  2. Peas
  3. Cucumbers (chop them into small pieces)
  4. Green beans (raw or cooked – chop them into small pieces)
  5. Carrots (in moderation)
  6. Cooked sweet potatoes (never raw)
  7. Cooked corn (off the cob - NEVER allow dogs to have access to the cob of corn, it is a common cause of blockage in their digestive systems, which can be fatal)
  8. Celery
  9. Brussels sprouts
  10. Broccoli (in moderation)
  11. Is pumpkin good for dogs? As long as it's cooked plain with the skin and seeds removed most dogs can have small amounts of pumpkin.

Again, all of these are packed with nutrients that are good for your four-legged friend, from healthy vitamins to precious minerals. But same as fruits, it’s recommended to discuss with the pet’s owners before feeding any of these.

What other snacks can dogs eat?

Apart from fruits and veggies, you can also let your pooch snack on these tasties:

  1. Cooked, unseasoned, boneless meat (fish, turkey, chicken...)
  2. Plain popcorn (in moderation)
  3. Plain dairy products (milk, yogurt, cheese – all in moderation!)
  4. Cooked white rice
  5. Cooked eggs

Now that you know what dogs can and can’t eat, all that’s left for you to do is figure out which safe snacks your fur buddy loves the most so you can spoil the good boy or girl! As mentioned throughout this article, make sure and discuss with the pet’s owner what foods their dog can and cannot have before feeding them any treats. Some dogs can have very sensitive stomachs, while others may have health conditions (such as diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease or pancreatitis) which means they cannot have ANY other food apart from their prescribed diet.

Just one last reminder to make sure you, the owner and the pupper all stay safe and happy: if in doubt, go without! And now: happy munching!

Meet our veterinary expert, Evie

This article has been checked by veterinarian Evie Moloney RCVS. Evie is a vet surgeon who graduated from the University College Dublin, which is the only university offering the veterinary medicine degree in Ireland. She really enjoys surgery and has also worked as an emergency and critical care vet. She is passionate about sharing education about preventative health care 
for pets, especially the importance of regular dog and cat teeth brushing at home. She also enjoys helping owners find practical solutions for keeping pets as comfortable as possible while living with conditions such as arthritis. When not working, she enjoys hiking and swimming. 

Looking for more pointers?

Want more advice on what to do while on a sit? From how to write the perfect application message to our top tips on sprucing up your sitter profile, our blog has lots of useful pet sitting advice — so be sure to have a sniff around!

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