The safety of foods for pets depends on the type of pet you have. There are plenty of options for pets, but also many foods that can be dangerous to your pets health. Here are safe foods for common pets:
Dogs
✅ Safe Foods:
- Lean meats (chicken, turkey, beef – cooked, no seasoning)
- Rice and pasta (plain [unseasoned], cooked)
- Vegetables (carrots, green beans, broccoli/cauliflower (cooked), cucumbers, peas, pumpkin)
- Fruits (apples [no seeds], pineapple, cantaloupe, strawberries, blueberries, bananas, watermelon [no seeds])
- Peanut butter (unsalted and does not contain xylitol – most powdered peanut butter products)
- Popcorn (no seasoning)
🚫 Avoid: Chocolate, citrus fruits (i.e. oranges, lemons, grapefruits, etc.), cherries, grapes, onions, garlic, avocado, xylitol containing products, macadamia nuts, cooked bones, alcohol, caffeine
Cats
✅ Safe Foods:
- Cooked meats (chicken, turkey, beef, fish – boneless, no seasoning)
- Whole grains (plain rice, corn and oats)
- Fruits (apples [no seeds], cantaloupe, strawberries, blueberries, bananas, watermelon [no seeds])
- Vegetables (cucumber, cooked broccoli, carrots, asparagus and peas)
- Cooked eggs (scrambled or boiled)
- Popcorn (no seasoning)
🚫 Avoid: Nuts, onions, garlic, chocolate, dairy (in large amounts), raw fish, grapes/raisins, alcohol, caffeine, xylitol containing products
Rabbits
✅ Safe Foods:
- Hay (main diet)
- Green leafy greens (arugula, kale, broccoli, bok choy, romaine, endive, dandelion greens)
- Vegetables (carrots, romaine, mint, parsley [in small amounts])
- Fruits (apples (seedless), blueberries, pineapple, strawberries, papaya, cherries [in small amounts]
🚫 Avoid: Corn, wild mushrooms, iceberg lettuce, avocado, onions, garlic, potatoes, rhubarb, nuts, seeds
Hamsters & Guinea Pigs
✅ Safe Foods:
- Fresh veggies (carrots, bell peppers, cucumbers)
- Fruits (apples, pears, berries – small amounts)
- Timothy hay (important for guinea pigs)
- Pellets (species-specific)
🚫 Avoid: Citrus fruits, onions, garlic, chocolate, processed food, dairy
Birds (Parrots, Budgies, Cockatiels, etc.)
✅ Safe Foods:
- Fresh fruits (apples, bananas, papaya, cantaloupe, mango, berries)
- Vegetables (bell peppers, broccoli, carrots, sweet potato, leafy greens, squash)
- Cooked grains (rice, quinoa, oats)
- Nuts (unsalted, no chocolate)
🚫 Avoid: Avocado, iceberg/head lettuce, celery, chocolate, onions, garlic, alcohol, caffeine
Dr. Brianna Capria
Dr. Capria grew up in Upstate New York and cultivated her interest to work with animals starting at an early age. After high school, Dr. Capria moved to Buffalo where she received a Bachelor’s degree in Veterinary Technology from Medaille College. She then worked as a licensed veterinary technician for 6 years. During that 6 years she also pursued a Master’s degree in Public Health from SUNY Upstate Medical University. Soon after, Dr. Capria moved to the island of Saint Christopher (St. Kitts) to complete her degree in Veterinary Medicine at Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine. Her primary interests are in emergency medicine, and exotic pet medicine. In her free time, Dr. Capria enjoys going hiking with her dog, Rascal, swimming, baking and reading.
