Hot Dog

No, your dog cannot eat (most) hot dogs, despite the name.

The Making of a Hot Dog

There’s an old saying that always rings true…

– There are two things in the world that you never want to see being made. One is a law in the United States Congress. The other is a sausage. –

And yes, hot dogs are indeed sausages. And yes, we refuse to discuss the unappetizing process of making them on this page. Suffice it to say your dog doesn’t need the high levels of sodium and nitrates present in hot dogs. In addition, hot dogs usually have an abundance of garlic and onion powder and other additives that are bad for humans and canines. If we were betting folks, we’d double down on hot dogs being one of the only surviving foods following a nuclear war.

Not All (Hot) Dogs are the Same

You got your Nathans, your Hebrew Nationals,

Grapefruit

No, your dog cannot eat grapefruit. This tart fruit is an acidic citrus that can cause vomiting and diarrhea.

As with other citrus fruits, the PH levels in grapefruit can cause stomach issues in your dog. Too much citric acid can cause irritation, GERD, and diarrhea. In addition, if your dog is on medication, it is especially important to not feed your dog grapefruit.

Squirrel

No, your dog cannot eat a squirrel, much as she might like to.

Holy Cow my Dog Ate a Squirrel

If your pooch has consumed a squirrel, contact your vet. This kind of “snack” could cause intestinal obstruction and if the squirrel was already dead, there is the risk of disease or bacteria.

What’s the Concern

Bones can be hard to swallow and cause tears on the way down. For that matter, they can also cause tears on the way out…or on the way back up… Disease and bacteria are also a prime concern. Remember, diseases and wild “bugs” were bred out of domesticated dogs. So any exposure to wild animals can be a problem. In addition, squirrels have long sharp nails and injury is likely to happen if a dog snags a live squirrel.

Heads up to Hunting Dogs and their Persons

Hunting dogs are constantly on the hunt. While they may seem to be relaxed next to you on the deck, they are always in the know about what’s happening in the yard. Their eyes, ears, or noses are on constant alert. So if you own a hunting dog, you also have to be aware of what’s happening in your yard. There’s always a chase brewing. And while most dogs cannot catch a squirrel, it can happen. And if it does, you will have a nasty quarrel on your hands. Your dog can be injured by a scrappy foe who may carry rabies and other wild animal maladies. This scenario isn’t just reserved for hunting dogs, any dog can try to take down a squirrel. And if the squirrel is a baby (aka a “pup”), or it’s injured, a dog can pull a Jimmy “Superfly” Snuka and 10-count that rodent in a hurry.

Yes, Intervene if Your Dog Snatches a Squirrel

You should be mentally prepared to rescue the squirrel from your dog’s mouth whether it’s alive – or dead. While this may be the most exciting meal your dog has had in a year, it’s not a safe dining option for them. And worse, if your dog has picked up some saucy squirrel roadkill, you will have to fight her/him for it. A dead animal of any kind has a special kind of nastiness going on that your pet doesn’t need. We won’t spell out the types of bacteria and organisms on an animal that has been dead.

Call your vet if your dog has any kind of suspect contact with a wild animal.

Wood

No, your dog cannot eat wood. Wood can cause lots of issues, none of them good, including GI obstruction, tooth damage, or mouth injury.

Despite H

Despite how much your dog seems to adore your couch legs, coffee tables, mulch, and twigs,

White Chocolate

Yes, your dog can eat white chocolate. While white chocolate is not toxic, it still is not necessarily recommended. Keep in mind that chocolate in general is dangerous for dogs.

No, your dog cannot have white chocolate.

Watermelon Rind

No, your dog cannot eat watermelon rind. The fruit’s rind can cause stomach upset. Watermelon can be a better choice, but no rind!

No, your dog cannot have watermelon rind.

Watermelon

Yes, your dog can eat watermelon. Make sure your dog does not eat the watermelon seeds or the watermelon rind.

Yes, your dog can have watermelon.

Toothpaste

No, your dog cannot eat toothpaste. Some toothpaste can contain xylitol, which is toxic to dogs.

No, your dog cannot have toothpaste.

Sweet Potato

No, your dog cannot eat sweet potato (also called yam). New guidance recommends avoiding sweet potatoes because of the risk of possible canine dilated myopathy.

Spinach

Yes, your dog can eat spinach, but keep portions limited. Very large amounts of spinach can cause kidney damage.