The Dog's Festive Table: What’s Safe and What to Avoid

A dog is a part of the family, and they also have reasons to celebrate: birthdays, anniversaries of joining the home, or simply important achievements. And what kind of celebration is complete without a delicious table? Pets love to eat, and especially on such days, you want to make them happy. The main thing is to choose treats that are beneficial. A dog’s menu should be balanced, with a focus on protein-rich foods.

It’s important to remember that the festive menu should not harm your pet’s health. The food must be not only tasty but also safe, appropriate for the dog’s age, breed, and individual characteristics. It’s better to plan the diet in advance and maintain reasonable portions so that the celebration brings joy and not problems.

Safe foods for dogs

Not all human foods that are safe for dogs are suitable for pets. Here is a list of human foods that are safe for dogs and also healthy:

Meats — boiled chicken, turkey, beef, lamb without salt or spices — a source of protein necessary for muscle mass.
Vegetables — carrots, zucchini, pumpkin, broccoli in small amounts, preferably cooked.
Fruits — apples without seeds, bananas, blueberries — as treats, not regularly.

When choosing food for your dog, always remember: it’s important not only what you give but also how much. Even healthy foods can harm if given in excess. Any changes to the diet should be discussed with a veterinarian.

Is food coloring safe for dogs?

Natural food colorings made from vegetables, fruits, herbs, and berries (such as beetroot, carrot, turmeric, spinach, beet, blueberry) are safe for dogs and can even be beneficial. They contain no chemical additives, are easily digested, and sometimes add valuable nutrients to the pet’s diet—like antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Such colorings are a great way to make dog treats bright and appealing without risking their health.

Foods that aren't allowed for dogs

A list of food not allowed for dogs

The very first and perhaps one of the most dangerous treats — chocolate. Pets often love sweets: they reach for candies, cookies, and especially chocolate. It’s hard for owners to resist when a dog begs, and many give in and share a piece. But chocolate can be deadly for dogs: it contains theobromine, which is toxic to their bodies. Even a small amount can cause severe poisoning, irregular heartbeat, seizures, and other serious consequences.
Onions and garlic — two more foods strictly forbidden for dogs. Even if pets rarely show interest, these can accidentally get into their diet, for example, in cooked dishes. Small amounts negatively affect the dog’s blood, destroying red blood cells and causing anemia. Symptoms may appear several days after ingestion.
Grapes and raisins — absolutely prohibited, despite their harmless appearance. They look beautiful in festive photos and seem safe, especially if it’s just one or two berries. But even minimal amounts can cause severe poisoning and kidney failure. There is no safe dose for dogs — reactions vary and can be extremely severe. These treats must be completely excluded from the dog’s diet, even on holidays.
Bones, especially cooked ones, are an absolute taboo. There’s no discussion here: they are not only useless but dangerous. Cooked bones become brittle, break into sharp fragments that can damage gums, get stuck in the esophagus, perforate intestines, or cause other serious issues.
Alcohol and caffeine — dangerous for the nervous and cardiovascular systems.
Avocado — another product that should never appear in a dog’s bowl, though not all owners know this. It contains persin, which is toxic to animals. Even small amounts can cause vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and other poisoning symptoms.
Raw yeast dough should not be given to dogs because live yeast continues to work in the stomach, releasing gas and potentially causing bloating, pain, and serious health problems. Baked dough is less dangerous but still not recommended in large amounts.
Dairy products, especially in large amounts, are not recommended since many dogs are lactose intolerant. This can cause digestive upset, diarrhea, and discomfort. If given at all, it should be in very small amounts and with caution.
Fatty, salty, smoked, and spicy foods are strictly forbidden for dogs. They can lead to digestive issues, liver, and kidney diseases. Like humans, pets should avoid such food to stay healthy.

You can make homemade dog treats for your pet using only the foods that are safe for dogs and completely excluding all prohibited ingredients from their diet. There are many homemade dog treats recipes vet approved that you can follow to create healthy snacks. By choosing an easy homemade dog treats recipe, you can prepare delicious and nutritious snacks without much effort. This approach ensures both the safety and health benefits for your beloved companion, making it one of the best options for easy homemade dog treats.

The safest way to treat your pet is to do it with snacks made specifically for them. These can be jerky, meatballs, meat and vegetable candies prepared using natural ingredients and safe food colorings. Such treats are not only good for your dog’s health but also look very appetizing. A bright festive table with beautiful, dog-friendly "desserts" is a great idea for photos to proudly share on social media. This way, the celebration will be not only tasty but also memorable!