What Can Dogs Eat?
One of the most common questions dog owners have is what human foods are safe to share. Cody is always watching when we eat, and honestly, some of the things on this list surprise even us. Here's a guide we refer back to regularly.
A few things to keep in mind: always remove seeds, pits, and rinds where indicated. Introduce any new food gradually. And when in doubt, leave it out. Your vet is always the best person to ask.
What's Worked for Us
Not rules. Just things we've found make a real difference for Cody day to day.
Daily Walks Are Non-Negotiable
Cody needs at least two proper walks a day, not short trips around the block, but real walks with time to sniff. The sniffing is the point. Mental stimulation from smells tires a Lab out faster than physical exercise alone.
Always Fresh Water
Sounds obvious but it's easy to forget on busy days. We refresh Cody's water bowl twice a day minimum. After outdoor adventures we always bring a collapsible bowl. A dehydrated Lab is not a happy Lab.
Dental Health Matters
Cody gets his teeth brushed a few times a week. He tolerates this with the quiet resignation of a dog who has accepted his fate. Dental chews help too, but they're a supplement, not a replacement for actual brushing.
Regular Grooming
English Red Labs shed. A lot. A weekly brush keeps the fur manageable and gives you a chance to check for anything unusual: lumps, ticks, skin irritation. Cody's nails get trimmed every 3–4 weeks.
Mental Stimulation
A bored Lab is a destructive Lab. Puzzle feeders, training sessions, and new environments all count. Even a new route on a walk gives Cody enough new information to process that he sleeps noticeably better that night.
Vet Visits on Schedule
Annual checkups, vaccinations kept current, flea and tick prevention year-round in California. Cody also gets a heartworm test annually. These are non-negotiables Preventative care is always easier than treatment.
Foods That Are Dangerous for Dogs
These are the ones to know by heart and keep out of reach.
Know these by heart. Xylitol, grapes, chocolate, onions, garlic. These can be life-threatening even in small amounts. When in doubt, call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center.
Toxic at any amount. Dark chocolate and baking chocolate are the most dangerous. Keep it locked away.
Damage red blood cells and can cause anemia. This includes cooked, raw, and powdered forms.
Can cause sudden kidney failure even in small amounts. Not worth any risk whatsoever.
Can cause weakness, vomiting, and tremors. Other nuts like walnuts are also best avoided.
Found in sugar-free gum, peanut butter, and many diet products. Extremely toxic to dogs.
Contains persin, which can cause vomiting and diarrhea. Keep the guacamole to yourself.
Every Dog Is Different
What works for Cody might not work for your dog. The best resource you have is a vet who knows your dog well. We've been lucky to have a great one from Cody's first week home.
If you have questions or tips that have worked for your dog, share them on ourInstagramor YouTube community. We read everything.