46 Human Foods Poodles Can and Cannot Eat: A Helpful Guide


Dog owners often find ways to spoil their furry family members, particularly when it comes to food. Poodle owners are certainly no exception to this stereotype and love to slip something under the table. But is it a good idea to give your curly-haired best friend people food?

Poodles can eat some human foods. Dogs process their food differently than people do. While many human foods are safe for poodles to eat and can provide vital nutrients and positive health benefits, feeding the wrong foods can result in stomach ache, vomiting, and in severe cases, even death.

Since some human food can cause disastrous repercussions for dogs, poodle owners should check out this list before slipping their poodles any more snacks.

What Human Foods Can Poodles Safely Eat?

First of all, giving your poodle the occasional treat is not a bad thing. As long as it is the right kind of food, then you and your poodle can enjoy a meal together, so to speak. It is simply a question of what kind of food will be safest for your poodle to eat.

Human foods that are safe for poodles to eat include:

  • Apples
  • Bananas
  • Blueberries
  • Bread
  • Broccoli
  • Cantaloupe
  • Carrots
  • Cashews
  • Celery
  • Coconut
  • Cranberries
  • Corn
  • Cucumbers
  • Dairy: Cheese, Milk, and Yogurt
  • Eggs
  • Fish
  • Green Beans
  • Honey
  • Mango
  • Oranges
  • Peaches
  • Peanuts/Peanut Butter
  • Peas
  • Raspberries
  • Strawberries
  • Shrimp
  • Turkey
  • Watermelon
  • Quinoa
  • Pork
  • Popcorn
  • Spinach
  • Ham

This list of safe human foods is a little long so you should, I hope, be able to find something yummy for your poodle.

Included in this list you will find the following food categories:

  • Fruit
  • Vegetables
  • Nuts
  • Meat
  • Dairy

Let’s take a closer look at these foods and see if we can find something your dog will enjoy:

1. Apples

Apples are a great fruit that your poodle may enjoy and they are perfectly safe to eat because they contain:

  • Antioxidants
  • Minerals
  • Fiber
  • Vitamin A
  • Vitamin C

This list of benefits, including high fiber content, makes them a good snack choice for older dogs as well. 

And on hot days, a cool, juicy apple slice (maybe even a frozen one), could be a tasty treat for your poodle. Just be sure to slice up the apple first and remove the seeds. Apple seeds contain amygdalin which releases cyanide when chewed.

I feed my dog human-grade food with apples from Pet Plate. Pet Plate is a premium dog food subscription service that provides freshly cooked and pre-portioned meals completely customized for your dog. I really love the fact that Pet Plate delivers the highest quality meals to my door without me ever having to think about it! Check out Pet Plate here to find more information and see if Pet Plate is right for you and your pet.

2. Bananas

This is another fruit that dogs can eat, though it is best to give it to your poodle in moderation. Low in calories, sodium, and cholesterol, bananas are good for your poodle because they are high in:

  • Fiber
  • Biotin
  • Copper
  • Vitamins
  • Potassium

However, you should give this fruit to your poodle only in moderation. While bananas have many benefits, they are high in sugar. That makes bananas a good treat, not the main dish.

3. Blueberries

Blueberries are a great choice for dogs for the same reason that they are a great choice for humans. Blueberries contain antioxidants and have high fiber, as well as lots of vitamins and minerals.

Blueberries for humans and dogs are known to help fix damage to cells.

Also, they are small, about the size of some kernels of dog food, and have a low-calorie count. This makes them perfect poodle treats.

4. Bread

While not especially nutritious, bread is not exactly harmful either. Actually, the way it works for humans, in this sense, is similar to the way it works for dogs. Bread will not harm your poodle, but it can add on unnecessary calories and carbohydrates.

White bread and whole-grain bread are fine, but you want to watch out for added ingredients that may alter whether or not the bread is safe. For example, do not feed bread to your dog if it has:

  • Cinnamon
  • Raisins

More on these later, but your poodle cannot eat these foods.

5. Broccoli

While poodle owners may not like broccoli stalks, their poodles may think they are great and are certainly able to eat them. Broccoli stalks can cause intestinal blockages if not thoroughly chewed and the florets can potentially cause stomach upset because of isothiocyanates contained within. However, this will in no way be a problem for most dogs.

Nevertheless, broccoli has many health benefits and has:

  • Vitamin C
  • High fiber
  • Low fat

6. Cantaloupe

That green and beige melon with an orange-colored interior is safe for dogs to eat, and can even be healthy.

Cantaloupe contains:

  • Fiber
  • Water
  • Nutrients

Cantaloupe can make a great snack on a hot day. However, like some fruits, cantaloupe has a lot of sugar, so be careful with it. Give cantaloupe moderately or not at all if your dog suffers from diabetes or is overweight.

7. Carrots

Carrots are a bonus snack for your poodle. Carrots contain beta-carotene which has vitamin A, and they are also high in fiber.

The bonus is in the makeup of this food. Carrots are hard and crunchy which means they are good for your poodle’s teeth, like a chew toy that you do not have to worry about when it disintegrates.

8. Cashews

As you will see later in this list, nuts can go either way as far as being good for your poodle. Cashews are in the safe zone and have a lot of benefits such as:

  • Antioxidants
  • Proteins
  • Magnesium
  • Calcium

However, like bread, even good nuts can have a less than desirable additive, which is salt in this case. This article will discuss salt in more detail later, but for now, you can give your poodle unsalted cashews as long as it’s only a few at a time. Too many cashews can result in weight gain.

9. Celery

If you are looking for a vitamin loaded vegetable that is safe for your poodle to eat, look no further than celery.

Celery contains:

  • Vitamin A
  • Vitamin B
  • Vitamin C

Celery has nutrients that promote a healthy poodle heart.

Additionally, this super vegetable fights bad breath and cancer at the same time.

10. Coconut

If you and your poodle become stranded on a deserted island, do not worry. Coconuts are safe for dogs to eat. As long as you avoid the shell, the strands of which can get caught in your dog’s throat.

Coconuts contain lauric acid, which can give your poodle a variety of benefits, including:

  • A bolstered immune system against viruses and bacteria
  • Fights bad breath
  • Helps to clear up skin problems caused by allergies or fleas

11. Cranberries

One important thing to consider is whether or not your poodle likes the food that you can give him. This may be a notable question in regards to cranberries.

Cranberries are safe for your poodle, both the fresh and the dried versions. But whether your dog likes their tart flavor is another story.

12. Corn

Corn is also safe for your poodle to eat. In fact, corn is often added to your pet’s store-bought food and is highly digestible.

Corn provides vitamins and nutrients such as:

  • Betacarotene
  • Vitamin E
  • Lutein

The only cautionary statement here is that you should not feed corn to your poodle while it is still on the cob. Corn cobs are hard and can increase your dog’s risk of choking or, if they do swallow it, of intestinal blockage. 

13. Cucumbers

Adding on excess weight happens to the best of us, and your poodle is no exception to this rule. This makes cucumbers an ideal snack for the dog who has packed on a few too many pounds.

Cucumbers can provide a great energy boost, being high in:

  • Vitamin B1
  • Vitamin C
  • Vitamin K
  • Biotin
  • Copper
  • Magnesium
  • Potassium

Combined with the fact that cucumbers are also low in fats, carbohydrates, and oils, they make for a good doggie snack.

14. Dairy: Cheese, Milk, and Yogurt

As with humans, some dogs can be lactose intolerant. It is not common, but common enough that you will want to introduce your dog to dairy slowly and watch for vomiting or diarrhea related to dairy intolerance.

But, assuming your poodle can tolerate dairy, you can give your dog plain yogurt, milk, and cheese. Cheese can make a good treat because it is the easiest for your dog to consume, although yogurt and milk can be licked up. However, there is not a lot of nutritional value.

The problem with dairy is that it can be fattening. Try to go with a kind of cheese that does not have as much fat as other kinds. Cottage cheese and mozzarella are two good choices. Low or nonfat milk and yogurt are great as well.

15. Eggs

As long as eggs are cooked and not scrambled with a bunch of spices, eggs are safe for dogs. It is important to cook eggs thoroughly because if your dog eats raw egg whites, they could create a biotin deficiency.

However, even when eggs are cooked, they have been known to help dogs calm an upset stomach. Cooked eggs are also a good source of protein for your dog. So, yes your poodle can have breakfast with you.

16. Fish

Cooked fish is safe to feed your dog but it can be problematic. You want to be sure to remove all the bones from your poodle’s portion of fish (the exception to this is sardines) since bones can get caught in their throat or intestines. Also, your dog should eat fish only a couple of times a week.

That said, sardine bones are not only safe but a good source of calcium, and salmon (without the bones) is an excellent source of protein and vitamins.

And, of course, all fish have the health benefits of:

  • Amino acids
  • Fatty acids called Omega-3
  • Unsaturated fat

As a special mention, tuna is also something that your dog can eat. Be sure to use fresh tuna.

Canned tuna has a little mercury and sodium which are not good for your poodle. A little is ok, but it is best to stay with fresh tuna.

17. Green Beans

All forms of green beans are good for your poodle. Cooked or raw, it does not matter. You can Chop up and steam green beans for your poodle, or just toss a few over your shoulder while you are cooking. 

If you buy canned green beans, be sure to get the variety that has little or no salt. But you can rest assured that green beans are packed with fiber, minerals, and vitamins. They are also low in calories. 

18. Honey

Dogs can eat honey and it may be a good way to satisfy your poodle’s sweet tooth. Be mindful of honey’s sugar content, and only feed your poodle small amounts of honey at one time.

Small amounts of honey contain large amounts of:

  • Antioxidants
  • Calcium
  • Copper
  • Magnesium
  • Potassium
  • Vitamin A
  • Vitamin B
  • Vitamin C
  • Vitamin D
  • Vitamin E
  • Vitamin K

Among the many benefits of honey are that it introduces small amounts of pollen into your poodle’s system, helping your dog build immunity to local allergies. Honey can also be used topically to treat burns or small cuts.

19. Mango

Other than the pit, which you should remove because it contains cyanide and is a choking hazard, mangos are a good treat for your poodle.

Mangos contain the following nutrients:

  • Alpha-carotene
  • Beta-carotene
  • Potassium
  • Vitamins A, E, C, B6

20. Oranges

This one has another qualified yes. Oranges are safe for your poodle to eat, but spare them the peel since it will run roughshod on their digestive tract. Also, remove the seeds before giving them the meat of the orange.

Moderately consumed, your dog will have a great source of:

  • Vitamin C
  • Potassium
  • Fiber

if you can get your poodle to eat it. Most dogs have an aversion to citrus fruit and prefer to nibble on something else.

21. Peaches

Peaches can make tasty snacks for your poodle and are worth considering introducing to your dog’s diet. As with all fruits, remember to keep the pit away from your poodle and give the food in moderation.

Peaches are loaded with different vitamins and minerals most noteablly:

  • Fiber
  • Vitamin A

Stay with fresh peaches and avoid their canned versions, since canned peaches tend to be accompanied by high sugar syrup.

22. Peas

The varieties of peas that are good for a dog to eat are:

  • English peas
  • Green peas
  • Sugar snap peas
  • Snow peas

Not only are peas packed with all the good stuff, but they are also super easy to throw into a bowl for an extra snack, especially if they are frozen and fun to crunch. As always, though, if you buy canned peas make sure they are low sodium.

23. Peanuts/Peanut Butter

Who does not love to see a dog tackle peanut butter and count how many licks it takes to swallow it? But is peanut butter actually safe for your poodle? Yes, it is, as long as it does not contain xylitol.

Xylitol, a sugar substitute found in low sugar or sugar-free products, is very toxic to dogs. Be sure to inspect the product label carefully for xylitol before feeding peanut butter to your poodle.

Peanut butter that is unsalted and raw is a good source of:

  • Niacin
  • Protein
  • Fats that are good for your dog’s heart
  • Vitamin E
  • Vitamin B

Peanuts are also safe for your poodle to eat but go easy on them as they can be fattening. Also, give your dog only the unsalted kind.

24. Raspberries

You may be noticing a trend that many of the fruits are good for your poodle to eat, as long as they are consumed in moderation (though there is one important exception that will be discussed later). Raspberries are no exception, although their serving size should be less than 1 cup, given the presence of natural xylitol in the berries.

Raspberries have low sugar and calorie counts but have a lot of antioxidants. That is not all they have.

Raspberries contain natural anti-inflammatories which can help your older poodles with aches and pains due to aging.

Raspberries are loaded with:

  • Manganese
  • Fiber
  • Vitamin C

25. Stawberries

Similar to raspberries, strawberries are also high in vitamin C and fiber, as well as an enzyme, called malic acid which can help keep your poodle’s teeth white and shiny.

Strawberries are relatively low in sugar but should be only given to your dog in moderation. This being said, strawberries are high in antioxidants that can help boost a poodle’s immune system.

26. Shrimp

This article has covered fish, but since shrimp are in the shellfish category, it is worth taking a look at them separately. Given what they are, they need to be cooked completely and be totally free of their shell, tail, and legs.

Shrimp is a very good source of:

  • Phosphorus
  • Antioxidants
  • Vitamin B12

Which is great because shrimp are also low in:

  • Calories
  • Carbohydrates
  • Fat

27. Turkey

The real question is: can you slip your poodle some turkey under the table at Thanksgiving? The answer is yes.

Make sure there are no bones present in the meat and trim off any fat. Also, if the turkey has been heavily seasoned with onion, garlic, or salt, refrain from giving it to your poodle and keep it for yourself!

Final Mentions

There are a few more foods that should be mentioned in this category. Keep your eye on the concerns that go with each. Pork is the best of the bunch!

Additional human foods your poodle can eat include:

  • 28. Watermelon – which is safe, but not very practical given the fact that you have to remove the seeds and the rind before giving it to your poodle
  • 29. Quinoa – because of its high nutritional values, this grain has become a good alternative to wheat, corn or soy as an ingredient for store-bought dog food
  • 30. Pork – if you are looking for meat that contains amino acids, lots of protein, and is not as likely as other meats to provoke an allergic reaction, then pork is the choice for your poodle
  • 31. Popcorn – this is ok in moderation as long as it does not have any salt, butter, and has been air-popped–in other words, as long as it is not the kind of popcorn that you are likely to eat yourself.
  • 32. Spinach – while not the best vegetable (like some of the ones mentioned above) because of oxalic acid which can block the body’s ability to absorb calcium (it would take a lot of spinach to make for a problem in your poodle), it is still safe for your poodle to eat
  • 33. Ham – is safe for dogs to eat, but you should give it occasionally, as ham is fattening

What Human Foods Should Poodles Not Eat?

Now that you are well versed in the human foods your poodle can eat, what about the human foods your poodle should not eat? With dogs, there are some foods that are a big no-no.

Human foods that poodles should not eat include:

  • Macadamia Nuts
  • Grapes/Raisins
  • Chocolate
  • Garlic
  • Onions
  • Wild Mushrooms
  • Cherries
  • Avocado
  • Tomatoes
  • Asparagus
  • Almonds
  • Cinnamon
  • Ice Cream

Chocolate is probably the first food that comes to mind, but there are others. Some of the human foods found here may surprise you, but there are some important food items to watch out for. Let’s examine this list in more detail to discover why you should avoid feeding these human foods to your dog.

34. Macadamia Nuts

Macadamia nuts are not only the worst nuts for dogs but among the worst foods for dogs. These nuts are a definite no-no, without exception.

Part of the Proteaceae family, at their worst, macadamia nuts can affect your poodle’s nervous system. Most commonly, macadamia nuts can cause lethargy, vomiting, difficulty walking, and an increase in body temperature.

35. Grapes/Raisins

Your poodle should never eat grapes in any form, either as fresh fruit off the vine or as raisins. Grapes are extremely poisonous to every breed of dog, including poodles.

Grapes can cause severe poisoning that can lead to acute kidney failure. Grapes are not a food you want your poodle (or any other dog) to have access to, even accidentally. 

36. Chocolate

Chocolate contains methylxanthines, which are stimulant toxins including theobromine and caffeine, that your poodle, or any other breed of dog, cannot metabolize.

Dogs who eat chocolate can develop vomiting and diarrhea. Large amounts of chocolate or chocolate with higher concentration cocoa, such as dark chocolate, can cause seizures, internal bleeding, and muscle tremors that can result in the irregular function of the heart.

37. Garlic

A member of the Allium family, for dogs, garlic is five times more poisonous than other plants in the family. If consumed, garlic can cause anemia which can lead to weakness and collapse after exhibiting symptoms of pale gums and high heart rate.

Additionally, garlic can have a delayed effect, so if you think your poodle has eaten some, keep a close eye on your dog for a few days.

38. Onions

Onions, like garlic, are members of the Allium family and should be avoided at all times. Onions contain a toxin called N-propyl disulfide which can cause the rupturing of red blood cells, as well as nausea and stomach pain followed by vomiting and diarrhea in poodles.

Be especially careful when chopping onions in the kitchen. Poodles are often fond of laying at their owner’s feet and may catch a morsel falling from your countertop.

39. Wild Mushrooms

Everyone should be on the lookout for wild mushrooms. Even experts have been known to mistake an unsafe mushroom for a safe mushroom.

Of the thousands of varieties of mushrooms in the world, only between 50 and 100 varieties are poisonous to dogs, but those that are harmful could potentially lead to death. It’s best to avoid them altogether.

40. Cherries

As this article has already discussed, the pits of all fruits should be avoided, but in cherries, it is only the flesh around the seed that is safe. Every other part of the cherry and plant contains cyanide, which can stop oxygen from making it to your poodle’s blood cells.

Symptoms of cyanide poisoning in poodles can include dilated eyes, red gums, and difficulty breathing.

41. Avocado

Avacado is also poisonous to your poodle. The avocado plant, skin, and pit contain a toxin called persin. If a dog eats this toxin, it could cause vomiting and diarrhea. 

The meat or flesh of the avocado has less persin than the other parts of the fruit, but still too much for your poodle to consume. Like cherries, you cannot just remove the pit and give it to the dog.

Other Human Foods Poodles Should Avoid

With the worst of the worst out of the way, the list of foods a dog should avoid goes on. Some of these foods may have poisonous attributes but are mostly just a bad idea to give to your dog.

These foods, while not posionous, should also be kept away from your dog:

  • 42. Tomatoes – while not exactly poisonous, the tomato plant, not the ripened fruit, has a toxin called solanine, which, if consumed in large quantities could be harmful to your poodle
  • 43. Asparagus – it is the impracticality of this vegetable that makes it unsuitable for dogs since it is too hard and chewy when raw and too soft and stringy when cooked
  • 44. Almonds – this nut is not poisonous to dogs, certainly not on the level of a macadamia nut, but it is best labeled as hazardous because it can cause blockages and tears if not chewed thoroughly.
  • 45. Cinnamon – This spice is not poisonous either, but it can be an irritant to your poodle’s mouth and it can lower your poodle’s blood sugar, causing diarrhea and vomiting, and even liver disease
  • 46. Ice Cream – once again, not poisonous or even irritating (unless your poodle is lactose intolerant) but it is very high in sugar and that is not good for your dog’s health or weight in general

Conclusion

There is a lot to consider when giving your poodle a treat from the table. Knowing the foods to stay away from is a good place to start since avoidance of these foods is the most important thing for your poodle’s health.

Additionally, do not forget to consider your poodle’s weight. Stay away from fattening and high salt and sugar foods. You want your best friend to stay around for a while.

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Brent Hartman

I'm Brent Hartman. I've been a dog lover my entire life and have owned many animals over the years. When my black lab Angus passed away, I was looking for another friend to share my life with. As a result of my research, I've come to love poodles and wanted to share some of what I've learned with you. Whether you're looking to adopt a poodle, or already own one, I created Poodle report to be the ultimate guide to help you find the answers you need.

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