Research Highlights What Foods UK Dog Owners Want to Share with Their Pets

Recent analysis by TopDog has shed light on what UK dog owners are searching for online when it comes to feeding their pets. With many treating their dogs as part of the family, including at mealtimes, the data reveals some surprising trends.

In June 2024, search data showed that there were 17,000 searches for “Can dogs eat bananas?”, 5,400 searches for “Can dogs eat pasta?”, and 30,000 searches for “raw dog food”. These figures indicate a growing interest in understanding what human foods are safe for dogs.

A particularly popular query was “Can I give my dog birthday cake?”, reflecting the increasing trend of celebrating dog birthdays, which now garners more online interest than baby showers or gender reveal parties. Other searches, such as “Can dogs eat curry?” and “Are custard creams good for dogs?”, suggest that many owners are keen to include their dogs in family meals.

However, not all human foods are safe for dogs. The analysis highlights several foods that should be avoided:

• Chocolate and Xylitol: Chocolate contains methylxanthines, which are toxic to dogs, while xylitol, an artificial sweetener, can cause seizures.
• Avocado: Contains persin, a fatty acid toxic to dogs in large amounts.
• Nutmeg: Contains myristicin, which can cause hallucinations and severe vomiting.
• Macadamia Nuts: Poisonous to dogs, though the exact cause is unknown.
• Onions and Garlic: Can cause anaemia in dogs, even in small amounts.

For those looking to celebrate their dog's birthday, TopDog offers a dog-friendly cake recipe. It uses safe ingredients like peanut butter and carrots, avoiding harmful substances like chocolate or nutmeg.

Ronan Fitzgerald, Veterinary Technical Advisor for Protexin Pet, advises caution when sharing human food with dogs. He notes that treats high in calories, salt, or fat can contribute to obesity and other health issues. Fitzgerald recommends opting for dog-specific treats from reputable manufacturers or using safe, tried-and-tested recipes.