Let’s face it: with food, we humans like to share. We’re not afraid to tell you that we love your delicious cheeseburger or your spicy chicken wings—we just can’t imagine how you cooked them without sharing them with us first. But sometimes, sharing is a bad idea.
So what happens when you try to share food with your Rhodesian Ridgeback? It can be dangerous for both of you! The reason for this is that Rhodesian Ridgebacks have different metabolic systems than us. Therefore, some foods are safe for us but not for our Rhodesian Ridgebacks.
To help you figure out which foods are safe and which aren’t, we’ve compiled a list of 37 fruits, vegetables & other snacks Rhodesian Ridgebacks can (and can’t) eat below:
List of fruits Rhodesian Ridgebacks can or can’t eat
Wondering which fruits your Rhodesian Ridgeback can eat or not? Here is a list of some common fruits your Rhodesian Ridgeback can or can’t eat:
Apples
Yes, Rhodesian Ridgebacks can eat apples.
Apples are a great snack for your Rhodesian Ridgeback. They contain vitamins A and C as well as fiber, making them an excellent source of nutrition for your Rhodesian Ridgeback. Apples are also low in protein and fat—perfect for senior Rhodesian Ridgebacks who need to watch their weight!
Just make sure you remove the seeds and core before giving an apple to your pooch. You don’t want to risk choking or stomach upset by giving your pet the seeds or core of the apple.
Also avoid processed apples like applesauce or apple pie filling because they contain added sugar that can be harmful to your Rhodesian Ridgeback’s health.
Avocado
Avocado is a delicious fruit that can be enjoyed: on toast, in smoothies, or even as a garnish on your next salad. But can Rhodesian Ridgebacks eat avocados? Unfortunately, the answer is no. Avocados are not safe for your Rhodesian Ridgeback to consume under any circumstances.
Avocado fruit, pits, leaves, skin and the actual plant contain persin so these parts are potentially poisonous to your Rhodesian Ridgeback. The oil found in avocados is safe in small amounts but should never be given as a treat or reward.
Bananas
Yes, Rhodesian Ridgebacks can eat bananas. In moderation, bananas are a great low-calorie snack for your pup!
Bananas are high in potassium, vitamins, biotin, fiber, and copper—but low in cholesterol and sodium. They also contain a high amount of sugar, so they should be given as an occasional treat.
The peel can be hard for Rhodesian Ridgebacks to digest, so it’s best to remove it before feeding the banana to your Rhodesian Ridgeback. If you’re using a fresh banana to feed your pet, make sure that the ripper it is, the sweeter it will taste… but also take into consideration how ripe the fruit is before giving it to your Rhodesian Ridgeback. If the banana is too ripe or overripe (brown), you may want to avoid feeding it because some of the nutrients will have been broken down by this point and could lead to some stomach upset.
Also note: Do not feed any type of processed bananas like banana chips or banana puddings—these may contain added toxic ingredients.
Blackberry
Can Rhodesian Ridgebacks eat blackberries?
Yes, but it’s important to make sure that you’re feeding your Rhodesian Ridgeback the right kind of blackberries. Blackberries are low in calories and sugar and high in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Blackberry leaves can be harmful to Rhodesian Ridgebacks, so make sure you’re feeding your pet the fruit only.
Fresh or frozen blackberries are fine—just avoid processed blackberries like blackberry jam, jelly, or blackberry-flavored ice cream because they may contain harmful additives or preservatives.
Two to three blackberries per 10 pounds of body weight per day is a good amount to feed your Rhodesian Ridgeback as a treat.
Blueberry
Yes, Rhodesian Ridgebacks can eat blueberries. Blueberries are a great source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. However, because they are high in sugar, feed your Rhodesian Ridgeback only a few blueberries per 10 pounds of body weight. Frozen, fresh, dried or mashed berries are all fine for most pups.
If you’re going to give your pup some fresh berries from the grocery store or farmer’s market, look for organic varieties that have been grown without pesticides. Avoid processed blueberries like blueberry muffins, blueberry yogurt or blueberry pie, as they may contain harmful chemicals and fillers.
Cantaloupe
Yes, Rhodesian Ridgebacks can eat cantaloupe.
Cantaloupe are low in calories but high in other nutrients, including fiber and moisture. However, they are also high in sugar so give your Rhodesian Ridgeback in moderation. Remove the rinds and seeds, as they can be a choking hazard for your Rhodesian Ridgeback.
Cherry
Cherry trees are beautiful, but it is NOT safe for Rhodesian Ridgebacks to eat.
While the fleshy part around the seed is safe, the plant contains cyanide. Cyanide destroys cellular oxygen transport in your Rhodesian Ridgeback and can cause dilated pupils, vomiting, and difficulty breathing.
If your Rhodesian Ridgeback has eaten any cherry-related products or plants, contact your vet immediately!
Grapes
Can Rhodesian Ridgebacks eat grapes?
Unfortunately, the answer is no. Grapes are very toxic to Rhodesian Ridgebacks, and even a small amount of grape can cause sudden kidney failure in your Rhodesian Ridgeback. Rhodesian Ridgebacks have no tolerance for grapes at all.
Symptoms of grape poisoning include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, loss of appetite, and abdominal pain. Seek veterinary help immediately if you suspect your Rhodesian Ridgeback ate grapes.
To prevent accidental ingestion, keep the grapes out of reach and educate your family about the danger of grapes.
Mango
Can Rhodesian Ridgebacks eat mango? The answer is a resounding yes! Mango is a superfood for Rhodesian Ridgebacks and contains four different vitamins: A, B6, C, and E that are great for your Rhodesian Ridgeback’s skin and coat. It also has potassium, fiber and antioxidants.
Remove the mango skin and pit before feeding it to your Rhodesian Ridgeback. This will prevent choking on your Rhodesian Ridgeback.
Avoid processed mango products like mango sorbet, mango popsicles, mango ice cream as they may contain harmful ingredients such as sugar or artificial sweeteners.
Amount depends on the size of your Rhodesian Ridgeback, but one-quarter cup of fresh mango once a week is a good start for most Rhodesian Ridgebacks.
Oranges
Yes, Rhodesian Ridgebacks can eat oranges in moderation. Oranges provide Vitamin C, potassium, fiber and moisture.
But there are a few important things to keep in mind when feeding your Rhodesian Ridgeback this fruit:
1) Remove all traces of peel, skin, pith and seeds.
2) Give only the fleshy part to your Rhodesian Ridgeback.
Peaches
Yes, Rhodesian Ridgebacks can eat peaches.
Peaches are high in fiber and vitamin A and are a great source of nutrients for your pup. Just be sure to remove the pit before serving it to your Rhodesian Ridgeback as it contains cyanide. Also, avoid processed peaches like peach cobbler or peach pie, as they may contain harmful additives.
Small amounts of cut-up fresh or frozen peaches are safe for your Rhodesian Ridgebacks. However, you should always consult with your vet before introducing any new foods into your Rhodesian Ridgeback’s diet.
Pears
Can Rhodesian Ridgebacks eat pears?
Yes! Pears are a great snack for Rhodesian Ridgebacks because they are high in fiber, vitamins C and K, and copper. These nutrients can help keep your pup healthy and happy.
Eating the fruit can also reduce the risk of having a stroke by up to 50%, according to research from Purdue University. Just be sure to cut the pear into bite-size chunks and remove the pit and seeds first, as those contain traces of cyanide—which could be harmful if eaten in large quantities. Skip processed pears like canned pears as it may contain sugar syrups and other additives that aren’t good for your Rhodesian Ridgeback’s health. One small slice is ok for most Rhodesian Ridgebacks but don’t go overboard!
Pineapples
Yes, Rhodesian Ridgebacks can eat pineapple.
Pineapples are a tasty snack for your Rhodesian Ridgeback. They contain vitamins, minerals, and bromelain, which is a natural enzyme that helps with digestion. They also have moisture that keeps your Rhodesian Ridgeback’s mouth moist and healthy.
The only part of the pineapple that you should avoid giving to your Rhodesian Ridgeback is the hard inner core—called the “eyes” of the fruit—and the spiky skin on top of it. These parts can cause a choking hazard and are harder to digest for your Rhodesian Ridgebacks.
You can feed your Rhodesian Ridgeback 2/3 small bites of raw pineapple per day—just enough to fill his mouth—to give him a boost of nutrients and moisture without risking his health or giving him too much sugar.
Pumpkin
Yes, pure pumpkin itself is a great choice and a very healthy snack for Rhodesian Ridgebacks.
Pumpkin helps with your Rhodesian Ridgeback’s skin and coat, as well as its digestion. It can help remedy both diarrhea and constipation in your Rhodesian Ridgeback, too.
Pure pumpkin is also a great source of fiber, which helps keep your Rhodesian Ridgeback regular.
Keep in mind that pumpkin pie mix contains sugar, which is bad for Rhodesian Ridgebacks—never feed your Rhodesian Ridgeback any of the ingredients in pumpkin pie mix! You can give your Rhodesian Ridgeback canned pumpkin instead; just make sure it’s 100% pumpkin (not mixed with anything else).
Many pumpkin supplements and pumpkin pup treats are available on the market today. The amount varies with your Rhodesian Ridgeback’s size and activity level, but start with a teaspoon per day if you’re unsure how much to give your pet.
Strawberry
Yes, Rhodesian Ridgebacks can eat strawberries. They’re a healthy treat for your Rhodesian Ridgeback, providing vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
However, it’s important to cut the strawberries into small pieces before serving them to your Rhodesian Ridgeback. This will help ensure that your Rhodesian Ridgeback doesn’t accidentally swallow a whole strawberry stem or any seeds.
If you’re going to give your Rhodesian Ridgeback a fresh strawberry, be sure it’s ripe—it should be soft enough that you can press it between two fingers without crushing it. If you’re using frozen strawberries, make sure they are thawed first.
Keep in mind that processed strawberries contain added sugar or preservatives that may not be good for your Rhodesian Ridgeback’s health.
Watermelon
Yes, Rhodesian Ridgebacks can eat watermelon. In fact, it’s actually a great treat for them! Watermelon is low in calories and contains vitamins, minerals, lycopene, and moisture.
The only part of the watermelon that is safe for Rhodesian Ridgebacks to eat is the flesh. Cut it into small chunks before giving it to your Rhodesian Ridgeback and remove the seeds, rinds, and skin. Half a cup of diced seedless and rind-free watermelon is enough per 10 pounds of body weight.
List of vegetable Rhodesian Ridgebacks can or can’t eat
Wondering which vegetables your Rhodesian Ridgeback can eat or not? Here is a list of some vegetables your Rhodesian Ridgeback can or can’t eat:
Broccoli
Can Rhodesian Ridgebacks eat broccoli?
The answer is yes! In fact, according to the ASPCA, broccoli is actually one of the healthiest vegetables for Rhodesian Ridgebacks. Broccoli contains Vitamin K, Vitamin C and minerals like calcium, iron, and manganese. It also contains fiber, which helps your pup digest their food more easily.
Broccoli stems and florets are both safe to eat cooked or raw. However, it’s important to cut them into small pieces before offering them to your pup, since they can be a choking hazard if not properly sized. You should offer 1/4 (0.25) cup of broccoli per 10 pounds of body weight daily as part of a balanced diet.
Cabbage
Can Rhodesian Ridgebacks eat cabbage?
Yes, but only in small amounts. Cabbage contains vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that are great for Rhodesian Ridgebacks. It is also rich in fiber and moisture. There are different types of cabbage with different nutrient profiles—all are safe to feed your Rhodesian Ridgeback, but red cabbage is more nutritious than green cabbage by a factor of 10!
While raw cabbage can be hard on your pup’s digestive system, lightly cooked or roasted cabbage is the best option. Make sure you don’t add any seasoning with oil or salt when cooking it for your pup! A good rule of thumb is to offer 1 bite of roasted cabbage per 10 pounds of body weight each day.
Carrots
Yes, Rhodesian Ridgebacks can eat carrots. In fact, this orange veggie is a great low-calorie treat for your Rhodesian Ridgeback! Carrot contains vitamins, minerals, fiber and is also great for your Rhodesian Ridgeback’s teeth.
Raw, frozen, or cooked carrots are all good options for your pup, but cooked carrots are better because they’re easier to digest. For raw or frozen carrots, chop them into smaller pieces so that they’re easier to chew and swallow.
If you want to give your Rhodesian Ridgeback carrot cake, make sure it doesn’t contain harmful additives like sugar or chocolate in it. One or two baby carrots are enough for an average sized pup to enjoy!
Celery
Yes, Rhodesian Ridgebacks can eat celery.
Celery contains vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and is a low calorie treat that’s also high in moisture and fiber. It can be given to your Rhodesian Ridgeback as a snack or you can top it with peanut butter or mix it with their regular food for extra flavor.
When giving your Rhodesian Ridgeback celery sticks, make sure they are bite-sized pieces so that they don’t choke on the whole thing. If you’re worried about the size of your pup’s mouth, try giving them celery leaves instead of sticks; although these may not be as crunchy (and therefore not as fun), they’ll still have many health benefits.
Celery should always be organic and washed before being given to your Rhodesian Ridgeback; this will help reduce the risk of exposure to pesticides or other harmful chemicals that could make your pup sick.
Cucumber
Cucumber is a healthy snack for you and your Rhodesian Ridgeback. It contains vitamins, minerals, moisture and fiber—all of which are good for your Rhodesian Ridgeback’s health.
Cucumbers also provide phytochemicals that help freshen your Rhodesian Ridgeback’s breath.
The seeds and peels or skin are safe as long as they are organic. However, avoid processed cucumbers like cucumber pickles, as they may contain harmful additives like onions, garlic, salt, sugar.
Amount depends on the size of your Rhodesian Ridgeback but we recommend only one or two pieces of cucumber per day.
Garlic
Can Rhodesian Ridgebacks eat garlic?
The answer is no. Garlic is toxic to Rhodesian Ridgebacks, and it can cause hemolysis and anemia in your pup.
N-propyl disulfide, a sulfur compound found in raw or cooked cloves and bulbs of garlic, causes hemolysis, which leads to anemia. Other symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, weakness, lethargy and yellowing of the gums (jaundice). If your Rhodesian Ridgeback ate garlic and you don’t see these symptoms immediately, take him to the vet immediately.
Onions
Can a Rhodesian Ridgeback eat onions? The answer is no.
Onions contain N-propyl disulfide, a sulfur compound that causes hemolysis and anemia in Rhodesian Ridgebacks. Rhodesian Ridgebacks are more sensitive to the toxic effects of onions than humans or other animals. In fact, Rhodesian Ridgebacks can experience toxicosis after ingesting as little as 15 gm/kg of body weight.
All parts of the onion plant are toxic to Rhodesian Ridgebacks too, including the ring, leaves, juice and processed powders.
So what are the signs of onion toxicity? As little as one bite can cause signs such as excessive drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, loss of appetite and lethargy. Other signs may include difficulty breathing, rapid heart rate and pale mucous membranes because of anemia caused by hemolysis. Contact your vet immediately if you notice any of these symptoms in your Rhodesian Ridgeback after he has eaten onions.
Zucchini
Yes, Rhodesian Ridgebacks can eat zucchini.
Zucchini is a low calorie treat and full of vitamins and antioxidants. It also has high fiber content, which helps your Rhodesian Ridgeback to feel full after eating it. If cooked, zucchini has fewer Vitamin A content than when served raw- cooking destroys vitamin A. The amount you feed your Rhodesian Ridgeback depends on the size of your pet, but start with just one or two small bites at first to see how they react before giving them more.
List of some other snacks Rhodesian Ridgebacks can or can’t eat
Wondering which snacks your Rhodesian Ridgeback can eat or not? Here is a list of some snacks your Rhodesian Ridgeback can or can’t eat:
Bacon
No, bacon is not good for your Rhodesian Ridgeback.
Bacon is an incredibly rich and fatty food with a high salt content. This can prove to be too much for a Rhodesian Ridgeback’s stomach to handle. Eating too much can cause pancreatitis, which is an inflammation of the pancreas. This can be fatal if not treated immediately.
However, giving your Rhodesian Ridgeback small amounts of cooked bacon infrequently should not cause harm, as long as it’s not a regular thing.
Beef
Yes, Rhodesian Ridgebacks can eat beef.
Rhodesian Ridgebacks are omnivores, so they can eat a variety of foods and not be harmed by it. Cooked, unseasoned lean beef is safe for Rhodesian Ridgebacks in small amounts and can be used as a source of protein, vitamins and minerals. But if your Rhodesian Ridgeback has an allergy to beef or is sensitive to red meat, it’s best to avoid it altogether. If you’re looking for alternatives to beef that will still help keep your Rhodesian Ridgeback healthy and happy, consider using ground chicken or turkey instead.
Beef broth or stew are also safe for Rhodesian Ridgebacks because they contain only small amounts of salt—unless you add too much yourself! Beef jerky without a lot of salt can also be good for your pooch as long as he doesn’t consume too much at once.
Never feed cooked bone to your Rhodesian Ridgeback because they can splinter and cause internal injuries when swallowed whole. Raw bones are fine as a chew toy as long as they are larger. For a 20-pound pooch one cup of kibble or 0.3 pound of ground beef daily if they are on a raw diet.
Bread
Yes, Rhodesian Ridgebacks can eat bread provided your Rhodesian Ridgeback is not allergic to it.
However, only plain white and wheat bread is safe for Rhodesian Ridgebacks to eat. Avoid processed bread like bread with yeast.
Bread doesn’t provide that much nutrients in your Rhodesian Ridgeback, so offer them in moderation. A crust is fine, but a whole slice is too much for your Rhodesian Ridgeback.
Too much bread can cause an upset stomach or diarrhea in your Rhodesian Ridgeback, so feed them only small amounts of bread at a time.
Cheese
Yes, Rhodesian Ridgebacks can eat cheese. A few small bites are fine, but be careful of what types of cheese you are feeding to your Rhodesian Ridgebacks.
Mozzarella, cottage, swiss, cheddar cheese are safer and contain vitamins, fatty acids, and proteins.
Stay away from spicy cheese like cheesecake, blue, goat, parmesan and cream cheese as they may cause stomach upset or diarrhea in Rhodesian Ridgebacks.
Chicken
You can feed your Rhodesian Ridgeback chicken, but you should be careful which type you choose. Chicken contains protein, omega-6 fatty acids, vitamins and minerals, but it also contains a high amount of fat. Boneless cooked breast meat is the best option because it has less fat than other parts of the bird. Avoid chicken skin as it contains a high amount of fat that can cause pancreatitis in Rhodesian Ridgebacks.
Amount depends on the size of your Rhodesian Ridgeback but give 1/8 to 1/6 cup of meat protein per 10 pounds of body weight per day if your Rhodesian Ridgeback is on a raw meat diet.
Chocolate
Can Rhodesian Ridgebacks eat chocolate?
No, and it’s not a good idea to give your Rhodesian Ridgeback chocolate. Chocolate contains both theobromine and caffeine, which are toxic to pups. In fact, chocolate is one of the most dangerous foods for Rhodesian Ridgebacks (especially puppies) to consume.
Theobromine is a stimulant that affects the central nervous system, heart rate, and blood pressure. It also dilates blood vessels, which can cause low blood pressure in Rhodesian Ridgebacks that aren’t accustomed to eating chocolate. Theobromine can cause vomiting and diarrhea and abnormal heart rhythms. Rhodesian Ridgebacks may experience seizures or comas if they eat enough of certain types of chocolate products. Caffeine can cause anxiety and restlessness in Rhodesian Ridgebacks, which can lead to hyperactivity or even seizures when combined with theobromine toxicity.
Cocoa powder (most toxic), unsweetened baker’s chocolate, semisweet chocolate, dark chocolate, milk chocolate — all are toxic to Rhodesian Ridgebacks! If your pup has ingested some of these items, contact your vet immediately.
Eggs
Yes, your Rhodesian Ridgeback can eat eggs! Eggs are a great source of protein and fatty acids, as well as vitamins and minerals.
The egg yolk contains the most fat, but if you’re concerned about your pooch’s weight, you can skip the yolk and just give them the egg white. Make sure you cook it well—don’t give them raw eggs— because avidin found in raw eggs prevents absorption of biotin (a B vitamin) from other foods.
Egg shells are fine as long as you grind them down so that there are no sharp edges.
Fish
Can Rhodesian Ridgebacks eat fish?
Yes! Fish is a great source of protein, omega-3 fatty acids (which are good for your Rhodesian Ridgeback’s skin and coat), vitamins and minerals. But not all fish are safe for your Rhodesian Ridgeback to eat.
Younger, smaller species of wild-caught fish like salmon, shrimp, tilapia are safe for your Rhodesian Ridgeback. Avoid longer-lived fish species like tuna, shark, swordfish as they can contain heavy metals like mercury.
Always clean them properly by deboning them before cooking and adding no harmful additives. Feeding your Rhodesian Ridgeback one or two times per week in small amounts is okay, but don’t overdo it!
Icecream
Ice cream is delicious, but it’s not for Rhodesian Ridgebacks.
That’s because it contains high levels of dairy products and sugar, which can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and even seizures in Rhodesian Ridgebacks. If your Rhodesian Ridgeback accidentally ate ice cream, you’ll want to seek veterinary help immediately.
The most common types are vanilla and chocolate. Ice cream lollies, ice cream cones, Oreo ice cream sandwiches—all are unsafe for Rhodesian Ridgebacks.
Peanut butter
Peanut butter is a healthy snack for Rhodesian Ridgebacks, but you should not feed it in large quantities.
Peanut butter provides protein, vitamins, and healthy fats that help keep your Rhodesian Ridgeback’s coat shiny and their skin and fur healthy.
However, make sure that the peanut butter is pup-safe without xylitol or chocolate. Some brands of peanut butter contain xylitol, which can be deadly to Rhodesian Ridgebacks. Also avoid the salted pretzel variety of peanut butter as it contains 3 times more sodium than regular varieties.
Rhodesian Ridgebacks should only eat peanut butter in moderation—only a half teaspoon per day for every 10 pounds of body weight (that’s 1 tablespoon for every 50 pounds).
Popcorn
Can Rhodesian Ridgebacks eat popcorn?
Plain, air-popped popcorn is safe for Rhodesian Ridgebacks to eat in small quantities as an occasional treat. Popped corn kernels actually contain several minerals important to Rhodesian Ridgebacks, like magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, and zinc, along with fiber and trace amounts of vitamins. These are all good things for your pup’s health!
However, processed popcorn is not safe for your Rhodesian Ridgeback. Buttered popcorn or popcorn with other toppings like cheese and butter are especially bad—they can lead to weight gain and tooth decay in dogs. If you do opt to feed your Rhodesian Ridgeback plain popped corn, make sure that all un-popped or partially popped kernels have been removed from the batch before serving it—unpopped kernels can be a choking hazard and may even cause damage to your Rhodesian Ridgeback’s teeth.
Turkey
Can Rhodesian Ridgebacks eat turkey?
Absolutely! Turkey is a safe, nutritious food for your Rhodesian Ridgeback as long as you provide cooked lean, white, unseasoned and boneless turkey meat to them. The best option for your pooch is to feed them white meat turkey breast. Turkey provides protein, fatty acids and minerals that are essential for good health in Rhodesian Ridgebacks.
Just avoid turkey skin as it can cause GI upset and pancreatitis. Also avoid processed turkey as it may contain harmful chemicals. Give 20 grams of white meat turkey or 15 grams of dark meat per 12 pounds body weight of your pooch.
Yogurt
Can Rhodesian Ridgebacks eat yogurt?
Yes, Rhodesian Ridgebacks can eat yogurt. But there are some things to keep in mind before you let your pooch chow down on Greek yogurt.
Plain yogurt is a perfectly acceptable snack for Rhodesian Ridgebacks. However, some Rhodesian Ridgebacks may have trouble digesting dairy products, so it’s important to check with your vet first before offering your dog any type of milk product.
If your Rhodesian Ridgeback can digest it, the active bacteria in yogurt can help strengthen the digestive system, which can be especially beneficial for senior pups and puppies who are still growing.
Plain yogurt is the best choice for your Rhodesian Ridgeback. Avoid any yogurts with added sugar or artificial sweeteners—these added ingredients can upset your dog’s stomach and even cause diarrhea if they’re eaten in large quantities! One teaspoon of yogurt a day is fine for most Rhodesian Ridgebacks but you should check with your vet first before giving more than that amount per day.