Can Pets Eat Leftovers? Safe and Unsafe Foods in Kiwi Homes
We Kiwis love sharing — laughs, stories, and yes, sometimes our meals. If you’ve ever looked down at those puppy-dog eyes or heard a hopeful tweet from your feathered friend while tidying dinner, you’re not alone! But can you feed your pet leftovers safely? It’s a great question and one that deserves a careful, pet-lovin’ answer. At Petdirect, we get pet, which means we understand the difference between a tasty treat and a tummy upset. Let’s dish on what foods are safe, what’s off the menu, and better ways to treat your furry (or feathery) family right.
Safe Leftovers For Dogs And Cats (In Small Bites!)
Dogs and cats can enjoy certain human foods as an occasional treat — emphasis on 'occasional'! Safe ingredients should be plain, free from added salt, sauces, garlic, onion, or anything spicy. Here are a few foods you can safely share (in moderation):
- Plain, cooked chicken (no seasoning or skin)
- Plain, cooked pumpkin or kūmara
- Carrot sticks or green beans (cooked or raw)
- Small pieces of apple (seeds removed)
- Boiled eggs
Still, treats from the table shouldn’t replace balanced nutrition. A complete pet diet like Royal Canin or Hill’s Science Diet is designed with your pet’s age, breed, and health needs in mind — not just what’s left over in the fridge.
Dangerous Table Scraps To Avoid
Not everything in your pantry or plate is safe for pets. Some common leftovers contain ingredients that can be toxic, cause digestive issues, or lead to long-term health problems. Make sure to steer well clear of:
- Onions, garlic, leeks (and anything cooked with them)
- Chocolate, caffeine or alcohol
- Cooked bones — they can splinter and cause internal damage
- Grapes, raisins, or sultanas — even small amounts are dangerous
- Dairy (though some pets handle it, many don’t)
Keep an eye on things that go mouldy, salty, or rich in fat too — pets don't digest those goodies the way we do. If you suspect your pet’s eaten something they shouldn’t, contact your vet immediately.
What About Other Pets Like Birds Or Rabbits?
Birds and small pets like rabbits or guinea pigs have specialised dietary needs, making scraps even trickier. Fresh leafy greens are usually okay, but steer clear of avocado, chocolate, or salty snacks. If in doubt, don’t feed it.
Instead, opt for species-specific nutrition like bird food mixes, cuttlefish for calcium, or small pet pellets designed just for them. They’re delightfully digestible and safe for daily feeding.
Better Ways To Treat Your Pet
Rather than slipping your pet a sneaky sausage, why not treat them with snacks made just for them? Explore our range of tasty cat and dog treats or boost mealtimes with nutritious pet food toppers. Even better, support their wellbeing with pet health supplements for skin, coat, joints and digestion.
You've got plenty of options beyond food too — a cuddle, a game of fetch, or a new interactive pet toy goes a long way in showing your love.
Smart Feeding Tips For Kiwi Kitchens
If you’re keen on sharing a bite here and there, here are a few final safety tips:
- Always remove sauces, bones, and seasoning
- Portion appropriately — small breed pets need even smaller servings
- Introduce any new food slowly to avoid tummy trouble
- Don’t use leftovers as a meal substitute
- Store your leftovers and pet treats in tightly sealed containers — pet food storage solutions help keep things fresh
Final Woof (And Meow): Let Food Be A Loving Gesture
A cheeky lick of pumpkin or a crumb of chicken can be a fun way to bond with your furry best friend — but only if it’s safe. Remember, pets thrive on love, consistency, and nutrition that’s specially crafted for their species. So when in doubt, skip the scraps and stick with food made for their wagging tails or twitching noses.
Ready to stock up on safe treats and nutritious feeds? Check out our full range of cat and dog food and pet treats — with AutoDeliver options to make mealtimes easy. Plus, earn rewards every time you shop with Pet Perks and enjoy bonus Airpoints on eligible purchases.