Dogs and Halloween candy don’t mix

Three Halloweens ago, my dog Red ate an entire bag of Hershey miniature chocolates, wrappers and all. He spent the night getting sick, but he survived — serving as evidence that not all dogs are fatally allergic to chocolate.

Of course, I’m not suggesting chocolate is safe for dogs. I am mentioning it only because as Red ages, I am finding it more difficult to say “no” when he begs. So, for both of our sakes, I did some research on which human foods are safe for dogs and which are not.

Here’s what I found, courtesy of the American Kennel Club.

Dairy

▶ Plain yogurt is good for dogs, but avoid yogurts with added sugar and artificial sweeteners.

▶ Milk and cheese in small quantities can also be healthy treats for your pup.

▶ However, ice cream should not be shared with your furry friend.

Meat

▶ Fish is beneficial for dogs, with two caveats: never feed your pup raw fish, and limit his or her intake to twice a week. Also, be sure to remove any bones. ▶ Pork, turkey and shrimp are also OK for dogs. So is ham — although it is high in sodium and salt, so don’t make it a habit.

Nuts

▶ Cashews, peanuts and peanut butter are OK. ▶ But beware: Almonds, pecans, walnuts and macadamia nuts can be dangerous to dogs. Almonds can block the esophagus or tear the windpipe. Pecans, walnuts and macadamia nuts can be toxic to your pup.

Breads

▶ Bread will not hurt your dog, but it also does not provide any health benefits.