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Basenjis are a unique breed of dog that have some specific dietary needs. If you are the owner of a Basenji, it is important to know what a basenji can and can’t eat.
In this article I discuss 38 different foods they should or shouldn’t eat, what to do if they eat a toxic food, and provide some helpful tips on how to keep your Basenji healthy and happy!
Table of Contents
Warnings And Precaution When Feeding Basenjis
Before you continue reading it’s important to mention that anytime you are feeding your Basenji anything outside of their main food stick to the 90/10 rule.
90% of the food they get every day should be their main dietary food. The other 10% can be for treats.
Some Basenjis have sensitive stomachs so make sure to only give small amounts to start.
After you give them a tiny piece, watch for signs of an upset stomach before increasing the amount and/or turning it into a regular treat.
Can Basenjis eat chicken?
Yes, Basenjis can eat chicken. In fact, chicken is a great source of protein for them. However, you should avoid feeding your Basenji raw chicken, as it could contain harmful bacteria. Instead, cook the chicken thoroughly before serving it to your dog.
What about uncooked chicken?
No, Basenji should not eat uncooked chicken. Raw chicken can contain harmful bacteria that can make your dog sick.
Can Basenjis eat rice?
Yes, Basenjis can eat rice. Rice is a great source of carbohydrates and can help keep your dog’s energy levels up.
Can Basenjis eat carrots?
Yes, Basenjis can eat carrots. Carrots are a great source of vitamins A and C, as well as beta carotene
Can Basenjis eat cheese?
Cheese is ok to feed your Basenjis in small amounts. Cheese is high in fat and can lead to weight gain and other health problems.
Don’t give your Basenji more than a few pieces per day.
Can Basenjis eat grapes?
No, Basenjis should never eat grapes. Grapes are known to be highly toxic to dogs, though research has yet to pinpoint exactly which substance in the fruit causes this reaction.
Can Basenjis eat avocado?
No, Basenjis should not eat avocado. Avocados are high in fat and contain persin, a fungicidal toxin which can cause basenjis to become very ill.
Can Basenjis eat watermelon?
Yes, Basenjis can eat watermelon. Watermelon is a great source of hydration and contains lots of nutrients that are beneficial to dogs.
Can Basenjis eat oranges?
Yes, Basenjis can eat oranges. Oranges are a great source of vitamin C and other nutrients. However, they are also high in sugar, so don’t give your Basenji too many.
Can Basenjis eat tomatoes?
Yes, Basenjis can eat ripe tomatoes but only in moderation. Tomatoes are a great source of vitamins A and C, as well as antioxidants. However, tomatoes that aren’t ripe contain solanine and tomatine which can be harmful in large quantities.
Can Basenjis eat cucumbers?
Yes, Basenjis can eat cucumbers. Cucumbers are a great source of hydration and contain lots of nutrients that are beneficial to dogs.
Can Basenjis eat shrimp?
Yes, Basenjis can eat shrimp. Shrimp is a great source of protein and omega- fatty acids.
Can Basenjis eat salmon?
Yes, Basenjis can eat salmon. Salmon is a great source of protein and omega- fatty acids. However, it is also high in mercury, so don’t give your Basenji too much.
Can Basenjis eat eggs?
Yes, Basenjis can eat eggs. Eggs are a great source of protein and nutrients. However, you should avoid feeding your Basenji raw eggs, as they may contain harmful bacteria.
Can Basenjis eat black cherries?
Black cherries posses some inherent dangers for Basenjis. The stems, leaves, and pits of black cherries contain a toxin called cyanide. This can cause serious health problems in dogs, including renal failure.
So while basenjis can eat unprocessed cherries in small quantities, they have to be carefully prepared to ensure that the pits, stems, and leaves have been completely removed.
Can Basenjis eat chocolates?
No, Basenjis should never eat chocolates. Chocolate contains theobromine, which dogs are unable to metabolize effectively. This toxic substance can cause serious health problems for Basenjis.
Can Basenjis eat papaya?
Yes, Basenjis can eat papaya. Papaya is a great source of vitamins A and C, as well as antioxidants. However , you should avoid giving your Basenji too much, as it is high in sugar.
Can Basenjis eat rawhide?
No, Basenjis should not eat rawhide. Rawhide is a choking hazard and can also cause gastrointestinal problems in dogs.
Can Basenjis eat yogurt?
Yes, Basenjis can eat yogurt. Yogurt is a great source of probiotics, which are beneficial for the digestive system.
Can Basenjis eat yams?
Yes, Basenjis can eat yams. Yams are a great source of nutritional content with low fat.
Can Basenjis eat yucca?
No, Basenjis should never eat yucca. Yucca is a plant that contains saponins, which are toxic to dogs. Yucca can also cause gastrointestinal problems in Basenjis.
If a Basenji ingests yucca it may result in mild vomiting and diarrhea.
Can Basenjis eat yellow rice?
Yes, Basenjis can eat yellow rice. Yellow rice is a great source of carbohydrates and other nutrients.
Can Basenjis eat oatmeal?
Yes, Basenjis can eat oatmeal. Oatmeal is a great source of fiber and other nutrients.
Can Basenjis eat onions?
No, Basenjis should never eat onions. Onions contain sulfoxides and disulfides, which are toxic to dogs.
This includes white, yellow, green, and all other onions.
Can Basenjis eat pork?
Yes and no, Basenjis can eat plain pork in small quantities, so long as there’s no added seasoning or spices. Pork is a great source of protein and other nutrients, but it’s also high in fat.
Can Basenjis eat peanuts?
Yes, Basenjis can eat plain peanuts. However, flavored peanuts, like honey roasted peanuts, can be harmful to Basenjis. Peanuts are a great source of protein and other nutrients. Just make sure to limit their intake to a few peanuts per day.
Can Basenjis eat grapefruit?
Basenjis should avoid eating grapefruit. Grapefruit is highly acidic and can cause gastrointestinal problems.
Can Basenjis eat kale?
Yes and no, Basenjis can eat kale but it contains several potentially harmful compounds, including calcium oxalate and isothiocyanates.
AKC says its best to avoid feeding your Basenji kale (even though many articles say its ok) to avoid running into any medical problems it could cause.
Can Basenjis eat lentils?
Yes, Basenjis can eat lentils in moderation. Lentils are a great source of protein, vitamin B, phosphorus, iron, zinc and carotenoids.
Can Basenjis eat zucchini?
Yes, Basenjis can eat plain raw, steamed, or cooked zucchini. Zucchini is a great source of dietary fiber, vitamin C, potassium and manganese.
Can Basenjis eat celery?
Yes, Basenjis can eat raw, cooked, pureed, or chopped celery. Celery contains vitamin A, K, C, calcium, folate, magnesium, and more!
Can Basenjis eat cauliflower?
Yes, Basenjis can eat raw or cooked cauliflower. Cauliflower is a good source of fiber, vitamin C, and B. It can help boost a Basenjis immune system and overall health.
Can Basenjis eat cantaloupe?
Yes, Basenjis can eat cantaloupe. Cantaloupe is a great source of vitamins A and C, as well as antioxidants.
Can Basenjis eat crab?
Typically yes, Basenjis can eat crab in small amounts. There is a risk of allergic reactions and it’s high in iodine, a chemical that Basenjis may be sensitive too.
Can Basenjis eat pumpkin?
Yes, Basenjis can eat canned pumpkin. Pumpkin is a great source of beta-carotene, vitamin C, potassium and magnesium.
Can Basenjis eat peas?
Yes, Basenjis can eat peas. Peas are a great source of dietary fiber, vitamin C, and B-complex vitamins.
Can Basenjis eat pomegranate?
Yes, Basenjis can eat pomegranates but it’s recommended by experts to avoid them. Pomegranates are a great source of antioxidants and vitamin C but it can make them sick if eaten in large quantities.
Can Basenjis eat spinach?
Yes, Basenjis can eat spinach. Spinach is a great source of fiber, antioxidants, and vitamin C.
Can Basenjis eat strawberries
Yes, Basenjis can eat strawberries. Strawberries are a great source of antioxidants and vitamin C.
What To Do If Your Basenji Eats A Dangerous Food?
If your Basenji ate a large amounts of dangerous food or you are unsure, it’s always best to contact your vet just in case.
When your dog eats something they shouldn’t, monitor their symptoms. If your dog is noticeably uncomfortable, or show signs of being ill, call your veterinarian.
Watch for these signs:
- Increasing discomfort
- Vomiting or episodes of diarrhea more than twice
- Blood in their vomit or poop
- Foreign object in their vomit or stool
- Weakness or collapse
If they only ate a small amount of and they are experiencing minor discomfort here are some home remedies you can use to help your dog:
1.) Fasting. Putting more things in their belly can sometimes make things worse. So avoid giving them any more food for 12-24 hours.
2.) Give them ice cubes. When dogs are sick it’s sometimes difficult for them to gulp down water, so ice cubes can be a great solution to this.
3.) Canned pumpkin. There are holistic vets that swear by this as a method for easing discomfort in sick dogs. It’s slow to digest due to its low glycemic index which helps with an upset stomach and digestion. Make sure it’s 100% canned pumpkin to avoid giving them spices or extra ingredients that might make things worse.
Final Thoughts
Basenjis can eat a variety of different foods. It’s best to avoid feeding them foods that could potentially cause medical problems, but if they do eat something dangerous, know what to do and how to help them feel better.
Happy eating! 🙂
Other posts you might find interesting:
Everything A Basenji Can & Can’t Do (Complete List)
Households Basenjis Are Good & Bad In | Complete Guide
Citations:
Fruits and Vegetables Dogs Can or Can’t Eat