As loving dog owners, we often find ourselves sharing moments with our furry companions, and that sometimes includes a bite or two from our own plates. But is it always safe to offer your dog human food? The truth is, while many human foods are perfectly healthy and even beneficial for dogs, others can be incredibly dangerous. Understanding what your dog can and cannot eat is crucial for their health and well-being. This guide from Dog Care Story delves into a comprehensive list of common human foods that are safe for your canine friend, highlighting their nutritional benefits and important preparation tips. We’ll also emphasize critical warnings and foods to avoid to ensure your pup stays happy and healthy. Always remember, moderation is key, and consulting your veterinarian before introducing new foods is always recommended. For a broader perspective on their diet, learn more about what are some things dogs can eat.
Fruits: Sweet & Healthy Treats for Pups
Fruits can be a fantastic source of vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants for dogs, much like they are for humans. However, proper preparation is essential, as some parts of fruits can be harmful.
Apples
A crisp, refreshing apple slice (without seeds!) makes for a delightful and healthy snack for your dog. Apples are packed with vitamins A and C, along with dietary fiber, which is crucial for a healthy digestive system. Vitamin A plays a vital role in supporting the immune system, aiding in bone development, and promoting healthy skin and vision. Vitamin C contributes to reducing inflammation, boosting immunity, and maintaining cardiovascular health. Always remove the core and seeds, as apple seeds contain small amounts of cyanide.
Bananas
Soft, sweet bananas are an excellent treat, especially for older dogs or those with sensitive teeth. They’re easy to chew and digest, offering a wealth of health benefits. Bananas can help reduce blood pressure and support overall heart health. They are rich in:
- Fiber: Essential for proper digestion.
- Folate/Vitamin B9: Contributes to healthy cell growth.
- Lectin: May improve blood sugar regulation and intestinal health.
- Potassium: Helps maintain fluid balance and supports kidney function.
- Tryptophan: An essential amino acid involved in regulating sleep, appetite, mood, and pain.
- Vitamin C: A powerful immune booster.
Offer bananas in moderation due to their sugar content.
Blueberries
These tiny, deep-purple (or sometimes blue) berries are a powerhouse of nutrition for both humans and dogs. Blueberries are an excellent source of vitamins C, K, and A, along with potent antioxidants. These compounds may help reduce the risk of various diseases, disorders, and age-related issues in your dog, supporting their cellular health and longevity.
Mango
This tropical delight is not just for you! Mango is high in fiber and vitamins A, B6, C, and E, making it a nutritious and sweet indulgence for your dog. However, always remove the pit and the peel before offering mango to your pup. The pit can be a choking hazard and contains small amounts of cyanide, while the peel can be difficult to digest and potentially cause an upset stomach. Given its sugar content, feed mango in moderation to avoid digestive upset.
Watermelon
On a hot day, a juicy slice of watermelon can be a hydrating and refreshing treat for your dog. It’s an excellent source of vitamins A, C, and B6. As with mango, it’s crucial to remove all seeds and the rind before giving watermelon to your dog. The seeds can cause intestinal blockages, and the rind is tough to digest and can lead to gastrointestinal distress.
Vegetables: Crunchy Goodness for Canine Health
Many vegetables offer vital nutrients and fiber, making them excellent low-calorie additions to your dog’s diet.
Carrots
Carrots are a classic healthy snack for dogs. Their satisfying crunch can actually help remove plaque buildup from their teeth, promoting better dental hygiene. This vibrant orange root vegetable is also a good source of vitamin A, which supports vision, immune function, and skin health. For teething puppies, cold or frozen carrot sticks can provide soothing relief and a safe chewing outlet. However, it’s important to cut carrots into small, bite-sized pieces to prevent choking, especially for smaller dogs or enthusiastic eaters.
Unseasoned Cauliflower
Low in calories and packed with an impressive array of nutrients, cauliflower is a beneficial supplement to your dog’s regular diet. It provides fiber, antioxidants, folate, pantothenic acid, potassium, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, choline, sulforaphane, and vitamins C, K, and B6. Despite its many benefits, cauliflower can sometimes cause gas in dogs, so introduce it slowly and offer it in small quantities. It’s safe to feed your dog raw or cooked, but always ensure it’s unseasoned.
Celery
If your dog needs a low-calorie treat, celery can be a great option. It’s naturally low in fat and a good source of fiber, along with vitamins A, C, and K. Celery also provides folate, potassium, and manganese, which support a healthy metabolism. An added bonus? It may even help freshen your pet’s breath! Like carrots, celery can pose a choking risk, particularly for smaller breeds. To prevent any issues, chop the stalks into small, manageable, bite-sized pieces.
Cucumbers
Similar to celery, cucumbers are a crunchy, low-calorie, and virtually fat-free treat that many dogs enjoy. They offer a refreshing snack without adding many calories. However, just like celery, cucumbers can be a choking hazard if given in large pieces. Always slice them into small, bite-sized portions for your four-legged companion to ensure safe enjoyment.
Green Beans
Green beans are one of the best vegetable options for dogs, especially for those needing to manage their weight. They are notably low in calories and fat, making them a guilt-free snack. This versatile veggie is also a good source of fiber and vitamin C. You can offer your dog cooked green beans (steamed or boiled without seasoning) or even provide them with frozen green beans for a satisfying, crunchy, and cool treat.
A variety of healthy and safe human foods for dogs, including fruits, vegetables, and proteins, laid out on a table
Proteins: Essential Nutrients (Cooked & Plain)
Cooked, unseasoned proteins are excellent sources of essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals that support muscle development, energy, and overall canine health.
Cooked Beef
Beef is a highly nutritious protein source, providing all the essential amino acids your dog needs, along with vital vitamins and minerals. If you choose to share beef with your dog, it is paramount that it is fully cooked to eliminate any harmful bacteria. Opting for grass-fed beef when possible can offer a better source of beneficial fatty acids compared to grain-fed varieties. Always ensure it’s plain, without any added seasonings or sauces, which can be detrimental to your dog’s health. You might be interested in exploring what type of meat should i feed my dog for more options.
Cooked and Unseasoned Chicken
Chicken is often recommended by veterinarians for dogs with an upset stomach due to its easy digestibility, high protein content, and low fat. Often, plain, boiled chicken (shredded) mixed with white rice is suggested. While chicken is beneficial, dogs are omnivores and require a balanced diet beyond just meat. Therefore, it’s best to offer cooked chicken as a supplement, a treat, or a temporary dietary aid rather than a primary food source. A crucial warning: never give your dog chicken bones, especially cooked ones, as they can splinter and cause severe damage to their gastrointestinal (GI) tract.
Cooked and Unseasoned Eggs
Eggs are a nutritional powerhouse for dogs, offering a rich source of high-quality protein and numerous vitamins, including A, B, D, and K. They also contain important minerals like selenium, calcium, and zinc, all contributing to a very healthy treat. It is vital to cook eggs thoroughly, as raw eggs can carry the risk of salmonella. Your dog might enjoy scrambled eggs or even a hard-boiled egg as a beneficial addition to their regular food, always ensuring they are plain and unseasoned.
Cooked and Unseasoned Fish
Certain types of fish, such as salmon and sardines, are incredibly beneficial for dogs. They are rich in protein and amino acids, and excellent sources of omega-3 fatty acids, which support skin and coat health, joint function, and brain development. Sardines offer an additional benefit: their soft bones are a valuable source of calcium and can generally be left in. For all other fish, however, it is crucial to remove all bones before feeding them to your dog, as bones can be a choking hazard or cause internal injuries. Always cook fish fully and limit your dog’s intake to no more than two servings per week to avoid potential mercury exposure.
Cooked and Unseasoned Turkey
Like chicken, turkey is a lean and excellent source of protein for dogs. When offering turkey, always make sure it is fully cooked and completely unseasoned. It’s also important to remove all skin, bones, and excess fat before sharing it with your dog. The skin can be too fatty, and bones (especially cooked ones) are dangerous.
Grains & Dairy: Balanced Additions
While dogs primarily benefit from protein and vegetables, certain grains and dairy products can be included in their diet in moderation and with specific precautions.
Cooked White Rice
Cooked white rice is a commonly recommended food for dogs that need a bland diet for a few days, especially if they are experiencing an upset stomach or diarrhea. It’s easy to digest and helps to firm up stools. However, since rice can cause a rapid increase in blood sugar, dogs with diabetes should only consume it in very small amounts, and only under veterinary guidance. Your vet can help you determine if and how much rice is appropriate for your diabetic dog. If your dog isn’t eating their regular food, considering what can you feed a sick dog might provide more options.
Plain Yogurt
While some dogs have difficulty digesting dairy products due to lactose intolerance, plain, unsweetened yogurt can be a surprisingly healthy treat for many. The probiotics found in yogurt can help strengthen your dog’s digestive system, promoting a healthy gut flora. The most important rule is to never give your dog yogurt with any added sugar or artificial sweeteners, especially xylitol, which is highly toxic to dogs. Always check the ingredient list carefully.
Nuts & Seeds: Specific Safety Guidelines
When it comes to nuts and seeds, caution is paramount. Some are safe, while others are highly toxic or pose a choking hazard.
Unsalted Peanuts and Peanut Butter
Peanuts, when unsalted and shelled, are a safe nut for dogs to enjoy in moderation. They contain beneficial fats and protein, but too much fat can lead to issues like weight gain or even pancreatitis in sensitive dogs. Peanut butter offers additional benefits with vitamins B and E, as well as fiber, all contributing to cardiovascular and digestive health. However, the most critical consideration for peanut butter is to always check the ingredient label for xylitol. Xylitol is an artificial sugar substitute that is extremely toxic to dogs and can cause a rapid, life-threatening drop in blood sugar and liver failure. Only choose brands that are 100% xylitol-free. If you’re struggling to get your dog to eat, sometimes a little peanut butter can help, but for more persistent issues, you might need to know what can i do to make my dog eat.
Other Beneficial Foods
Pumpkin
Pumpkin is an absolute superstar for your dog’s digestive health and a fantastic supplement to any dog’s diet. It’s incredibly rich in nutritional value, providing vitamins A, C, and E, plus essential minerals like iron and potassium. Its high soluble fiber content makes it exceptional for digestion, helping to soothe tummy issues such as diarrhea or constipation. Pumpkin is also rich in prebiotics, which actively support a healthy digestive tract. Being low in calories, it can be an excellent addition to your dog’s regular food. Always ensure that if you are buying canned pumpkin, it is pure pumpkin and not pumpkin pie filling, which contains dangerous additives like spices and sugar that are unsafe for dogs.
Important Considerations for Your Dog’s Diet
Ensuring your pet’s well-being is a lifelong commitment. While sharing human foods can be a delightful way to bond with your dog, it’s essential to do so responsibly. This list provides a foundation, but every dog is unique, and individual sensitivities or allergies can exist.
Always prioritize your dog’s regular, balanced dog food as their primary source of nutrition. Human foods should only be offered as occasional treats and in strict moderation. Before introducing any new human food into your dog’s diet, especially if they have pre-existing health conditions or are on specific medications, it is crucial to consult your veterinarian. They can provide personalized advice tailored to your dog’s specific health needs, ensuring their diet contributes positively to a happy and healthy life.
Stay proactive with your dog’s health by scheduling regular check-ups with your veterinarian. This helps in early detection of potential health issues and ensures your furry friend receives the best possible care throughout their life.
Expert Reviewer
Dr. Kathy Wiederkehr (Wentworth), V.M.D.
Dr. Kathy Wiederkehr (Wentworth) has been practicing veterinary medicine at pet care facilities in California since 2001. Most recently, she served as medical director of the VCA PetPoint Medical Center and Resort in Irvine. She is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine and became board-certified as a diplomate in Canine and Feline Practice by the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners in 2010.
Author Bio
Abbie Mood is a freelance writer with more than 15 years of experience. She has worked with clients of all sizes to create compelling content and has written for the American Kennel Club, Marriott Bonvoy, Women’s Health Online, Headspace and more.
