As devoted dog owners, we often find ourselves wondering which of our own favorite foods we can safely share with our furry companions. While a balanced diet of high-quality dog food is essential for canine health, many human foods, when prepared correctly and offered in moderation, can serve as nutritious and delicious treats or meal toppers for your dog. Understanding what real food can dogs eat extends beyond just identifying safe ingredients; it also involves knowing how to prepare them to avoid potential health risks. This guide from Dog Care Story explores a variety of human foods that are generally safe and beneficial for dogs, highlighting their nutritional advantages and crucial safety tips to ensure your pet enjoys these snacks responsibly. Remember, before introducing any new food into your dog’s diet, especially if they have allergies or health conditions, a consultation with your veterinarian is always recommended.
A cheerful dog enjoying a bowl of healthy, safe human foods like carrots, green beans, and apple slices
Apples
Apples are a fantastic, crunchy treat for dogs, rich in vitamins A and C, along with beneficial fiber which aids in digestive health. Vitamin A is crucial for supporting the immune system, bone growth, and maintaining healthy skin and vision. Meanwhile, vitamin C plays a role in reducing inflammation, boosting immunity, and supporting cardiovascular function. Always ensure you remove all apple seeds and the core before offering them to your dog, as apple seeds contain small amounts of cyanide and the core can pose a choking hazard.
Bananas
These soft, sweet fruits are an excellent treat, particularly for older dogs or those with sensitive teeth, as they are easy to chew. Bananas are packed with numerous health benefits, including contributing to reduced blood pressure and promoting overall heart health. They are a great source of fiber for digestion, folate (vitamin B9) for healthy cell growth, lectin for improved blood sugar and intestinal health, and potassium which supports fluid balance and kidney function. Additionally, bananas provide tryptophan, an essential amino acid involved in regulating sleep, appetite, mood, and pain, as well as immune-boosting vitamin C.
Cooked Beef
Beef is a highly nutritious protein source for dogs, providing all essential amino acids along with vital vitamins and minerals. When considering what can dogs eat as human food from your dinner plate, cooked beef is often a safe bet. It’s crucial that any beef given to your dog is fully cooked to eliminate harmful bacteria like Salmonella or E. coli. Opting for grass-fed beef is often recommended as it typically contains a better profile of beneficial fatty acids compared to grain-fed varieties. Always serve plain, unseasoned beef and cut it into manageable pieces to prevent choking.
Blueberries
Blueberries are a delightful and healthy snack for both humans and dogs. These small, deep-purple berries are celebrated for being a rich source of essential vitamins and powerful antioxidants. They contain vitamins C, K, and A, which are known to help reduce the risk of various diseases, disorders, and age-related health issues in canines. Their natural sweetness and chewy texture make them an appealing treat that can be offered fresh or frozen in moderation.
Carrots
Carrots make a wonderful, healthy treat for dogs. Their satisfying crunchy texture can naturally help in removing plaque from your dog’s teeth, contributing to better dental hygiene. This vibrant orange root vegetable is also an excellent source of vitamin A, which is vital for vision, immune function, and skin health. Cold or frozen carrot sticks can be particularly helpful for teething puppies, providing a soothing chew toy that eases discomfort while being nutritious. However, especially for young or small dogs, always cut carrots into small, bite-sized pieces to prevent choking.
Unseasoned Cauliflower
Low in calories and abundant in nutrients, cauliflower is a great dietary supplement for your dog. It’s packed with 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 it should be introduced gradually and given in small quantities. It’s safe to share with your pup either raw or cooked, but it must always be completely unseasoned to avoid harmful additives like onions or garlic powder.
Celery
For pet parents concerned about their dog’s weight, celery can be an excellent, guilt-free treat. It’s remarkably low in fat and serves as a good source of fiber and vitamins A, C, and K. Celery is also rich in folate, potassium, and manganese, all of which support a healthy metabolism. An added bonus? Celery’s natural properties may even help freshen your pet’s breath. However, like carrots, celery can be fibrous and potentially a choking hazard, especially for smaller dogs. To prevent any issues, always chop celery into small, bite-sized pieces before serving.
Cooked & Unseasoned Chicken
Plain, boiled chicken is often recommended by veterinarians for dogs with an upset stomach due to its easily digestible nature. It’s high in protein and low in fat, making it an ideal supplement or treat, perhaps as a delicious meat topper for your dog’s regular kibble. However, dogs are omnivores and require a balanced diet that extends beyond just meat, so chicken should not be their primary food source. A critical warning: never give your dog cooked chicken bones. Cooked bones can splinter easily, potentially causing serious damage to your dog’s gastrointestinal tract, leading to emergency vet visits. For a list of what meat dogs should not eat, check out our detailed guide.
Cucumbers
Much like celery, cucumbers offer a refreshing, low-calorie, sodium-free, and fat-free crunchy treat that many dogs adore. They are primarily water, making them a great hydrating snack. However, just like celery, their firm texture can present a choking hazard, particularly for smaller breeds or dogs who tend to gulp their food. To ensure your four-legged family member enjoys this treat safely, always slice cucumbers into small, bite-sized pieces.
Cooked & Unseasoned Eggs
Eggs are a powerhouse of nutrition for dogs, providing a substantial source of protein and being rich in numerous vitamins, including A, B, D, and K. They also contain other essential nutrients such as selenium, calcium, and zinc, all contributing to a super healthy treat. It is imperative to always cook eggs thoroughly before feeding them to your dog, as raw eggs can carry the risk of Salmonella bacteria. Your dog might enjoy scrambled eggs, or even a hard-boiled egg, as an occasional and beneficial complement to their regular diet.
Cooked & Unseasoned Fish
Fish, particularly varieties like salmon and sardines, are excellent sources of protein and amino acids. They are also highly valued for their abundant omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for skin, coat, and joint health. Sardines offer an added advantage: their soft bones can provide a valuable boost of calcium, making them unique among fish for dogs. It’s important to note that sardines are generally the only fish where the bones can be safely left in; for other fish, always remove all bones before serving to your dog. All fish must be fully cooked and offered in moderation, limiting intake to no more than two servings per week.
Green Beans
Green beans are one of the best choices from this list for dogs who are prone to being overweight, as they are exceptionally low in calories and fat. This versatile vegetable is also a good source of fiber, aiding digestion, and vitamin C, which supports the immune system. You can offer your dog cooked green beans, either steamed or boiled, or give them frozen green beans for a satisfyingly crunchy and cooling snack.
Mango
Don’t keep this delicious tropical fruit all to yourself! Mango is high in fiber and rich in vitamins A, B6, C, and E, making it a fantastic sweet treat for dogs in moderation. It’s absolutely essential to always remove the large pit and the peel, as both can pose health risks. The pit is a choking hazard and contains small amounts of cyanide, while the peel can be difficult to digest and may cause stomach upset. Additionally, feeding too much mango could lead to stomach issues, so this treat should be given sparingly.
Unsalted Peanuts and Peanut Butter
Unsalted peanuts are a safe nut for dogs to enjoy. They contain healthy fats and protein, providing a good energy boost. However, too much fat can lead to health concerns like weight gain or pancreatitis, so moderation is key. Peanut butter offers additional benefits, including vitamins B and E, as well as fiber, all of which contribute to cardiovascular and digestive health. When choosing peanut butter, it is critically important to verify that it does not contain xylitol, a common sugar substitute that is highly toxic and potentially fatal to dogs. Always check the label carefully to ensure it’s xylitol-free.
Pumpkin
Pumpkin is a truly fantastic supplement for any dog’s diet. It’s incredibly rich in nutritional value, boasting vitamins A, C, and E, along with essential minerals like iron and potassium. Its high soluble fiber content makes it exceptionally beneficial for your dog’s digestion, offering relief for common tummy issues such as diarrhea or constipation. Furthermore, pumpkin is high in prebiotics, which support a healthy digestive tract and gut flora. Low in calories, pure pumpkin can be an excellent addition to your dog’s regular food. Always ensure that if you are buying canned pumpkin, it is 100% pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, which contains sugars and spices dangerous for dogs.
Cooked & Unseasoned Turkey
Like chicken, turkey is a lean and excellent source of protein for dogs. When preparing turkey for your canine friend, ensure you remove all skin, bones, and excess fat. The skin and fat can be too rich and lead to digestive upset, while cooked bones can splinter and cause internal damage. Any turkey you offer your dog must be fully cooked and completely unseasoned to prevent ingesting harmful spices, salts, or other additives.
Watermelon
Watermelon is a wonderfully hydrating fruit, especially delightful in warmer weather. It’s also a good source of essential vitamins, including A, C, and B6. This juicy fruit can be a refreshing and healthy treat for your dog, but it’s crucial to prepare it correctly. Always remove all seeds and the rind before giving watermelon to your dog. The seeds can cause intestinal blockages, and the rind is difficult for dogs to digest and can lead to gastrointestinal upset.
Cooked White Rice
Cooked white rice is a staple recommendation for dogs requiring a bland diet, often prescribed for a few days to soothe an upset stomach. It is easy to digest and helps to firm up loose stool, making it a helpful short-term dietary aid. However, because rice can cause a spike in blood sugar levels, dogs with diabetes should only consume it in very small, carefully controlled amounts, if at all. Your veterinarian can provide specific guidance on how much rice, if any, is appropriate for your dog, especially if they have underlying health conditions. This is a common human food dogs can eat for dinner when they need a gentle meal.
Plain Yogurt
While some dogs can have difficulty digesting dairy products due to lactose intolerance, plain, unsweetened yogurt can be a wonderfully healthy treat for many canines. The probiotics found in yogurt can help strengthen your dog’s digestive system by promoting a healthy gut microbiome. However, it is absolutely essential to ensure that the yogurt contains no added sugar, artificial sweeteners (especially xylitol), or any fruit flavorings, as these ingredients can be harmful or toxic to dogs. Always opt for plain, live-culture yogurt.
Important Considerations for Safe Feeding
Introducing human foods to your dog’s diet requires careful attention to detail and a commitment to their safety. Beyond knowing what are some foods that dogs can’t eat, it’s equally important to understand how to prepare and serve safe foods. Always offer new foods in very small quantities initially to monitor for any adverse reactions, such as digestive upset or allergies. Remember that treats should never make up more than 10% of your dog’s daily caloric intake to prevent nutritional imbalances and weight gain.
Regular veterinary check-ups are paramount to maintaining your pet’s overall health and well-being. Your veterinarian is the best resource for personalized dietary advice, especially concerning specific health conditions or sensitivities your dog might have. They can provide tailored recommendations on safe human foods and appropriate portion sizes to ensure your dog thrives. At Dog Care Story, we advocate for informed and responsible pet care, empowering you to make the best dietary choices for your beloved canine companion.
