Many dog owners find themselves pondering the age-old question: What Can I Feed My Dog from my own kitchen? While commercial dog food forms the foundation of a healthy canine diet, sharing certain human foods can be a wonderful way to offer variety, provide extra nutrients, and strengthen your bond with your furry friend. However, it’s crucial to understand which foods are safe and how to prepare them properly to avoid potential health hazards. Not all human foods are suitable for dogs, and some can even be toxic.
This guide from Dog Care Story will delve into a variety of human foods that can be safely incorporated into your dog’s diet as treats or supplements. We’ll cover everything from nutritious fruits and vegetables to lean proteins, providing you with the knowledge to make informed choices for your pet’s well-being. Remember, moderation is key, and any new food should be introduced slowly while monitoring your dog for adverse reactions. For insights into daily dietary choices beyond treats, you might explore what can i feed my dog everyday.
Fruits Your Dog Can Enjoy Safely
Fruits offer a sweet and healthy treat for dogs, packed with vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber. Always remove pits, seeds, and rinds, and serve in moderation due to their natural sugar content.
Apples
Fresh apples make a fantastic, crunchy snack for dogs, provided you always remove the seeds, as they contain trace amounts of cyanide. This popular fruit is an excellent source of vitamins A and C, along with dietary fiber, which is vital for a healthy digestive system. Vitamin A plays a role in supporting the immune system, aiding in bone growth, promoting healthy skin, and maintaining good vision. Vitamin C is known for its ability to reduce inflammation, boost immunity, and support cardiovascular function.
Bananas
Bananas are a delightful and easily chewable treat, especially well-suited for older dogs or those with sensitive teeth. This yellow fruit offers a wealth of health benefits, including helping to lower blood pressure and promoting overall heart health. Bananas are rich in fiber, which aids digestion; folate/vitamin B9, contributing to healthy cell growth; lectin, improving blood sugar regulation and intestinal health; potassium, crucial for fluid balance and kidney function; tryptophan, an essential amino acid that helps regulate sleep, appetite, mood, and pain; and vitamin C, a powerful immune booster.
Blueberries
Often hailed as a superfood, blueberries are a delicious and nutrient-dense treat for both humans and dogs. These tiny berries are a rich source of vitamins and antioxidants, including vitamins C, K, and A. These compounds are known to help reduce the likelihood of various diseases, disorders, and age-related issues, making them an excellent addition to your dog’s treat rotation.
Mango
Don’t keep this delicious tropical fruit all to yourself! Mango is high in fiber and vitamins A, B6, C, and E, making it a fantastic sweet treat for your canine companion. It’s crucial to always remove the large pit and the peel, as both can pose choking hazards and contain compounds that could make your dog sick. Additionally, while tasty, too much mango can lead to stomach upset due to its sugar content and fibrous nature, so it’s a treat best given in moderation.
Watermelon
Watermelon is a hydrating and refreshing fruit, especially on a warm day, and it’s also a good source of vitamins A, C, and B6. Its high water content makes it an excellent choice for keeping your dog hydrated. Before offering watermelon to your dog, always remove all seeds and the rind. The seeds can cause intestinal blockages, and the rind is difficult to digest and can lead to gastrointestinal upset.
Wholesome Vegetables for Your Canine Friend
Vegetables are a low-calorie, nutrient-rich addition to your dog’s diet. Always serve them plain, without seasonings, and cut into appropriate sizes to prevent choking.
Carrots
Carrots are a wonderful treat for dogs, offering a satisfying crunch that can help clean plaque from their teeth. This vibrant orange root vegetable is also a good source of vitamin A, which supports vision and immune health. For teething puppies, cold or frozen carrot pieces can provide relief for sore gums and a safe chewing outlet. However, it’s vital to cut carrots into small, manageable pieces, especially for young or small dogs, to prevent them from becoming a choking hazard.
Cauliflower (Unseasoned)
Low in calories and brimming with nutrients, cauliflower can be a great way to supplement your dog’s regular diet. It’s packed with fiber, antioxidants, folate, pantothenic acid, potassium, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, choline, sulforaphane, and vitamins C, K, and B6. Despite its numerous benefits, cauliflower can sometimes cause gas in dogs, so introduce it in small amounts. It is safe to share with your pup either raw or cooked, but ensure it is always unseasoned to avoid harmful additives.
Celery
If you’re looking for a healthy, low-calorie treat for a dog needing to watch their weight, celery could be an excellent option. Celery is low in fat and serves as a good source of fiber and vitamins A, C, and K. It’s also rich in folate, potassium, and manganese, all of which contribute to a healthy metabolism, and it may even help freshen your pet’s breath. Similar to carrots, celery can be a choking hazard due to its fibrous strings. To prevent any issues, chop the vegetable into bite-sized pieces, particularly for smaller dogs.
Cucumbers
Much like celery, cucumbers are a low-calorie, sodium-free, and fat-free crunchy treat that many dogs enjoy. They offer hydration and a satisfying texture without adding excess calories. However, just like celery, cucumbers can pose a choking risk, especially for smaller dogs. Always ensure you cut them into small, bite-sized pieces before offering them to your four-legged family member.
Green Beans
Green beans are one of the best food choices on this list for overweight dogs because they are remarkably low in calories and fat. This versatile veggie is also a good source of fiber and vitamin C. You can offer your dog cooked green beans (steamed or boiled) or even give them frozen beans for a crunchy, cooling snack. They make an excellent, guilt-free treat.
Pumpkin
Pumpkin is a truly fantastic supplement for almost any dog’s diet. It’s incredibly rich in nutritional value, containing vitamins A, C, and E, along with minerals like iron and potassium. Its high soluble fiber content makes it exceptionally beneficial for your dog’s digestion, helping with common tummy issues such as diarrhea or constipation. Furthermore, pumpkin is high in prebiotics, which support a healthy digestive tract and gut flora. Pumpkin is also low in calories, making it an excellent addition to your dog’s regular food. When buying canned pumpkin, always ensure it is pure pumpkin puree and not pumpkin pie filling, which often contains dangerous-for-dogs additives like spices and sweeteners. For specific situations like an upset stomach, pumpkin can be a key ingredient; learn more about what can i feed my dog when sick.
Proteins and Dairy: What’s Safe for Dogs?
Lean proteins and certain dairy products can be beneficial additions to your dog’s diet, providing essential amino acids and nutrients. Always ensure meats are thoroughly cooked and unseasoned, and be mindful of your dog’s lactose tolerance with dairy.
Beef (Cooked)
Beef is a highly nutritious protein source that provides all the essential amino acids your dog needs, along with vital vitamins and minerals. If you choose to give your dog beef, ensure it is fully cooked to eliminate any harmful bacteria. Whenever possible, opt for grass-fed cattle, as they tend to be a better source of beneficial fatty acids compared to grain-fed cattle. Serve plain, without any seasonings, fats, or bones. For those interested in feeding raw, it’s a more complex topic; consider reading about what can i feed my dog on a raw diet.
Chicken (Cooked and Unseasoned)
Plain, boiled chicken and rice is a go-to recommendation from veterinarians for dogs with an upset stomach due to its easy digestibility, high protein content, and low fat. It can be served as a meat topper for kibble or as a standalone bland diet. While chicken is excellent, dogs are omnivores and require a balanced diet beyond just meat, so it’s best offered as a supplement or treat rather than a primary food source. Critically, never give your dog chicken bones (especially cooked ones) as they can splinter and cause severe damage to your dog’s gastrointestinal (GI) tract.
Eggs (Cooked and Unseasoned)
Eggs are an excellent source of protein and are rich in many essential vitamins, including A, B, D, and K. They also provide other important nutrients such as selenium, calcium, and zinc, all contributing to a super healthy treat for your dog. It’s imperative to cook eggs thoroughly to eliminate the risk of salmonella. Your dog may enjoy scrambled eggs or even a hard-boiled egg as a nutritious compliment to their regular diet.
Fish (Cooked and Unseasoned)
Certain fish, particularly salmon and sardines, are packed with protein and amino acids, and are also a fantastic source of omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3s are known for supporting skin, coat, joint, and brain health. An added benefit of sardines is that their soft, edible bones offer a valuable boost of calcium. It’s important to note that sardines are generally the only fish where the bones can be left in; for all other types of fish, it is crucial to remove all bones before feeding them to your dog. Always fully cook fish and limit your dog’s intake to no more than two servings per week to avoid potential mercury exposure.
Turkey (Cooked and Unseasoned)
Similar to chicken, cooked turkey is a good source of lean protein for dogs. When preparing turkey for your dog, be sure to remove all skin, bones, and excess fat. Any turkey you offer should be fully cooked and completely unseasoned. Gravies, spices, and other additives often found in holiday turkey dishes can be harmful to dogs.
Yogurt (Plain)
While some dogs have difficulty digesting dairy products due to lactose intolerance, plain yogurt can be a wonderfully healthy treat for many canines. The probiotics found in plain yogurt can help strengthen your dog’s digestive system by promoting a healthy gut microbiome. It’s crucial to only give your dog plain yogurt with no added sugar, artificial sweeteners, or flavorings, especially avoiding xylitol, which is highly toxic to dogs.
Grains and Other Healthy Options
Beyond fruits, vegetables, and proteins, some other common human foods can offer nutritional benefits to your dog when given correctly.
Peanuts (Unsalted) and Peanut Butter
Peanuts are generally considered a safe nut for dogs to eat, provided they are unsalted. They contain good fats and protein, which can be beneficial in moderation. However, too much fat can lead to health issues such as weight gain or pancreatitis, so portion control is essential. Peanut butter offers the added benefits of vitamins B and E, as well as fiber, all of which are good for cardiovascular and digestive health. The most critical caution with peanut butter is to ensure it does not contain xylitol, a common sugar substitute that is extremely toxic and potentially fatal to dogs. Always check the ingredient list carefully. If your dog has pancreatitis, specific dietary considerations are vital, and you can find more information about my dog has pancreatitis what can i feed her.
White Rice (Cooked)
Cooked white rice is a staple recommendation for dogs needing a bland diet, often paired with plain boiled chicken, for a few days. It is easy to digest and helps to firm up stool, making it excellent for settling an upset stomach. However, because rice can cause a spike in blood sugar, dogs with diabetes should only consume small amounts, and only under veterinary guidance. Your vet can help you determine the appropriate amount of rice, if any, your diabetic dog should have.
Healthy and Safe Food for Dogs
Important Considerations When Feeding Your Dog Human Foods
While the list of safe human foods for dogs is extensive, there are crucial guidelines every pet owner should follow to ensure their canine companion’s health and safety. Always remember that these foods should primarily be offered as treats or supplements, making up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily caloric intake, with their main diet coming from a complete and balanced commercial dog food.
Firstly, moderation is absolutely key. Even healthy foods can lead to weight gain or digestive upset if given in excessive amounts. Secondly, all foods should be served plain, without any seasonings like salt, pepper, garlic, or onions, as these can be toxic or harmful to dogs. Meats should always be thoroughly cooked to eliminate bacteria and parasites. Thirdly, always take the time to prepare foods properly by removing all seeds, pits, cores, rinds, and bones. These components can cause choking, intestinal blockages, or contain toxic substances.
Introducing any new food to your dog’s diet should be done gradually and in small quantities. This allows you to monitor for any adverse reactions such as allergies, vomiting, or diarrhea. If you notice any unusual symptoms, discontinue the food immediately and consult your veterinarian. Always be mindful of potential choking hazards; cut foods into small, bite-sized pieces appropriate for your dog’s size and breed. When in doubt about whether a food is safe or suitable for your dog, especially if they have underlying health conditions, always consult your veterinarian first. For specific behavioral issues like coprophagia, diet can sometimes play a role; more details can be found at what can i feed my dog to stop eating poop.
Conclusion
Understanding what you can feed your dog from your kitchen is an empowering step towards enriching their diet and overall well-being. By offering a variety of safe fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins, you can provide your canine companion with additional nutrients, enjoyable treats, and a deeper connection through shared experiences. Remember that the cornerstone of a healthy dog diet remains high-quality commercial dog food, with human foods serving as complementary additions.
Always prioritize safety by preparing foods correctly—removing seeds, pits, rinds, and bones, and ensuring everything is cooked and unseasoned. Introduce new items slowly, observe your dog’s reaction, and practice moderation to prevent any digestive upset or weight issues. Most importantly, your veterinarian is your best resource for personalized dietary advice tailored to your dog’s specific health needs and life stage. By following these guidelines, you can confidently and safely enhance your dog’s mealtime experience. Explore more expert advice and pet care tips on Dog Care Story!
Expert Reviewer
Dr. Kathy Wiederkehr (Wentworth), V.M.D.
This content was reviewed by Dr. Kathy Wiederkehr (Wentworth), V.M.D., who has been practicing veterinary medicine in California since 2001. She previously served as medical director of the VCA PetPoint Medical Center and Resort in Irvine. A graduate of the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Wiederkehr 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 over 15 years of experience in creating compelling content for a diverse range of clients, including the American Kennel Club, Marriott Bonvoy, Women’s Health Online, and Headspace.
