As loving pet parents, it’s natural to want to share our favorite snacks with our furry companions. While commercial dog food provides complete nutrition, many human foods can offer a healthy and enjoyable supplement to your dog’s diet, provided they are given safely and in moderation. Understanding which human foods are beneficial and which are harmful is crucial for your dog’s well-being. This guide from Dog Care Story delves into a variety of human foods that can be safely enjoyed by your canine friend, focusing on nutritional benefits, proper preparation, and important precautions to ensure a happy and healthy treat time.
Navigating the world of canine nutrition can be tricky, especially when considering what people food can dogs have. Rest assured, with the right knowledge, you can introduce a diverse range of healthy snacks that add flavor and nutrients to your dog’s meals.
A vibrant assortment of safe human foods for dogs, including fruits like apples and bananas, and vegetables like carrots and green beans, promoting healthy dog nutrition.
1. Apples
A crisp and refreshing treat, fresh apples are an excellent snack for dogs. They are a good source of vitamins A and C, along with dietary fiber, which supports healthy digestion. Vitamin A is vital for a strong immune system, bone development, and skin health, while also aiding vision. Vitamin C contributes to reducing inflammation, boosting immunity, and maintaining cardiovascular function. Always remember to remove the seeds and core before serving, as apple seeds contain small amounts of cyanide. Cut apples into small, bite-sized pieces to prevent choking, especially for smaller breeds.
2. Bananas
Bananas offer a soft, palatable treat, making them particularly suitable for older dogs or those with sensitive teeth. This fruit is packed with health benefits, including supporting heart health and helping to regulate blood pressure. Bananas are rich in:
- Fiber: Essential for digestive regularity.
- Folate/Vitamin B9: Crucial for healthy cell growth.
- Lectin: May contribute to improved blood sugar and intestinal health.
- Potassium: Supports fluid balance and kidney function.
- Tryptophan: An amino acid important for regulating sleep cycles, appetite, mood, and pain perception.
- Vitamin C: A powerful immune booster.
Offer bananas in moderation due to their sugar content, slicing them into small pieces or mashing them.
3. Beef (Cooked and Lean)
Cooked beef is a highly nutritious protein source for dogs, providing all essential amino acids, alongside vital vitamins and minerals. When offering beef, ensure it is fully cooked to eliminate harmful bacteria and served without any seasoning. Opting for grass-fed beef when possible can provide a better source of beneficial fatty acids. Always choose lean cuts and trim any excess fat to prevent digestive upset or pancreatitis. Avoid raw beef due to the risk of pathogens.
4. Blueberries
These tiny powerhouses are a delicious and healthy treat for both humans and dogs. Blueberries are an excellent source of antioxidants and vitamins, including C, K, and A. These nutrients can help reduce the risk of various diseases, disorders, and age-related issues by combating oxidative stress. They are low in calories and can be given fresh or frozen, making them a perfect training treat or a refreshing snack on a hot day.
5. Carrots
Carrots are a versatile and beneficial vegetable for dogs. Their crunchy texture can naturally help scrape plaque from teeth, promoting dental health. This orange root vegetable is also an abundant source of vitamin A, which is important for vision and overall immune function. For teething puppies, cold or frozen carrots can provide soothing relief and a safe chewing outlet. However, always cut carrots into small, manageable pieces to prevent choking hazards, particularly for young or small dogs.
6. Cauliflower (Unseasoned)
Low in calories and brimming with nutrients, cauliflower can be a great addition to your dog’s diet. It contains fiber, antioxidants, folate, pantothenic acid, potassium, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, choline, sulforaphane, and vitamins C, K, and B6. Despite its many benefits, cauliflower can cause gas in some dogs, so introduce it slowly and offer it in small quantities. It’s safe to feed raw or cooked, but always ensure it’s plain and unseasoned.
7. Celery
For dogs needing a low-calorie treat, celery is an excellent choice. It’s low in fat and a good source of fiber, and vitamins A, C, and K. Celery also provides folate, potassium, and manganese, supporting a healthy metabolism. An added bonus? It may even help freshen your pet’s breath. Like carrots, celery can pose a choking risk, so always chop it into bite-sized pieces, especially for smaller dogs.
8. Chicken (Cooked and Unseasoned)
Plain, boiled chicken, often served with white rice, is a common veterinary recommendation for dogs with an upset stomach due to its easy digestibility, high protein content, and low-fat profile. It makes an excellent supplement or a tasty meat topper for your dog’s kibble. However, chicken should not be a primary food source as dogs require a balanced diet beyond just meat. Crucially, never give your dog cooked chicken bones, as they can splinter and cause severe damage to their gastrointestinal tract. Raw chicken also carries risks of bacterial contamination. For specific dietary needs, such as what human food can 8 week old puppies eat, always consult with your vet.
9. Cucumbers
Cucumbers are a fantastic low-calorie, sodium-free, and fat-free crunchy snack that many dogs adore. They offer hydration and a satisfying crunch without adding many calories. Similar to celery, cucumbers can be a choking hazard if not prepared correctly. Always slice them into small, bite-sized pieces before offering them to your four-legged family member to ensure safety.
10. Eggs (Cooked and Unseasoned)
Eggs are a highly beneficial source of protein and rich in numerous vitamins, including A, B, D, and K. They also provide essential nutrients such as selenium, calcium, and zinc, all contributing to a super healthy treat. It is imperative to cook eggs thoroughly, as raw eggs can contain salmonella, posing a health risk. Your dog might enjoy scrambled eggs or a hard-boiled egg as an occasional complement to their regular diet.
11. Fish (Cooked and Unseasoned)
Certain fish, particularly salmon and sardines, are excellent for dogs. They are rich in high-quality protein and amino acids, and are fantastic sources of omega-3 fatty acids, which support skin, coat, and joint health. Sardines offer an additional benefit: their soft bones provide a valuable calcium boost and can generally be left in. For all other fish, it is crucial to remove all bones before feeding. Always fully cook fish and limit your dog’s intake to no more than two servings per week to avoid excessive mercury exposure. Understanding what meat should i never feed my dog is also important to ensure their safety.
12. Green Beans
Green beans are an ideal snack for dogs, especially those needing to manage their weight, as they are very 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 without seasoning) or give them frozen green beans for a satisfyingly crunchy snack that can also help with dental hygiene.
13. Mango
Don’t hesitate to share this delicious tropical fruit with your dog! Mango is high in fiber and vitamins A, B6, C, and E, making it a fantastic sweet treat. However, always remove the pit and the peel, as the pit can be a choking hazard and contains small amounts of cyanide, while the peel can be difficult to digest. Too much mango can also lead to stomach upset, so offer this juicy fruit in moderation.
14. Peanuts (Unsalted) and Peanut Butter
Unsalted peanuts are generally safe for dogs and provide good fats and protein. However, excessive fat can contribute to weight gain or pancreatitis, so moderation is key. Peanut butter offers additional benefits with vitamins B and E, as well as fiber, all of which are good for cardiovascular and digestive health. Crucially, always check the label to ensure the peanut butter does not contain xylitol, a sugar substitute that is highly toxic to dogs, even in small amounts.
15. Pumpkin
Pumpkin is a truly fantastic supplement for any dog’s diet. It’s incredibly rich in nutritional value, containing vitamins A, C, and E, plus minerals like iron and potassium. Its high soluble fiber content makes it excellent for canine digestion, effectively helping with common tummy issues like diarrhea or constipation. Pumpkin is also high in prebiotics, which 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 buy canned pumpkin, it is 100% pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, which contains dangerous additives for dogs.
16. Turkey (Cooked and Unseasoned)
Similar to chicken, cooked turkey is a great source of lean protein for dogs. It’s important to prepare it correctly: remove all skin, bones, and excessive fat. Any turkey you offer your dog should be fully cooked and completely unseasoned. This ensures it’s safe and digestible for your canine companion. For breeds like the Bichon Frise, understanding bichon frise what do they eat can help in selecting appropriate human food additions.
17. Watermelon
Watermelon is a wonderfully hydrating and refreshing fruit, especially during warmer months. It’s a good source of vitamins A, C, and B6. Before giving watermelon to your dog, always remove all seeds and the rind. The seeds can cause intestinal blockages, and the rind is difficult for dogs to digest and can lead to gastrointestinal upset. Offer the flesh in small, manageable chunks.
18. White Rice (Cooked)
Cooked white rice is a go-to recommendation for dogs needing a bland diet, particularly when recovering from an upset stomach. It’s easy to digest and helps to firm up stool. However, since rice can cause a spike in blood sugar, dogs with diabetes should only consume it in very small amounts, and only under veterinary guidance. Your veterinarian can help determine the appropriate quantity, if any, for dogs with specific health conditions. For more on dietary solutions for sensitive stomachs, consider what foods are good for dogs upset stomach.
19. Yogurt (Plain)
While some dogs may have difficulty digesting dairy products, plain, unsweetened yogurt can be a wonderfully healthy treat. The probiotics found in plain yogurt can help strengthen your dog’s digestive system and promote a healthy gut flora. It is critical to ensure that the yogurt contains absolutely no added sugar or artificial sweeteners, especially xylitol, which is toxic to dogs. Opt for plain, unsweetened varieties with live active cultures.
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.
