Navigating the world of canine nutrition can be a perplexing journey for any dog owner. While our furry friends often gaze longingly at our plates, not all human foods are created equal when it comes to their health. Understanding what foods dogs can and cannot eat is crucial for ensuring their well-being and preventing unforeseen health issues. This guide from Dog Care Story delves into a variety of common human foods that are not only safe but also offer significant nutritional benefits for your beloved companion, helping you make informed choices for their diet.
Fruits for Fido: Sweet and Nutritious Options
Many fruits offer a delightful and healthy snack option for your dog, packed with essential vitamins and fiber. Remember to always prepare them properly by removing seeds, pits, and rinds where necessary.
Apples
Fresh apples are an excellent, crunchy snack for dogs, provided you remove the seeds. This fruit is a good source of vitamins A and C, along with fiber, which is vital for maintaining healthy digestion. Vitamin A supports a robust immune system, aids in bone growth, promotes skin health, and helps maintain vision. Meanwhile, vitamin C is known for its ability to reduce inflammation, boost immunity, and contribute to proper cardiovascular function.
Bananas
Bananas are a tasty and easily chewable treat, especially well-suited for older dogs who might have fewer or more sensitive teeth. This fruit offers numerous health benefits, including helping to reduce blood pressure and promoting overall heart health. Bananas are rich in fiber, which aids in digestion, and folate/vitamin B9, essential for healthy cell growth. They also contain lectin, which can improve blood sugar and intestinal health, and potassium, important for fluid balance and kidney function. Furthermore, bananas provide tryptophan, an essential amino acid involved in regulating the sleep-wake cycle, appetite, mood, and pain perception, alongside a boost of immune-supporting vitamin C.
Blueberries
Often described as tiny powerhouses of nutrition, blueberries are a delicious treat for both humans and dogs. These berries are a rich source of vitamins and antioxidants, including vitamins C, K, and A, which play a significant role in potentially reducing the likelihood of various diseases, disorders, and age-related issues in dogs. Their vibrant color is often indicative of their high antioxidant content, making them a fantastic addition to your dog’s treat rotation.
Mango
Don’t keep this delicious tropical fruit to yourself; mango is high in fiber and vitamins A, B6, C, and E, making it a fantastic sweet treat for humans and dogs alike. Always remove the pit and peel, as both could make your dog sick or cause choking. The pit also contains small amounts of cyanide. Additionally, too much mango can lead to stomach upset due to its sugar content, so this treat should be given in moderation.
Watermelon
Anyone who has taken a bite of a watermelon and immediately felt the refreshing juices knows that this fruit is a delicious way to stay hydrated, especially during warmer months. It’s also a good source of vitamins A, C, and B6. For your dog, it’s crucial to remove all seeds and the rind before offering watermelon, as both can pose choking hazards or cause digestive upset. Given its high water content, it’s a particularly refreshing and low-calorie snack.
Wholesome Vegetables Your Dog Will Love: Healthy Additions to Their Diet
Vegetables are an excellent source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber, and many are safe and beneficial for dogs. Always serve them plain, without seasonings, to ensure your pup’s safety.
Carrots
Carrots are a wonderful treat for dogs. Their crunchy texture can naturally help remove plaque from their teeth, contributing to better dental hygiene. This popular orange root vegetable is also an excellent source of vitamin A, which is crucial for vision, immune function, and skin health. Cold or frozen carrots can be particularly helpful for teething puppies, providing a soothing chew toy that also alleviates discomfort. However, remember that carrots can be a choking hazard for young or small dogs, so it’s essential to cut them into small, manageable pieces to prevent any problems.
Cauliflower (Unseasoned)
Low in calories and packed with essential nutrients like fiber, antioxidants, folate, pantothenic acid, potassium, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, choline, sulforaphane, and vitamins C, K, and B6, cauliflower can be a great way to supplement your dog’s regular diet. Despite its numerous benefits, cauliflower can sometimes cause gas in dogs, so keep this treat restricted to small amounts. It’s safe to share with your pup raw or cooked, just make sure it’s unseasoned and cut into small pieces to avoid any digestive distress or choking. Knowing what are the foods dogs can’t eat can help you avoid common pitfalls.
Celery
If you have a pup who could benefit from a lighter snack, celery could be their next go-to treat. Celery is remarkably low in fat and serves as a good source of fiber and vitamins A, C, and K. It’s also packed with folate, potassium, and manganese, all of which promote healthy metabolism. An added bonus? It may even help freshen your pet’s breath. However, like carrots and cucumbers, celery can be a choking hazard, especially its stringy fibers. Prevent any problems by chopping the veggie into small, bite-sized pieces, particularly for smaller dogs.
Cucumbers
Similar to celery, cucumbers are a low-calorie, sodium-free, and fat-free crunchy treat that many dogs love. They are mostly water, making them a hydrating and refreshing snack. However, just like celery, this vegetable can be a choking hazard due to its firm texture. Therefore, always be sure to cut cucumbers into small, bite-sized pieces for your four-legged family member to ensure safe consumption.
Green Beans
Green beans are considered one of the best foods on this list for overweight dogs because they are naturally low in calories and fat, making them a guilt-free snack. This versatile veggie is also a good source of fiber, which aids digestion, and vitamin C, an important antioxidant. You can feed your dog cooked green beans (steamed or boiled) or offer them frozen beans for a crunchy and cooling snack, which can be particularly enjoyable on a warm day.
Pumpkin
Pumpkin is a fantastic supplement to almost any dog’s diet, especially for those with digestive sensitivities. It’s rich in nutritional value, providing vitamins A, C, and E, plus vital minerals like iron and potassium. Its high soluble fiber content makes it exceptional for your dog’s digestion, effectively helping with tummy issues such as both diarrhea and constipation. It’s also high in prebiotics, which support a healthy digestive tract by promoting beneficial gut bacteria. Pumpkin is low in calories and can be an excellent addition to your dog’s regular food. Always make sure that if you are buying canned pumpkin, it is pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, which often contains dangerous additives and spices for dogs.
Proteins and Dairy for Your Canine Companion: Building Blocks for Health
Proteins are fundamental to your dog’s diet, supporting muscle growth, energy, and overall bodily functions. Certain dairy products can also be beneficial in moderation.
Beef (Cooked)
Beef is a highly nutritious protein source that provides all the essential amino acids, along with a range of vital vitamins and minerals. If you choose to give your dog beef, always ensure it’s fully cooked to eliminate any harmful bacteria that could cause illness. Where possible, opt for grass-fed cattle; they are generally a better source of beneficial fatty acids compared to grain-fed cattle, offering a more balanced nutritional profile for your pet.
Chicken (Cooked and Unseasoned)
If your dog experiences an upset stomach, your veterinarian will often recommend feeding them plain, boiled chicken and rice as a temporary bland diet. This combination is easily digestible, high in lean protein, and low in fat, making it gentle on a sensitive digestive system. It can be effectively presented as a meat topper to your dog’s regular kibble. However, since dogs are omnivores and require a balanced diet beyond just meat, it’s best to offer chicken as a supplement or treat rather than a primary food source. Crucially, never give your dog chicken bones (especially cooked ones), as they can splinter easily and cause serious damage to your dog’s gastrointestinal (GI) tract. For safe meat options, consider what cooked meat is good for dogs to make the best choices.
Eggs (Cooked and Unseasoned)
Eggs are an excellent source of protein and are rich in many vitamins, including A, B (Biotin, B12), D, and K. They also provide other important nutrients such as selenium, calcium, and zinc—all of which contribute to a super healthy treat for your dog. It is absolutely essential to cook eggs thoroughly, as raw eggs can contain salmonella, which can be harmful to dogs just as it is to humans. Your dog might enjoy scrambled eggs or even a hard-boiled egg as a complementary addition to their regular diet, offering a boost of high-quality nutrition.
Fish (Cooked and Unseasoned)
Certain fish, especially salmon and sardines, are incredibly rich in protein and amino acids, while also serving as an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids. These fatty acids are known for supporting healthy skin, a shiny coat, and cognitive function. An added benefit of sardines is that their soft, edible bones offer a valuable boost of calcium. Note: Sardines are typically the only fish where you can leave the bones in due to their small, soft nature; otherwise, it’s crucial to remove all fish bones before feeding any other type of fish to your dog, as they can be a choking hazard or cause internal damage. Always fully cook fish and limit your dog’s intake to no more than two servings per week to maintain a balanced diet and avoid potential mercury exposure. For more on what bones are safe, you might want to learn what bones can dogs eat raw.
Turkey (Cooked and Unseasoned)
Like chicken, turkey is a superb source of lean protein, making it another excellent option for your dog’s diet. When preparing turkey for your dog, be sure to remove all skin, bones, and excessive fat, as these components can be difficult to digest, lead to pancreatitis, or pose choking hazards. Any turkey you give your dog should always be fully cooked and completely unseasoned. Plain, cooked turkey can be a healthy and palatable treat or a temporary meal for dogs with sensitive stomachs.
White Rice (Cooked)
Cooked white rice is a staple recommendation for dogs who need a bland diet for a few days, typically when recovering from an upset stomach. It is easy to digest and helps to firm up loose stool, aiding in digestive recovery. However, since 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 dog should consume based on their specific health needs.
Yogurt (Plain)
While some dogs may have difficulty digesting dairy products due to lactose intolerance, plain, unsweetened yogurt can be a wonderfully healthy treat for many dogs. The probiotics found in plain yogurt can help strengthen your dog’s digestive system by promoting a healthy balance of gut bacteria. It is crucial, however, to ensure that the yogurt contains absolutely no added sugar or artificial sweeteners, especially xylitol, which is highly toxic to dogs. Always check the ingredients list carefully before offering yogurt to your pet.
Other Safe and Nutritious Options
Beyond fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins, there are a few other safe items that can offer unique nutritional benefits to your dog.
Peanuts (Unsalted) and Peanut Butter
Peanuts are generally considered a safe nut for dogs to eat, provided they are unsalted. They offer good fats and protein, making them an energizing snack. However, it’s important to note that too much fat can lead to issues like weight gain or pancreatitis, so moderation is key. Peanut butter, a popular dog treat, has the added benefits of vitamins B and E, as well as fiber, all of which are good for cardiovascular and digestive health. Crucially, always double-check the ingredient list of peanut butter to ensure it does not contain xylitol, a common sugar substitute that is highly toxic and potentially fatal to dogs. Opt for natural, unsalted, xylitol-free peanut butter.
A happy dog eating a healthy snack, possibly an apple slice.
Conclusion: Making Informed Choices for Your Dog’s Diet
Providing a varied and nutritious diet is one of the most loving things you can do for your dog. While commercial dog foods are formulated to be complete, supplementing their diet with safe human foods can offer additional vitamins, minerals, and fiber, enhancing their overall health and enjoyment. Always introduce new foods slowly and in small quantities to monitor for any adverse reactions. Remember that treats should never make up more than 10% of your dog’s daily caloric intake. When in doubt about What Foods You Can Feed Your Dog, or if your dog has specific dietary needs or health conditions, consulting with your veterinarian is always the best course of action. They can provide personalized advice to keep your canine companion happy, healthy, and thriving for years to come.
About the Experts
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, demonstrating her extensive expertise in canine and feline health.
Author Bio: Abbie Mood
Abbie Mood is a freelance writer with over 15 years of experience crafting compelling content for various clients. Her work has appeared in prestigious publications such as the American Kennel Club, Marriott Bonvoy, Women’s Health Online, and Headspace, showcasing her versatile writing skills and ability to engage diverse audiences.
