Many dog owners find joy in sharing their meals with their furry companions, especially when preparing dinner. While it’s tempting to offer a bite of whatever you’re eating, it’s crucial to understand which human foods are safe and beneficial for your dog and which can be harmful. Feeding your dog a balanced diet of commercial dog food is paramount, but supplementing their meals with certain human foods can provide additional nutrients and variety. This guide explores healthy and safe human foods that dogs can enjoy as part of their dinner, offering nutritional insights and important precautions. Knowing What Human Food Can Dogs Eat For Dinner ensures your pet stays happy, healthy, and safe.
Understanding Your Dog’s Dietary Needs
Dogs are omnivores, meaning their diet naturally includes both animal and plant-based foods. A complete and balanced commercial dog food is designed to meet all their nutritional requirements. However, certain human foods, when prepared correctly and offered in moderation, can be excellent additions, providing vitamins, minerals, and fiber. The key is moderation and ensuring the food is free from toxic ingredients or excessive seasoning. For a comprehensive guide on their overall diet, you might wonder what food should i be feeding my dog regularly.
Here’s a list of safe human foods you can consider adding to your dog’s dinner:
A dog eagerly looking at a bowl of safe human foods like carrots, apples, and green beans, suitable for a healthy dinner.
1. Apples (Seedless)
Apples are a fantastic, crunchy treat for dogs, rich in vitamins A and C, as well as fiber. Vitamin A is vital for maintaining good vision, supporting the immune system, and promoting healthy skin and bone growth. Vitamin C acts as an antioxidant, reducing inflammation and boosting immunity. However, always ensure you remove the seeds, as apple seeds contain cyanide, which is toxic to dogs. Also, the core can be a choking hazard. Always slice apples into manageable pieces.
2. Bananas
Soft and easy to chew, bananas are an excellent option, especially for older dogs or those with sensitive teeth. They are packed with numerous health benefits, contributing to overall heart health and helping to regulate blood pressure. Key nutrients include:
- Fiber: Essential for a healthy digestive system, aiding in regular bowel movements.
- Folate (Vitamin B9): Crucial for healthy cell growth and function.
- Lectin: May help improve blood sugar regulation and intestinal health.
- Potassium: Important for fluid balance, nerve function, and kidney health.
- Tryptophan: An essential amino acid that plays a role in regulating sleep, appetite, mood, and pain perception.
- Vitamin C: A powerful immune system booster.
Offer bananas in small, peeled slices as an occasional treat.
3. Beef (Cooked and Lean)
Cooked beef is a highly nutritious protein source, providing all essential amino acids your dog needs for muscle development and overall health. It also contains important vitamins and minerals like iron and zinc. When serving beef, ensure it is fully cooked to eliminate harmful bacteria like Salmonella or E. coli. Opt for lean cuts and trim any excess fat to prevent digestive upset or pancreatitis. Unseasoned is always best. While beef is safe, it’s worth noting that there are certain what meat should you not feed your dog.
4. Blueberries
These small, deep-purple berries are not only delicious but also packed with health benefits for dogs. Blueberries are an excellent source of antioxidants, including vitamins C, K, and A. Antioxidants help combat free radicals in the body, which can reduce the risk of diseases, disorders, and age-related issues, supporting a dog’s long-term health. They can be given fresh or frozen in moderation.
5. Carrots
Crunchy carrots are a beneficial treat that can also help with your dog’s dental hygiene by scraping plaque off their teeth. They are rich in beta-carotene, which the dog’s body converts into vitamin A. This vitamin supports vision, immune function, and skin health. Cold or frozen carrot sticks can be particularly soothing for teething puppies, providing a safe and healthy chewing alternative. For young dogs, or any dog, always cut carrots into small, bite-sized pieces to prevent choking. When considering dinner for a puppy, you might also be curious about what can a 3 month old puppy eat.
6. Cauliflower (Unseasoned)
Cauliflower is a low-calorie vegetable brimming with nutrients such as fiber, antioxidants, folate, pantothenic acid, potassium, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, choline, sulforaphane, and vitamins C, K, and B6. These nutrients contribute to overall health, from digestion to bone strength. While highly beneficial, cauliflower can cause gas in dogs due to its fiber content, so offer it in small, restricted amounts. It’s safe to feed raw or cooked, but it must always be unseasoned to avoid upsetting your dog’s stomach.
7. Celery
For dogs needing a low-calorie snack, celery is an excellent choice. It’s low in fat and a good source of fiber, vitamins A, C, and K, as well as folate, potassium, and manganese. Manganese is crucial for metabolic health. Additionally, the crisp texture of celery may even help freshen your dog’s breath. Like carrots and cucumbers, celery can be a choking hazard due to its fibrous strings and shape. Always chop it into small, bite-sized pieces, especially for smaller breeds, to ensure safe consumption.
8. Chicken (Cooked and Unseasoned)
Plain, boiled chicken is often recommended by veterinarians for dogs with an upset stomach due to its easy digestibility, high protein content, and low fat. It can be served as a special meal or as a topper to their regular kibble. Chicken provides essential amino acids for muscle maintenance and repair. However, since dogs require a balanced diet beyond just meat, chicken should be offered as a supplement or treat rather than a primary food source. Critically, never give your dog cooked chicken bones, as they can splinter and cause severe damage to their gastrointestinal tract.
9. Cucumbers
Cucumbers are a wonderfully refreshing, low-calorie, sodium-free, and fat-free crunchy treat that many dogs adore. They are mostly water, making them hydrating and a great option for overweight dogs. Like celery, however, their crisp texture can pose a choking risk if not prepared correctly. Always cut cucumbers into small, bite-sized pieces for your dog to ensure they can consume them safely without incident.
10. Eggs (Cooked and Unseasoned)
Cooked eggs are a highly beneficial protein source for dogs, rich in a wide array of vitamins, including A, B, D, and K. They also provide essential minerals like selenium, calcium, and zinc, all of which contribute to a super healthy diet. Selenium is important for thyroid function, while calcium supports bone health, and zinc is vital for immune function and skin health. Ensure eggs are always fully cooked to eliminate the risk of salmonella. Scrambled or hard-boiled eggs are great additions to your dog’s regular diet, offered in moderation.
11. Fish (Cooked and Unseasoned)
Certain types of fish, such as salmon and sardines, are excellent sources of protein and essential amino acids. They are particularly valued for their high content of omega-3 fatty acids, which support skin and coat health, reduce inflammation, and promote brain and heart health. Sardines have an added benefit: their soft bones are edible and provide a valuable boost of calcium. For all other fish, it is crucial to remove all bones before feeding them to your dog. Always cook fish thoroughly and limit your dog’s intake to no more than two servings per week to avoid potential mercury exposure.
12. Green Beans
Green beans are among the best vegetables for dogs, especially 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, aiding digestion, and vitamin C, boosting immunity. You can serve green beans cooked, steamed, or even frozen, offering a crunchy and nutritious treat that supports your dog’s health without adding excess calories.
13. Mango (Pitted and Peeled)
This delicious tropical fruit is high in fiber and a wealth of vitamins, including A, B6, C, and E, making it a fantastic sweet treat for both humans and dogs. Vitamin A supports vision, B6 is vital for brain function, C is an immune booster, and E is an antioxidant. It’s crucial to always remove the pit and peel from mango before offering it to your dog, as the pit can be a choking hazard and contains small amounts of cyanide, while the peel can be difficult to digest and cause stomach upset. Due to its sugar content, mango should be given in moderation to avoid stomach issues.
14. Peanuts (Unsalted) and Peanut Butter (Xylitol-Free)
Unsalted peanuts can be a safe and healthy snack for dogs, offering beneficial fats and protein. However, too much fat can lead to health issues such as weight gain or pancreatitis, so moderation is key. Peanut butter provides additional benefits, including vitamins B and E, and fiber, all contributing to cardiovascular and digestive health. The most critical precaution with peanut butter is to ensure it does not contain xylitol, an artificial sweetener that is extremely toxic and potentially fatal to dogs. Always check the ingredient label carefully for xylitol before giving your dog any peanut butter. For a broader overview of what your dog should never eat, refer to what food dogs can t have.
15. Pumpkin (Pure, Canned)
Pumpkin is an exceptional supplement to any dog’s diet, particularly for digestive health. It’s rich in nutritional value, offering vitamins A, C, and E, along with minerals like iron and potassium. Its high soluble fiber content makes it remarkably effective for regulating digestion, helping to alleviate both diarrhea and constipation. Additionally, pumpkin is high in prebiotics, which nourish beneficial gut bacteria and support a healthy digestive tract. It’s also low in calories, making it an excellent addition to your dog’s regular food. When buying canned pumpkin, ensure it is pure pumpkin puree and not pumpkin pie filling, which contains spices and sugars that are dangerous for dogs.
16. Turkey (Cooked and Unseasoned)
Similar to chicken, cooked turkey is a lean, excellent source of protein for dogs. Protein is fundamental for muscle growth, repair, and overall bodily functions. When preparing turkey for your dog, it is essential to remove the skin, bones, and any excess fat. Turkey skin is high in fat, which can cause pancreatitis, and bones, especially cooked ones, can splinter and cause internal damage. Always ensure the turkey is fully cooked and completely unseasoned, as many seasonings can be harmful to dogs.
17. Watermelon (Seedless and Rind-Free)
Watermelon is a delicious and hydrating fruit, perfect for keeping your dog cool and refreshed, especially during warmer months. It’s primarily composed of water and also provides valuable vitamins A, C, and B6. Vitamin A supports good vision, C boosts the immune system, and B6 is crucial for metabolic processes. Before offering watermelon to your dog, it is imperative to remove all seeds, as they can cause intestinal blockages, and the rind, which is difficult for dogs to digest and can lead to gastrointestinal upset.
18. White Rice (Cooked)
Cooked white rice is a bland, easily digestible carbohydrate often recommended by veterinarians for dogs recovering from an upset stomach. It helps to firm up loose stool and provides energy without irritating the digestive system. However, because rice can cause a rapid spike in blood sugar levels, dogs with diabetes should only consume it in very small amounts, and only under the strict guidance of a veterinarian. Your vet can help determine the appropriate quantity of rice, if any, for your dog’s specific dietary needs and health conditions.
19. Yogurt (Plain, Unsweetened)
While some dogs can have difficulty digesting dairy products, plain, unsweetened yogurt can be a wonderfully healthy treat. It contains probiotics, beneficial bacteria that can help strengthen your dog’s digestive system, improve nutrient absorption, and boost immunity. The live and active cultures in plain yogurt are key. It is absolutely crucial to avoid giving your dog yogurt with any added sugars, artificial sweeteners (especially xylitol), or artificial flavors, as these can be toxic or harmful. Always opt for plain, unsweetened varieties in moderation. You can learn more about safe human foods for daily meals at what house food can i feed my dog.
Conclusion
Incorporating safe human foods into your dog’s dinner can be a great way to add nutritional variety and extra vitamins and minerals to their diet. From crunchy carrots to lean cooked chicken, many common kitchen staples can be shared with your canine companion. However, the most important aspects are always moderation, proper preparation (removing seeds, pits, bones, and rinds, and ensuring foods are unseasoned and cooked), and awareness of potential choking hazards or toxic ingredients like xylitol. Always introduce new foods slowly and in small quantities to monitor for any adverse reactions. When in doubt about whether a particular food is safe for your dog, or if your dog has specific dietary needs or health conditions, it’s always best to consult with your veterinarian. They can provide tailored advice to ensure your beloved pet enjoys a healthy and varied diet safely.
Reviewed By
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.
