Bringing a new puppy home is an exciting time, filled with cuddles, playtime, and the joy of watching them explore the world. As a responsible pet parent, you’re likely focused on providing the best care, and that includes a healthy diet. While commercial puppy food is formulated to meet their specific nutritional needs, many owners wonder: What Human Foods Are Good For Puppies as occasional treats or supplements? It’s natural to want to share your meals with your furry companion, but it’s crucial to know which human foods are safe and beneficial for their developing bodies, and which could be harmful.
This guide will walk you through a list of vet-approved human foods that can be safely given to your puppy in moderation, highlighting their benefits and important preparation tips. We’ll also cover crucial warnings to ensure your puppy’s well-being. For a broader understanding of suitable human foods for dogs of all ages, you might also want to read our article on what can dog eat that’s human food.
Key Considerations Before Offering Human Foods to Your Puppy
Before diving into the delicious details, remember these vital points:
- Moderation is Key: Human foods should always be given as treats, not as a replacement for their balanced puppy kibble. Treats should constitute no more than 10% of their daily caloric intake.
- Consult Your Vet: Always check with your veterinarian before introducing new foods, especially if your puppy has allergies, sensitivities, or underlying health conditions.
- Preparation Matters: Foods must be plain, unseasoned, and cut into appropriate, small pieces to prevent choking, particularly for young puppies.
- Watch for Reactions: Introduce one new food at a time and observe your puppy for any signs of digestive upset, allergies, or changes in behavior.
Safe Human Foods for Your Growing Puppy
Here’s a detailed look at human foods that can be beneficial for your puppy, keeping their unique developmental needs in mind.
Fruits
Fruits offer vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants, but always remove pits, seeds, and rinds, and serve in small, puppy-friendly portions.
- Apples: A crunchy, refreshing treat rich in vitamins A and C, and fiber. Ensure all seeds are removed, as they contain cyanide. Cut into small, thin slices to prevent choking.
- Bananas: Easy to chew and digest, bananas are excellent for puppies with sensitive teeth or tummies. They are packed with potassium, vitamin C, and B6, supporting healthy cell growth and fluid balance. A few small slices are plenty.
- Blueberries: Tiny powerhouses of antioxidants, vitamins C and K. These can help boost your puppy’s developing immune system and fight off disease. They’re a perfect bite-sized treat.
- Mango: This tropical fruit is high in fiber and vitamins A, B6, C, and E. Always remove the pit and peel, as they can cause digestive upset. Give in very small amounts to avoid stomach issues.
- Watermelon: A hydrating treat, especially on warmer days, providing vitamins A, C, and B6. Absolutely ensure all seeds and the rind are removed, as they can cause blockages or digestive problems.
Vegetables
Vegetables provide essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber, contributing to overall health.
- Carrots: Excellent for puppies, especially those teething! The firm, crunchy texture can help soothe sore gums and aid in plaque removal. Carrots are a good source of vitamin A. Crucially, cut them into small, bite-sized pieces to prevent choking hazards for small or enthusiastic eaters.
- Cauliflower (Unseasoned): Low in calories and rich in fiber, antioxidants, and vitamins C and K. While beneficial, offer very small, cooked, and unseasoned pieces, as too much can cause gas in puppies.
- Celery: A low-fat, high-fiber snack that can also help freshen breath. Like carrots, celery can be a choking hazard for puppies, so chop it into small, manageable pieces. It provides vitamins A, C, and K, along with folate and potassium.
- Cucumbers: Mostly water, making them a low-calorie, hydrating treat. Similar to celery, always cut into small, bite-sized pieces to prevent choking.
- Green Beans: A fantastic low-calorie, high-fiber option. They provide vitamin C and can be given cooked or even frozen as a crunchy snack. They’re particularly good for puppies prone to weight gain.
- Pumpkin (Pure): A digestive superstar! Pumpkin is rich in fiber, which helps with both diarrhea and constipation. It also contains vitamins A, C, and E, and minerals like potassium. Always use pure canned pumpkin (not pie filling, which contains sugar and spices harmful to dogs). A tablespoon or two mixed into their food can be very beneficial.
Proteins & Dairy
Proteins are vital for growth and muscle development, while some dairy can offer probiotics.
- Beef (Cooked): A great source of protein, essential amino acids, and vital vitamins and minerals. Ensure it is fully cooked and plain, without any seasoning, sauces, or excessive fat. Lean cuts are best.
- Chicken (Cooked and Unseasoned): Often recommended by vets for puppies with an upset stomach. It’s easily digestible, high in protein, and low in fat. Always ensure it’s fully cooked and plain. Never feed cooked chicken bones, as they can splinter and cause severe internal damage.
- Eggs (Cooked and Unseasoned): An excellent source of protein, vitamins (A, B, D, K), and minerals like selenium, calcium, and zinc. Cook eggs thoroughly to eliminate salmonella risk. Scrambled or hard-boiled eggs, plain and unseasoned, make a super healthy treat.
- Fish (Cooked and Unseasoned): Salmon and sardines are rich in protein and omega-3 fatty acids, crucial for brain and eye development in puppies. Sardines’ soft bones are a calcium boost, but for other fish, always remove all bones before feeding. Cook thoroughly and limit to small, occasional servings (no more than twice a week). For more detailed information about suitable meat, refer to our article on what meat should i never feed my dog.
- Turkey (Cooked and Unseasoned): Similar to chicken, turkey offers lean protein. Make sure it’s fully cooked, unseasoned, and free of skin, bones, and excessive fat.
- Plain Yogurt: Contains probiotics that can help support a healthy digestive system. However, some puppies may be lactose intolerant, so introduce a very small amount first and monitor for any digestive upset. Crucially, choose plain yogurt with no added sugar or artificial sweeteners, especially xylitol, which is highly toxic to dogs.
Grains
Some grains can be part of a bland diet or provide energy.
- White Rice (Cooked): Easy to digest, cooked white rice is often recommended for puppies experiencing an upset stomach or needing a bland diet. It can help firm up loose stools. Offer in small quantities, especially if your puppy has diabetes, as it can cause blood sugar spikes. Your vet can advise on appropriate amounts.
Nuts & Seeds
While some nuts are safe, caution is paramount.
- Peanuts (Unsalted) and Peanut Butter (Xylitol-Free): Unsalted peanuts are safe in moderation, offering good fats and protein. Peanut butter provides vitamins B and E, and fiber. The most important warning here is to ensure peanut butter contains absolutely NO XYLITOL, a common artificial sweetener that is highly toxic and potentially fatal to dogs. Always check the label carefully. Also, due to high fat content, offer in small amounts to avoid pancreatitis or weight gain.
A small dog looking at a bowl of healthy human foods suitable for puppies and dogs, including sliced apples, carrots, and blueberries.
Important Warnings: What to Avoid Feeding Your Puppy
Just as important as knowing what’s good for puppies is knowing what’s strictly off-limits. Many human foods are toxic or dangerous to puppies, including:
- Chocolate: Contains theobromine, highly toxic to dogs.
- Onions, Garlic, Chives, Leeks: Can cause red blood cell damage.
- Grapes and Raisins: Can cause kidney failure.
- Avocado: Contains persin, which can cause vomiting and diarrhea.
- Xylitol: An artificial sweetener found in many sugar-free products (gum, candies, peanut butter) – extremely toxic.
- Alcohol: Highly dangerous.
- Caffeine: Stimulant that can cause heart problems.
- Cooked Bones: Can splinter and cause internal damage.
- Excessive Salt: Can lead to sodium ion poisoning.
- Fatty Foods: Can cause pancreatitis.
- Macadamia Nuts: Can cause weakness, vomiting, and tremors.
- Yeast Dough: Can expand in the stomach and produce alcohol.
For more information on general human food suitability for dogs, you can explore what can you feed your dog human food. If you’re interested in boosting your puppy’s digestive health, our article on what high fiber foods can dogs eat offers additional insights.
Tips for Feeding Human Foods to Puppies
- Start Small and Gradually: Introduce new foods one at a time and in very tiny amounts to see how your puppy reacts.
- Proper Preparation: Always wash fruits and vegetables, remove all pits, seeds, rinds, and bones. Cook meats and fish thoroughly and serve plain. Cut everything into small, chewable pieces.
- Portion Control: Remember, these are treats! Keep quantities minimal to avoid upsetting their stomach or adding too many extra calories.
- No Seasonings: Avoid salt, sugar, spices, oils, or any other seasonings.
- Use as Training Rewards: Small pieces of safe human food can be highly motivating for training.
- Not a Meal Replacement: Your puppy’s primary diet should always be a high-quality, vet-recommended puppy food formulated for their specific needs.
When to Consult Your Vet
If your puppy accidentally ingests a toxic food, shows signs of an allergic reaction (itching, swelling), or exhibits any unusual symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, or loss of appetite after eating a new food, contact your veterinarian immediately. Early intervention is crucial. For specific guidance on feeding your very young puppy, check out our guide on what human food can 8 week old puppies eat.
Conclusion
Introducing safe human foods to your puppy’s diet can be a wonderful way to offer variety, provide extra nutrients, and strengthen your bond. From crunchy carrots that aid teething to antioxidant-rich blueberries, many healthy options exist. However, the responsibility lies with you, the pet parent, to understand the nuances of puppy nutrition and safety. Always prioritize preparation, moderation, and vigilance. When in doubt, always consult your veterinarian to ensure the best health and happiness for your new furry family member.
Reviewed By:
Dr. Kathy Wiederkehr (Wentworth), V.M.D.
Dr. Kathy Wiederkehr (Wentworth) is a highly experienced veterinarian with over two decades of practice in pet care facilities across California. She earned her V.M.D. from the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine and achieved board certification as a diplomate in Canine and Feline Practice by the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners in 2010. Dr. Wiederkehr’s expertise ensures that the information provided is accurate, reliable, and grounded in professional veterinary knowledge.
