Bringing a new puppy home is an exciting time, filled with cuddles, playtime, and the joy of watching your little companion grow. As a responsible pet parent, ensuring your puppy receives proper nutrition is paramount for their health and development. While high-quality puppy kibble forms the cornerstone of their diet, you might wonder about supplementing with healthy human foods. Knowing what human foods are safe and beneficial for your young dog can be a great way to offer variety and enhance their diet. This guide will help you navigate the world of safe human foods, focusing on what to give to your puppy to eat, and how to do so responsibly. For a broader understanding of suitable human foods for canines, explore our article on what is good for dogs to eat human food.
Foundational Principles for Feeding Your Puppy
Before introducing any new foods, it’s crucial to understand a few core principles when it comes to puppy nutrition. Puppies have delicate digestive systems and specific caloric needs to support their rapid growth. Their primary diet should always be a high-quality commercial puppy food formulated for their age and breed size. Human foods, when given, should be strictly as treats and in very small quantities, making up no more than 10% of their daily caloric intake. Always consult your veterinarian before making significant changes to your puppy’s diet, especially if they have any health conditions or sensitivities. It’s also vital to be aware of potential choking hazards and to prepare foods appropriately by cutting them into small, manageable pieces.
Safe Fruits for Your Growing Pup
Fruits can offer a burst of vitamins and antioxidants for your puppy, but always remember to prepare them correctly and offer them in moderation.
Apples
Fresh apples are a delightful, crunchy snack that can contribute to your puppy’s dental health by helping to remove plaque. They are a good source of vitamins A and C, as well as fiber, which is important for digestive health. Vitamin A supports the immune system, aids in bone growth, and promotes skin health, while vitamin C can reduce inflammation and boost immunity. Always remove the seeds and core, as apple seeds contain small amounts of cyanide. Cut apples into small, bite-sized pieces to prevent choking.
Bananas
Bananas are a soft, tasty treat that is particularly well-suited for puppies or older dogs with sensitive teeth. This fruit is packed with health benefits, including helping to reduce blood pressure and promoting overall heart health. Bananas are rich in fiber, folate (vitamin B9), lectin, potassium, tryptophan, and vitamin C. These nutrients contribute to healthy cell growth, improved blood sugar, fluid balance, and immune function. Give small slices as an occasional treat.
Blueberries
These tiny “superfruits” are a fantastic treat for both humans and puppies. Blueberries are a rich source of vitamins and antioxidants, like vitamins C, K, and A, which may reduce the likelihood of diseases and age-related issues as your puppy grows. They are small enough to be given whole to most puppies but can be mashed or halved for very young or small breeds.
Mango
This delicious tropical fruit is high in fiber and vitamins A, B6, C, and E, making it a fantastic sweet treat. However, always remove the large pit and the peel, as both could make your puppy sick or become a choking hazard. Too much mango could also cause stomach upset, so give this in very small, infrequent amounts.
Watermelon
Watermelon is a hydrating, refreshing treat, especially beneficial during warmer weather, as it’s a good source of vitamins A, C, and B6. Ensure you remove all seeds and the rind before offering watermelon to your puppy, as they can cause digestive upset or choking. Give small, seedless pieces.
A happy puppy enjoying a healthy snack
Wholesome Vegetables Puppies Can Enjoy
Vegetables provide essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber, adding a nutritious boost to your puppy’s diet.
Carrots
Carrots are an excellent treat for puppies. The crunchy texture can help remove plaque from their teeth, and the orange root vegetable is also a good source of vitamin A. Cold or frozen carrot pieces can be particularly helpful for teething puppies, providing something satisfying to chew on and easing discomfort. However, carrots can be a choking hazard for young dogs, so it’s crucial to cut them into small, manageable, coin-sized pieces to avoid any problems.
Cauliflower (Unseasoned)
Low in calories and packed with nutrients like fiber, antioxidants, folate, potassium, magnesium, and vitamins C, K, and B6, cauliflower can be a great occasional supplement to your puppy’s diet. Despite its benefits, cauliflower can cause gas, so keep this treat restricted to small amounts. It’s safe to share raw or cooked, but always ensure it’s unseasoned.
Celery
If you’re looking for a low-calorie treat, celery could be an option for your puppy. Celery is low in fat and a good source of fiber and vitamins A, C, and K. It’s also packed with folate, potassium, and manganese, which promotes healthy metabolism, and may even help freshen your puppy’s breath. Like carrots, celery can be a choking hazard due to its fibrous strings. Prevent problems by chopping the veggie into bite-sized pieces, especially for smaller puppies.
Cucumbers
Similar to celery, cucumbers are a low-calorie, sodium- and fat-free crunchy treat that many puppies enjoy. However, also like celery, this vegetable can be a choking hazard if given in large chunks, so be sure to cut them into bite-sized pieces for your four-legged family member.
Green Beans
Green beans are an excellent choice for puppies, especially those needing to watch their weight, as they are very low in calories and fat. This veggie is also a good source of fiber and vitamin C. You can offer your puppy cooked green beans or give them frozen beans for a crunchy, cooling snack. Ensure they are plain, without any added salt or seasonings.
Pumpkin
Pumpkin is a fantastic supplement to any puppy’s diet: it’s rich in nutritional value (vitamins A, C, and E, plus minerals like iron and potassium) and has high soluble fiber content, making it great for your puppy’s digestion and helping with tummy issues like diarrhea or constipation. It’s high in prebiotics, too, which support the digestive tract. Pumpkin is low in calories and can be an excellent addition to your puppy’s regular food. Always make sure that if you are buying canned pumpkin, it is 100% pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling with dangerous additives like xylitol or spices.
Proteins and Dairy: What’s Safe for Puppy Meals and Treats
When offering proteins or dairy, cooking and preparation are key to ensuring safety and digestibility for your puppy.
Beef (Cooked)
Beef is a nutritious protein source that has all of the essential amino acids, plus vital vitamins and minerals. If you choose to give your puppy beef, make sure it’s fully cooked to eliminate any bacteria, and choose lean cuts. Always serve it plain, without any seasonings, and cut into very small pieces.
Chicken (Cooked and Unseasoned)
Plain, boiled chicken is often recommended by vets for dogs with upset stomachs due to its easy digestibility, high protein, and low fat content. You can offer small amounts of cooked, unseasoned chicken as a treat or mixed with their kibble. Crucially, never give your puppy chicken bones (especially cooked ones) — they can splinter and cause severe damage to your puppy’s gastrointestinal (GI) tract.
Eggs (Cooked and Unseasoned)
Eggs are a powerhouse of protein and high in many vitamins, including A, B, D, and K. Other important nutrients include selenium, calcium, and zinc — all of which contribute to a super healthy treat. Make sure to cook them well, as raw eggs can contain salmonella and interfere with biotin absorption. Your puppy may enjoy a small piece of scrambled egg or a hard-boiled egg as an occasional compliment to their regular diet.
Fish (Cooked and Unseasoned)
Fish, especially salmon and sardines, are rich in protein and amino acids, while also being a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are great for a puppy’s brain development and coat health. An added benefit of sardines is that their soft bones offer a valuable boost of calcium and can sometimes be left in; otherwise, it’s important to remove all fish bones before feeding fish to your puppy. Always fully cook fish and limit your puppy’s intake to no more than one or two servings per week. Ensure it’s plain, without any seasonings or oils.
Turkey (Cooked and Unseasoned)
Like chicken, turkey is a good source of lean protein. If you offer turkey, be sure to remove the skin, bones, and any fatty pieces. Any turkey you give your puppy should be fully cooked and completely unseasoned. This is especially important around holidays when seasoned turkey might be prevalent. For a list of specific foods to avoid, you might find our article on what foods should you never feed a dog helpful.
Peanuts (Unsalted) and Peanut Butter
Unsalted peanuts are a safe nut for dogs to eat. They contain healthy fats and protein, but too much fat can lead to issues like weight gain or pancreatitis, especially in young puppies. Peanut butter has the added benefits of vitamins B and E, as well as fiber, all of which are good for cardiovascular and digestive health. Just make sure that the peanut butter doesn’t contain xylitol, a sugar substitute that is highly toxic to dogs. Always check the label carefully and offer only small amounts as a treat.
White Rice (Cooked)
Cooked white rice is often recommended for puppies needing a bland diet for a few days, particularly if they have an upset stomach. It’s easy to digest and helps firm up stool. However, since rice can cause a spike in blood sugar, puppies with diabetes should only eat small amounts, if any. Your vet can help you determine how much rice, if any, your puppy should consume.
Yogurt (Plain)
Some puppies, like some humans, have difficulty digesting dairy products due to lactose intolerance. However, plain yogurt can be a wonderfully healthy treat for your puppy, as the probiotics can help strengthen their digestive system. If you choose to offer yogurt, ensure it is plain, unsweetened, and contains live active cultures. Never give your puppy yogurt with any added sugar or artificial sweeteners, especially xylitol. Start with a very small amount to see how your puppy tolerates it.
Key Considerations and Warnings for Puppy Feeding
When introducing any new human food into your puppy’s diet, vigilance and moderation are paramount. Always cook all meats and fish thoroughly and ensure they are completely unseasoned. Avoid all spices, salt, and oils, as these can upset your puppy’s digestive system or be toxic. It’s crucial to watch for any signs of allergies or sensitivities, such as vomiting, diarrhea, itching, or lethargy, after introducing a new food. If you notice any adverse reactions, stop feeding that food immediately and contact your veterinarian.
Moderation is key; human foods should never replace their primary, balanced puppy food. Lastly, and most importantly, always consult your veterinarian before incorporating new foods, especially if your puppy has any existing health conditions or dietary restrictions. They can provide tailored advice to ensure your puppy receives the best possible nutrition.
Conclusion
Feeding your puppy a balanced diet is fundamental to their growth, health, and happiness. While their main nutrition should come from high-quality puppy food, judiciously chosen and prepared human foods can serve as nutritious treats and add variety to their palate. From crunchy carrots that aid teething to omega-rich fish that support brain development, the options are plentiful, provided you adhere to safety guidelines. Always prioritize proper preparation, offer foods in moderation, and stay vigilant for any adverse reactions. The most important step is always to discuss any dietary changes or additions with your veterinarian, who can offer expert guidance tailored to your puppy’s unique needs. By following these guidelines, you can ensure your furry friend enjoys a healthy, happy, and delicious start to life.
