Safe Human Foods for Dogs: A Guide for Dog Parents

Safe Human Foods for Dogs: A Guide for Dog Parents

Written by: Shama Hiregange

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Time to read 8 min

Dogs are omnivores, meaning they can consume both plant-based and animal proteins. However, their digestive systems are not the same as ours, and what is good for us may not be healthy for them.

While commercial dog food is specifically intended to fulfil your dog's nutritional requirements, certain human meals can be healthy when prepared correctly. Sharing healthy, safe meals with your dog can help you bond while providing them with a nice, nutritional treat. However, it's crucial to remember that moderation is key. Even the best foods might upset your dog's stomach and contribute to obesity.


Before sharing your next meal with your dog, remember these important guidelines:


  1. Moderation is Key: Even healthy human foods should only be fed as an infrequent treat, and not as part of your dog's regular diet.

  2. Avoid Toxic Foods: Some foods are toxic to dogs, including chocolate, grapes, and onions. Be sure to research any food before feeding it to your dog.

  3. Consult Your Veterinarian: If you’re ever unsure about a particular food or want to introduce a new treat to your dog’s diet, it’s always a good idea to check with your vet.

Now that we've covered how to approach sharing human food with our dogs, let's get into the details. The following are some of the most common human meals that are safe for dogs, as well as suggestions for serving them.

Healthy Dog Treats For Your Puppy

1. Carrots

As dog parents, we understand the importance of providing our dogs with healthy dog treats that also satisfy their natural chewing needs. Carrots for dogs are an excellent alternative. They are low in calories, making them an ideal choice for dogs that need to monitor their weight, and they are high in beta-carotene, which is converted to vitamin A in your dog's body. Vitamin A is essential to your dog's vision, skin health, and immune system.

Carrots for dogs are high in fiber, which helps with digestion. Most dogs enjoy the crisp texture, which can help clean their teeth. You can serve them raw or cooked, but make sure to cut them into bite-sized pieces to avoid choking, especially for tiny dogs.

2. Apples

We love apples, and it turns out that dogs do, too! Apples for dogs make an excellent snack because they are high in vitamins A and C as well as fibre. Vitamin A strengthens your dog's immune system and vision, while vitamin C improves their overall health and skin condition. Apples' fibre also helps intestinal health.

Before giving your dog an apple, always remove the seeds and core. Apple seeds contain cyanide, which is poisonous in large numbers. Cutting the apple into small, manageable slices allows your dog to consume the fruit securely.

3. Peanut butter

Peanut butter is one of our favourite dog treats. It's high in protein, healthy fats, and vitamins, and most dogs love it. However, it is critical to buy peanut butter that does not include xylitol, an artificial sweetener that is extremely hazardous to dogs. Choose natural, unsweetened peanut butter for dogs to keep your pup safe.

Peanut butter is also a great method to keep your dog enjoyed by stuffing puzzles or KONG toys. If you're providing it as a treat, serve it in moderation because it's high in calories.

4. Pumpkin

As dog parents, we frequently look for ways to improve our dogs' intestinal health. This is where pumpkin for dogs comes in. This nutrient-dense meal is high in fiber, which helps to regulate your dog's digestive tract. It can aid with constipation and diarrhea, making it an excellent food to keep on hand for any difficulty with digestion.

Pumpkin for dogs also contains vitamins A, C, and E, all of which are good for your dog's overall health. You can offer your dog canned pumpkin (without additional sweeteners or spices) or prepare fresh pumpkin yourself. Just be careful not to serve it in large quantities because too much fiber might induce intestinal distress.

5. Bananas

Bananas are an excellent dog snack since they are sweet, easy to digest, and high in potassium. Potassium regulates your dog's muscle function, while banana fiber aids digestion. Furthermore, bananas for dogs are an excellent low-calorie option for pooches who enjoy sweet treats.

Bananas for dogs are harmless, however, due to their high sugar content, they should be served in moderation. A few slices on occasion will suffice.

6. Blueberries

If you want a natural dog treat, blueberries are an excellent choice. These tiny, antioxidant-rich berries can help boost your dog's immune system and overall health. They also include plenty of fiber and vitamin C.


Blueberries for dogs are low in calories, making them an ideal training treat or quick snack. They can be served fresh, frozen, or combined with your dog's usual food. Just make sure you feed them in moderate amounts to avoid intestinal distress.

7. Rice and pasta

Sometimes, after a long day of play, your dog's stomach may want something soothing. Plain, cooked rice or pasta can be great options. White rice is gentle on your dog's stomach and is frequently advised by vets when a dog is healing from digestive problems. It's bland and soothing to the digestive tract.

Rice can be used with cooked chicken or plain pasta for an easy-to-digest supper. Just make sure not to include any butter, oils, or seasonings that may disturb your dog's stomach.

8. Chicken

Chicken for dogs is a lean protein that most dogs want. It contains a large amount of amino acids, which promote muscle health, and it is easy to digest. If your dog has a sensitive stomach or is recovering from illness, basic, cooked chicken is an excellent choice.

Always remove the bones, skin, and any seasoning because bones can splinter and cause choking or internal harm. If you're giving chicken to your dog as a treat, make sure it's thoroughly cooked and free of any extra oils, butter, or spices.

9. Sweet potatoes

Sweet potatoes are high in vitamins, fibre, and antioxidants, making them a great choice for dogs. Sweet potatoes' fibre promotes healthy digestion, while vitamins A and C improve your dog's skin health and immune system.

Sweet potatoes can be prepared or baked for dogs, but they should be basic, with no butter, salt, or spices added. Sweet potatoes are thick and high in calories; therefore, served in small, manageable servings.

10. Green beans

Green beans for dogs are a great low-calorie, nutritional food option. They contain fiber, vitamins A, C, and K, and are low in calories, making them ideal for dogs who are controlling their weight.

Green beans for dogs can be cooked, uncooked, or frozen; however, avoid canned green beans with extra salt. Green beans can also be mixed with other natural dog treats to create a balanced reward.

Dangerous Foods Dogs Should Never Eat

As dog parents, we must be aware of which foods are dangerous to our dogs as well as those that are safe. Here are some items you should never feed your dog:

1. Chocolates

Chocolate includes theobromine, which is poisonous to dogs. Even small doses can result in vomiting, diarrhoea, convulsions, and death.

2. Grapes and Raisins

Grapes and raisins can induce kidney failure in dogs, even in little quantities. Always keep these out of reach.

3. Onion and Garlic

Onions and Garlic for Dogs: Both onions and garlic include substances that might harm your dog's red blood cells, causing anaemia.

4. Alcohol

Alcohol is toxic to dogs and can result in vomiting, diarrhoea, difficulty breathing, seizures, and even death.

5. Avocado

Although avocado is beneficial for humans, it contains persin, which can cause vomiting and diarrhoea in dogs.

6. Macadamia nuts

Macadamia nuts are dangerous. These nuts are toxic to dogs, resulting in symptoms such as weakness, tremors, and vomiting.

7. Caffeine

Coffee, tea, and energy drinks contain caffeine, which is hazardous to dogs. It can result in restlessness, fast breathing, heart palpitations, and, in severe situations, seizures. To prevent poisoning, keep caffeinated products away from your dog.

8. Salt and salty foods

Excess salt can induce toxicity in dogs, resulting in symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhoea, increased thirst, and tremors. In severe cases, it can damage the kidneys. Avoid salty snacks like chips and pretzels, and keep them out of your dog's reach.

What Should You Do If Your Dog Eats Dangerous Food?

If your dog has taken potentially dangerous food, the best course of action is to contact your veterinarian or an emergency animal clinic right away. They can help diagnose the situation, induce vomiting if necessary, and administer therapy as needed. Many poisons can be neutralized if therapy is given quickly.

Wrapping Up: The right foods can help keep your dog happy and healthy

As dog parents, we all want to reward our fur babies with tasty treats, but we must do it responsibly. Many human meals are absolutely healthy for dogs and can even benefit their health if fed correctly. Carrots, apples, bananas, chicken, and sweet potatoes for dogs are just a few of the safe foods you can offer your canine companion.

Always give human foods in moderation and avoid foods that are dangerous or toxic to dogs, such as chocolate and grapes, xylitol. When in doubt, check with your veterinarian before introducing new items into your dog's diet.

By following these rules, you can provide your dog with safe, nutritious, and delicious natural dog treats while keeping them happy, healthy, and safe!

FAQs

1. Can dogs eat eggs?

Yes, dogs can consume cooked eggs, which are rich in protein and important nutrients. Serve them scrambled or cooked with no spice. Avoid raw eggs due to salmonella risks and possible biotin deficiency. Serve eggs in moderation as a treat, not as a meal replacement. Consult your vet if your dog has an egg allergy.

2. Can dogs get peanut butter every day?

Peanut butter is a safe, occasional treat for dogs that contains protein and healthy fats. However, it is high in calories, so consume in moderation. Always check that the peanut butter does not contain xylitol, a harmful artificial sweetener for dogs. To keep your pet healthy, stick with natural, unsweetened varieties.

3. Can dogs drink milk?

Small amounts of milk are healthy for most dogs, although many are lactose intolerant, which can cause intestinal troubles. If your dog shows discomfort, avoid milk and try lactose-free options. Serve in moderation to avoid weight gain.


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