best human food diet for dogs

Human Foods Dogs Can Eat: Complete List

Its tempting to give dogs human snacks or a piece of meat, but is it safe? Can dogs eat human food? The short answer is yes, they can, but they cant eat ALL human foods.

Certain human foods can be harmful to our dogs, potentially even leading to poisoning and toxicity, which could be fatal. Well now discuss the human foods that dogs can eat and advise you on what foods you should avoid feeding your pooch.

What Human Foods Can Dogs Eat?

Dogs love human food, and they can often be seen begging by a kitchen table with those big doe eyes! Its tempting to give them some human food along with their doggy diet, but it can be confusing to know whats safe. The good news is that theres lots of safe human food that you can give your dog in moderation.

1. Lean Meats

When it comes to human food, lean meats are a good option to feed your dog. Meats such as turkey, chicken, and white fish are ideal as they are low in fat and less likely to aggravate your dogs tummy. All bones, fat, and skin should be removed from the meat before you feed it to your dog. These could potentially cause bowel obstructions (bones), and fatty foods may lead to a tummy upset or pancreatitis.

2. Fresh Vegetables

Vegetables are great human food for dogs as they are bursting with minerals and vitamins. Some may be fed raw (like carrots) but most vegetables are easier for dogs to digest if theyve been boiled or even better steamed. However, not all vegetables are ok to feed your dog.

Vegetables that are safe and nutritious for dogs include:

• Peas
• Carrots
• Broccoli
• Sweet potato
• Green beans
• Celery
• Butternut squash
• Spinach
• Beets

3. Fresh Fruits

Similar to vegetables, fresh fruits can also be a healthy nutritious treat for your dog. Fruits such as apples, bananas, blueberries, oranges, watermelon, and cucumber are all safe for your dog in moderation.

These can provide healthy alternatives to traditional doggie treats which tend to be high in fat, salt, and preservatives. Along with that, they contain plenty of vitamins and antioxidants. Antioxidants have been shown to have promising effects on the aging of dog brains and reduce cognitive dysfunction.

4. White Rice

Boiled white rice is a safe food to feed your dog. Its often recommended to feed with boiled chicken as a bland diet to treat a tummy upset. Ensure that its cooked thoroughly before serving and mix it in with your dogs diet or some plain chicken as a healthy, low-fat meal.

5. Other Foods

Foods such as pasta, potato, and bread arent poisonous or toxic to your dog. They may be fed to your dog in moderation, as they may be heavy on the tummy and hard to digest in large amounts.

There are many other human foods out there that arent poisonous or harmful to dogs. However, when deciding what human food to feed your dog, its easier and more straightforward to stick to the basics. Sticking to lean meats, fresh fruit, and vegetables (the ones mentioned) is the safest option.

Cautionary Foods Dogs Can Eat in Moderation

Some foods can be fed to dogs with caution, such as:

• Peanut butter -Some peanut butters contain a harmful sweetener called Xylitol which can be fatal to dogs.
• Tomatoes - Fresh, ripe tomatoes are relatively healthy for dogs and make a great snack. However the leaves, stems, and green parts of tomatoes can be toxic to dogs.

For this reason, unless youre very comfortable examining food labels, we recommend sticking to foods that we know are safe for dogs to eat.

Other foods to feed your dog with caution are foods that aren't healthy for us humans, too, for example processed fatty foods. Avoid feeding your dog any foods that are high in fat, salt, sugar, and preservatives.

Human Foods to Avoid

Although some human food is safe for dogs to eat, some foods are also harmful and should be avoided. These foods include some common fruits and vegetables along with foods that contain potentially toxic ingredients.

Foods to avoid include (but are not limited to):

• Cherries (and any fruit related to them)
• Onions
• Garlic
• Chives
• Leeks
• Chocolate
• Caffeine
• Macadamia nuts
• Alcohol
• Bones
• Fatty foods
• Xylitol (sweetener)
• Grapes and raisins
• Avocado

Care should be taken with feeding dogs dairy products. Small amounts of natural yogurt may be tolerated in dogs and provide good bacteria, but some dogs may develop diarrhea or vomiting after eating dairy products.

Raw meat is another potentially harmful human food as it can contain harmful bacteria if uncooked. Care needs to be taken with this and we advise you to research thoroughly and consult with your vet before you decide to feed raw meat to your dog.

What To Do If Your Dog Eats A Harmful Food

If you think your dog has eaten something harmful, you shouldnt delay in contacting your veterinarian. Depending on what your dog has eaten, your vet may decide to make them throw up to bring up the food or to do further tests (like blood work or x-rays). Its better to be safe than sorry.

Importance of a Healthy Balanced Diet

As weve discussed by now, there are some human foods that are safe and even nutritious for dogs to eat. However, dogs need a balanced diet and they should be fed a high-quality dog food that caters to all of their needs. Human food should be fed in moderation, as feeding too much human food along with their doggy diet could lead to obesity. If your dog has an underlying health condition (such as diabetes or chronic kidney disease) that needs specific food, consult with your vet first before feeding any different food.

In conclusion, dogs can enjoy human food along with us but there are certain foods that are harmful to them. Sticking to lean meats without bones or skin, vegetables like carrots and broccoli, and fruit such as bananas and blueberries are safe to feed in moderation. Avoid foods such as grapes, raisins, cherries, avocados, caffeine, and foods that have harmful additives. Human foods should be fed in moderation to prevent obesity and you should consult with your vet if your pet has an underlying health condition before feeding human foods.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can dogs eat human food?

Yes, they can but only in moderation. Stick to safe human foods such as lean turkey and chicken (with no bones), carrots, broccoli, and blueberries.

What vegetables can dogs eat?

Dogs can eat carrots, broccoli, green beans, sweet potato, celery, and beets.

What is the best human food for dogs?

Vegetables such as carrots and broccoli are safe to eat along with boiled chicken and white rice which can help upset tummies.

Is it safe for dogs to eat meat?

Yes but only when cooked and the bones, skin, and fat are removed. Avoid meats such as pork which can be salty. Lean turkey, chicken, and white fish are ideal.

40 Vet-Reviewed Human Foods That Dogs Can Eat Safely

The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research.

Learn more

Its one of the simple joys of owning a dog: feeding it the same food that youre currently eating. However, you have to be careful with what you give your pup, as some human foods can be toxic for dogs.

Thats not what this list is about, though. This list is a celebration of all the foods that you have in your house that you can safely share with your pup. Lets dive in!

The 40 Human Foods That Dogs Can Safely Eat

1. Carrots

Carrots arent just for Bugs Bunnytheyre fantastic for your dog as well. It doesnt matter if you feed them to your pooch raw or cooked; theyre full of vitamins, minerals, and fiber.

They dont have many calories either, so you can feed your dog as many carrots as theyll eat. Better still, they can help clean off plaque from your dogs teeth while they crunch on them. We do recommend peeling them first, though.

2. Chicken

Chicken is fantastic for dogs, as its lean meat thats high in protein. Dogs love it too, so it makes a wonderful reward for when your pup has been an especially good dog.

If youre going to serve your dog chicken, though, its best to serve it plain. It doesnt much matter how you prepare it, but its best if you dont add any condiments or seasonings. Your dog wont miss themand they certainly wont miss the salt and other additives inside them. Never give your dog cooked chicken bones as they can break into sharp pieces injuring or perforating their mouth or digestive system.

3. Apples

Full of antioxidants and vitamin C, apples are a wonderful treat for your pet. Many dogs love how sweet they are too, so you shouldnt have to work too hard to get your pooch to wolf them down.

Apples are a great source of fiber as well, so they can help keep your dog regular. Just dont feed them rotten apples, though, as those can lead to alcohol poisoning. Also, do not allow them to eat the seeds or stems!

4. Peanut Butter

Its incredibly rare to find a dog that doesnt love peanut butter. It makes a great training reward, or you can just smear some of it on a chew toy to keep your dog occupied for hours.

Luckily, peanut butter can be good for dogsin moderation. Its full of protein and healthy fats, and it also has vitamins B and E. Buy the stuff that doesnt have added sugar, though, and make absolutely certain that it doesnt contain xylitol, which is toxic for pups.

5. Eggs

The next time that you get up and make yourself breakfast, consider frying up an egg for your dog as well. Eggs are full of protein, and they also contain virtually every important vitamin and mineral.

Dont give your pooch raw eggs, though, as they could carry salmonella. You can also mix up a fried egg with your dogs kibble to entice a picky dog.

6. Pork

Just like chicken, pork is full of protein, so its great for helping your dog build lean muscle. However, its a fatty meat, so only serve it to your pet in moderation, as it can cause inflammation or pancreatitis in large quantities.

Dont salt your pork before you serve it, and dont give your pup bacon or processed ham, as those are both full of sodium.

7. Salmon

Cooked salmon is one of the best foods that a dog (or a person) can eat. Its lean, full of protein, and stuffed to the gills with omega fatty acids. These antioxidants do everything from fighting inflammation to improving skin quality.

Never give your dog raw fish, though. Raw salmon may contain a parasite that causes salmon poisoning disease, which can kill your pooch.

8. Blueberries

Blueberries are considered a superfood due to all the vitamins and antioxidants inside them, and theyre also packed with fiber. If you can convince your pup to eat them, you should feed them as many as theyll take.

Theyre especially good for senior dogs, as they can improve all manner of age-related conditions.

9. Cucumbers

Not every dog will eat a cucumber, but if yours will, it makes a great, low-calorie treat or reward for dogs that need to lose a little weight, as theyre mostly water. You can feed your pup quite a few without any adverse effects on their waistline.

They have their fair share of vitamins and minerals too. Theyre especially high in vitamin K, which can help prevent bleeding problems in dogs.

10. Watermelon

If you want a sweet treat for your pup, watermelon is a good choice. Since its so full of moisture, its fantastic for dehydrated dogs. It also has vitamins A, C, and B-6.

Dont give them the seeds, though, as those can cause an intestinal blockage. Also, remove the rinds first; while theyre not toxic, they can cause an upset stomach, giving you quite a mess to clean up.

11. Green Beans

Green beans are packed with calcium, iron, and vitamin K. You can give them to your pooch cooked or raw, and many dogs will gobble them right up.

Serve them to your pup plain and unsalted, and its best if you cut them up first so your dog wont choke on them.

12. Turkey

Much like chicken, cooked turkey is safe and healthy for dogs. Its high in protein and is excellent for your pet. Thats why its included in so many kibbles.

Dont give your dog deli meat, however, as its loaded with sodium. Also, if the turkey has any fat on it, cut it off first, as that can cause pancreatitis in large quantities. Avoid giving your dog a cooked turkey bone as it can break into dangerous sharp pieces.

13. White Rice

White rice doesnt necessarily have much in the way of nutrients for your dog, but its extremely easy for dogs to digest. As a result, its often prescribed for animals with upset stomachs, especially when paired with plain, boiled chicken.

It has a fair amount of sugar, though, so you should only serve it in moderation, its avoided in dogs with diabetes.

14. Dairy

You have to give it to them in moderation, but a little bit of dairy is fine for your dog to eatassuming that theyre not lactose intolerant, of course. Whether its a small piece of cheese or a teaspoon of plain yogurt, you can give it to your pup as a treat every now and then.

Yogurt is especially good, as its full of probiotics that are wonderful for your dogs digestive tract. You can even freeze it and use it as a treat on a hot day.

15. Bananas

Bananas are packed with magnesium, which is good for a dogs bone health. Theyre also full of sugar, so you dont want to give your dog too many. Theyre also full of potassium, biotin, and fiber, all of which are necessary for your dogs health.

16. Asparagus

Its a rare dog indeed that will accept asparagus as a treat, but if you can convince your pup to try this stinky vegetable, theyll enjoy tons of fiber as a result. Be sure to cook it first, though, as raw asparagus can wreak havoc on a dogs digestive tract.

17. Spinach

Whether cooked or raw, spinach is full of iron, vitamin K, and a variety of antioxidants. Its incredibly healthy for both you and your pup.

Its unlikely that your dog will eat spinach on its own, but you may have more luck if you mix cooked spinach in with their kibble. Its worth a shot, anyway.

18. Pumpkin

If your dog is ever backed up, adding pumpkin to their diet could clear things up in a big way. Its full of fiber and adds heft to their bowel movements, making them both more regular and easier to clean up (and possibly orange in color).

19. Plain Popcorn

No, your dog cant have the good stuff, so dont offer them anything thats coated in salt, oil, and butter. However, plain popcorn is full of zinc, magnesium, and phosphorous, all of which are important parts of any dogs diet.

Be sure they dont get any kernels, though, as those can crack teeth and cause intestinal blockages. Put the bag safely out of reach too, as many dogs can choke themselves trying to eat it.

20. Sweet Potato

It seems like sweet potato is in just about every high-end dog food these days and for good reason: Its packed with fiber, vitamins A and C, and potassium. Its used in place of grains in many kibbles, so it should help keep your dog full without causing digestive issues.

21. Green Peas

Peas are excellent for dogs, as they have tons of A and B vitamins, as well as zinc, iron, and potassium. Theyre also surprisingly high in protein, although be aware that dogs dont get all their necessary nutrients from plant proteins as they do from animal proteins. Just make sure peas are given in moderation, diets that use high amounts of peas as a source of protein in dogs diets have been linked to the potential development of heat issues in dogs.

22. Celery

Many people claim that celery is nutritionally uselessbut it is high in fiber and it is safe for your dog to eat.

23. Cooked Potatoes

Dont ever feed your dog raw or green potatoes, as those can kill them. Cooked potatoes, on the other hand, have plenty of vitamins C and B6, as well as iron.

24. Corn

Corn gets a bad rap because its used as a cheap filler in many commercial dog foods. As an occasional additive to a healthy kibble, though, corn can give your dog protein, linoleic acid, and fiber. Just feed it sparingly. Never give your dog corn on the cob as this represents a choking hazard.

25. Oatmeal

Oatmeal is gentle on a dogs stomach, making it a good option for a dog with tummy troubles. Its also a good substitute for wheat in gluten-intolerant pups.

26. Cashews

Cashews contain calcium, protein, magnesium, and a handful of important antioxidants. Many dogs love them, but you should only feed them sparingly, as theyre full of fat (not to mention the fact that theyre expensive).

27. Shrimp

Shrimp is good because its low in fat and calories yet high in protein. It also has phosphorous and vitamin B-12. On the downside, though, its loaded with cholesterol, so dont give your dog too much. Also, remove the tails first.

28. Soy

Soy is another ingredient thats often demonized because its used in cheap, low-quality kibbles. However, its safe for dogs to eatbut many dogs dont tolerate it well, so be sure to monitor your pup after feeding it to them.

29. Ice Cream

Most ice cream is safe for dogs to eat, but that doesnt mean they should. Its extremely high in fat and sugar, so dont give your pooch more than a taste. Also, check the ingredients to make sure there isnt anything toxic in theremany diet desserts use xylitol as a sweetener.

30. Bread

Unless it has raisins or other toxic ingredients in it, bread is perfectly safe for dogs to consume. Its full of empty carbs, though, and it doesnt offer much in the way of nutritional benefit.

Theres one time that bread can come in handy, however. If your dog has eaten something that they shouldntespecially something that could puncture their digestive tractfeeding them several slices of bread could provide a protective barrier against puncture wounds until they pass it.

31. Honey

Honey is great for allergy-prone dogs like Pit Bulls, as it helps animals build up a resistance to allergens. It also contains nearly every vitamin on the list, as well as calcium, copper, and potassium. Dont give your dog more than a spoonful or two, though, as its full of sugar.

Also, dont feed honey to puppies or animals with compromised immune systems.

32. Goats Milk

Goats milk has all the vitamins, minerals, and other good stuff that cows milk does, but its much easier for dogs to digest. You should still only serve it in moderation, but its a better choice for pups than traditional moo juice.

33. Zucchini

Whether cooked or raw, zucchini is a high-fiber, low-calorie treat for your pup. Many dogs will turn their noses up at it, but if yours will eat it, feel free to use it as a treat every now and then.

34. Peaches

Peaches are jam-packed with vitamin A, making them great for skin and coat health. They also contain a fair amount of fiberand a great deal of sugar, so serve them sparingly. Dont let your dog get ahold of the pit, either, as it can cause a life-threatening intestinal blockage or a choking hazard.

35. Blackberries

Another so-called superfood, blackberries have just about every vitamin and mineral that you can think of, as well as an impressive array of antioxidants. Theyre also full of fiber. Dont give your dog more than a few per day, though.

36. Coconut

Coconut and coconut oil have received a great deal of press in recent years for being fantastic for everything from fighting aging to benefiting skin and fur. Many of those health claims havent been proven yet, but coconut meat and oil are both safe for dogs. Dont give them more than a tiny bit, though, as its incredibly high in fat.

37. Mango

If used as an occasional reward, mangoes can be excellent for canines. Theyre full of fiber, and they have important vitamins and minerals. Just peel them first and be sure to remove the pit.

38. Mushrooms

Any store-bought mushroom should be safe for your dog to consume, although they may not see much benefit from it. Make sure its not combined with troublesome ingredients like garlic or onions, though, and never let your pup eat a mushroom that theyve found growing in the wild.

39. Cherries

Pitted cherries are another food that dogs can eat, but theres not much reason to let them do so. Cherry pits are extremely toxic, though, as they contain cyanide (plus, theyre choking hazards).

40. Oranges

Many dogs like the taste of oranges, but thats because theyre high in sugar. As a result, you should limit the amount that you feed your pup. Still, they have vitamins and minerals (especially vitamin C) and are low in calories, so they make great treats for overweight dogs.

Its Probably Best to Limit Your Dog to Their Own Food

While all the foods on this list are safe to give to your dog in some amount, that doesnt mean you shouldonly give this to your dog. Your dog can enjoy great health benefits from the addition of dog-safe fruits and vegetables to its diet.

The fact is that your pups food is already designed to give him all the nutritional support he needs, but healthy fruits and vegetables can give your dog additional healthy antioxidants and nutrients. So go ahead and share some of your dinners with your dogprovided all the food on your plate is listed above.

We truly hope that this article helped you determine what human foods dogs can eat!

Related Reads:

Featured Image credit: MPH Photos, Shutterstock