Do you love spoiling your dog with delicious human foods? Well, you’re not alone! Many dog owners enjoy giving their furry friends human foods, when they give you those puppy dog eyes.

But what human food is safe for dogs to eat? And which ones should be avoided? In this blog post, we will explore the topic of human foods for dogs.

Human Foods That Dogs Can and Can’t Eat

Dogs are known for being food-motivated, which means they will pretty much eat anything they can get their paws on. Unfortunately, not all human food is safe for dogs to consume. Before sharing your next meal with your furry friend, it’s important to know which foods are safe and which ones to avoid.

So whether you’re looking to give your dog a special treat or just want to know more about what’s safe for them to eat, read on!

Human Foods for Dogs: Which Human Foods Are Safe for Dogs?

One of the most common questions we get asked is “Can dog eat this human food?” When it comes to human foods, there are a few things to keep in mind. First of all, not all human foods are safe for dogs to eat. Some foods can be toxic to dogs, and others may simply cause stomach upset.

It’s important to do your research and know which foods are safe for your dog to eat before you give them anything.

In general, the best human foods for dogs are ones that are high in protein and low in fat. Lean meats, such as chicken or turkey, are great options.

You can also give your dog cooked vegetables, such as carrots or green beans. If you’re looking for a healthy treat option, fruit is also a great choice.

Just be sure to avoid foods high in sugar or fat, as these can harm your dog’s health.

Which Human Foods Are Safe For Dogs? 

Our experts have compiled a list of safe human foods dogs can eat, so feel free to let your canine friend try them out.

1. Foods Rich in Protein 

Protein is an essential nutrient for dogs, and these foods are all great sources of it.

Just be sure to cook the meat before feeding it to your dog, as raw meat can contain bacteria that can make them sick.

• Chicken 
• Turkey
• Cooked Fish
• Cooked Eggs: Cooked eggs are safer for dogs to consume because any contaminating bacteria are killed. 
• Unsalted Peanut Butter
• Salmon
• Plain Greek Yogurt
• Cottage Cheese
• Peanut Butter

As you feed your dog these proteins, do so in moderate amounts as an occasional treat. Too much protein will stress your dog’s kidney and pancreas and may lead to health complications.

2. Cooked Vegetables

If you’re looking for a healthy treat for your dog, cooked vegetables are an excellent choice. Some great examples include:

• Carrots: Carrots are a safe and healthy food for dogs. They promote good dental health in dogs and are a great source of vitamin A.
• Cucumbers: The vegetable contains vitamin K and is a great low-calorie food for obese dogs.
• Green beans: As long as the green beans are not flavored, you can feed them to your dog when they’re raw or steamed. Garlic and onions are poisonous to dogs, so don’t fry the green beans.
• Canned Pumpkin: Canned pumpkin is an excellent source of fiber for dogs and can help with digestive issues. Dogs can safely eat pumpkin and it is often found in commercial dog foods.
• Sweet Potato: Sweet potatoes are an excellent source of vitamins A and C. They can be fed to dogs cooked or raw, but make sure they’re not salted or sugary.

3. Specific Fruits

Just like with vegetables, some fruits are better than others. Fruits are an excellent method to provide extra vitamins to your dogs while keeping them hydrated. Feel free to feed your dog the following raw fruits that are found in many dog foods:

• Apples: They provide vitamin A to dogs and improve their digestion.
• Watermelon: Your dog will stay hydrated and get vitamins C and B-6 from the fruit. Ensure you take out the seeds and don’t let your dog eat the rind. Click HERE for Frozen Coconut & Watermelon Dog Treats
• Bananas: The fruit is sweet and has magnesium, which keeps your dog’s bones strong and healthy. But don’t feed your dog bananas more than once a week due to the fruit’s high amounts of sugar.

4. Healthy Grains

These grains are healthy for a dog’s digestive system and are often found in many commercial dog foods.

• Brown or White Rice: Feeding your dog rice can help with an upset stomach. It’s also a good source of B vitamins, iron, and fiber.
• Oatmeal: Oatmeal is another food that can help with an upset stomach. It’s packed with soluble fiber, which makes it great for dogs with diarrhea.
• Quinoa: Quinoa is a grain that’s high in protein. It also has all nine essential amino acids, making it a complete protein source.
• Buckwheat: Buckwheat is another complete protein source and is rich in fiber. Buckwheat is a gluten-free source of fiber that helps maintain your dog’s digestive health, especially for dogs with GI problems. It also aids in the treatment of diabetes by slowing the release of glucose from the body. It’s an excellent substitute for dogs who are allergic to wheat.

If you’re ever unsure about a certain human food, it’s best to consult with your veterinarian before feeding it to your dog. They’ll be able to tell you if the food is safe for dogs and how much of it you should feed them. Remember, moderation is key when it comes to human foods for dogs!

Which Human Foods Are Dangerous For Dogs?

When it comes to human food dogs can eat, you must remember that not all are safe for dogs to eat. Some can be toxic to them, while others may simply cause stomach upset.

Human foods that are dangerous for your dog include:

1. Foods That Are High in Fat

High-fat foods can cause your dog to develop pancreatitis, which is a serious inflammation of the pancreas. Pancreatitis can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, and anorexia.

To prevent obesity and pancreatitis and an upset stomach, avoid feeding your dog foods with a lot of fat, such as:

• Pork
• Bacon
• Ham
• Butter
• Cooked Bones
• Fat trimmings
• Gravy

2. Chocolate and Caffeine

No matter how much you love your dog, don’t let them steal a bite of your chocolate. Chocolates have theobromine which dogs can’t digest. Excess consumption can cause seizures and sometimes death. If your dog eats chocolate, you should call a vet right away.

3. Toxic Fruits For Dogs

Some fruits are good for dogs, but that doesn’t mean all fruits are. Some poisonous fruits for your dog are:

• Raisins and grapes. Both fruits are toxic to the canine and may cause kidney failure.
• Citrus fruits such as lemons and oranges cause stomach upsets.
• Cherries. Their leaves and stems have cyanide which is poisonous to dogs. The fruit can block your dog’s intestines and digestive tract if swallowed whole.
• Avocado. The fruit contains persin, which causes diarrhea and vomiting in dogs.

4. Salty Foods

Foods with too much salt are not good for dogs as they can cause excessive thirst, urination, and sodium ion poisoning. Some salty foods to avoid feeding your dog are:

• Chips: They’re high in fat and salt.
• Pretzels: Like chips, pretzels are also high in salt. Too much salt can make your dog severely dehydrated.
• Popcorn: The kernels can get stuck in your dog’s teeth and cause gum infections.

Salty foods can also cause vomiting and diarrhea. If you think your dog has eaten something poisonous, call a vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.

When in doubt, it’s always best to check with your veterinarian before giving your dog any human foods.

Making Homemade Dog Food

If you want to get creative, you can make homemade dog food. This way, you’ll know exactly what ingredients are going into your dog’s food and can be sure they’re getting all the nutrients they need.

When making homemade dog food, be sure to include:

• Protein: You can use cooked chicken, turkey, fish, or eggs.
• Vegetables: Some safe vegetables for dogs include carrots, green beans, and cucumbers.
• Fruits: Apples and bananas are both excellent fruits to include in homemade dog food.
• Carbs: You can use cooked rice, pasta, or oatmeal as carbs in homemade dog food. Just be sure to avoid foods that are high in fat, sugar, and salt.

Making homemade dog food is a great way to ensure your dog is getting all the nutrients they need. Plus, it’s a fun activity you can do together with your family!

Final Thoughts

So there you have it! These are just a few of the best human foods for dogs. Before giving your dog any new foods, remember to research and check with your vet.

Most importantly, have fun spoiling your furry friend! They deserve it!

Do you have a favorite human food that you like to give your dog? Let us know in the comments below!

Speaking of dog food, isn’t this acrylic dog bowl set cute?

Acrylic Feeder Stand with 2 Set Removable Stainless Steel and Glass Bowls

FAQS

Q: What foods are good for dogs?

Foods that are good for dogs include lean protein, vegetables, and specific fruits.

Q: What human foods are poisonous to dogs?

Chocolate, raisins and grapes, citrus fruits, cherries, and avocado are all poisonous to dogs.

Q: Can I make homemade dog food?

Yes, you can make homemade dog food. Just be sure to include protein, vegetables, and specific fruits. Avoid foods that are high in fat, sugar, and salt.

Q: What should I do if my dog eats chocolate?

If your dog eats chocolate, call a vet right away. Chocolate is poisonous to dogs.

Q: What is the best human food for dogs?

The best human food for dogs is lean protein, vegetables, and specific fruits. Avoid foods that are high in fat, sugar, and salt.

Q: Can I give my dog any fruit?

No, not all fruit is safe for dogs. Some poisonous fruits that can harm your dog are raisins and grapes, citrus fruits, cherries, and avocado.

Q. What foods can harm dogs and cause liver failure?

Foods that can harm dogs and cause liver failure include chocolate, raisins and grapes, citrus fruits, cherries, avocado, and fatty foods.

Q: How do I know if a human food is safe for my dog?

Before giving your dog any new foods, research the food and check with your vet to make sure it is safe for your dog.

Q: What should I do if my dog eats a poisonous fruit?

If your dog eats poisonous fruit, the first thing you should do is call your veterinarian. You will need to provide them with a list of the symptoms your dog is experiencing.

Based on this information, they will be able to determine whether or not your dog has ingested a poisonous substance and, if so, what course of treatment is necessary.

In some cases, you may be able to treat your dog at home with over-the-counter medication. However, in more severe cases, hospitalization may be required.

If you think your dog has eaten poisonous fruit, don’t delay in seeking medical attention. The sooner you get treatment, the better the outcome is likely to be.

Q: Can dogs eat bananas?

Yes, dogs can eat bananas. Bananas are a safe and healthy fruit for dogs.

Q. Can dogs eat corn?

Corn is a type of cereal grain that is popular in many processed foods. While corn is safe for humans to eat, it is not a natural food for dogs and can cause some health problems if fed to them on a regular basis.

Corn is high in sugar and carbohydrates, which can lead to weight gain and obesity in dogs.

Furthermore, if a dog consumes too much corn can cause digestive issues like gas and bloat. For these reasons, it is best to avoid feeding corn to your dog.