Your dog is part of your family. You wouldn't feed your family just anything, would you? You want to find the healthiest, most nurturing foods so your dog can live their best life. It can be tricky to know the difference between safe human food for dogs and food dogs cannot eat, unfortunately.
Feeding your pup the wrong food can have disastrous consequences, as well. In worst-case scenarios, it can even be lethal. Understanding what human food can dogs eat and what foods can dogs not eat will help your dog stay happy, healthy, vibrant, and full of life for as long as possible - while enjoying nutritious, cost-effective treats.
To help you get started, here's what you need to know about feeding human food to dogs and puppies. We've put together a list of healthy, nutritious human food your dog will love and shared some tips for preparation. We also let you know what foods you should avoid. Finally, we share some tips on how to introduce human food into your dog's diet.
Why Knowing Safe and Unsafe Foods is Important for Dogs
Your dog brings the best of life's riches into your daily existence. Don't you want to do the same for them? Healthy human foods dogs can eat will keep them strong, healthy, full of energy, and looking like a million dollars.
Foods dogs cannot eat can leave them feeling sluggish and low-energy. It can make them sick to their stomach. It can even have lasting effects on your dog's health, causing nutritional imbalances and even allergies. In worst-case scenarios, toxic foods for dogs can even end their life.
Safe Human Foods for Dogs
Some overly-protective dog owners go overboard worrying about sharing human food with their pup. They think sharing snacks with their dog will either make them incorrigible beggars, break out in hives - or worse.
This is overly simplistic, though. There are all sorts of safe human foods for dogs that will actually improve their lives. Some human foods dogs can eat are some of the healthiest dog snacks around!
While incorporating safe human foods, consider supplementing with Nature’s Protection dry food to ensure your dog receives a balanced diet with all essential nutrients.
Fruits
Apples make a great healthy snack for dogs. They're an excellent source of Vitamins A & C and fiber. They even clean your pup's teeth and freshen their breath! Just make sure to remove the seeds and core before giving apple to your dog.
Bananas are also rich in vitamins and fiber as well as potassium, biotin, and copper. Bananas make great dog-friendly but remember to practice moderation, as they're rather high in sugar.
Blueberries are also an excellent source of Vitamin C and fiber. They're also packed with Vitamin K and antioxidants. Blueberries can even boost your dog's immune system, making them a great treat!
Watermelon is mostly water, so it's a great healthy snack for getting your dog to hydrate. It's also rich in Vitamins A, C, and B6. Just remember to remove the seeds and rind and you have an exceptional human food dogs can eat. Find out more on how to safely feed your dogs and pups watermelon in our complete guide.
Nature's Protection offers a range of nutritional pet supplements that complement these fruits, helping to enhance your dog's overall health and vitality.
Vegetables
Carrots are low in calories but high in fiber and vitamins. Like apples, carrots are a healthy snack that's good for your dog's dental health. They're also good for your dog's eyes due to the high amount of beta-carotene.
Green Beans are an excellent source of vitamins, fibers, and minerals. They can be served raw or cooked, which can help your pup maintain a healthy weight.
Broccoli is also high in Vitamin C and fiber. Like green beans, broccoli can be served raw or cooked. It should only be served in small amounts, though, and prepared without seasoning if cooked.
Sweet Potatoes are rich in Vitamins A, B6, C and fiber. They're easy on your dog's stomach, too, making sweet potatoes a great dog-friendly human food if they're having digestive issues. Sweet potatoes should be served cooked and mashed.
Proteins
White fish is a great way to add lead protein to your dog's diet, which means it's easily digestible and mellow on their stomach. It's also a great source of amino acids, which helps dogs to rebuild and repair muscle while helping them to feel energetic. These are a few of the reasons white fish is such a common ingredient in commercial dog food.
If you're preparing white fish for your dog, make sure it's cooked thoroughly to eliminate the risk of harmful bacteria being consumed by your pet. You have many different options on how to prepare the white fish, though. Baked, boiled, or grilled white fish are all safe for dogs to eat, provided they're cooked without spices. Remember to remove all bones before serving this healthy, delicious dish!
Protein is just the beginning of all the healthy goodness eggs can bring to your dog's diet. They also contribute Vitamins A, D, E, and B12 as well as riboflavin and folate. Eggs are also one of the best sources for essential fatty acids, which help keep your dog's skin and fur healthy and shiny.
Preparing eggs for your pup is similar to white fish. Make sure they're well-cooked with no seasoning. Beyond that, use your imagination!
Last but not least, fish is one of the best safe human foods for dogs. It's got all of the Vitamins D and B12 and protein of the other items on our list. Fish is also an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, which is not only good for your dog's skin and fur but also helps to reduce inflammation and promote a healthy heart.
When serving fish for dogs, make sure it's cooked thoroughly to kill bacteria or parasites. Make sure all bones have been removed before serving, also. Although you can prepare fish however you like for your dog, you might want to stick to baking, steaming, or grilling, as you want to avoid seasoning or anything fried.
For a complete protein intake, consider pairing these safe proteins with Nature's Protection's high-quality dog food, designed to support muscle development and energy levels.
Grains
Rice is a staple ingredient in many commercial dog foods, due to its nutritious content and being easy to digest. Both white and brown rice can be safely given to dogs, though they each offer slightly different benefits. White rice is often recommended for dogs experiencing digestive issues like diarrhea or an upset stomach, as it is gentle on the stomach and easy to digest. It can help firm up stools and provide a quick source of energy due to its high carbohydrate content.
Brown rice retains more of its natural nutrients, including fiber, vitamins, and minerals, on the other hand, as it's less processed than white rice. The higher fiber content is great for maintaining a healthy digestive system, promoting regular bowel movements, and helping to manage weight by keeping dogs feeling fuller for longer.
When preparing rice for your dog, it should be cooked thoroughly without any added seasonings or shortenings, as these can upset your dog's stomach or introduce unnecessary calories and fats. Just boil the rice in water until it's fluffy and soft, then mix it with your dog's regular food or serve it on its own as a bland meal if your dog is suffering from an upset stomach.
Oatmeal's another nutritious grain that can be a valuable addition to your dog's diet, especially if they're suffering from digestive issues or bowel irregularity. It's an excellent source of soluble fiber, which helps to regulate bowel movements while maintaining healthy gut function. This makes oatmeal especially good for dogs experiencing constipation or irregular stools. The fiber found in oatmeal can help manage blood sugar levels, as well, making it a good choice for dogs with diabetes or those at risk of developing the condition. Oatmeal is also a great source for essential nutrients lie iron, vitamin B6, and magnesium, which contributes to your dog's overall health and well-being.
If you're going to introduce oatmeal into your dog's diet, it's vital that it's cooked properly and served plain. Uncooked oats can be hard for dogs to digest, causing an upset stomach gastrointestinal discomfort. To prepare oatmeal properly, simply cook the oats in water until they're soft and fully expanded. Avoid adding any sweeteners, salt, milk, or flavorings, as these can be harmful to dogs. Once it's finished, oatmeal can be mixed with your dog's regular food or served as a standalone meal. It's also an excellent base for homemade dog treats, when combined with other safe ingredients like pureed pumpkin or peanut butter provided there's no xylitol.
Unsafe Human Foods for Dogs
While plenty of human food is safe for dogs, there's plenty that's not as well. Here are some human foods dogs cannot eat for you to avoid.
Chocolate
Chocolate is one of the most infamous toxic foods for dogs. It contains theobromine and caffeine, neither of which can be metabolized well by dogs. The darker and more bitter the chocolate, the more toxic it is for your pet. Eating chocolate can cause symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, rapid breathing, increased heart rate, or seizures. In severe cases, it can result in heart failure, coma, or even death. If your dog consumes chocolate, it's crucial to contact your veterinarian immediately.
Grapes and Raisins
Grapes and raisins can cause kidney failure in dogs, even in small amounts. It's not entirely clear why that is, but the effects are all too real. In worst case scenarios, it can even be lethal. Symptoms of grape or raisin toxicity can include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, abdominal pain, and decreased appetite. Dogs may experience decreased urine output and dehydration as the condition progresses, as well, which can result in kidney failure. Like with chocolate, it's important to contact your veterinarian as soon as possible if you've noticed your dog's eaten grapes or raisins to manage any symptoms and prevent long-term damage.
Onions and Garlic
Onions and garlic are especially deadly for dogs. Whether they're raw, cooked, or powdered they contain thiosulfates, which causes oxidative damage to a dog's red blood cells, resulting in hemolytic anemia. Symptoms of garlic or onion toxicity include weakness, lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, and breathlessness. Some severe cases can result in pale gums, increased heart rate, or even collapse. If you think your dog's consumed onions or garlic, contact your veterinarian immediately.
Avocado
Avocado contains persin, which is toxic to dogs. While the flesh of the avocado has lower levels of persin, the pit, skin, and leaves contain higher concentrations of the toxic substance. Ingesting these parts can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain in dogs. Avocado pits can be a choking hazard and can even cause intestinal blockage. Signs of avocado toxicity can include difficulty breathing and fluid accumulation around the heart. If your dog consumes avocado, prompt veterinary treatment will help to manage the symptoms and prevent complications.
Alcohol
Alcohol can be incredibly dangerous for dogs, even in small amounts. Ingesting alcohol can result in a range of symptoms, including vomiting, diarrhea, decreased coordination, central nervous system depression, difficulty breathing, tremors, abnormal blood acidity, and even coma or death. The severity of the symptoms depends on the size of the dog and how much alcohol is consumed. If you're worried, check with your vet and seek their advice.
Caffeine
Caffeine is toxic for dogs, so make sure to keep any caffeinated beverages out of your pup's reach. It affects their central nervous and respiratory systems. Symptoms of caffeine toxicity include restlessness, rapid breathing, heart palpitations, muscle tremors, and seizures. In severe cases, it can lead to cardiac arrhythmias and death.
Macadamia Nuts
Macademia nuts are highly toxic for dogs. They can cause severe issues even in small amounts. Symptoms of toxicity include weakness, vomiting, hyperthermia, and tremors. Dogs may also experience lethargy, muscle stiffness, and joint pain. They usually show up with 12 hours of ingestion and can last for up to 48 hours.
Xylitol
Xylitol is an artificial sweetener found in many sugar-free products, including gum, candies, baked goods, and some peanut butters. It causes a rapid release of insulin in dogs, resulting in hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). Symptoms of xylitol toxicity include vomiting, loss of coordination, lethargy, and seizures. In severe cases, it can cause liver failure and death. If your dog's consumed xylitol, contact your veterinarian as quickly as possible. Early intervention can quite literally be the difference between life and death.
How to Introduce New Foods to Your Dog
When you're introducing new foods into your dog's diet, it's important to do so gradually to avoid digestive issues and potential adverse reactions. Start by offering a small amount of the new food mixed into your dog’s regular food. Keep an eye on how your dog responds to the new addition for the next 24 hours, paying close attention to any signs of an upset stomach like vomiting, diarrhea, or changes in appetite. If no adverse reactions occur, it's safe to gradually increase the amount of the new food over the next several days.
Monitoring your dog for allergic reactions is vitally important during this period. Allergic reactions in dogs can include itching, swelling, skin rashes, ear infections, and gastrointestinal issues. If you see any of these, discontinue the new food immediately and consult your veterinarian for further guidance.
Gradually introducing new foods allows your dog’s digestive system to adjust. Sudden changes in diet can result in stomach upset and discomfort. Mixing the new food with your dog’s regular food will help to make the transition smoother and less stressful on your dog's digestive system - Nature's Protection's digestive health supplements can aid in the transition to new foods, ensuring your dog's digestive system adapts smoothly.
It's recommended you only introduce one new food at a time. This approach makes it easier to identify which food might be causing issues if your dog suffers an adverse reaction. Always check with your vet before making significant changes to your dog’s diet, especially if your dog has persistent health conditions or dietary requirements. Following these steps, you can safely expand your dog’s diet and provide a variety of nutritious foods that will leave your pup feeling happy, healthy, and energetic!
Creating a Balanced Diet for Your Dog
A balanced diet is necessary for maintaining your dog's overall health and well-being. Incorporating a variety of safe human foods into your dog's diet is an excellent way to deliver a balanced diet for your dog. Feeding your dog a range of foods ensures that they're receiving a broad spectrum of nutrients essential for their growth, energy, and bodily functions. Fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains all contribute to a well-rounded diet, providing vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber that commercial dog foods often lack. Nature’s Protection dry food provides a balanced foundation, ensuring your dog receives all necessary nutrients alongside safe human foods.
Moderation is key, however. You should use human foods to complement your dog’s regular diet while not exceeding 10% of their total intake. This helps prevent overfeeding while ensuring that your dog receives a balanced ratio of nutrients from their dry dog food, which is specifically formulated for a dog's daily dietary requirements. Overindulging in human foods can result in nutritional imbalances, causing potential health issues like obesity or digestive issues.
Ensuring a balanced diet for your dog involves providing the right proportions of protein, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. Proteins support muscle development and repair, fats provide energy and promote healthy skin and fur, and carbohydrates are a key source of energy. Vitamins and minerals are vital for various bodily functions, including immune support and bone health. By carefully selecting and balancing these nutrients, especially when paired with a good nutrition supplement, you can enhance your dog's diet without compromising their health.
Signs of Food Allergies in Dogs
Food allergies can show up in dogs in many different ways, so it's important to keep an eye out and know what you're looking for. One of the most common signs of a food allergy is persistent itching, often occurring around the face, ears, and paws. They may scratch excessively, lick their paws, or rub their faces against the furniture and carpets in an attempt to relieve the itchiness.
Gastrointestinal issues are another common symptom of food sensitivities in dogs. These may include vomiting, diarrhea, or gas, which can result in more serious issues like dehydration or weight loss if they're not treated. These symptoms can be intermittent or occur soon after eating, which can indicate a potential food allergy to a specific ingredient in their diet.
Respiratory issues can also be a food allergy, although less common. Coughing, sneezing, or difficulty breathing can all be symptoms of a food sensitivity, particularly in dogs with more severe allergic reactions. These can sometimes be mistaken for environmental allergies, so it's important to consider dietary causes if your dog's suffering from respiratory problems.
Skin problems are another clear sign of food allergies in dogs. Redness, swelling, or hives can show up on various parts of the body, leading to discomfort or even secondary infections as a result of excessive scratching or licking. Chronic ear infections and inflammation are also common signs of a dog with food allergies.
If you think your dog has a food allergy, it's crucial to check with your veterinarian for proper testing and dietary recommendations. They may suggest an elimination diet to help identify the allergen or they may prescribe allergy tests. Identifying and eliminating the allergen, helps to alleviate your dog's symptoms and improve their overall quality of life.
What to Do If Your Dog Eats Something Harmful
If your dog consumes a toxic food, immediate action is critical for minimizing potential harm. First and foremost, remain calm while assessing the situation. If possible, identify what your dog has ingested and estimate the quantity. This will be important information for the veterinarian.
If your dog eats something harmful, contact your veterinarian or an emergency animal clinic immediately. If your regular vet isn't available, contact a 24-hour urgent care for animals service. You can also call a pet poison helpline like the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center for expert advice. Provide them with as much detailed information about the toxic substance as you can, as well as any details about your dog's size, weight, age, and any symptoms they're exhibiting.
If you have to take your dog to the vet, bring along any packaging of the toxic substance. This will help your vet recommend an appropriate treatment.
FAQs
What human foods can dogs eat safely?
Dogs can safely eat a wide variety of human foods provided it's in moderation. Safe options include lean proteins, like cooked white fish, providing essential amino acids and nutrients. Fruits like apples (without seeds), bananas, and blueberries offer vitamins and antioxidants. Vegetables such as carrots, green beans, and broccoli are good sources of fiber and vitamins. Whole grains like rice or oatmeal can be great for dogs with digestive issues. Finally, cooked eggs are a great protein source. Always make sure the human foods you serve your dog are plain, without seasoning. Consult with your vet before introducing new foods into your dog's diet.
What foods are toxic to dogs?
Numerous human foods are toxic to dogs and should be avoided at all costs. Chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine, which causes serious health issues in dogs. Grapes and raisins can result in kidney failure. Onions and garlic, in any form, can damage red blood cells and cause anemia. Avocado contains persin, especially in their leaves, skin, and pits, which is harmful to dogs. Alcohol and caffeine are extremely dangerous and can cause severe health problems. Macadamia nuts can cause muscle tremors and weakness. Xylitol, a common artificial sweetener, can cause rapid insulin release, resulting in hypoglycemia and liver failure. Always keep these foods well out of your dog’s reach.
How should I introduce new foods to my dog?
Introduce new foods to your dog gradually by mixing small amounts with their regular food. Keep an eye out for any adverse reactions like vomiting, diarrhea, or persistent itching. Increase the amount slowly over several days if there aren't any issues. Make sure to consult your veterinarian before making significant dietary changes.
Can human foods be a main part of my dog’s diet?
Human food shouldn't be the main part of your dog's diet, as it could be missing vital nutrients for dogs. Human foods should complement your dog's diet. Consult with your veterinarian if you're thinking of introducing non-toxic human foods for dogs into your pet's diet.
What are the signs of food allergies in dogs?
Signs of food allergies in dogs include persistent itching, especially around the face, ears, and paws, gastrointestinal issues like vomiting and diarrhea, respiratory problems such as coughing or sneezing, and skin reactions like redness, swelling, and hives. Consult a veterinarian if you notice these symptoms.
Ensure Your Dog's Health with Safe and Nutritious Foods
Now that you've answered "what human food can dogs eat?" and "what foods can dogs not eat?", you know how to deliver a nutritious, balanced diet to keep your dog happy, healthy, and vibrant! Browse the rest of our site today to see more detailed guides, nutrition tips, and recipe ideas.
