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We share our hearts and homes with our d0gs. Surely there is nothing wrong with sharing our favorite people foods with our dogs too, right? Not necessarily.
In This Article
Many of the foods, such as fruits and vegetables, that people digest just fine can wreak havoc on a dog’s body, causing severe health problems. On the other hand, some of the foods people eat can be introduced to a dog’s diet just fine, and even provide health benefits such as joint strength, better breath, and allergy immunity.
Human Foods Dogs Can Eat
Here are some common human foods that are generally safe for dogs to eat:
Bread
Small amounts of plain bread won’t hurt your dog, as long as it contains no spices and definitely no raisins. However, it won’t provide any health benefits. It has no nutritional value and can really pack on the carbohydrates and calories, just like in people. Homemade breads are a better option than store-bought, as bread from the grocery store typically contains unnecessary preservatives, but it’s best to avoid it altogether.
Cashews
Cashews are OK for dogs, but only feed a few at a time. They’ve got calcium, magnesium, antioxidants, and proteins. However, while these nuts contain less fat than others, too many can lead to weight gain. A few cashews make a nice treat, but only if they’re unsalted.
Cheese
Dogs can eat cheese in small to moderate quantities. As long as your dog isn’t lactose intolerant, which is rare, but possible, cheese can be a great treat. Many kinds of cheese can be high in fat, so go for lower-fat varieties like cottage cheese or mozzarella. Many dogs also enjoy their very own dog-specific Himalayan dog chew made of dried cheese.
Coconut
This funky fruit contains lauric acid, which can help combat bacteria and viruses. Coconut can also help with bad breath and clearing up skin conditions like hot spots, flea allergies, and itchy skin. Coconut milk and coconut oil are safe for dogs, too. Just be sure to keep the furry outside of the shell away from your dog, since it can get lodged in their throat.
Corn
Corn is one of the most common ingredients in most dog foods. However, the cob can be hard for a dog to digest and may cause an intestinal blockage, so if you’re sharing some corn, make sure it is off the cob. You can also just opt for a squeaky corn toy instead!
Eggs
Eggs are safe for dogs as long as they are fully cooked. Cooked eggs are a wonderful source of protein and can help an upset stomach. However, eating raw egg whites can contribute to biotin deficiency, so be sure to cook the eggs all the way through before giving them to your pet.
Fish
Fish contains good fats and amino acids, giving your dog a nice health boost. Salmon and sardines are especially beneficial — salmon because it’s loaded with vitamins and protein, and sardines because they have soft, digestible bones for extra calcium. With the exception of sardines, be sure to pick out all the tiny bones, which can be tedious but is definitely necessary.
Never feed your dog uncooked or undercooked fish, only fully cooked and cooled, and limit your dog’s fish intake to no more than twice a week.
Ham
Ham is OK for dogs to eat, but certainly isn’t the healthiest for them. It’s high in sodium and fat, so while sharing a small piece is all right, it shouldn’t be a continuous habit.
Honey
Honey is packed with countless nutrients, such as vitamin A, potassium, calcium, magnesium, copper, and antioxidants. Feeding dogs small amounts of honey can help with allergies because it introduces small amounts of pollen to their systems, building up immunity to allergens in your area. In addition to consuming honey, the sticky spread can also be used as a topical treatment for burns and superficial cuts.
Milk
Dogs can have milk, but be cautious. Some dogs are lactose-intolerant and don’t digest milk well. While it’s OK for dogs to have a little milk, owners should be aware of the symptoms of lactose-intolerance and might want to stick to giving their dogs water.
Peanut Butter
Peanut butter can be an excellent source of protein for dogs. It contains heart-healthy fats, vitamins B and E and niacin. Raw, unsalted peanut butter is the healthiest option. Read the label carefully to be sure the peanut butter does not contain xylitol, a sugar substitute that can be toxic to dogs.
Peanuts
Unlike almonds, peanuts are safe for dogs to eat. They’re packed with good fats and proteins that can benefit your dog. Just be sure to give peanuts in moderation, as you don’t want your dog taking in too much fat, which can lead to pancreas issues. Also, avoid salted peanuts. Too much salt is hard for dogs to process.
Popcorn
Unsalted, unbuttered, air-popped popcorn is OK for your dog in moderation. It contains riboflavin and thiamine, both of which promote eye health and digestion, as well as small amounts of iron and protein. Be sure to pop the kernels all the way before giving them to your dog, as unpopped kernels could become a choking hazard.
Pork
Pork is a highly digestible protein, packed with amino acids, though it contains more calories per pound than other meats. It also may be less likely to cause an allergic reaction in some pets compared to other proteins.
Quinoa
You can now find quinoa in some high-quality dry dog foods. The strong nutritional profile of quinoa makes it a healthy alternative to corn, wheat, and soy — starches that are often used to make kibble.
Salmon
As mentioned above, fully cooked salmon is an excellent source of protein, good fats, and amino acids. It promotes joint and brain health and gives dog’s immune systems a nice boost. However, raw or undercooked salmon contains parasites that can make dogs very sick, causing vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, and, in extreme cases, even death. Be sure to cook salmon all the way through and the parasites should cook out.
Shrimp
A few shrimp every now and then is fine for your dog, but only if they’re fully cooked and the shell (including the tail, head, and legs) is removed completely. Shrimp are high in antioxidants, vitamin B-12, and phosphorus, but also low in fat, calories, and carbohydrates.
Tuna
Dogs can eat tuna, but only in small amounts. In moderation, cooked, fresh tuna is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, which promote heart and eye health. As for canned tuna, it contains small amounts of mercury and sodium, which should be avoided in excess. A little bit of canned tuna and tuna juice here and there is fine — prepared only in water, not oil — as long as it doesn’t contain any spices.
Turkey
Turkey is safe for dogs, but be sure to remove excess fat and skin from the meat. Don’t forget to check for bones. poultry bones can splinter during digestion, causing blockage or even tears in the intestines. Any meat with excessive salt, seasonings, onions, or garlic should not be fed.
Wheat or Grains
Dogs don’t have to be grain-free and it’s perfectly OK for them to have grains. In fact, grains like wheat and corn are great sources of protein, essential fatty acids, and fiber. If your dog has certain allergies, however, it might be best to avoid grains, but it truly depends on your dog. Ask your veterinarian for recommendations.
Yogurt
Plain yogurt is a perfectly acceptable snack for dogs. However, some dogs may have trouble digesting dairy products. If your dog can digest it, the active bacteria in yogurt can help strengthen the digestive system with probiotics. Plain yogurt is the best choice. Avoid any yogurts with added sugar, and skip all yogurt with artificial sweeteners.
Human Foods Dogs Can’t Eat
It’s essential to know which people foods are dangerous for dogs, as some can cause serious illness or even death. Always keep these foods away from your dog, and consult your veterinarian if you believe your dog may have eaten something toxic.
Almonds
Almonds may not necessarily be toxic to dogs like macadamia nuts are, but they can block the esophagus or even tear the windpipe if not chewed completely. Salted almonds are especially dangerous because they can increase water retention, which is potentially fatal to dogs prone to heart disease.
Chocolate
Dogs should never eat chocolate because it contains toxic substances called methylxanthines, which are stimulants that stop a dog’s metabolic process. Even just a little bit of chocolate, especially dark chocolate, can cause diarrhea and vomiting. A large amount can cause seizures, irregular heart function, and even death. Don’t have chocolate anywhere your dog may be able to access it. If your dog does ingest chocolate, contact a veterinarian or the Pet Poison Helpline as soon as possible.
Cinnamon
While cinnamon technically isn’t toxic to dogs, it’s probably best to avoid it. Cinnamon and its oils can irritate the inside of dogs’ mouths, making them uncomfortable and sick. It can lower a dog’s blood sugar too much. Cinnamon can also lead to diarrhea, vomiting, increased or decreased heart rate, and even liver disease. If they inhale it in powder form, cinnamon can cause difficulty breathing, coughing, and choking.
Garlic
Like onions, leeks, and chives, garlic is part of the Allium family, but it’s five times more toxic to dogs than the rest of the Allium plants. Garlic can create anemia in dogs, causing side effects such as pale gums, elevated heart rate, weakness, and collapse. Poisoning from garlic and onions may have delayed symptoms, so if you think your dog may have eaten some, monitor them for a few days, not just right after consumption.
Ice Cream
Ice cream contains lots of sugar so it’s best not to share with your dog. Also, some dogs have an intolerance to lactose. To avoid the milk altogether, freeze chunks of strawberries, raspberries, apples, or pineapples to give to your dog as a sweet, icy treat instead.
Macadamia Nuts
Macadamia nuts are one of the most poisonous foods for dogs. They can cause vomiting, increased body temperature, inability to walk, and lethargy. Even worse, they can affect the nervous system.
Tips for Feeding Dogs Human Food Safely
Before giving your dog the foods you crave, be mindful that even healthy foods fed in excess can lead to weight gain. Always choose a quality dog food as your dog’s main diet.
If you plan on feeding your dog any human foods, avoid adding any seasonings, salt, sugar, oil, or butter while preparing it. Be sure to cut any foods into small, bite-sized pieces to prevent choking.
Always introduce new foods one at a time and in small quantities until you know how your dog responds to it. If you have any questions or concerns about your dog’s diet, contact your veterinarian for guidance.