What Human Foods Can Dogs Eat? Good Human Food Options

One of the joys of being a dog parent is seeing the reaction on your pup’s face when you give them a tasty new treat for the first time. You've probably offered them dog biscuits before, but have you ever wondered if they can have a helping of your own dinner? 

Before you share something from your plate with your furry friend, you’ll need to educate yourself on what you can and can’t offer your dog. Not everything that humans eat is safe for dogs. 

While foods like chicken and bananas are typically perfectly fine for a pup, other foods like chocolate or grapes can spell disaster. Even small amounts of the wrong type of food can cause gastric distress or, in the worst cases, a fatal reaction. 

Fortunately, with a little research, you can feel confident knowing which foods are okay to put in your pup’s food bowl. In today’s post, we’ll answer not only “What can dogs eat?” but we’ll give you a rundown of the ingredients they should avoid. 

Safe Human Foods for Dogs 

Let’s start with a quick reminder that high-quality commercial dog food provides a complete and balanced diet for your precious pooch. This means the kibble or wet food you give your dog has all the minerals and nutrients their body needs, as long as it’s vet-approved. 

In other words, there is no health-related reason that your dog needs to eat anything beyond traditional dog food. That said, we’ve all been the target of those notorious puppy dog eyes when we’ve been eating a steak dinner. In this instance, you’ve probably wondered whether it’s okay to share a bite of that T-bone with your dog. 

The truth is, many human foods are fine for them to eat, as long as it’s just a small amount. So what human food can dogs eat without being worried about toxins or upset stomachs?  

Lean Meats 

The first food group on our list is likely the one your dog goes crazy for. While that T-bone steak we mentioned earlier is likely to be too high in fat for a dog, lean meats (i.e., ones with a lower fat content) are great treat options when served in moderation. 

Some tasty options include: 

• Turkey 

• Chicken 

• White fish such as cod, flounder, and whiting 

All lean meats should be cooked to a safe internal temperature to reduce the risk of food poisoning or parasites. Additionally, remember to never feed your pup turkey or chicken bones. These can pose a danger since they can splinter into sharp pieces. Bone fragments can damage a canine’s esophagus, intestines, and other areas of the digestive tract. 

Vegetables 

Some of the most nutritious foods for humans also make incredibly healthy food for dogs! Those same vegetables your parents urged you to eat when you were young can make smart choices for dog treats. 

Try offering your pup one of the following as a treat:  

• Carrots 

• Broccoli 

• Green beans 

• Sweet potato 

• Celery 

• Beets 

There’s a caveat to including veggies in your dog’s diet. You might think they can eat as many safe vegetables as they want, but in truth, even these foods should be given sparingly. That’s because most are packed with fiber, too much of which can hurt your dog’s stomach or even cause constipation. 

Another thing to keep in mind is that you should only serve your pet plain vegetables. While a dog eating a bit of boiled potato is fine, dogs eating potatoes laden with milk, butter, and salt could experience heart problems over time from so much fat and sodium. 

Fruits 

Believe it or not, some dogs eat blueberries with just as much enthusiasm as they would eat a bone! If your pet goes wild for fruit, rest assured that there are plenty of fruits they can enjoy. Besides blueberries, they can sample small amounts of: 

• Apples 

• Bananas 

• Oranges 

• Watermelons 

• Cucumbers 

• Peaches 

• Pears 

Be sure to remove the skin of oranges and bananas just like you would if you were eating them yourself. The same applies for watermelon rinds. You’ll also need to remove any seeds, pits, or tough, pithy bits. For instance, as noted, dogs can eat apples as long as the core and seeds are removed first.  

Cooked Grains 

Is your dog a carb lover just like you? There are several grains your hungry pup can try as long as you keep serving sizes moderate. Some pet owners are hesitant to give their dogs grains because they’ve heard canines need grain-free diets. Contrary to recent marketing schemes, research indicates that removing grains completely from your dog’s food isn’t a good choice and can even lead to the development of heart issues. 

Some grain-based foods you can safely feed your pup include: 

• White rice 

• Pasta 

• Bread 

Again, these foods should be cooked and free of oils, butter, spices, etc. While you may find the thought unappealing, your dog will devour these “bland” grains without a second thought. 

Dairy Products (But Use with Caution) 

Just like humans, some dogs can’t consume dairy products without experiencing unpleasant side effects including gas, abdominal cramps, and even vomiting. If your dog isn’t lactose intolerant, it’s still important to minimize the amount of dairy they consume because dairy is typically high in fat. Too much fat can lead to your pet gaining an unhealthy amount of weight or developing pancreatitis.  

If you decide to give your dog dairy, try offering them yogurt or cheese. Any yogurt you give your dog should be free of added sugar as well as fake sugars like Xylitol, a common ingredient that is toxic for dogs. 

Also, avoid high-fat cheeses and instead opt for low-sodium cottage cheese or a bit of cheddar. If you’re unsure whether your dog can handle dairy products, make sure to introduce yogurt or cheese gradually and monitor their digestion. 

Human Foods for Dogs to Avoid 

As you can see, there are several options to satisfy even the pickiest of canine tastebuds! This range of snack choices makes treat time extra fun for both you and your ravenous pet. 

But don’t forget to consider an even more important question than “What human foods can dogs eat?”. Every dog owner should be knowledgeable about what foods are dangerous for dogs. Certain foods can be risky or even lethal for dogs, which means you need to be vigilant about keeping these ingredients out of reach. 

Some of the most common harmful foods found in kitchens include: 

• Grapes: This fruit contains tartaric acid which can cause renal failure in dogs. Keep in mind that raisins should be avoided for this same reason. 

• Cherries: Cherries are also taboo for your dog because their pits contain cyanide, a poisonous chemical. 

• Avocados: The persin in avocados can lead to canine heart congestion, though it’s rare for dogs. Besides fresh avocados, be on the lookout for avocado oil and guacamole within your dog’s reach. 

• Caffeine: While your morning cup of coffee may provide a pleasant boost to your day, caffeine can be fatal for dogs. Besides coffee, caffeine can be found in tea, energy drinks, and soda. 

• Chocolate: Chocolate contains not only caffeine but theobromine as well. This can cause heart problems and seizures in dogs. 

• Xylitol: As we mentioned earlier, Xylitol, an artificial sweetener, is toxic to canines. This ingredient pops up in many unexpected sources, including gum and baked goods. 

• Raw meat: Domesticated dogs are far removed from their wolf ancestors. Feeding them raw meat can introduce dangerous parasites and bacteria into their digestive systems. 

Unfortunately, there are many other foods that can make your pup sick. Check with an official animal poison control center like the one at ASPCA for a more exhaustive list. If you’re worried your dog has ingested something toxic, call the veterinarian right away. 

Feeding Guidelines for Human Food for Dogs 

Even so-called “good” food for dogs should be given sparingly. Think of human foods as special treats for your pup on top of their everyday dog food. While it’s tempting to give your pet table scraps, doing so can cause them harm over time. It can also lead to frustrating behaviors such as begging at the table or “table surfing” when your back is turned. 

Another thing to keep in mind is that some dogs are allergic to certain foods in much the same way as humans. For example, while most dogs tolerate bananas perfectly fine, your pet may have an adverse reaction to the fruit when they eat it. Consulting a veterinarian is the best way to determine what foods are safe for your particular pet. 

What Can Dogs Eat and Emergency Vet Visits 

Even the most careful pet owners can't always predict when an unexpected health issue might arise. Accidents happen. Sometimes dogs get onto the counter and grab that turkey bone before you can stop them. Or, you may have forgotten that it's blueberries that are good for dogs, not grapes, so it's off to the emergency vet you go. 

These unexpected incidents can quickly lead to significant veterinary costs. Feeding your dog human foods, even in moderation, can increase the risk of digestive upset, allergies, or more serious conditions. These issues can require costly veterinary visits, medications, or specialized treatments. 

Pet insurance for dogs can help alleviate this financial burden by reimbursing you for eligible veterinary expenses, such as surgeries, medications, and diagnostic tests. This can help you afford the best possible care for your furry friend, especially in case of unexpected emergencies  

Exercise Caution When Giving Your Dog New Human Foods 

What foods can dogs eat from your kitchen pantry? In short, they can have many of the same foods we eat as long as they’re consumed in moderation. Too much of a good thing (yes, that includes fruits and vegetables!) can cause obesity or stomach discomfort. Large amounts of certain foods like turkey or dairy can also cause health problems over time if they’re packed with too much sodium or sugar. 

Keep in mind that as much as your sweet Marley or Coco might try to convince you otherwise, they don’t actually need any of the food from your plate. Dog food made with high-quality ingredients should be all their body needs on a daily basis. 

Pet owners that decide to share the occasional snack with their pet should do so cautiously. Always check the ingredients before offering your dog a bite of new food. When in doubt, ask a veterinarian whether a certain food is appropriate for canines. 

With a little caution, you can have fun introducing delicious new treats to your pet!