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40 Vet-Reviewed Human Foods That Dogs Can Eat Safely

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By Nicole Cosgrove

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Vet approved

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Reviewed & Fact-Checked By

Dr. Paola Cuevas

MVZ (Veterinarian)

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

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It’s one of the simple joys of owning a dog: feeding them the same food that you’re currently eating. However, you have to be careful with what you give your pup, as some human foods can be toxic for canines.

That’s not what this list is about, though. This list is a celebration of all the human foods that are safe for dogs that you probably already have in your house. Let’s dive in!

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The 40 Human Foods That Dogs Can Eat Safely

Vegetables

1. Carrots

Carrots aren’t just for Bugs Bunny—they’re fantastic for your dog too. It doesn’t matter if you feed them to your pup raw or cooked; they’re full of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Since dogs can convert beta carotene to vitamin A, this veggie is great for their eye health.

Carrots are also low in calories, so you can feed them to your pup without worrying about exceeding their daily allowance. That said, it is always best to start with less. This versatile veggie can be offered shredded, puréed, or even whole, allowing for plenty of variety.

diced-carrots-on-a-wooden-table
Image Credit: itor, Shutterstock

2. Green Peas

Peas are excellent for dogs, as they have beta carotene, B vitamins, zinc, iron, and potassium. They’re also surprisingly high in protein, though you should be aware that dogs don’t get as many of their necessary nutrients from plant proteins as they do from animal proteins.

Just make sure peas are given in moderation. Canine diets that use high amounts of peas as a source of protein have been linked to the potential development of heart issues.1


3. Celery

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


4. 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 it’s mostly water. You can feed your pup quite a few without any adverse effects on their waistline.

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


5. 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.

diced-zucchini
Image Credit: Marisa_Sias, Pixabay

6. Mushrooms

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


7. Asparagus

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


8. Spinach

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

It’s unlikely that your dog will eat spinach on its own, but you may have more luck if you mix cooked spinach with their kibble. It’s worth a shot, anyway! One vital thing to consider is moderation. Spinach is nutritious but high in oxalates, so it’s not recommended for dogs with bladder stones or urinary problems.


9. Pumpkin

If your dog is ever backed up, adding pumpkin to their diet could clear things up in a big way. It’s full of fiber and adds heft to their bowel movements, making them both more regular and easier to pass. You can offer it boiled by itself or mixed with their food, or you can even serve it canned as long as it is plain, with no salt or other additives. Organic is ideal if you can afford it.

pumpkin-on-the-wooden-table
Image Credit: Regesha Iryna, Shutterstock

10. Green Beans

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

Serve them plain and unsalted to your pup. It’s also best to cut them up first so your dog won’t choke on them.

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Fruits

11. Apples

Full of antioxidants, apples are wonderful treats for your pet. Many dogs love how sweet they are, so you shouldn’t have to work too hard to get your pup to wolf them down.

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


12. Bananas

Bananas are packed with magnesium, which is good for a dog’s bone health. They’re full of sugar, though, so you don’t want to give your dog too many. They’re also full of potassium, biotin, and fiber, all of which are necessary for your dog’s health.

sliced-bananas
Image Credit: Nanette Dreyer, Shutterstock

13. Cherries

Pitted cherries are other fruits that dogs can eat, but there’s not much reason to let them do so. Cherry pits are extremely toxic, as they contain cyanide (plus, they’re choking hazards). That said, pitted cherries, whether dried or fresh, can safely be offered to your pup.


14. Oranges

Many dogs like the taste of oranges, but that’s because they’re 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. While dogs normally do not need vitamin C supplementation because they can synthesize their own, immunocompromised or sick dogs can benefit from it. The fruit’s antioxidant properties and moisture content make offering your pup a segment or two of a peeled orange a great treat option, especially on a hot day.


15. Peaches

Peaches contain a fair amount of fiber and a great deal of sugar, so serve them sparingly. Don’t let your dog get a hold of the pit either, as it can cause a life-threatening intestinal blockage or be a choking hazard. It’s fine if you wish to share a slice of peach with your pup, but just be mindful of the risks.


16. Blackberries

As a so-called superfood, blackberries have just about every vitamin and mineral that you can think of, as well as an impressive array of antioxidants. They’re also full of fiber. Don’t give your dog more than a few per day, though.

blackberries-in-the-bowl
Image Credit: Liliya Liutsko, Shutterstock

17. 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 haven’t been proven yet, but coconut meat and oil are both safe for dogs.

Don’t give them more than a tiny bit, though, as it’s incredibly high in fat.


18. Mangoes

If used as an occasional reward, mangoes can be excellent for canines. They’re full of fiber and have important vitamins and minerals. Just peel them first and be sure to remove the pit. Also, while delicious, mangoes are high in fructose, so moderation is key.


19. Blueberries

Blueberries are considered a superfood due to all the vitamins and antioxidants that they contain, and they’re also packed with fiber. If you can convince your pup to eat them, you can feed them as many as they’ll take.

They’re especially good for senior dogs, as they can improve certain age-related conditions.


20. Watermelon

If you want a sweet treat for your pup, watermelon is a good choice. Since it’s so full of moisture, it’s fantastic for dehydrated dogs. It also has vitamins C and B-6, beta carotene, and an antioxidant called Lycopene that can help protect them from free radical damage at a cellular level.

Don’t give them the seeds, though, as these contain cyanide and oxalates. Also, remove the rinds first. While they’re not toxic, they can cause an upset stomach, giving you quite a mess to clean up.

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Protein

21. Chicken

Chicken is a fantastic lean meat that’s high in protein. Canines love it too, so it makes a wonderful reward for when your pup has been an especially good dog.

If you’re going to serve your dog chicken, though, it’s best to serve it plain. It doesn’t much matter how you prepare it, but it’s best if you don’t add any condiments or seasonings. Your dog won’t miss them—and they certainly won’t miss the salt and other additives inside them.

Never give your dog cooked chicken bones, as they can break into sharp pieces and injure or perforate the dog’s mouth or digestive system.

shredded-chicken-meat-in-the-bowl
Image Credit: stephyleyva, Shutterstock

22. Eggs

The next time that you get up and make yourself breakfast, consider frying up an egg for your dog too. Eggs are full of protein and great options to add to your dog’s meals. Avoid giving your pup raw eggs, though, as they can carry Salmonella. It is always best to fully cook eggs unless you have in-shell pasteurized ones. You can also mix a boiled, scrambled, or pan-fried egg (with no oil, butter, or salt) with kibble to entice a picky dog.


23. Pork

Just like chicken, pork is full of protein, so it’s great for helping your dog build muscle. However, it’s a fatty meat, so only serve it to your pet in moderation, as pork can cause them to become overweight and might even put them at risk of pancreatitis if they eat it in large quantities.

Don’t salt your pork before you serve it, and don’t give your pup bacon or processed ham, as those are both full of sodium.


24. Salmon

Cooked salmon is one of the best foods that a dog (or a person) can eat. It’s a great source of protein and stuffed to the gills with omega-3 fatty acids in the form of EPA and DHA. These antioxidants do everything from fighting inflammation to improving skin quality.

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


25. Turkey

Much like chicken, cooked turkey is safe and healthy for dogs. It’s high in protein and is excellent for your pet. That’s why it’s included in so many kibbles.

Don’t give your dog deli meat, however, as it’s loaded with sodium. Also, if the turkey has any fat on it, cut it off first. Too much fat may put your pet at risk of pancreatitis. Avoid giving your dog a cooked turkey bone, as it can break into dangerous sharp pieces.

chopped-turkey-on-the-table
Image Credit: BW Folsom, Shutterstock

26. Shrimp

Shrimp is good because it’s low in fat and calories yet high in protein. It also has phosphorus and vitamin B-12. Always ensure that it is cooked and that you remove the shell and tail.

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Other

27. Peanut Butter

It’s incredibly rare to find a dog that doesn’t 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 dogs—in moderation. It’s full of protein and healthy fats, and it also has vitamins B and E. Buy a version that doesn’t have added sugar, though, and make absolutely certain that it doesn’t contain xylitol, which is toxic for pups.


28. White Rice

White rice doesn’t necessarily have much in the way of nutrients for your dog, but it’s extremely easy for dogs to digest. As a result, it’s often prescribed for animals with upset stomachs, especially when paired with plain, boiled chicken.

It has a fair amount of carbohydrates, though, so you should only serve it in moderation, and it should be avoided for dogs with diabetes.


29. Dairy

You have to give it to them in moderation, but a little bit of dairy is fine for your dog to eat—assuming that they’re not lactose intolerant, of course. Whether it’s 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 it’s full of probiotics that are wonderful for your dog’s digestive tract. You can even freeze it and use it as a treat on a hot day.


30. Plain Popcorn

No, your dog can’t have the good stuff, so don’t offer them anything that’s coated in salt, oil, and butter. However, plain popcorn is full of zinc, magnesium, and phosphorus, all of which are beneficial for any dog’s diet.

Be sure they don’t get any kernels, though, as those can crack their teeth or cause digestive issues. To avoid this, feed them a piece of popcorn one at a time, and put the bag safely out of reach, as many dogs can choke themselves trying to eat it.

Corgi-asking-for-popcorn_HappyKristy_Shutterstock
Image Credit: HappyKristy, Shutterstock

31. Sweet Potato

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


32. Cooked Potatoes

Don’t ever feed your dog raw or green potatoes, as these contain a toxic substance called solanine. It’s perfectly fine to share baked or boiled potatoes, as they’re a healthy carbohydrate source, but avoid oily and salty french fries.


33. Corn

Corn gets a bad rap because it’s 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.


34. Oatmeal

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


35. Cashews

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

cashew-nuts-on-the-table
Image Credit: AkhilKokani, Pixabay

36. Soy

Soy is an ingredient that’s often demonized because it is one of the investigated pet food ingredients with a potential link to DCM. However, as long as it is not overserved and the dog also has access to animal-derived protein, soy is safe for them to eat.


37. Bread

Unless it has raisins or other toxic ingredients in it, bread is perfectly safe for dogs to consume. It’s full of empty carbs, though, and it doesn’t offer much in the way of nutritional benefit.

There’s one time that bread can come in handy, however. If your dog has eaten something that they shouldn’t—especially something that could puncture their digestive tract—feeding them several slices of bread could provide a protective barrier against puncture wounds until they pass it. Only do this with permission from your vet, though.


38. Honey

Honey is great for dogs with a sore throat, as it is soothing. It is also good as a quick source of energy and provides various vitamins and minerals. Don’t give your dog more than a spoonful or two, though, as it’s full of sugar.

Manuka honey is the best variety and can even be used topically to help small wounds or injuries heal.


39. Goat’s Milk

Goat’s milk is a great source of protein and fats, and since it contains less lactose than cow’s milk, it can be easier for dogs to digest. You should still only serve it in moderation, such as a spoonful or two, to add interest to your dog’s meals or as a treat, but it’s a better choice for pups than traditional moo juice.


40. Greek Yogurt

Greek yogurt is a great source of protein, but the best thing about it is that it is rich in probiotics. Adding a spoonful to your pup’s plate can help them have better digestion, as it benefits their gut microbiome.

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Conclusion

While all the foods on this list are safe to give to your dog in some amount, that doesn’t mean you should only give these to your pet. They can simply enjoy a few nutritional benefits from the addition of dog-safe fruits and vegetables to their diet.

The fact is that your pup’s food is already designed to provide them with all the nutritional support that they need, and healthy fruits and vegetables can give them additional antioxidants and nutrients. Unless your dog is on a prescription diet, natural protein sources are also a great way to add to their nutrition. So, go ahead and share some of your dinners with your dog—provided that all the food on your plate is listed here.

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

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