If you want to share a meal with your pup, there are plenty of safe human foods you can feed them. Browse our list to check which foods are okay before using them as a treat.
The healthiest food for a pup is a dog food formulated specifically for them. But, if you want to share a snack with your four-legged companion or find a quick topper to add to their regularly scheduled kibble meal, you’ll be glad to know that there are a variety of human foods you can safely feed them.
Sweet potatoes are high in fiber and contain cancer-fighting antioxidants, making them a great occasional treat for dogs. That said, they should never be the bulk of a dog’s diet.
Your dog can eat small doses of seedless watermelon. Like lots of other fruits, it’s a great source of vitamins and can even provide your pup with a boost of hydration. While watermelon is healthy, it does contain sugar, which should always be consumed in moderation. In addition, be sure to keep the seeds and the rind away from your dog, both of which can cause intestinal blockages.
Deboned whitefish can be a great choice for a lean meat treat but give it sparingly. While it’s a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, it’s extremely rich in protein (more than chicken or turkey) and can cause GI upset if overfed.
This food is especially useful if your dog is recovering from tummy troubles. Cooked white rice is an easy-to-stomach meal that’s full of good carbs. Cooking white rice in a low-sodium chicken broth will also make it more palatable to your pup.
Whenever you choose to give your dog a treat or meal that isn’t their normal kibble, there are a few best practices to keep in mind. Below are some vet-approved tips to follow when giving your dog human food:
The best food for your dog is one that’s specially formulated for them. That said, there are some healthy human options, like apples, carrots, and bananas, that can be quite good for pups. Like all things, though, be sure to feed your pup human foods in moderation.
Not necessarily. An occasional treat like an apple or some fresh pumpkin spooned on top of their kibble can be a great healthy treat for Fido. That said, the vast majority of your pup’s daily calorie intake should come from dog food created with your pup’s health and nutritional requirements in mind.
A lot of human food isn’t healthy for pups because of the sodium and fat content. That said, there are some great, healthy options that both pets and people can enjoy, like certain fruits, vegetables, and even lean meats or fish. Just be sure to check with your veterinarian before making any changes to your dog’s daily diet. And when in doubt, opt for a dog treat instead.
Dogs can eat a variety of “people foods,” including sweet potatoes, cooked lean meats, bananas, apples, blueberries, and more. On occasion, foods such as these can be quite healthy and nourishing for pups. But keep in mind that many human-safe foods can be toxic to your pup, so always be sure to check with your veterinarian before giving your dog a snack.
Human foods should really only be an occasional treat for your dog. The fat and sodium content in many human foods can be dangerous to dogs, and pups that eat human food consistently have an increased risk of developing pancreatitis, obesity, and more. At the end of the day, “people food” is best for the humans of the house, and a vet-recommended kibble is best for your dog.
