I don’t think there is a dog parent alive who hasn’t slipped their pup a few bites of human food every once in a while. I can plead guilty!
I’d be a liar if I said that I didn’t treat Lady to a few bites of my dinner every once in a while, but there is a limit to how much human food dogs can indulge in, and more importantly, what kind of food we share with them.
I’ve thoroughly done my research and found that there are many healthy human foods for dogs that I’m happy to give Lady on special occasions. However, there are also foods that are poisonous to dogs and should be kept from them at all times.
Read on to find some of the most common and you’ll be well on your way to becoming a more responsible dog parent.
10 Healthy Human Foods for Dogs That You Need to Know About
1. Peanut Butter
Peanut butter is a tried and true ingredient in thousands of dog treat recipes, but a small fingerful straight from the jar can be a great snack for your pup. Many pet parents also use it to coerce their dog into taking medications by hiding pills into its thick, creamy goodness.
Peanut butter is packed with vitamins that boost the immune system, energy levels, circulation, and coat health. Plus, I don’t know a single dog that doesn’t enjoy a spoonful of peanut butter.
Of course, too much of it can be too much of a good thing! Like with most human dog treats, it’s important to monitor how much you feed your furry friend.
Too much peanut butter in your dog’s diet can lead to obesity and pancreatitis due to the high levels of sodium and sugar. If you allow them to have a spoonful of organic, creamy peanut butter every once in a while, they should be fine. They’ll also be eternally grateful!
2. Salmon
This is Lady’s favorite human food! Every time she smells it cooking, she’ll come running into the kitchen and circle my feet until I give her a bite. I’m always happy to oblige since it’s one of the best healthy human foods for dogs.
Salmon is recognized as a superfood for both people and dogs alike. It’s loaded with Omega-3 fatty acids that boost the immune system, reduce inflammation, and keep their coat healthy and shiny. Just make sure its thoroughly cooked, deboned, and unseasoned before sharing!
3. Eggs
Eggs are abundant in amino acids essential to protein production. Adding them to your dog’s diet can help build muscle make hair stronger. Plus, they’re a great source of calcium. Eggshells can be ground up and fed to dogs for added teeth and bone strength.
To avoid any digestive upsets or biotin deficiency, stick to feeding your pooch fully-cooked eggs twice a week maximum.
4. Chicken
Another one of Lady’s favorites, chicken is a fantastic source of lean protein and Vitamin B. It’s also a common ingredient for commercial dog kibble recipes.
The amino acids and vitamins found in high-quality chicken can boost your pet’s immune system health, making it easier for them to fight off infections and illness. It can also be given to your pet as an additive to their regular food or a temporary meal replacement.
*Quick Note* It’s EXTREMELY important to mention that you should never feed your dog chicken on the bone! The bones of chickens are extremely fragile, especially when they’re cooked. If swallowed, they pose a major choking hazard since they could splinter and break in your dog’s windpipe or digestive tract.
If your dog accidently consumes a chicken bone, don’t panic! Make sure your dog isn’t choking and call your veterinarian immediately. You can also monitor them for signs of sudden discomfort, vomiting, or internal bleeding.
Visit the American Kennel Club’s website to learn more about what to do in these emergency situations!
5. Pumpkin
If Lady is feeling constipated or isn’t eating normally, I’ll give her a bit of pumpkin to regulate her digestive system. This superfood boasts an ample number of vitamins and fiber, making it an ideal choice for pets suffering from diarrhea. The vitamins also improve the health of a dog’s urinary tract and assist with weight loss.
The best part? You’re dog is able to enjoy and benefit from almost every part of the pumpkin. The seeds can be ground up and sprinkled in food while the rest can be cooked and given to them directly.
I use pumpkin puree as an occasional treat or an ingredient in home-baked dog treats.
6. Coconut
The use of coconut for cooking, beauty treatments, and more has exponentially grown within the last few years. Since humans have reaped the benefits of this tasty and wholesome fruit, it only makes sense that animals should enjoy the same advantages.
A fatty acid known as lauric is abundant in coconuts. It is an easily digestible source of energy and helps dogs fight off infections and viruses such as ringworms, influenza, and Giardia.
Coconut oil is also very versatile and can be used as a topical treatment for skin issues or ingested for nutritional boost.
I like to add just a bit of coconut oil to Lady’s food twice a week, and she devours every single bite. My cats also enjoy a tiny spoonful of coconut oil every once in a while, and it’s great for them too.
7. Green Beans
Green beans are a very healthy snack for dogs! They’re loaded with vitamins and minerals that are vital for preventing blood clots and promoting a healthy blood composition. The high amounts of magnesium are also beneficial for the performance of your dog’s heart, lungs, and anything that involves movement.
If you want to feed your pup some green beans, be sure to introduce them in small amounts at first and leave them completely unseasoned.
8. Apples
During our travels, I like to carry a couple of apples with me as a snack for Lady and me. If sliced and removed of seeds, apples help to clean residue off a dog’s teeth and freshen their breath.
They’re also a fantastic source of fiber, Vitamin A, and Vitamin C. Since they don’t need to be cooked, they’re a simple, healthy, and refreshing treat for both humans and pooches.
9. Cottage Cheese
Typically, you should avoid feeding dairy products to your dog, but cottage cheese is one of the few that benefit their health. This bland treat is high in calcium and protein and makes the perfect snack for dogs rebounding from an upset stomach.
If your pet is sensitive to dairy, it’s best to avoid adding any kind of cheese to their diet.
10. Carrots
With low amounts of fat and calories, carrots are one of the best healthy human foods for dogs. The beta-carotene in carrots can improve a canine’s eyesight and immune system.
The vegetable is also a great choice for your dog’s dental health. Chewing a carrot removes plaque from a dog’s teeth. However, since they can be a little more difficult to digest, I recommend slightly boiling them first.
5 of the Worst Things to Feed Your Dog
While there are a plethora of healthy human foods for dogs, there are also just as many that you should avoid at all costs. Here are just some of the snacks you shouldn’t feed your dog, no matter how much they give you the puppy-dog eyes.
1. Chocolate
This is one of the most well-known no-no’s for dogs, and there’s a good reason for that! The delicious candy might be a treat for us, but the caffeine-like stimulants can cause a variety of health problems in dogs if consumed in large amounts.
Some of these include vomiting, diarrhea, irregular heartbeat, seizures, and death.
2. Avocado
Avocado is regarded as a superfood for humans, but for dogs, it’s anything but. The fruit, leaves, and seeds of an avocado contain a toxin called persin that can severely upset your pet’s stomach or cause breathing difficulties.
3. Grapes/Raisins
Many cases of kidney failure in canines have been attributed to the consumption of grapes or raisins. Scientists have yet to discover exactly what it is about grapes that cause this, but until then, keep that oatmeal raisin cookie to yourself!
4. Onions
Onions in any form (raw, cooked, powdered) have been known to cause gastrointestinal irritation in dogs. This can also lead to red blood cell damage and anemia. The same effects can also be traced to garlic, so avoid adding these foods to your dog’s diet.
5. Anything Containing Xylitol
If you enjoy candy and baked goods, your dog should enjoy them too, right? Wrong!
Many candies, cakes, and cookies contain an artificial sweetener known as xylitol. When consumed, it can cause your dog’s blood pressure to significantly drop or lead to liver failure. Earlier symptoms include vomiting and coordination problems, but these can quickly escalate to more severe issues like seizures within just a few days.
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If you plan on sharing some snacks with your pet during your travels or at home, always be 100% sure that what you’re feeding them is one of the healthy human foods for dogs.
If you ever have any doubts, be sure to double-check on the American Kennel Club website or call your veterinarian. That way, you and your pooch can indulge together while feeling good about it!
Keep your dogs healthy and happy during your travels with even more of our pet health and safety tips.
Need some inspiration for your next vacation? Check out some of our favorite dog-friendly destinations in America!
