25 Human Foods That Are Safe for Dogs: A Complete Guide
Disclaimer
When your dog gives you those pleading eyes as you prepare your meal, it's tempting to share your food. But which human foods are actually safe for dogs? While dogs have different nutritional needs than humans, many wholesome foods from our kitchens can be healthy, occasional treats for our canine companions.
In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore 25 human foods that are safe for dogs, including how to prepare them, appropriate serving sizes, and their potential health benefits. Remember that even safe foods should be given in moderation and as occasional treats rather than regular meal replacements.
Fruits Safe for Dogs
1. Apples
Apples are a crunchy, sweet treat that many dogs love. They're low in calories and high in fiber, vitamins A and C, and antioxidants.
How to serve: Remove the core, seeds, and stem (seeds contain small amounts of cyanide). Cut into bite-sized pieces or slices.
Benefits: Helps clean teeth, freshens breath, and provides dietary fiber. The skin contains additional nutrients and fiber.
Serving size: A few slices for small dogs, up to half an apple for larger breeds.
2. Blueberries
Blueberries are a superfood packed with antioxidants, fiber, and vitamins C and K.
How to serve: Wash thoroughly and serve fresh or frozen. Frozen blueberries make a refreshing summer treat.
Benefits: Support immune system health, improve night vision, and may help prevent cognitive decline in older dogs.
Serving size: A few berries for small dogs, up to 1/4 cup for larger breeds.
3. Strawberries
Strawberries are sweet, juicy treats that contain fiber, vitamin C, and an enzyme that can help whiten your dog's teeth.
How to serve: Wash thoroughly, remove the stem and leaves, and cut into appropriate sizes based on your dog's size.
Benefits: Contains antioxidants, fiber, and vitamins. The malic acid in strawberries can help keep teeth clean.
Serving size: One berry for small dogs, up to a few berries for larger breeds.
4. Watermelon
Watermelon is a hydrating treat that's perfect for hot days. It's mostly water but also contains vitamins A, B6, and C.
How to serve: Remove all seeds and rind, which can cause intestinal blockage. Cut the flesh into bite-sized cubes.
Benefits: Provides hydration, lycopene (an antioxidant), and vitamins with very few calories.
Serving size: A few small cubes for small dogs, up to a cup of cubes for larger breeds.
5. Bananas
Bananas are high in potassium, vitamins, biotin, fiber, and copper. They're also relatively high in sugar, so they should be given sparingly.
How to serve: Peel and slice into appropriate pieces. Some dogs enjoy frozen banana slices as a cool treat.
Benefits: Good source of potassium and vitamins. Can help with digestion due to fiber content.
Serving size: Small dogs: 2-3 small slices. Large dogs: half a banana.
Vegetables Safe for Dogs
6. Carrots
Carrots are crunchy, low-calorie treats that are excellent for dental health and high in fiber and beta-carotene.
How to serve: Raw or cooked, cut into sticks or rounds. For small dogs, grate carrots to prevent choking.
Benefits: Promotes dental health by reducing plaque, provides vitamin A for eye health, and offers a satisfying crunch.
Serving size: One baby carrot for small dogs, a few baby carrots or one full-sized carrot for larger breeds.
7. Green Beans
Green beans are nutritious, low-calorie vegetables that are high in fiber, vitamins K and C, and manganese.
How to serve: Fresh, steamed, or frozen (thawed). Avoid canned green beans with added salt.
Benefits: High fiber content helps dogs feel full, making them a good treat for dogs on weight management plans.
Serving size: A few green beans for small dogs, up to a handful for larger breeds.
8. Pumpkin
Plain, cooked pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling) is excellent for digestive health and can help with both diarrhea and constipation.
How to serve: Plain, cooked pumpkin or 100% canned pumpkin (not pie filling with spices and sugar).
Benefits: High in fiber and can help regulate bowel movements. Also contains vitamins A, E, and C.
Serving size: 1-2 teaspoons for small dogs, 1-2 tablespoons for larger breeds.
9. Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are nutritious root vegetables that are high in fiber, vitamins A, B6, and C, and minerals.
How to serve: Cooked and cooled, with the skin removed. Can be mashed or cut into small pieces.
Benefits: Excellent source of dietary fiber and beta-carotene. Supports digestive health and immune function.
Serving size: 1 teaspoon for small dogs, 1 tablespoon for larger breeds.
10. Cucumber
Cucumbers are a refreshing, hydrating treat with very few calories, making them excellent for overweight dogs.
How to serve: Washed and sliced into bite-sized pieces. Remove seeds for dogs with sensitive digestive systems.
Benefits: High water content helps with hydration. Contains vitamins K, C, and B1, along with potassium and magnesium.
Serving size: A few slices for small dogs, up to several slices for larger breeds.
Protein Sources Safe for Dogs
11. Cooked Chicken
Plain, cooked chicken is a lean protein source that most dogs find delicious.
How to serve: Boneless, skinless chicken breast, cooked thoroughly without seasonings, oils, or butter. Shred or cut into appropriate pieces.
Benefits: Excellent source of lean protein. Often used for dogs with sensitive stomachs or as a high-value training treat.
Serving size: A few small pieces for small dogs, up to a quarter cup for larger breeds.
12. Cooked Turkey
Plain, cooked turkey is another lean protein option similar to chicken.
How to serve: Boneless, skinless turkey breast, cooked thoroughly without seasonings. Avoid processed turkey products like deli meat, which contain salt and preservatives.
Benefits: High-quality protein source that's easily digestible for most dogs.
Serving size: A few small pieces for small dogs, up to a quarter cup for larger breeds.
13. Cooked Eggs
Eggs are a complete protein source containing all essential amino acids and many vitamins and minerals.
How to serve: Cooked thoroughly (scrambled, hard-boiled, etc.) without butter, oil, salt, or seasonings. Never feed raw eggs due to the risk of salmonella.
Benefits: Excellent source of protein, fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals. The shell, if ground to a powder, can be a source of calcium.
Serving size: Quarter to half an egg for small dogs, up to a whole egg for larger breeds, once or twice a week.
14. Cooked Salmon
Cooked salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which support skin, coat, and immune health.
How to serve: Thoroughly cooked, boneless salmon without added oils or seasonings. Never feed raw or undercooked salmon, which may contain parasites.
Benefits: Excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, which reduce inflammation and support brain, skin, and coat health.
Serving size: A small piece (about the size of a thumbnail) for small dogs, up to a 1-inch square for larger breeds.
15. Cooked Shrimp
Shrimp is low in fat, calories, and carbohydrates but high in protein, vitamins, and minerals.
How to serve: Cooked thoroughly, with the shell, tail, and vein removed. No butter, oil, or seasonings.
Benefits: Contains vitamin B12, niacin, phosphorus, and antioxidants. Low in fat and calories.
Serving size: One or two small shrimp for small dogs, a few medium shrimp for larger breeds.
Dairy and Grains Safe for Dogs
16. Plain Yogurt
Plain, unsweetened yogurt can be a good source of calcium and protein for dogs who tolerate dairy.
How to serve: Plain, unsweetened yogurt without artificial sweeteners (especially xylitol, which is toxic to dogs). Greek yogurt is particularly protein-rich.
Benefits: Contains probiotics that can support digestive health. Provides calcium and protein.
Serving size: 1 teaspoon for small dogs, 1 tablespoon for medium dogs, 2 tablespoons for large dogs.
17. Cheese (in moderation)
Cheese can be a high-value treat for training, but it's high in fat and some dogs are lactose intolerant.
How to serve: Small pieces of mild cheeses like cheddar, mozzarella, or cottage cheese. Avoid blue cheeses and those with added herbs or spices.
Benefits: Good source of calcium, protein, and vitamins A and B12. Cottage cheese is lower in fat than many other cheeses.
Serving size: A small cube (pea-sized) for small dogs, up to a few small cubes for larger breeds.
18. Cooked Oatmeal
Plain, cooked oatmeal is a good source of soluble fiber and can be beneficial for senior dogs or those with certain digestive issues.
How to serve: Cooked with water (not milk), without sugar or flavorings. Allow to cool before serving.
Benefits: Good source of soluble fiber, which can help regulate blood glucose levels and aid digestion.
Serving size: 1 tablespoon for small dogs, up to 1/4 cup for larger breeds.
19. Plain Cooked Rice
Plain, cooked white rice is easy to digest and often recommended for dogs with upset stomachs.
How to serve: Cooked thoroughly and cooled, without any seasonings, butter, or oil.
Benefits: Easily digestible carbohydrate that can help firm up loose stools. Often used as part of a bland diet for digestive issues.
Serving size: 1-2 tablespoons for small dogs, up to 1/4 cup for larger breeds.
Other Safe Foods for Dogs
20. Peanut Butter
Peanut butter is a popular treat that many dogs love, but it should be given in moderation due to its high fat content.
How to serve: Unsalted, unsweetened peanut butter without xylitol (which is toxic to dogs). Check the ingredients list carefully.
Benefits: Contains healthy fats, protein, vitamins B and E, and niacin.
Serving size: 1/2 teaspoon for small dogs, up to 1 tablespoon for larger breeds.
21. Coconut
Coconut meat in small amounts can be a healthy treat with potential benefits for skin conditions.
How to serve: Small pieces of raw coconut meat with the shell completely removed.
Benefits: Contains lauric acid, which can help combat bacteria and viruses and may help with inflammation.
Serving size: 1 teaspoon for small dogs, up to 1 tablespoon for larger breeds.
22. Honey
Honey in very small amounts can be a sweet treat with some potential health benefits.
How to serve: Raw, local honey is best. Due to its high sugar content, it should be given very sparingly.
Benefits: Contains antioxidants and may help with seasonal allergies if local honey is used. Has antibacterial properties.
Serving size: 1/2 teaspoon for small dogs, up to 1 teaspoon for larger breeds, occasionally.
23. Plain Popcorn
Plain, air-popped popcorn without butter, salt, or seasonings can be a low-calorie treat.
How to serve: Air-popped, completely plain, with all unpopped kernels removed to prevent choking.
Benefits: Contains minerals like magnesium, phosphorus, and zinc. Low in calories if air-popped and plain.
Serving size: A few pieces for small dogs, up to a small handful for larger breeds.
24. Pineapple
Fresh pineapple contains bromelain, an enzyme that can help with protein digestion.
How to serve: Fresh, raw pineapple with the tough outer skin and core removed. Cut into small, bite-sized pieces.
Benefits: Contains vitamins, minerals, and bromelain, which may help with digestion. Some believe it can deter dogs from eating their own feces.
Serving size: One or two small pieces for small dogs, up to a few chunks for larger breeds.
25. Kiwi
Kiwi fruit is high in vitamin C, potassium, and fiber.
How to serve: Peeled and cut into small pieces to prevent choking.
Benefits: Rich in vitamin C, potassium, and fiber. Contains antioxidants that support immune health.
Serving size: One small slice for small dogs, up to a few slices for larger breeds.
General Guidelines for Feeding Human Foods to Dogs
While the foods listed above are generally safe for most dogs, it's important to follow these guidelines:
1. Practice Moderation
Human foods should make up no more than 10% of your dog's daily caloric intake. The majority of their diet should come from complete and balanced dog food.
2. Introduce New Foods Gradually
Start with very small amounts of any new food to see how your dog reacts. Some dogs may have individual sensitivities even to foods that are generally considered safe.
3. Proper Preparation is Essential
Always prepare foods specifically for your dog:
- Remove seeds, pits, cores, and inedible skins
- Cook meats thoroughly to kill bacteria
- Avoid all seasonings, spices, salt, sugar, butter, and oils
- Cut foods into appropriate sizes to prevent choking
4. Know Which Foods to Avoid
Many common human foods are toxic to dogs, including:
- Chocolate and caffeine
- Grapes and raisins
- Onions, garlic, and chives
- Xylitol (artificial sweetener)
- Alcohol
- Macadamia nuts
- Raw/undercooked meat, eggs, or fish
- Salty foods
- Foods with high fat content
For a comprehensive list of foods to avoid, see our guide on toxic foods for dogs.
5. Consult Your Veterinarian
Before making any significant changes to your dog's diet, consult with your veterinarian, especially if your dog:
- Has existing health conditions
- Is on medication
- Has food allergies or sensitivities
- Is a puppy, senior, pregnant, or nursing
- Is overweight or underweight
Conclusion
Sharing safe human foods with your dog can be a wonderful way to add variety to their diet, provide additional nutrients, and strengthen your bond. However, it's crucial to do so responsibly, with knowledge of which foods are safe, proper preparation methods, and appropriate portion sizes.
Remember that every dog is unique, and what works well for one may not be suitable for another. Always observe your dog after introducing any new food and discontinue if you notice any adverse reactions.
By following the guidelines in this article and consulting with your veterinarian, you can safely share some of your healthy human foods with your canine companion as an occasional treat or supplement to their regular diet.
For more information on pet food safety, explore our detailed guides on safe and toxic foods for different pets.