13 Dog-Friendly Human Foods To Share With Your Dog (2024)

Credit: Photoby Camylla Battani on Unsplash

Dogshave probably been using their puppy dog eyes to get table scraps since theywere first domesticated. Sneaking your dog leftover foods may seem like a wayto show your affection, but it can also be more harmful that you’d think.

Nightlytable scraps can cause a dog to pack on unwanted pounds, potentially causingminor and severe health problems. Obesity in dogs can lead to arthritis in thehips from carrying extra weight or diabetes from excessive salt intake.

Also,dogs can have allergies, too. If your dogs are suffering from allergies, humanfoods might not for them. These commercial foodsin this suggestion can help lower your dog’s risk of developing an allergy ormanage your dog’s allergy symptoms.

However,that’s not to say you can’t feed your dog human food.

Thereare a surprising number of human foods that are not only safe for dogs but canalso help keep them healthy. However, there are just as many foods that shouldbe avoided because of their toxicity to dogs. Grapes and chocolate are the twofoods that dogs should never ingest. What kind of human food can be fed to dogswithout worry?

13 Dog-Friendly Human Foods

This infographic was made by CyberPet

Ifyou want to share food from your plant or use human food to supplement yourdog’s kibble, add these foods to your grocery list:

1.Blueberries

“Eatyour fruits and vegetables” is a refrain humans hear since the time they arekids. Transferring that mantra to your dog may seem like a healthy option.However, many fruits are high in sugar, which can do more harm than good toboth humans and canines.

Blueberriesare made from 85% water and contain less sugar than other fruits. They are alsofull of antioxidants that can help reduce inflammation from arthritis and otherailments.

2.Sweet Potatoes

Sweetpotatoes are easily digestible and help boost the immune system. They are fullof vitamins, including Vitamin A, which improves vision and helps build muscle.Many dog owners use sweet potatoes to keep a dog ‘regular’ and to preventconstipation due to their high fiber content.

Thesweet potatoes should be steamed or boiled. In general, the skin of the potatois safe for dogs to consume. However, too many sweet potatoes in your dog’sdiet can cause free-flowing diarrhea, so use it in moderation.

3.Chicken Breast

Chicken is lean meat rich in proteins that makes it a healthy choice for dogs or humans. The Omega 6 fatty acids can help your dog’s fur retain a shiny coat. Chicken and rice are a popular remedy for dogs who are recovering from an illness and need a healthy but bland diet.

Ifyou choose to make your own dog food at home, chicken could be the mainingredient. However, the chicken must be cooked or broiled. Raw chicken shouldnever be consumed by people or dogs.

4.Peanut Butter

Peanutbutter is a great snack that dogs love and something that keeps them occupied.The tasty treat is full of healthy fats, proteins, and vitamins. However,reading the labels of store-bought peanut butter is extremely important. Somemanufacturers use Xylitol as a sugar replacement in the ingredients for peanutbutter.

Xylitolis extremely lethal to dogs. It can also be found in sugar-free gums. Raw,unsalted peanut butter is the best option for Fido.

5.Apples

Apples are high in fiber and dogs love the crunchy, sweet taste of the refreshing fruit. Apples do have higher sugar content than blueberries. So while apples are safe to eat, they should be given less often than blueberries.

Thestems and seeds must be removed before the fruit is consumed by the dog. Stemsand seeds can get stuck in a dog’s throat. The seeds also contain traces ofcyanide, making them bad for humans, too.

6.Green Beans

Green beans are amazingly healthy food for humans and dogs. The green veggie is high in protein, irons, and multiple healthy vitamins. Green beans are also low in calories. They are a great option to add to your dog’s bowl of kibble to supplement their diet and satiate their hunger.

Ashealthy as green beans are, the canned products sold in stores often have addedsalt that can contribute to diabetes. If using canned green beans, choose thebrands that stamp ‘no added salt’ on their products.

7.Beef Liver

Beefliver is rich in protein and iron that promote your dog’s energy levels andoverall health. The organ meat may seem like an odd choice, but dogs seem tolove it. It can be made into jerky and used as treats for your canine pal.

However,beef liver is high in Vitamin A. Consuming too much Vitamin A can cause toxicitythat may lead to bone issues. The beef liver must always be cooked before fedto the dog in moderation.

8. Sardines

Sardinesare rich in vitamins and Omega 3 that give dog’s their shiny coats. The small,oily fish can help strengthen a dog’s muscles. They are also low in salt andcan be added to your dog’s diet or used as snacks.

However,like green beans, canned sardines can have salt added. Always check the labelsbefore giving any food to your dog, even if it’s designed for canines.

9. Spinach

Spinachis another leafy green vegetable rich in vitamins. The antioxidants can helpboost your dog’s immune system. Spinach is also full of beta-carotene, whichcan contribute to your dog’s eye health.

10. Cooked Pumpkin

Cookedpumpkin is the go-to food every pet owner uses for a dog’s upset stomach. Thenatural fiber in the canned pumpkin helps slow the digestive system and hardenthe dog’s stools. However, the canned pumpkin used for pumpkin pies is too highin sugar and spices for dogs to ingest.

11. Eggs

Eggsare one of the best foods for dogs and humans. They are rich in proteins andhealthy fats that are turned into energy and muscles. Dogs can eat eggsscrambled or mixed into their kibble. Even the eggshells can be ground up foran extra boost of calcium.

12. Ground Turkey

Turkeyis another lean meat that is full of healthy proteins and nutrients. It canalso be a great alternative if your dog has an allergy to chicken or beef.Ground turkey can be converted by your dog’s body to muscle-building energy andboost digestion.

13.Carrots

If You’re Not Sure It’s Safe,Leave it on Your Plate

Many human foods can be added to your dog’s regular diet. However, their diet shouldinclude kibble or other dog-centric foods. A diet of solely human food doesn’tgive a dog the proper nutrients necessary for a healthy life.