Human Foods Dogs Can Eat: What Foods Can You Share With Your Dog?

Who can resist the cute and curious eyes of a dog that wants a bite (or two, or more) of your hot dog or ice cream. Have you ever caught your dog devouring some of your food and then freaked out about it? Is it safe, are they going to be okay? Here is a list of human foods that are safe to share and enjoy together with your dog.

 

What Fruits Can I Give To My Dog?

Not all fruits are safe for dogs. When giving a fruit to your dog make sure to peel it off, remove the seeds and cut it in pieces that are safe for them to consume.   But, when it comes to human foods dogs can eat there are a few fruits that you can feed your best friend:

Bananas

Bananas are full of carbs and fibers that can be beneficial for your dog’s health. A peeled banana can be a great dog treat every now and then. Just make sure to peel it off. The peel isn’t toxic (so if you ever see your dog eating it don’t worry about it), but it is harder to digest – so avoid it to avoid tummy problems.

Apples

Another great source of vitamins, apples are full of vitamin C and vitamin A, as well as fibers that are good for your dog. An apple a day will keep your dog’s bad breath away, improving the dental health of your dog.

Pumpkin

While we are at good sources of fibers for your dogs, we can’t forget about pumpkin. It is also full with iron, magnesium and zinc. A teaspoon of pumpkin in your dog’s bowl can help greatly with the digestive tract, prevention and help in fighting parasites, as well as their coating. You can use canned pumpkin as many of us often do.

Watermelon

If you are giving your dog watermelon, make sure you remove the seeds first! Once you do so, watermelon is one of the human foods that your dog can enjoy. Just like with humans, watermelon is a good antioxidant for dogs. It is refreshing and yummy, and safe for dogs as long as you serve it properly, and of course in controlled portions.

Pineapple

Maybe not on pizza though. Pineapple is a great source of zinc, magnesium and calcium. However, this is one of the human foods for dogs that you want to serve fresh and not out of a can. Canned pineapple is swimming in sugar that the slices absorb, and too much sugar isn’t good for anyone – not even your dog.

 

What Vegetables Can I Give To My Dog?

Again, just as with fruits – not all vegetables are safe for dogs. Peel, remove seeds, serve in controlled portions.

Spinach

Spinach is one of the healthiest things a human can eat. It is good for dogs as well. We all know that spinach is full of all the healthy stuff – vitamins, minerals, fibers. Spinach is really good for your dog’s bones, as well as anemia as it is full of iron.

Sweet Potatoes

Another great source of vitamins and fibers that your dog can enjoy! A boiled sweet potato is a natural source of vitamin B, A and C, all great for digestion, vision and healthy bones.

Peas

If you want to make sure there’s a good level of potassium in your dog’s diet, peas are a great option.

Carrots

This is a great crunchy snack that will make your dog’s teeth stronger, and give  a lot of fibers to their nutrition. It is a great snack for your dog if he is a hungry boy on a diet. Just like with people!

 

Other Human Foods Your Dog Can Consume

Eggs

As long as eggs are cooked, they are safe for your dog to consume. They can be a great protein treat for your buddy.

Yogurt and Cheese

A source of calcium for both humans and dogs. Low fat yogurt and low fat cheese contain probiotics and calcium healthy for the bones and digestive system!

Rice

If you have a dog (or even a cat), for a while now, your vet has probably told you at least once to give your dog some boiled rice with chicken to help your dog with tummy aches. Add boiled carrots to it and he will be a happy boy!

The meat from your lunch or dinner

As long as it isn’t full of bones and too much salt, a well cooked meat that you just made for lunch or dinner will be a delight for your dog.

What Human Foods Should I Avoid Giving To My Dog?

Some of the things that can be dangerous for dogs are:

• raw eggs
• avocados
• peaches
• tomatoes
• garlic
• onions
• raisins
• grapes
• caffeine
• chocolate
• too much salt
• alcohol
• medicine
• candy
• coconut
• any other raw food, food that contains bones

 

When Feeding Your Dog Human Foods, Remember:

You can find a lot of the foods on the lists as ingredients in the food that you buy for your dog. However, remember that dogs don’t need a plate full of pumpkin or a plate full of rice just like you sometimes do. When it comes to feeding your dog human foods, remember that it comes in moderation. To them, a tablespoon of mashed sweet potatoes or just a few slices of apple are enough.

Just because these foods are listed as safe to eat, do not risk feeding them to your dog if you know that he has health complications or digestion problems that require a certain diet. You know your dog better than anyone else out there, so you can estimate best what to give and what not to give to your dog.

The main thing that dogs need is proteins, and along with the rest of the vitamins and minerals needed – you can find all these elements in the dog food that you are buying. So, fruits and vegetables or anything else from the pantry that is safe to eat can not be a replacement to your dog’s food. It can only be an addition.

Now go and give him a treat! 🙂