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If the way to your dog’s heart is through her stomach, you undoubtedly love sharing snacks with your most loyal companion. While we love making our pups happy by showering them with treats, it’s even more important to keep them healthy and safe.
The good news is there are some foods that you and your four-legged friend can enjoy together and even benefit from. Although this list is by no means extensive, check out 13 of the healthiest “people foods” you can enjoy with your dog!
Nutritious Human Foods That Are Safe for Dogs
1. Peanut Butter
Peanut butter and dogs seem to be a classic combination! The creamy food can be given as a high-protein treat that’s also rich in healthy fats, but it’s still high in calories and should be given in moderation. Try filling a stuffable toy with the stuff to keep your pooch occupied — pop it in the freezer for a longer-lasting treat!
The biggest thing pet parents should look out for is xylitol in peanut butter. The artificial sweetener is often found in “sugar-free” foods, candy, and gum, and it can be deadly to dogs.
2. Chicken / Beef / Turkey
Poultry is a wonderful way to treat your dog to lean protein, and a bit of beef is good for them, too! The trick here is to ensure that it’s plain: no sauces, seasonings, marinades, etc. All these flavorings can contain excess amounts of sugar and salt that are not good for your dog, plus they can contain ingredients like onions that can actually be toxic to your dog.
If you don’t feel like getting in the kitchen, treat your dog to a safe poultry feast with Ollie! Their premium fresh dog food recipes use human-grade ingredients to deliver a delicious and balanced meal. Plus, Ollie sources all their beef, chicken, and turkey from reputable suppliers in the United States. And the chicken and turkey in their recipes are raised without added hormones, as required by the USDA. Let your pup try Ollie today and get 60% off your first box!
Most pups can also tolerate a little bit of pork, as long as it follows the “plain” rule, but for some, it’s still too rich. Other meats like rabbit, lamb, and duck are okay, too. However, pups should never be fed processed meat such as bacon, sausage, pepperoni, or any other kinds of deli meats. Carcinogenic ingredients and high-fat contents can lead to health problems down the road.
3. Cheese
(Note: some dogs are lactose intolerant, and dairy products should be given in small amounts.) Full of calcium and protein, cheese is a wonderful and tasty snack to treat your dog, as long as they can tolerate it. Mozzarella, cheddar, and cottage cheese are all good choices for your hungry hound — in moderation, of course.
4. Carrots
Crunchy, cold carrots are a favorite treat for many dogs, and luckily, they’re healthy to boot! They’ll give your pooch a dose of vitamin A, beta carotene, and fiber, plus they’re low in calories.
If your pooch is a fan of carrots, you’re in luck because there are plenty of other good-for-them veggies that they can try. Green beans, broccoli, spinach, Brussels sprouts, zucchini, and cucumbers are among other foods they can safely enjoy raw or steamed.
5. Plain Yogurt
As with cheese, lactose-intolerant dogs should stay away from this dairy-based snack. However, those that have no problems with it can get calcium, protein, and digestive cultures from plain yogurt. Anything that’s flavored will likely have too many ingredients and too much sugar.
6. Pumpkin
Again, the key to this treat is to keep it plain; steer clear of pumpkin pie filling, which is filled with spices and sugar. However, cooked canned or fresh pumpkin is very good for our pooches, is great for sensitive stomachs, and provides beta-carotene and fiber.
7. Eggs
Scrambled, sunny-side up, or hardboiled, our dogs love ’em! Eggs contain protein, riboflavin, selenium, fatty acids, and more. Their shell also contains calcium, so you can throw those crunchy pieces right into the scramble or chop up whole hardboiled eggs to treat your dog.
8. Salmon
This fish is another lean protein that your pooch may enjoy! The added benefit of salmon is omega-3 fatty acids, which help support immune system health, skin and coat health, and more. If you want to give your dog an added boost of omega fatty acids, consider adding an omega supplement to their diet.
9. Sweet Potatoes
Cooked, plain sweet potatoes are a wonderful addition to your dog’s diet and loaded with fiber, beta carotene, and vitamins B-6 and C. Plain cooked regular potatoes can also be a healthy snack for your dog, just know that they can be toxic when they’re raw since they’re members of the nightshade family. Don’t let your pup get into potato plants!
Instead, let them get into Ollie and enjoy the taste of real sweet potato! Ollie believes dogs need whole fresh foods in their diets to live their healthiest life. So, in addition to real meat, they craft their foods to contain fresh fruits and veggies, including sweet potato, to their list of high-quality ingredients. And thanks to their gentle cooking process, the meats and veggies in their recipes are minimally processed. That means when your pup eats their Ollie meal, they’ll taste that chunk of sweet potato and not some orange mush that’s been overcooked!
10. Apples
The flesh of an apple is a wonderful sweet treat for dogs, supplying them with vitamins A and C, plus some fiber. Make sure to cut the fruit into slices, and don’t let your dog eat the whole apple — the seeds in the core are toxic.
Other fruits that are both tasty and nutritionally beneficial are pears, watermelons, pineapples, mangos, and bananas. As with apples, keep stems, pits, and seeds far away from your pooch!
11. Blueberries
These little superfoods are filled with antioxidants, fiber, and phytochemicals, and most pups love ’em! Low in calories, they make perfect training treats, and you can even freeze them for a chilly treat. Your pup can also safely enjoy strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries. Just don’t overdo it on the latter two: they naturally contain xylitol, so consuming large amounts can be problematic.
12. Oatmeal
As long as your dog isn’t sensitive to grains, plain oatmeal is a wonderful source of vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber. This is usually easily digestible food, so it can be good for dogs experiencing tummy troubles, and you can also add dog-safe fruits, veggies, or eggs into the bowl.
13. Coconut Oil
The benefits of coconut oil are well-known for humans, but did you also know it’s also healthy for dogs? The antiviral, antibacterial oil is full of medium chain fatty acids (MCT’s), which can help improve digestion, oral health, skin, coat, and more. While most humans don’t eat this stuff by the spoonful, our dogs do! The healthful cooking and baking ingredients can be added to food, put in a stuffable toy (and frozen, if desired), or straight out of the jar!
Just remember that it’s still high in calories, so, as always, moderation is key.
Want to learn more? Check out 20 Fruits & Veggies Your Dog Will Love!, and make sure you know 7 Fruits & Veggies That Are Harmful To Dogs. As always, do your own research and consult with your vet before feeding your dog anything new.
And to easily give your dog the people food they crave, give them dog food made with human-grade ingredients and no fillers or artificial flavors. Ollie not only offers your dog the yummy taste of beef, chicken, turkey, and lamb, but they also include vegetables and fruits like sweet potatoes, potatoes, peas, spinach, kale, pumpkin, chickpeas, blueberries, and cranberries.
Best of all, Ollie ships pre-portioned frozen meals right to your door using free two-day shipping. Sign up and fill out a profile for your dog, and soon your pup will be enjoying fresh foods tailored to their needs. Get your first box from Ollie for 60% off!
FAQs About Healthy Human Foods for Dogs
1. Can dogs eat human food safely?
Yes, many human foods are perfectly safe for dogs and can even offer health benefits when served properly and in moderation.
2. What human foods are best for dogs?
Lean meats, fruits, and vegetables like chicken, salmon, carrots, blueberries, pumpkin, and sweet potatoes are all excellent, nutrient-rich options.
3. What human foods should dogs never eat?
Avoid anything with xylitol, heavily processed meats, foods with added salt or seasoning, and fruit seeds or pits, as these can be harmful or toxic.
4. Is peanut butter good for dogs?
Peanut butter can be a great treat, but always check that it’s xylitol-free and only offer small amounts due to its high calorie content.
5. Can dogs have cheese or yogurt?
Some dogs can enjoy small amounts of dairy, but others may be lactose intolerant. Start with small portions and monitor how your dog reacts.
6. Are fruits and vegetables really good for dogs?
Yes, they provide important vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants that can support digestion, immunity, and overall health.
7. How should I prepare human food for my dog?
Keep everything plain and simple. Avoid oils, spices, sauces, and added sugars. Always remove anything potentially harmful like bones, seeds, or pits.
8. Can I feed my dog only human food?
Dogs need a balanced diet, so human foods should complement their meals, not replace a complete and properly formulated dog diet.
9. How much human food is too much?
Human foods should be treated as occasional additions or treats and should not make up more than a small portion of your dog’s daily intake.
10. Can human foods help with my dog’s health?
Yes, certain foods like salmon for skin and coat, pumpkin for digestion, and blueberries for antioxidants can support specific health needs.
11. Are cooked foods better than raw for dogs?
In many cases, lightly cooked foods are safer and easier to digest, especially meats, as cooking helps eliminate harmful bacteria.
12. What’s the easiest way to give my dog healthy, real food?
Choosing a fresh, balanced dog food made with real, whole ingredients is a simple way to give your dog the benefits of human-grade nutrition without the guesswork.
Choosing the Best Diet for Your Dog’s Health
Sharing healthy foods with your dog can be a great way to bond while also supporting their overall health, as long as you choose safe, nutrient-rich options and serve them in moderation. Simple, whole foods like lean meats, fruits, and vegetables can provide valuable vitamins and benefits, but they should always complement a balanced diet designed for your dog’s needs. By being mindful of ingredients and portion sizes, you can treat your pup while still keeping them happy, healthy, and thriving.
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