What Human Foods Can Dogs Eat?

As a pet owner, we naturally share food with our furry companions without considering the specific dietary needs of a dog. However, it is important to learn and understand the benefits and risks of human foods for dogs. Some foods like fruits, vegetables, and meats provide health benefits, while chocolate, onions, and grapes can be toxic and cause serious harm. Knowing which foods are safe and which are unsafe, you can provide your dog with dog-friendly food choices and a healthy lifestyle. 

What Fruits Can Dogs Eat? 

Fruits that your dogs can eat are apples, carrots, blueberries, bananas, raspberry, watermelon, cucumber, pineapple, orange, sweet potatoes, cantaloupe, mango, pumpkin, and broccoli. These are healthier and safer than processed treats. 

They are a great way to provide hydration, vitamins, and fiber to dogs as they are packed with nutrients and antioxidants which is excellent for their overall health. However, they should be given in moderation as too many fruity treats can lead to digestive problems.  Just like us, dogs can also have fruit allergies and sensitivities, so it’s important to observe their reaction.

Carrots 

Carrots are a great choice as a treat due to their health benefits and crunchy texture. They help remove plaque from your pet’s teeth and promote good dental health. Similarly, they are a good source of vitamin A which boosts their immune system, coat, and skin. Carrots are low in calories which makes them a perfect snack to maintain a healthy weight. 

Apples

Apple is another safe and healthy fruity snack for dogs. They are rich in vitamin A and C, potassium, and fiber which is essential for a strong immune system, good heart health, and healthy digestion. However, you should remove the seeds as they contain toxins like cyanide. 

Blueberries

Blueberries are safe and a perfect source of antioxidants, fiber, and phytochemicals for dogs. The antioxidants in the blueberry helps reduce oxidative stress, lower the risk of age-related diseases and disorders. It is an excellent fruit to keep your dog’s cells strong and healthy. 

Bananas 

Bananas are packed with potassium, fibre, magnesium and vitamins, making them a great dog-friendly treat for your four legged friend. They support muscle and bone health and are super easy to digest. However, it should be fed in moderation due to their high sugar content. 

Raspberry

Raspberries are rich in antioxidants, fiber, and manganese and low in sugar and calories, making them an excellent choice as a treat. It should be fed in moderation for bone health and a strong immune system. 

Watermelon

Watermelon is an excellent choice to keep your furry friend hydrated. Due to its high water content, watermelon helps you keep your dogs hydrated. It is rich in vitamins A, C, B6, essential for a strong immune system, proper metabolism, and healthy skin. 

Cucumbers 

Cucumbers are another excellent refreshing and hydrating snack for dogs which are rich in minerals and vitamins, making them a healthier option for a treat. It helps keep you and your dog cool and hydrated during the warm weather.  

Pineapple

Pineapple is a healthy dog-safe snack full of water, fiber, and antioxidants. It is also rich in vitamin B6, vitamin C. When given in moderation, pineapple helps strengthen the immune system and support metabolism.  

Sweet Potato

Sweet potatoes are another great addition to your pet’s diet as it offers the same benefits to dogs as they do for humans. They are full of vitamins, antioxidants, and minerals which are beneficial for your dog’s health. Sweet potatoes can help support digestive health when served steamed or boiled in small amounts. 

Oranges

Oranges are a healthy and safe treat for dogs when given in small quantities. They help improve your dog’s immune system and digestion as it is a great source of vitamin C, potassium, and fiber.  

Cantaloupe

Cantaloupe is another healthy and nutritious fruit that’s low in calories and high in fiber for dogs to eat. It's packed with numerous vitamins and minerals and is excellent at hydrating your dogs like a watermelon. 

Mango

Sweet and juicy, mango is high in fiber, proteins, antioxidants and minerals that benefit your dog's gut health, improve skin health, and boost immunity. Your pets can enjoy this fruit in small quantities. 

Pumpkin

Pumpkin is a nutritional powerhouse and a fantastic supplement to any dog's diet: It's rich in vitamins A, C and E, plus minerals like iron, potassium, and fiber that can promote healthy digestion and regulate bowel movements. 

Broccoli

Dogs can eat both raw and cooked broccoli in moderation to protect their cells from damage. Broccoli is an excellent source of both fibre and protein that promotes overall health. It contains vitamins K and C essential for immune function and blood clotting. 

Can Dogs Eat White Rice?

Yes, dogs can eat white rice without any problems. White rice is easily digestible and can be a helpful component of a dog’s diet, especially when they have an upset stomach. As it is a bland food, it can help soothe gastrointestinal issues such as vomiting and diarrhea. 

White rice  is ideal to serve plain without any seasonings, spices, or oils as flavored rice can upset your dog’s stomach. The carbs in white rice provide a source of energy and can act as a supplement when your dog is feeling under the weather. 

What Dairy Products Can Dogs Eat?

Our dogs can safely eat cheese, unsweetened yogurt, and lactose free milk. Although some dairy products can be safely consumed by dogs, others may not be suitable and cause discomfort since most dogs are lactose intolerant. Unsuitable dairy products may cause bloating, gas, and diarrhea. 

Cheese: High is protein and calcium, cheeses like cottage cheese can be a tasty treat for dogs. As it is also high in fat, it should be given in moderation.  

Yogurt: Unsweetened yogurt or plain Greek yogurt can be a healthy treat for pets. The probiotics in yogurt can promote healthy digestion. 

Milk: Milk is a good source of calcium for dogs when given in small amounts. However, as not many can tolerate them, it is important to serve them in moderation to avoid digestive issues. 

What types of meat products can dogs eat?

Some of the common types of meat your dogs can have are fish, chicken, pork, turkey, lamb, and beef. Meat is an excellent source of protein and an essential component of a dog’s diet. It is required for dog’s muscle development, tissue repair, and overall health. However, it is important to serve them without any sort of spices or seasoning like onion and garlic as it can be toxic to dogs.  

Let us look into the types of meat a dog can eat: 

Fish 

Fish like tuna, shrimp, and salmon are rich in Omega-3 which is essential to maintain a healthy immune system. It also contains docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) which is essential for neurological health and vitamin B in shrimp help the digestive system and promote healthy blood circulation. 

Chicken

Chicken is a great source of protein used as a common ingredient in different varieties of dog foods. It should be served boneless to avoid choking and digestive issues in dogs. The best way to serve chickens to your dogs are braised, poached, baked, steamed, smoked, and boiled. 

Pork

Pork is another good source of lean protein which must be cooked thoroughly to avoid risk of harmful bacteria or parasites. You should avoid feeding your dog seasoned or salted pork as it can be harmful to their health.  

Turkey

Turkey is another low-fat and great lean protein source for dogs. It is gentle on the dog’s digestive system when served without bones, skin, and seasoning. Small amount of turkey meat with no additives can be perfect treats for dogs. 

Lamb

Lamb meat is an excellent source of protein especially for dogs with food sensitivity and allergies. You should avoid fatty cuts as it can upset the digestive system. Lean lamb meat, liver, kidney, tripe, and heart can be ideal as dog treats. 

Beef

Beef is a protein-rich dietary component which is essential for muscle development in dogs. Beef fat in moderation helps boost skin and coat condition in dogs. To prevent digestive problems and obesity, pets should be fed lean cuts of beef in moderation. 

What Coconut Products Can Dogs Eat?

Dogs can eat coconut flesh, coconut oil, flakes, coconut flour, and coconut water in moderation as it is high in fat. While coconut is a popular and versatile food for humans, it may not be ideal for dogs as some coconut-based products can cause digestive upset in excess. 

Coconut Flesh

The white meaty part inside the coconut can be fed to dogs in small amounts as it contains healthy fats and fiber for a dog’s skin and coat. However, it is high in fat which can cause unnecessary weight gain and upset tummy. 

Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is considered beneficial for improving skin conditions and supporting digestion. Sadly, it is high in fat and may cause diarrhea, obesity, and pancreatitis in dogs.

Coconut Flakes

Coconut flakes or dried coconut meat can be safe treats for dogs to eat in small quantities. However, it can cause gastrointestinal upset due to high amounts of fat and sugar. Whereas, the artificially flavored coconut flakes should be avoided completely. 

Coconut Flour

Coconut flour can be used as a gluten-free alternative for baking, however, it is not ideal for dogs as it contains high amounts of fats and fibers. It can cause gut issues like diarrhea, bloating, and constipation.  

Coconut Water

Although coconut water is hydrating, the large amount of electrolytes and potassium can cause an imbalance in your dog’s system. Likewise, some commercial coconut water may contain added sugars and preservatives which are harmful to dogs. 

What human foods are bad for dogs' health?

There are several human foods that can be toxic for a dog’s health, hence, it should be avoided at all cost. Here is a list of some common toxic human food for dogs:

• Grapes/ Raisins: It can cause kidney damage and kidney failure. These fruits can cause poisoning and its symptoms may include lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, and lack of appetite.
• Onions and Garlic: Onions, garlic, chives, and leeks contain thiosulfates which can cause significant damage to a dog’s red blood cells.
• Chocolate: Chocolate contains caffeine and theobromine which are extremely toxic to dogs causing restlessness, vomiting, diarrhea, abnormal heart rhythm, and muscle tremors.
• Xylitol: Xylitol, a sugar substitute commonly used in sugar-free goods can cause rapid release of insulin in dogs leading to a dangerous drop in blood sugar. It can lead to lethargy, loss of coordination, vomiting, seizures, and even liver failure.
• Alcohol: Alcohol is extremely toxic to dogs and can cause vomiting, respiratory depression, lethargy, coma, or even death of the dog. 
• Caffeine: Caffeine is another dangerous stimulant for dogs that can cause high blood pressure, heart arrhythmias, restlessness, rapid breathing, muscle tremors, and increased heart rate.

Why choose fresh, hand-made treats for your dog?

Feeding your pet dog fresh and homemade treats is an excellent way to ensure a healthy diet. Homemade treats are free from preservatives, healthier, and can be personalized according to your dog's dietary needs. Understanding what human foods are safe for your dog helps you make informed decisions about providing a healthy and balanced diet. At Doggies Deli, we offer treats made from high-quality USDA meats, locally sourced vegetables, and wild-caught fish to meet your dog’s dietary needs. Provide your pet with the best nutritions treats possible by choosing us.