20 People Foods for Dogs That Are Safe & Healthy for Dogs to Eat
Can my dog eat that? Human foods, including fruits and veggies, that are safe for dogs to eat
Can dogs eat apples, salmon, pumpkin, beans, yogurt… ? To answer these common questions, we’ve put together a list of vet-approved, dog-safe foods. If you are looking to add a bit of excitement to your dog’s mealtime or for new treat ideas, read on!
It’s no rare fact that most dogs LOVE “people” food. This list of the top 20 vet-approved human foods, including fruits and veggies, are safe for your to dog eat. Try introducing these people foods for dogs to increase the variety in your pup’s diet and to give a nutritional boost! Many have health benefits.
Keep in mind that the people foods listed below should be fed as an extra treat in addition to or as part of a balanced diet. Extra foods shouldn’t make up more than 25 percent of your dog’s diet. Just be sure to try out new foods one at a time until you’re certain that they don’t upset your dog’s stomach.
Without further ado, here are 20 people foods for dogs that are safe and healthy for your dog to eat. These human foods can be safely added to your dog’s meals (in moderation) to add a bit of variety to their food bowl or given as treats for a nutritional boost.
Wondering can my dog eat that? These human foods are safe and healthy to share with your dog:
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1. Yogurt is a good source of available calcium and protein for dogs. When choosing yogurt, pick one that has live active bacteria and no sugars or artificial sweeteners, which are bad for dogs (xylitol is toxic). The active bacteria acts as probiotics. If your pup is pudgy, make sure that you pick fat-free yogurt but not one that contains fat substitutes (e.g., Simplesse or Olestra). Frozen yogurt is a nice summer treat for dogs and can be used to stuff Kongs before freezing.
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2. Flax seed (ground or oil) is a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential fatty acids that are good for your dog’s skin and coat. Whole flax seeds are best if ground right before feeding as this type of fat can go rancid quickly. Flax seed can also be added to your dog’s diet as a source of fibre. Flax oil is a more concentrated form of omega- 3 fatty acids without the fibre. Make sure that you store the oil or seeds in the fridge in an air tight dark container.
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3. Salmon is a fatty fish which provides a good source of protein and omega- 3 fatty acids for dogs. These fats support the immune system and are beneficial for your dog’s skin and coat health. There has also been some indication that they may benefit dogs with allergies. You can feed salmon or salmon oil. If feeding your dog salmon, make sure it’s cooked before serving, as raw salmon can carry a parasite that can make your dog sick.
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4. Pumpkin is a good source of fibre and beta carotene (a source of vitamin A) for dogs. Dogs need fibre in their diet. The current trend is towards highly digestible diets that lower stool volume and this is not necessarily a good thing. Keeping the GI tract moving helps keep the cells lining the gut healthy. Check out these five ways to incorporate pumpkin into your dog’s diet. Pumpkin is a great addition for dog’s with GI upset or dog’s trying to lose weight. Just replace some of your dog’s regular food with pureed pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling) to lower their calorie intake.
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5. Sweet potatoes are another source of dietary fibre and contain vitamin B6, vitamin C, beta carotene, and manganese. Sweet potatoes are great sliced and dehydrated as a chewy treat for your dog. There are so many dog treats on the market that we often overlook the simple, healthy, and reasonably priced treats available at our grocery store.
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6. Green beans are a good source of plant fibre, vitamin K, vitamin C, and manganese for dogs. If your dog has a tendency to put on weight, then replacing some of her regular food with green beans is a great low calorie way to fill her up and help your dog maintain a healthy weight. Many dogs enjoy green beans frozen.
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7. Eggs are a great source of very digestible protein, riboflavin, and selenium. For some dogs that are prone to digestive upset, eggs can give them a little protein boost. Adding eggs to your dog’s food is a healthy treat. Make sure to use cooked whole egg, as raw egg whites can cause biotin deficiency. If you do a lot of training with your dog, consider taking cooked eggs to your next class as training treats.
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8. Brewer’s yeast is the yeast that’s left over from making alcohol. Dogs seem to really enjoy the tangy taste of brewer’s yeast. It’s full of B vitamins which are good for skin, coat, and carbohydrate metabolism. Make sure you’re using brewer’s yeast (available at health food stores), not baking yeast which will make your dog sick. Brewer’s yeast can spice up your dog’s appetite. Just sprinkle a little on the food of a picky eater and watch your dog dive into her food.
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9. Apples are wonderful crunchy treats for your dog. Apples with the skin on are full of plant chemicals (phytonutrients) that are thought to be protective against some types of cancer in humans. They are a source of vitamins A and C and fibre. Apple seeds, however, contain cyanide so your dog should not be allowed to eat the core. Though the effects of a few apple seeds will likely not harm your dog, the deleterious effects can accumulate over time if allowed to eat apple seeds regularly. To safely feed your dog apples, slice the apples into smaller pieces and make sure no seeds are present in the pieces you’re giving your dog. Another good idea is to start in small quantities so your dog can become accustomed to a new ingredient in their diet.
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10. Oatmeal is a good source of soluble fibre. This can be beneficial for some older dogs that may have trouble maintaining bowel regularity. Oatmeal is also an alternative source of grain for dogs that are allergic to wheat. It can be fed in conjunction with probiotics to enhance their function. Keep in mind oatmeal should always be fed cooked and plain with no sugar or flavouring. As always, check with your veterinarian before making any major changes to your dog’s diet, especially if they are on any medications. Upsetting the vitamin and mineral balances in your dog’s diet can have negative effects on your dog’s health and some medications interact badly with some nutrients. The aim of most dog owners is to give their dogs the best diet possible. Good nutrition coupled with a health care program may result in extending your dog’s life by as much as 15 percent. The suggestions above are not meant to replace your dog’s normal, balanced diet. Rather, they are ideas for alternative dog treats or for adding a little variety to your dog’s meals.
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11. Rice is good to feed when your dog has an upset tummy and needs a bland meal. There are a variety of different types of rice. Brown rice is a little higher in protein and a little lower in fat when compared to white rice. White or instant rice is an easily digestible carbohydrate which makes it a good source of energy when your dog has an upset tummy or if you are feeding an older dog.
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12. Squash, like pumpkin, can be added to bulk up your dog’s stool and is a good source of betacarotene (provitamin A). Hint: remove the seeds and then slice and freeze the squash to make it a fun, crunchy snack for your dog.
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13. Popcorn that has been air popped with no butter or salt is a great low calorie treat for dogs. Popcorn contains potassium as well as the bone-building minerals phosphorous, magnesium, and calcium. So snuggle up and share that popcorn with your dog next time you watch a movie.
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14. Lean Meat (chicken, beef, or pork) with no visible fat and no added sauces or seasonings can be a great training treat or can add a bit of good-quality extra protein to your dog’s diet. Lean meat is an excellent, balanced source of amino acids, the building blocks of muscle in your dog’s body. Meat is also a great source of B vitamins (Thiamin, Riboflavin, Niacin, Pantothenic acid, Pyridoxine, and Cobalamine). These vitamins are involved in energy metabolism in the body.
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15. Liver is available freeze-dried in most pet stores and is a great dog training treat. You can also buy it fresh in the grocery store to feed at home. Fresh liver can be cooked and then baked to make your own liver treats. Liver is an excellent source of B vitamins (Thiamin, Riboflavin, Niacin, Pantothenic acid, and Folic acid), Vitamin A, and Vitamin K. It is also a great source of iron. Warning: Too much liver may be toxic to dogs because of its high vitamin A content. Therefore, it is best to limit the amount of liver fed to your dog to not more than 1 g of fresh liver/Kg body weight per day.
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16. Pineapple can be a special treat for your dog. Pineapple contains mostly sugar but it also contains calcium and potassium. Frozen pineapple can be a fun summer treat for your dog.
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17. Cottage Cheese is high in protein and calcium, and it’s fairly bland, so it can be a good way to add some extra protein to your dog’s diet. Though much lower in lactose than milk, cottage cheese is still a dairy product and some dogs don’t do well with dairy, so make sure you start with just a small amount to prevent stomach upset.
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18. Parsley has long been known to improve doggie breath, so next time you are baking treats for your dog, try adding a few tablespoons of chopped parsley for added flavour and colour. Parsley can also be a good source of calcium, potassium, and beta-carotene, and is safe for dogs to eat.
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19. Peanut Butter is a healthy, high-protein treat for dogs. Try smearing some inside or on one of your dog’s toys, or let him lick out the container when it’s almost finished. Buy a natural peanut butter to treat your dog with, and check to make sure no sugar is added beforehand, since processed sugars aren’t good for your dog’s health overall. If your dog is weight-watching, be careful of the frequency you give your pup peanut butter, since this tasty treat is also high in calories. Also, make sure your peanut butter doesn’t contain xylitol, which is toxic to dogs!
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20. Peas can be added right to your dog’s food, frozen or thawed. Peas are a good source of the B vitamin Thiamin, phosphorous, and potassium.
Bonus Ideas! Modern Dog Editor Picks:
Fresh-made food. We tried it. Your dog will LOVE this food. Feeding our dogs healthy, balanced meals is extremely important for their health and wellness but busy schedules can prevent us from making them ourselves. Try Nom Nom, delivering fresh, pre-portioned, nutritious meals to fit any dog’s diet.—Ed.
Read Next > Worried that your dog has food allergies? Check out Food Allergies in Dogs.
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