What human food is good for dogs?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhat people food can dogs eat?\u201d will generate a much longer list of possibilities than the question \u201cWhat human food is good for dogs?\u201d Here is a list of foods that are not only safe for your dog but are also GOOD for them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It is possible to have too much of a good thing, however, so always serve in moderation in order to avoid weight gain and upset stomach.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Proteins dogs can eat<\/h3>\n\n\n\n![\"ground](\"https:\/\/osfbl01.justfoodfordogs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/20101227_BeefUSDA-640x427-d318d641-e52f-4593-a125-0eeca1e80081.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nWhat are the best protein sources for dogs? Fresh, lean cuts (avoiding fatty trims or skin) of whole food. Protein sources with no by-products that are cooked to avoid contamination are an excellent place to start.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Avoid feeding your dog raw meat, raw fish, or raw eggs because there is a risk of food poisoning from bacteria such as salmonella and E. coli. Lightly cooking fresh whole-food ingredients will prevent disease while maximizing nutrition, digestibility, and taste.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- Chicken: Chicken<\/a> is an excellent source of protein, healthy fats, and vitamins.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Beef: Beef is a complete protein that is rich in iron, zinc, and vitamins B12 & B6.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Lamb: Lamb<\/a> has an abundant supply of high-quality protein, zinc, and iron.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Turkey: Turkey<\/a> often gets a bad rap when it comes to dog nutrition, but served with fatty trim or skin, it is a superior source of lean protein that contains healthy minerals and vitamins.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Cooked fish: Cooked fish, such as salmon or cod, is not only an excellent source of protein but also contains essential fatty acids that contribute to a healthy, shiny coat<\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Peanut butter: Unsalted<\/strong> peanut butter is OK for dogs in small quantities. Read the ingredient label carefully. The only ingredient should be \u201cpeanuts\u201d \u2014 no added sugar, sweeteners or salt.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Vegetables dogs can eat<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
If you were paying attention to your mom when you were growing up, you won\u2019t be surprised to find out that fresh, cooked veggies (steamed or boiled for best digestion) would be high on the list of what human food is healthy for dogs. Here are some of the best:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- Carrots<\/strong>: The adage that carrots <\/a>are good for your eyes is not only true for you but for your pup as well. Carrots are also chock-full of beta-carotene and antioxidants.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Sweet Potatoes<\/strong>: Sweet potatoes<\/a> have significant antioxidant capabilities and are an excellent source of vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Broccoli<\/strong>: Broccoli<\/a> is also an outstanding source of vitamins K, C, B6, E, and vitamin A as well as minerals and dietary fiber. Like with all treats, you should limit broccoli to an occasional snack because it contains compounds that may irritate your dog\u2019s digestive system if eaten too often.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Green beans<\/strong>: Green beans<\/a> are rich in vitamin K, riboflavin, copper, omega-3 fatty acids, and niacin. They are a good source of dietary fiber, phosphorous, and protein.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Fruit dogs can eat<\/h3>\n\n\n\n![\"are](\"https:\/\/osfbl01.justfoodfordogs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Blueberries-1.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nAn apple a day keeps the doctor away. Well… that might be a bit much for your dog (remember our moderation rule), but you get the idea.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Fruits are GREAT treats for our furry friends and have numerous health benefits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The following fruits are safe for dogs to eat:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- Apples<\/strong>: Apples,<\/a> green or red, are high in antioxidants and fibers. Always chop them into bite-size pieces and never feed your dog apple seeds, as they can contain cyanide, a chemical that can be poisonous in large amounts. Do not give them the core either, as they pose a choking hazard.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Cranberries<\/strong>: Cranberries<\/a> are considered to be one of the world\u2019s healthiest foods and are an excellent source of vitamin C, fiber, manganese, and vitamins E and K. They are also rich in disease-fighting antioxidants. They are a little tart, so they are best mixed with meals.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Blueberries<\/strong>: Blueberries<\/a> are great for your dog\u2019s immune system and are an excellent source of vitamins K and C, manganese, and fiber. Like cranberries, they are a great source of antioxidants.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Watermelon<\/strong> (seedless): Watermelon is a healthy snack and an excellent source of potassium and vitamin A.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Other human foods you can safely add to your dog\u2019s diet include cucumbers, blackberries, cashews, venison<\/a>, potatoes, unseasoned popcorn<\/a>, green peas, and healthy carbohydrates like white and brown rice, to name a few.<\/p>\n\n\n\nUnless your dog is lactose intolerant, you can give them calcium-rich dairy products as an occasional treat like:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- plain Greek yogurt<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- low-fat cheese like mozzarella and cottage cheese<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Use common sense. For example, don\u2019t feed your precious pup junk food or anything that is heavily salted or covered in seasonings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Human Foods Dogs Should NEVER Eat<\/h2>\n\n\n\n![\"dog](\"https:\/\/osfbl01.justfoodfordogs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/moby-dog-play-1.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nMany foods that are safe for humans can be harmful and even fatal to dogs. Never feed your precious pooch any of the following:<\/u><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n- Chocolate<\/strong>: This isn\u2019t a surprise to most people. Chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine, two stimulants that are difficult for dogs to metabolize. Darker chocolate is more toxic than sweeter varieties, but all can lead to chocolate poisoning.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Grapes & raisins<\/strong>: Grapes and raisins<\/a> contain yet-to-be-identified toxic compounds that are incredibly harmful to dogs. Even small amounts can make your dog sick, and larger amounts can lead to rapid kidney failure, which can be fatal.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Onions, Garlic, & Chives<\/strong>: Onions, garlic, and chives are part of the allium family and contain a compound that can damage your dog\u2019s blood cells and can cause a form of anemia (damage to the red blood cells).<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Macadamia nuts<\/strong>: Macadamia nuts are toxic and can cause vomiting, weakness, fever, and muscle tremors.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Grease<\/strong>: It\u2019s best not to let them lick the grease off of the grill. Fatty meats like bacon can cause pancreatitis in dogs.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Other human foods to avoid feeding your dog include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- Coffee<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Tea<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Caffeine<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Alcohol<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Watermelon rind<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Avocado (persin, seed could break your dog\u2019s teeth)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- All artificial sweeteners \u2014 especially xylitol (used in candy, gum, and some diet foods)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Raw eggs<\/a>, raw meat, and raw fish<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Dr. John Tegzes, VMD, Diplomat American Board of Veterinary Toxicology from Western University of Health Sciences, tells us about how human foods can be bad for dogs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nWhat are the best protein sources for dogs? Fresh, lean cuts (avoiding fatty trims or skin) of whole food. Protein sources with no by-products that are cooked to avoid contamination are an excellent place to start.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Avoid feeding your dog raw meat, raw fish, or raw eggs because there is a risk of food poisoning from bacteria such as salmonella and E. coli. Lightly cooking fresh whole-food ingredients will prevent disease while maximizing nutrition, digestibility, and taste.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Chicken: Chicken<\/a> is an excellent source of protein, healthy fats, and vitamins.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Beef: Beef is a complete protein that is rich in iron, zinc, and vitamins B12 & B6.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Lamb: Lamb<\/a> has an abundant supply of high-quality protein, zinc, and iron.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Turkey: Turkey<\/a> often gets a bad rap when it comes to dog nutrition, but served with fatty trim or skin, it is a superior source of lean protein that contains healthy minerals and vitamins.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Cooked fish: Cooked fish, such as salmon or cod, is not only an excellent source of protein but also contains essential fatty acids that contribute to a healthy, shiny coat<\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Peanut butter: Unsalted<\/strong> peanut butter is OK for dogs in small quantities. Read the ingredient label carefully. The only ingredient should be \u201cpeanuts\u201d \u2014 no added sugar, sweeteners or salt.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Vegetables dogs can eat<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
If you were paying attention to your mom when you were growing up, you won\u2019t be surprised to find out that fresh, cooked veggies (steamed or boiled for best digestion) would be high on the list of what human food is healthy for dogs. Here are some of the best:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Carrots<\/strong>: The adage that carrots <\/a>are good for your eyes is not only true for you but for your pup as well. Carrots are also chock-full of beta-carotene and antioxidants.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Sweet Potatoes<\/strong>: Sweet potatoes<\/a> have significant antioxidant capabilities and are an excellent source of vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Broccoli<\/strong>: Broccoli<\/a> is also an outstanding source of vitamins K, C, B6, E, and vitamin A as well as minerals and dietary fiber. Like with all treats, you should limit broccoli to an occasional snack because it contains compounds that may irritate your dog\u2019s digestive system if eaten too often.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Green beans<\/strong>: Green beans<\/a> are rich in vitamin K, riboflavin, copper, omega-3 fatty acids, and niacin. They are a good source of dietary fiber, phosphorous, and protein.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Fruit dogs can eat<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nAn apple a day keeps the doctor away. Well… that might be a bit much for your dog (remember our moderation rule), but you get the idea.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Fruits are GREAT treats for our furry friends and have numerous health benefits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The following fruits are safe for dogs to eat:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Apples<\/strong>: Apples,<\/a> green or red, are high in antioxidants and fibers. Always chop them into bite-size pieces and never feed your dog apple seeds, as they can contain cyanide, a chemical that can be poisonous in large amounts. Do not give them the core either, as they pose a choking hazard.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Cranberries<\/strong>: Cranberries<\/a> are considered to be one of the world\u2019s healthiest foods and are an excellent source of vitamin C, fiber, manganese, and vitamins E and K. They are also rich in disease-fighting antioxidants. They are a little tart, so they are best mixed with meals.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Blueberries<\/strong>: Blueberries<\/a> are great for your dog\u2019s immune system and are an excellent source of vitamins K and C, manganese, and fiber. Like cranberries, they are a great source of antioxidants.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Watermelon<\/strong> (seedless): Watermelon is a healthy snack and an excellent source of potassium and vitamin A.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Other human foods you can safely add to your dog\u2019s diet include cucumbers, blackberries, cashews, venison<\/a>, potatoes, unseasoned popcorn<\/a>, green peas, and healthy carbohydrates like white and brown rice, to name a few.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Unless your dog is lactose intolerant, you can give them calcium-rich dairy products as an occasional treat like:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- plain Greek yogurt<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- low-fat cheese like mozzarella and cottage cheese<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Use common sense. For example, don\u2019t feed your precious pup junk food or anything that is heavily salted or covered in seasonings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Human Foods Dogs Should NEVER Eat<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nMany foods that are safe for humans can be harmful and even fatal to dogs. Never feed your precious pooch any of the following:<\/u><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Chocolate<\/strong>: This isn\u2019t a surprise to most people. Chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine, two stimulants that are difficult for dogs to metabolize. Darker chocolate is more toxic than sweeter varieties, but all can lead to chocolate poisoning.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Grapes & raisins<\/strong>: Grapes and raisins<\/a> contain yet-to-be-identified toxic compounds that are incredibly harmful to dogs. Even small amounts can make your dog sick, and larger amounts can lead to rapid kidney failure, which can be fatal.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Onions, Garlic, & Chives<\/strong>: Onions, garlic, and chives are part of the allium family and contain a compound that can damage your dog\u2019s blood cells and can cause a form of anemia (damage to the red blood cells).<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Macadamia nuts<\/strong>: Macadamia nuts are toxic and can cause vomiting, weakness, fever, and muscle tremors.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Grease<\/strong>: It\u2019s best not to let them lick the grease off of the grill. Fatty meats like bacon can cause pancreatitis in dogs.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Other human foods to avoid feeding your dog include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Coffee<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Tea<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Caffeine<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Alcohol<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Watermelon rind<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Avocado (persin, seed could break your dog\u2019s teeth)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- All artificial sweeteners \u2014 especially xylitol (used in candy, gum, and some diet foods)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Raw eggs<\/a>, raw meat, and raw fish<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Dr. John Tegzes, VMD, Diplomat American Board of Veterinary Toxicology from Western University of Health Sciences, tells us about how human foods can be bad for dogs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Grapes & raisins<\/strong>: Grapes and raisins<\/a> contain yet-to-be-identified toxic compounds that are incredibly harmful to dogs. Even small amounts can make your dog sick, and larger amounts can lead to rapid kidney failure, which can be fatal.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- low-fat cheese like mozzarella and cottage cheese<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- Cranberries<\/strong>: Cranberries<\/a> are considered to be one of the world\u2019s healthiest foods and are an excellent source of vitamin C, fiber, manganese, and vitamins E and K. They are also rich in disease-fighting antioxidants. They are a little tart, so they are best mixed with meals.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Sweet Potatoes<\/strong>: Sweet potatoes<\/a> have significant antioxidant capabilities and are an excellent source of vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber.<\/li>\n\n\n\n