11 Human Foods You Can Feed Your Dog

Dogs have very different digestive systems than humans do. They can't eat the same things. But don't be too quick to assume that your dog can't eat any of the foods you eat.

Adult animals have a much higher level of tolerance than young animals, so if you're worried about what's safe to feed your pet, consult with a vet before you give them human food. Although you should always practice caution and moderation, there are some foods that are perfectly fine for dogs. 

Carrots

Carrots are a great treat for dogs, and they love it. Carrots are rich in beta-carotene, which is an antioxidant that helps keep the immune system strong. It also improves vision and protects against cancer. Carrots are also high in fiber, which can help reduce the risk of colon cancer, according to the American Cancer Society. 

Carrots are a good source of vitamin A, which supports the immune system and helps with night vision. They’re also rich in potassium, which helps regulate blood pressure and heart rate. 

Some dogs are allergic to carrots, so if you notice your dog has any sort of reaction after eating them (redness around their mouth or ears, diarrhea), stop feeding them carrots immediately and talk to your veterinarian about other sources of vitamin A that would be safe for your pet. 

RELATED: Food Allergies in Dogs 

Apples

Apples are a great, healthy snack for dogs. They can be given either raw or cooked and contain a variety of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C and antioxidants. 

Apples are also high in fiber, which helps promote regular bowel movements and keeps your dog's digestive system healthy. 

Apples contain small amounts of pectin, a soluble fiber that has been shown to lower cholesterol levels in humans. While there isn't much research on the effects of pectin on dogs, it's possible that apples could help lower your dog's cholesterol levels as well. 

Dogs can also eat applesauce or apple juice without any problems, but make sure not to feed them with seeds or pieces of the core because they could get stuck in their throat or stomach if swallowed whole. 

RELATED: What Diet Is Best for Your New Puppy 

White Rice 

Dogs are like people; they need a variety of different foods to stay healthy. 

White rice is a good source of complex carbohydrates that break down slowly in the body and provide energy for longer periods than simple carbohydrates like sugar. Dogs use this energy to fuel their bodies and brains, just as people do. 

White rice also contains some protein, but not as much as brown rice or other whole grains. This is because white rice has been stripped of its outer layers during processing, leaving behind only the starchy center (or endosperm). Brown rice still contains some of these outer layers and therefore has more protein than white rice does. 

In addition to being an important source of carbohydrates for your dog's diet, white rice can also help fill out his meal if you're trying to cut down on calories or fat. It's low in fat and calories compared with other grains like wheat or corn, so it can help reduce calories while still providing enough nutrition for your pet. 

RELATED: Why Your Puppy Might Need a New Diet 

Dairy products 

Dairy products make a great addition to any dog's diet because they're high in calcium and vitamin D. These two nutrients are essential for strong bones and teeth, which help prevent fractures and cavities in your pooch's mouth. 

Not all dogs have the same tolerance level when it comes to dairy products, so start with small amounts and see how your dog reacts before increasing his intake. Some dogs can tolerate large amounts of milk or cheese without having any adverse effects on their systems. Others may experience diarrhea or other digestive issues if they consume too much dairy too quickly. 

Eggs contain lots of protein, which will help keep your dog full longer than if he were eating a carbohydrate like bread or pasta alone. Eggs also provide essential vitamins A. 

RELATED: Does My Dog Have Allergies? 

Fish

Fish is a good source of protein, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D, and selenium. It's also a low-calorie food. Canned or cooked fish are the best choices for pets because they're easy to digest. Fish can be fed in moderation as an occasional treat, but it should not make up more than 10 percent of your dog's diet. There are some benefits to feeding your dog fish, but there are also some dangers associated with it. 

Your pet needs protein just like you do. Protein is necessary for growth and development, tissue repair, and maintenance of muscle mass. The protein found in fish is a complete protein that contains all eight essential amino acids that dogs need to stay healthy and strong.  

Fish is also high in omega-3 fatty acids which help reduce inflammation throughout the body by preventing blood platelets from sticking together too tightly (a process called platelet aggregation). 

Peanut butter 

Peanut butter is a staple in many households, but it's only recently that pet owners have begun to realize the benefits of this popular snack for dogs. This snack is not only beneficial for your dog’s health, but it also works wonders as a treat during training. 

Peanut butter contains a variety of vitamins and minerals that can help improve your dog's health. It also contains protein and healthy fats, which are important for keeping your dog's coat and skin healthy. 

It's important to note that not all peanut butter will have the same effect on your dog as others. Some brands contain sugar or salt, both of which can be bad for dogs' health. When buying peanut butter for your dog, make sure it has no additives and is unsweetened. 

Peanut butter is made mostly from peanuts and oil, so it contains plenty of good fats that can help keep your dog's coat shiny and soft. Omega-3 fatty acids are especially beneficial because they help reduce inflammation in your dog's joints and other parts of his body. The omega-3s in peanut butter also provides anti-aging benefits by slowing down the effects of aging on cells in every part of his body, including his brain.

Blueberries

Blueberries are safe to feed to your dog. They contain antioxidants and can help keep your dog's immune system strong. The best way to feed blueberries to your dog is to freeze them first, then mash them into a pulp and mix them with their regular food.  

Blueberries can be fed as a treat in small quantities or as part of a balanced diet. 

Blueberries contain anti-inflammatory properties that may help prevent arthritis and other inflammatory diseases in dogs. Blueberries also contain antioxidants, including anthocyanins and Pro anthocyanidins, which may help protect the body against cancer by preventing free radical damage in cells. Blueberries are also high in fiber, vitamin K2 and several essential minerals, including manganese and potassium.  

Bananas

There are a lot of reasons why bananas are good for dogs. Bananas contain vitamins, minerals, and nutrients that are essential for your dog's health. They are high in potassium, vitamin B6 and fiber which is great for their digestion. 

Bananas can help with heart disease, blood pressure, and lung problems. Bananas have been proven to help dogs with diarrhea by replacing lost fluids, so they can be used as a natural remedy if your dog has an upset stomach. 

So, what are the best ways to give your dog bananas? Here are a few suggestions: 

•  Cut up the banana into small pieces and freeze them in an ice cube tray then give one or two per day as treats. If you have access to an ice cream maker, you could also make some frozen banana popsicles. These would be especially good if your dog has an upset stomach or isn't feeling well as they will cool them down and help soothe any nausea they might be experiencing due to illness or stress from being away from their home environment. 
• Raw banana. If your dog will eat it, raw bananas are an excellent option. They're easy to digest, and they're a good source of fiber, vitamin B6 and potassium, all nutrients that can be beneficial for dogs. However, if your dog is sensitive or allergic to bananas, this may not be the best choice. 
• Dried banana chips are an excellent alternative to raw bananas. They still provide a good source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber and can be broken up into smaller pieces if needed. They're also less likely to cause an upset stomach than whole bananas since they've had most of the moisture removed from them during the drying process. Just make sure you don't give too many because they're high in fat. 
• Mash up a whole banana and mix it with other foods like yogurt or cottage cheese to mask the flavor if your dog doesn't like them plain. You can also add yogurt or cottage cheese on top of their food to hide the taste of the banana underneath it. 
• Make banana bread and share it with your pup! If you want to go all out, you can even make some homemade peanut butter cookies and throw some banana chunks in there too. 

RELATED: 6 Expert Tips on Keeping Your Dog Safe During Heatwaves 

Green beans 

Green beans have been a favorite of humans for centuries. They can be eaten raw or cooked, and they are also popular in salads and stir-fries. Green beans are good for you because they are low in calories and contain lots of vitamins and minerals. They help to keep your heart healthy, protect against cancer, and lower blood pressure. They also contain fiber, which helps control blood sugar levels and can aid in weight loss. 

However, the nutritional benefits of green beans aren't just for people, our furry friends can benefit from these healthful veggies as well. They provide vitamins that help maintain a healthy coat and skin. Vitamin A found in green beans helps heal wounds, while vitamin C promotes healing after an injury or surgery. Both of these vitamins also promote a shiny coat that resists shedding when it's time to shed winter coats in springtime weather. 

Vitamin K is another nutrient found in green beans that can help keep your pup's teeth strong. This nutrient helps prevent bleeding from injured gums or cracked teeth caused by chewing on hard objects like toys or bones. 

Watermelon

Watermelon is a summertime favorite for humans, but it's also good for dogs. It is a low-calorie, high-water fruit. Watermelons are an excellent source of vitamin A, which can help with night vision, as well as vitamin C, which aids in healing wounds. 

Watermelons are low in calories and high in water content, making them an ideal snack for dogs during hot summer days when they are at risk of getting dehydrated. Watermelons also contain lycopene, which may help protect against cancer and heart disease in humans. In addition to being a great thirst quencher on a hot day, watermelon is also good as a digestive aid because it contains fiber which helps move food through the digestive tract more efficiently. 

When feeding watermelon to your dog, be sure to remove all the seeds from the fruit before offering it to him because they contain the toxic compound benzaldehyde which can cause vomiting and diarrhea if ingested by dogs or cats. 

RELATED: My Dog Doesn’t Drink Enough Water 

Cucumbers

Cucumber is an excellent choice of snack for dogs because it contains no fat or sodium, making it an ideal choice for those who want to watch their pet’s weight. However, dogs should only be given cucumber slices as they may cause digestive upset if consumed whole because of their high cellulose content (the part of the plant that humans cannot digest). It is also important to avoid feeding your pet cucumbers that have been waxed or coated with pesticides as these chemicals are toxic to pets. 

Conclusion

Overall, it’s important to remember that you know your dog best. You know what kind of food they like; how much they eat each day and so on. If something seems strange or wrong with their eating habits, it could be because they are not getting the right nutrients from their food. It’s up to you as a pet parent to make sure that your fur baby is eating healthily and receiving all the nutrients needed throughout their lifetime. 

Scroll down to see FAQs about human foods that are safe for dogs!