Many everyday foods are safe for dogs in small amounts, but “safe” does not mean they should make up a large part of the diet. Most of your dog’s calories should still come from a complete and balanced dog food unless a veterinary nutritionist has designed a homemade diet.
Human foods that are generally safe for dogs
- Plain cooked chicken or turkey: Remove bones, skin, and heavy seasoning.
- Lean cooked beef: Serve plain and in small portions.
- Eggs: Fully cooked eggs are a useful source of protein.
- Carrots: Raw or cooked pieces can make a low-calorie treat.
- Green beans: Plain, cooked or raw beans are generally safe.
- Blueberries: A small, easy treat for most dogs.
- Apples: Remove the core and seeds first.
- Bananas: Safe in small portions because they contain a fair amount of sugar.
- Plain pumpkin: Plain canned pumpkin can add fiber. Avoid pumpkin pie filling.
- Plain rice: Cooked rice is safe for most dogs and is sometimes used short term in easy-to-digest meals.
- Plain sweet potato: Serve cooked and unseasoned.
- Peanut butter: Only if it is free of xylitol or other unsafe sweeteners.
Keep portions small
Treats and extras should usually make up no more than about 10% of daily calories. Too many table foods can unbalance the diet and contribute to weight gain.
Foods dogs should not eat
- Chocolate
- Grapes and raisins
- Onions, garlic, chives, and leeks in significant amounts
- Xylitol-containing foods
- Macadamia nuts
- Alcohol
- Caffeine
- Raw yeast dough
- Cooked bones
What about fatty foods?
Very fatty meals can trigger gastrointestinal upset and may contribute to pancreatitis in susceptible dogs. Avoid giving large amounts of bacon, sausage, grease, fatty meat trimmings, or rich leftovers.
What about dairy?
Some dogs tolerate small amounts of plain dairy, while others develop diarrhea or gas. Avoid heavily sweetened dairy foods and products containing xylitol.
Dogs with medical conditions need more caution
A food that is safe for a healthy dog may not fit a dog with kidney disease, diabetes, pancreatitis, food allergy, obesity, or another medical condition. Ask your veterinarian before regularly adding human foods to a therapeutic diet.
The bottom line
Plain meats, selected fruits and vegetables, eggs, pumpkin, and a few other everyday foods can be safe treats for dogs. Keep portions modest, avoid seasoning, and learn the foods that are truly toxic before sharing from your plate.
Sources
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control guidance
- Merck Veterinary Manual: Food hazards for pets
- Veterinary nutrition guidance on treats and balanced diets
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for care from your own veterinarian. Learn about The Pet Vet and our editorial policy.