We, at Sploot, encourage pet parents to spend quality time with fur babies. Sometimes, that means sharing food and homemade treats. However, many pet parents ask us, “What human foods can dogs eat?” or “Can dogs eat human food?”
The good news is that there are people foods that dogs can eat; and if these are prepared correctly and given in appropriate amounts, they can provide plenty of health benefits for your pup! This Sploot Vets guide lists the healthiest people food that dogs can eat.
What Human Food Can Dogs Eat? [With Health Benefits]
Dogs can safely enjoy some human foods in moderation. These include plain-cooked meats (like chicken, beef, and turkey), vegetables (such as carrots, peas, and green beans), and certain dog-friendly fruits (like apples, blueberries, and bananas).
Note: The following foods do NOT replace your dog’s nutritionally balanced AAFCO-compliant dog food. These foods, however, can serve as simple homemade treats or dog food toppers for picky eaters. Read on to learn more about the nutritional benefits of each, plus how to prepare these human foods that dogs can eat.
1. Cooked, Unseasoned Chicken, Turkey, or Beef
Cooked, unseasoned chicken, turkey, and beef are all great sources of protein for your dog. However, make sure that all the bones are removed from these meats before giving them to your dog. Doing so reduces the risk of choking.
"Even cooked bones are risky," says Dr. Sylvia Berns, Sploot’s Medical Director. "They can splinter in the dog's GI tract and cause issues such as perforations. It's a good reminder just in case (pet) parents think bones would be okay if cooked, which is not the case."
Among the three (chicken, turkey, and beef), the most balanced meat is chicken—as it is high in protein but also low in fat which makes it the healthiest type of meat to serve canines.
Note: All of the above types of meat are excellent additions to your dog’s diet — but dogs also need nutrients and vitamins from other sources to stay healthy. A purely all-meat diet for dogs will not suffice.
.avif)
2. Cooked, Unseasoned Fish for Dogs
Cooked unseasoned fish is one of the healthiest treats for dogs. Fish is a good source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids for dogs. The same rule for preparing chicken and beef treats for dogs also applies to fish — make sure that all the bones are removed. This is because fish bones are choking hazards for dogs.
3. Cooked, Unseasoned Eggs for Dogs
Whether hard boiled or scrambled, cooked eggs can be a good treat to share with your canine buddy. Eggs made it to this list of healthy people food that dogs can eat because eggs are a great source of protein, vitamin D, selenium, and riboflavin.
4. Cooked Pumpkin for Dogs
On this list of healthiest people food that dogs can eat, let’s kick it off with our first dog-friendly fruit: the pumpkin.
Cooked and chopped-up pumpkin is a healthy and nutritious snack for dogs. It is a good source of fiber and beta-carotene, which can help with digestion and improve the appearance of your dog's coat. Pumpkin is also low in calories and fat, making it a good choice for dogs who are overweight or prone to weight gain.
5. Cooked Green Beans for Dogs
If your pup likes green beans, let them have some. Cooked green beans are a good source of fiber, vitamin C, and other nutrients that can help support your dog's overall health. Green beans are also low in calories and fat. So just like most of the veggies on this list of human foods that dogs can eat, green beans are a healthy treat for dogs who are overweight.
→ Got questions about your dog’s diet? Book a nutritional consultation at Sploot Vets, your all-in-one, Fear Free vet clinic—with locations in Denver, Colorado Springs, Salt Lake City, &Chicago!
6. Cooked Carrots for Dogs
The next veggie on this list of the healthiest food for dogs is the delicious and nutritious carrot. Cooked and chopped carrots are healthy treats for your dog. Cooked carrots are a great source of fiber, vitamin A, and beta-carotene. However, make sure that carrots are cooked sufficiently - raw or semi-raw carrots can be difficult for dogs to digest.
7. Cooked Broccoli for Dogs
Steamed or boiled, unseasoned broccoli is a nutrient-packed veggie that can be a treat in small amounts or a food topper for dogs. It’s rich in fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants that support immune health and digestion. Some dogs like the taste and crunchy texture of broccoli, making it a healthy and tasty treat for dogs!
8. Cooked Spinach for Dogs
Cooked spinach is a great source of fiber, vitamin A, vitamin K, vitamin C, and potassium. Being so nutrition-packed, it’s no surprise that spinach is good for people, dogs, and even cats. Being leafy and soft, cooked spinach does not need to be chopped up like the other veggies on this list of healthy food for dogs.
9. Sliced Apples - In Moderation
Want to hear something adorable? Most dogs actually like the taste and the CRUNCH of a fresh apple. So good news to pet parents: you can feed your dog fresh apples — including the skin. Just remember to chop up the apple and take out the choking hazards (i.e. the seeds and the core) and you’re all set.
Chopped apples are an excellent source of vitamin A, vitamin C, and fiber for your dog. However, as a reminder, apples should be given in moderation. Though apples contain naturally-occurring fructose (a type of sugar which is healthier than refined sugar), this is still not good for canines in large quantities.
10. Watermelon - In Moderation
Watermelon is a refreshing, hydrating treat that many dogs enjoy, especially on hot days. Packed with water and antioxidants like lycopene and vitamins A and C, it can help support overall health while providing a tasty treat, especially if served cold on warmer days. Be sure to remove the seeds and rind before serving, as these are choking hazards for dogs and can also be difficult to digest.
11. Bananas - In Moderation
Many dogs LOVE bananas. In fact, it is a common ingredient in many homemade dog treat recipes. Bananas are healthy treats for dogs because they are high in potassium, fiber, and magnesium. However, just like apples (and most other dog-friendly fruits), bananas need to be given in moderation because of its high natural sugar content.
12. Blueberries - In Moderation
Blueberries are often considered one of the healthiest human foods for dogs thanks to its high antioxidant content and natural vitamins. These bite-sized berries are rich in fiber, vitamin C, and compounds that help support brain and immune health. Served fresh or frozen, blueberries make an easy, low-calorie snack.
However, since they still contain natural sugars, blueberries should be given in moderation as an occasional treat. Around 2 blueberries is a healthy treat portion for small dogs. Medium-sized and larger dogs may eat up to 3 to 6 blueberries.
13. Strawberries - In Moderation
Strawberries are a naturally sweet fruit that is also a healthy human food for dogs. They contain fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants that support immune health and overall wellness.
Because strawberries contain natural sugars, they’re best served in moderation and cut into smaller pieces for easier eating. For most dogs, a healthy portion would be around 1 to 3 small strawberries.
14. Cooked Oatmeal
Cooked oatmeal is one of the healthiest breakfast foods around. And it's also on our list of healthy food for dogs. Oatmeal contains vitamin B, which helps maintain a healthy coat, and linoleic acid, which is a type of omega-6 fatty acid that helps to maintain the strength of dogs' skin. Thanks to its richness in soluble fiber, oatmeal has also become an increasingly common ingredient in commercial dog food.
15. Cooked White Rice
Cooked white rice is a simple, easy-to-digest carbohydrate that’s often recommended by veterinarians for dogs experiencing temporary digestive upset. Commonly paired with plain boiled chicken, it can help soothe sensitive stomachs in dogs and provide quick energy.
Plain cooked white rice can also be combined with lean, unseasoned proteins like chicken or turkey and rolled into small homemade rice balls as an occasional treat for your pup. However, because white rice is high in carbohydrates and low in fiber, it’s best served in moderation.
→ Got questions about your dog’s nutrition and wellness? Book a vet visit at Sploot Vets, your all-in-one, Fear Free vet clinic—with locations in Denver, Colorado Springs, Salt Lake City, & Chicago!
A Note About Dogs as Omnivores & Common Dog Allergies
Before feeding your dog any of the above healthiest human foods that dogs can eat, here are some additional must-know information about a dog’s feeding behavior and the possibility of canine food allergies.
1. Dogs are Omnivores
Unlike wolves and cats, domesticated dogs are omnivores. In that sense, they are similar to us humans. Omnivores are naturally able to eat and digest food that comes from both animals and plants. This, however, doesn’t mean that dogs can safely eat all the types of food that people can. What this does mean is that
- Some dogs naturally enjoy fruits and vegetables — especially the ones on this list of healthy food for dogs.
- Dogs can eat cooked vegetables with no pureeing needed. The best way to cook veggies for dogs is by steaming or boiling without any additional oil, butter, or spices — and Fido would prefer these cut up in bite-sized pieces.
2. Food Allergies in Dogs
The go-to treats for dogs are usually meat-based food items from the table. However, not all types of meat are safe for all dogs. Some dogs have food allergies, and the most common ones are triggered by different types of proteins, such as beef, chicken, eggs, fish (or seafood), and dairy (different from canine lactose intolerance). For this reason, it's always best to try new treats in small amounts.
Note: Though less common, some canines have allergies that are triggered by grains. If you would like to learn more about testing a dog for allergies, consult a veterinarian.
Final Thoughts on Human Foods That Dogs Can Eat
We hope you enjoyed this list of the healthiest human foods that dogs can eat. As a reminder, dogs need a balanced diet, and the above treats (by themselves) are not enough to provide all the nutrients dogs need. The treats on this list are not meant to replace high-quality commercially available dog food that is nutritionally complete.
For more helpful information on dog nutrition, check out our vet-approved guides:
- 5 Best Dog Food Brands - AAFCO & WSAVA Compliance
- 8 Best Senior Dog Food for Small, Medium, & Large Dogs
- 5 Best Puppy Food for Small to Large Breeds [Vet-Approved]
Get All-in-One Vet Care at Sploot Vets
As always, if you have questions or concerns about your pup's nutrition or health, we are here to help! Sploot Veterinary Care provides all-in-one veterinary care, with primary care, urgent care, and emergency vet services all under one roof!
\We have multiple vet clinics in Denver, Chicago, Colorado Springs, and Salt Lake City! Our vet clinics are open 365 days a year, with extended vet clinic hours each day. Your fur baby will also love our Fear Free approach, which ensures their well-being in every vet visit.
Book an appointment online or through the Sploot Vets app today!
Boost Your Pet’s Wellness & Save With SplootPack™
Ensuring your pet’s health and well-being is now easier than ever. With the SplootPack™ membership, you can save up to $600+ on essential veterinary care—available in Sploot’s Denver, Colorado Springs, & Chicago vet clinics.
Get 3 waived wellness exams or check-ups, 10% OFF on all Sploot’s services, 15% OFF dental services, and more!
