Knowing which human foods dogs can eat is crucial. This knowledge can protect your dog from toxicity, help prevent intestinal distress and pancreatitis, and ensure that a tasty snack won’t disrupt their nutritional balance.
If you’ve been wondering what foods are actually safe for your dogs to eat and which to avoid entirely, this guide is for you!
Human Foods Dogs Can Eat
Many people think that dogs need a highly specialized diet, but for hundreds, even thousands, of years they survived off our scraps. Think about it! That’s how wolves became domesticated and how the canine-human bond began.
While some dogs have specific nutritional needs based on age, health, or activity level, many dogs can enjoy human foods safely, with a few important exceptions.
Human Foods That Are Unsafe for Dogs
Everyone knows that chocolate is unsafe for dogs, but it’s gotten a bit of a bad reputation. A healthy dog who eats a chocolate chip cookie made with milk chocolate chips does not need to be rushed to the vet. It’s really concentrated or dark chocolate that’s the bigger concern. A Hershey’s bar may upset their stomach. A bar of 70% cacao could be much more problematic. But that’s not the only food to watch out for!
Grapes (and raisins): These are incredibly dangerous. The challenge is that we don’t know exactly which dogs they’ll affect or why (the current thought is that tartaric acid may play a role), but the result can be life-threatening. It’s best to avoid them altogether.
Avocados: Avocados contain a substance called persin, which can be dangerous in large amounts. Don’t panic if your pup eats a small sliver, but don’t intentionally feed them avocado.
Onions and garlic: These can cause anemia in dogs. It’s best to avoid them. The good news is that their strong odor and taste often discourage dogs from eating them anyway.
Foods That Are Safe in Moderation
When we talk about foods that are safe for dogs in moderation, we generally look at fat content and richness.
Foods like coconut, bone broth, duck, and mushrooms are fine in small amounts but can cause stomach upset if your pup eats too much. Foods that are higher in fat can also increase the risk of pancreatitis, which is much more concerning.
What to Do If Your Dog Eats Something They Shouldn’t
Call your vet! If you catch things early enough, they may recommend inducing vomiting. Do not induce vomiting at home unless your veterinarian specifically instructs you to do so. Your vet may also recommend lab work to make sure your pup is staying healthy, fluids to help flush their system, or a specialized diet to help settle their stomach.
Tips for Safely Sharing Human Foods with Your Dog
Generally, cooked, bland foods are safe to share, along with many fruits and vegetables. But, as with most things in your dog’s life, go slowly. Introduce one new food at a time. That way, if it causes stomach upset, you’ll know the culprit without having to guess.
Many young dogs haven’t been introduced to a wide variety of foods, so they often have sensitive stomachs. Offer small amounts to help them gradually adjust to new foods.
Common Questions About Human Foods Dogs Can Eat
How Much Human Food Is Safe for Dogs?
There is so much to consider here, but the simple answer is: don’t overfeed your dog!
Assuming they’re receiving nutritious, easy-to-digest foods, a dog’s entire diet could consist of homemade food. In fact, many dog owners prepare their dog’s meals themselves. My biggest recommendation is to work closely with your veterinarian, as it can be difficult to ensure you’re meeting all of your dog’s nutritional needs. Dog food companies invest heavily in research to create nutritionally balanced diets.
Personally, we recommend feeding your dog the best quality food you can and supplementing with human foods dogs can eat, like blueberries, watermelon, green beans, or broccoli. And, of course, keep an eye on their weight!
Can Puppies Eat the Same Human Foods as Adult Dogs?
Puppies can absolutely eat many of the same human foods as adult dogs, with a few caveats:
- They’re younger and less accustomed to new foods, so introduce them slowly.
- Keep foods bland. It may not be the chicken that upsets their stomach, but rather the seasoning on it.
Do Dog-Safe Human Foods Make a Complete Diet?
I love mixing my food with my dog’s food. It’s fun to share meals with my pup (especially on adventures like long hikes), and it’s a great way to add some healthy variety.
If done properly, dog-safe human foods can make up a complete diet, but it’s also possible to unintentionally create nutritional imbalances. Too many treats can contribute to weight gain or other health concerns. As a general rule, treats should make up no more than 10% of your pup’s diet.
Helping Your Dog Live a Happy, Healthy Life
You want your dog to have the happiest, healthiest life? Congratulations! You’re already well on your way because you took the time to read this!
But don’t stop here. Talk to your vet. Your vet will know your dog and their specific needs far better than I do from across the interwebs. Work together to come up with a plan to keep both you and your pup as happy as possible!
At Impawsible Pups, we’re committed to helping Richmond-area dogs thrive through enriching daycare, personalized training, professional grooming, and attentive boarding, so you can feel confident your dog is receiving quality care both at home and while they’re with us.
