We are all about increasing our pup’s quality of life, and we want the best for them. Even if we have to say no when our furry friends are begging for the food we are eating.
Well, you don’t have to feel bad anymore for denying the table’s delicious food to your dog. Here are 15 healthy human foods that my dog can eat. I would even say that some of them are even healthy for your canine.
Not always do we have to deny food to our furry friends!
Let’s have a look at what food we can share with our four-legged friends.
Eggs
Cooked eggs are safe for dogs. They are rich in protein, amino acids, and fatty acids that are good for your dog’s nutrition. They are also rich in vitamins A and B12, riboflavin, folate, iron, and selenium. [1]
Although they are a good source of protein, they should never be the primary source of protein in your dog’s diet. You should give eggs in moderation. They can be high in cholesterol, which can cause obesity and other health problems for your puppy. Most dogs shouldn’t be eating more than one egg per day.
It would be best if you never gave your dog a raw egg, as there is a risk of salmonella infection. [2]
Like with all foods, eggs could be an allergen for your dog. If you observe symptoms such as sneezing, coughing, swelling, hives, or difficulty breathing, contact your vet. Rarely can food allergies cause anaphylaxis, a life-threatening condition.
Potatoes and sweet potatoes
Cooked potatoes and sweet potatoes are food that your dog can eat. Many commercial foods contain potatoes on their ingredients list.
It would be best if you never fed raw potatoes to your dog, as they contain solanine that causes a problem for your pup. Solanine is also found in non ripped tomatoes and eggplant.
Discard the potatoes with green skin, as they are high in solanine, and not even boiling the potato will kill it. You should avoid giving him those. [3]
Sweet potatoes are pretty popular among dogs. They have vitamins, and pups like the sweet flavor.
At last, is not very healthy to feed too many potatoes to your dog. These are a rich source of carbohydrates, which could contribute to gaining weight. [4]
Green beans
Green beans are a healthy alternative to many treats. They are full of vitamins and minerals, including iron, calcium, vitamin B6, C, K, and A.
Green beans are rich in fiber too, which is good for your dog’s bowel movements.
Your dog will get all those vitamins and minerals in the daily meals. Green beans should only be given as a healthy treat. Healthy snacks or treats shouldn’t exceed 10% of the food your dog is eating daily.
Be careful and do not feed the following to your dog:
- Frozen beans with spices
- Canned beans, as they have oils, salt and spices that are no good for your dog
- Green beans cooked with oils and/or spices
- Green beans cooked with other vegetables, such as garlic and onions, which are harmful
- Large whole green beans can be a choking hazard, so try to cut them into smaller chunks.
Green peas
We all know green peas are healthy, and they have plenty of properties that are good both for humans and dogs.
All the varieties offer a food rich in fiber, protein, and vitamins. They have low calories too, which makes them a healthier option for the more overweight dogs. Incorporate them as an afternoon treat.
Another benefit of green peas are:
- Strengthen the immune system and reduce some arthritis symptoms.
- They have anti-inflammatory properties.
- Prevent constipation, which is good for your dog’s bowel movements.
- They have anti-oxidants, which would make your dog more lively and healthy,
- The polyphenol in peas help to prevent cancer
- The vitamin K and B help strengthen the bones, preventing osteoporosis when they age.
Green peas have one downside, though. Green peas are not recommended for dogs with kidney problems. They might have difficulties processing the purine compound in peas.
Always make sure to ask your vet if your pup can have peas.
Don’t forget that, as with any superfood, moderation is key. Dogs get all the nutrients from their meals if their food is good. [5]
Asparagus
Asparagus is not toxic for dogs, and honestly, what’s not to love about them? This vegetable has a great flavor and is packed with vitamins and minerals, beneficial to humans and dogs.
Some of the health benefits associated with the asparagus are:[6]
- They are packed with fibre, which helps with the digestive system and the bowel movements of your dog. Also, it supports immunity, working as a good probiotic for your dog’s health.
- Asparagus is rich in vitamins A, C, E, K and B9, which have excellent properties. Some of them are control of oxidation and growth of cells. Also improves vision and boosts the immune system.
- They have plenty of minerals, such as potassium, copper, phosphorus, iron and calcium. It contributes to the creation and re-enforcement of bone structure and cartilage.
- Asparagus is rich in antioxidants. They help control inflammation and reduce the possibilities of chronic diseases.
But before giving asparagus to your puppy, consider this:
- Asparagus is hard to chew when they are raw for us humans as they are full of stalks. For dogs is also difficult, and there is a risk of choking. Consider cutting them into small pieces or boiling them.
- Sometimes is difficult for dog to digest when they are raw
- Be really careful with the asparagus fern, which is the inedible part, and can be toxic to your dog. If you are growing them in your garden, consider putting a fence so your pooch wouldn’t have access to them
These vegetables have a lot of favorable properties for your dog’s health. Although you should be careful with providing raw asparagus to your puppy. Consider boiling them, despite if in the process you kill some of the beneficial properties.
Spinach
The short answer is yes, spinach is safe for dogs, even though they contain oxalates. Just be sure to give it in moderation. Always check with your vet, as some medical conditions warrant oxalate restriction.
There is a risk of giving spinach to your puppy due to the content of oxalates. Oxalates are also found in other vegetables, such as beet, kale, collars, and quinoa.
The oxalates block the ability of the body to absorb calcium. They can also create kidney and bladder stones when consumed in very high quantities.
Some of the benefits of the spinach are:
- Spinach boost the immune system due to its high content in fibre
- Spinach is full of antioxidants. It’s known to prevent cancer. Also is good for the heart, as it has a lot of iron and potassium
- Also full of vitamins A, B, C, K, as well as calcium, which is good for reinforcing the bones and cartilages
Spinach can be consumed raw or cooked. I recommend steaming as the best cooking option to preserve most of the nutrients.
When cooking it, make sure not to add salt or other herbs, as it wouldn’t be as safe for your pup. Make sure to wash it as there are risks of contamination due to pesticides. It is advisable to buy organic spinach to avoid pesticide action. [7][8]
Carrots
Carrots are one of those foods that is beneficial and safe for your dog. They are low in calories, so they work very well as a treat alternative. They are crunchy, sweet, delicious, and full of vitamins and nutrients.
- Carrots have a lot of fibre, which is good for the digestive system of your dog.
- They are loaded with vitamin C, which boosts the immune system, and vitamin K which is good for blood clotting.
- They are full of magnesium, manganese and phosphorus, which is required for energy production.
- Carrots are a very good source of vitamin A and lutein, which is very good news for the eyesight.
Make sure to get organic carrots, as per the risk of pesticides. If not, be sure of washing and peeling it properly before giving it to your dog. [9]
Pumpkin
Pumpkin is good, delicious, easy to get, sweet, and massively available during Halloween. It is very healthy food for you and your dog.
Pumpkin has the following benefits for your dog’s health:
- Pumpkin is low in calories. It makes an excellent treat for your dog, especially if dog is overweight.
- Pumpkin has a lot of vitamins and minerals. They include vitamin A, which is good to preserve eyesight. It also contains potassium, which helps regulate blood pressure. Also helps to assist in metabolism and helps with muscle health. It also contains some smaller amounts of vitamins C, Iron, Phosphorus and Magnesium.
- Pumpkin boosts the immune system. It has vitamin C, which helps with immune health. Also, there is some research that says that it prevents some types of cancer, as vitamin C combines with A and E, and other antioxidants.
- Pumpkin is good for your dog’s skin and coat. The high water contained in the pumpkin, together with vitamin A and Zinc, moisturize the skin and the coat, which avoids the skin from flaking as much.
- Pumpkin is high in fibre, which is good for the digestive system by making it regular
- Pumpkin has curcubacin, which can help control tapeworms and undesired parasites
While pumpkin is an excellent addition to your dog’s diet, it is important to give it in moderation (..). If your dog eats too much will probably not be eating something else and will end up lacking some nutrients. [10]
Cooked meat and fish
Raw meat and fish ingestion could be a source of salmonella toxicity. We avoid this by cooking it properly, which kills the bacteria. By doing this, you still provide your dog with all the protein and benefits of an all-natural diet. [11]
Make sure the meat is fresh and non-fatty.
When cooking the meat or the fish, avoid adding any seasoning, as it wouldn’t be good for your dog.
Also, check there are no small bones that can splinter and your pet can choke on.
There is a rule. Make sure the meat or meat by-product is suitable for human consumption. Usually, if it is not good for humans is not good for your dog neither.
Chicken
Cooked chicken makes an excellent meal replacement if you are out of dog food. Also, it’s a good complement to your dog’s food if more protein is needed.
Some of the benefits of chicken include:
- Chicken is a great source of protein
- It provides essential amino acids that maintain and support healthy muscles
- Chicken is rich in Omega 6 fatty acids, which help with the absorption of vitamins and nutrients. Also helps to regulate your dog’s energy
- It promotes healthy growth and development of your dog’s skin and coat.
- Chicken is rich in glucosamine, which can help prevent arthritis by strengthening bones and cartilages.
While the cooked chicken is safe for your pet and has a good amount of nutrients, you should never give the raw chicken to your dog.[12]
It is an extended belief that eating raw food helps maintain all the nutrients and carries bacteria.
Eating raw chicken carries a risk of contracting salmonella.
We like to season our food with salt, pepper, and herbs to make it tastier when cooking. There is no food more boring than a piece of bland chicken. Well, when cooking chicken for your puppy, make sure it stays that way. Adding salt, herbs, or any spices might cause problems to his digestive system processing that food.
Also, make sure no bones can splinter into smaller pieces, as there is a risk of choking. The best part of chicken would be the boneless chicken breasts.
Yogourt
Yogurt is a yummy dairy product with lots of benefits for us humans, but what about dogs? Is it healthy for them? The quick answer is yes.
Plain, low-fat, non-added sugar or sweeteners yogurt provides probiotic benefits and is a significant source of calcium for your dog. Adding a small spoonful of yogurt to your pooch daily meal can help a dog’s digestive system.
Make sure to read the label before buying any yogurt for your pup. Flavored yogourts are packed with sugar, and be careful with the ingredient Xylitol. If you see this ingredient on the list, discard it immediately, as Xylitol is an artificial sweetener that is toxic to dogs. It is also essential to avoid certain flavors, like chocolate, which are harmful to dogs.
Some dogs have developed lactose intolerance. This translates is digestive problems, such as bloatedness or diarrhea. If this is the case with your dog, please consult with your vet.
Oatmeal
Oatmeal has been increasingly becoming part of many types of commercial dog food ingredients. It usually is safe to feed oatmeal to your canine companion.
It also has some favorable properties, beneficial for your pup’s health:
- Oats are rich in vitamin B and omega 6 fatty acid, which promotes skin health.
- Oats are also high in fibre, (4 grams of fibre for every 240 grams of oats) which helps with your dog’s digestion and digestive system.
- Oats are a good source of beta-glucan, a type of fibre that has been associated with improved heart health. Studies have shown that oats improve cholesterol levels [13]
Although oats have a lot of health benefits, you should consider the following before sharing oatmeal with your dog.
- Not all types of oats are suitable for your dog. Raw oats can be difficult to digest and may cause some problems to your furry friend
- When purchasing oats, you should be clear from flavoured ones, as they might come with added sugar, chocolate, or even Xylitol, which is toxic to dogs. [14]
- Bear in mind that increasing fibre very quickly can lead to digestive problems, including gas or bloating [15]
- When preparing the oatmeal, make sure to prepare them with water instead of milk, as many dogs cannot digest lactose very well [16]
Rice
Cooked white rice is safe to give to your dog. Various types of commercial food have rice as their main ingredient.
Also, it is common to give rice to your pup when it has an upset or runny stomach to help regulate his digestion better, as it is low in fiber.
If your dog is diabetic, you can still feed a little white rice, but you should regulate the quantity. This is because white rice has a higher glycemic index, which causes blood sugar levels to rise.
Rice is full of carbohydrates, which are essential in a diet, alongside protein and fat. Too many carbs can cause weight gain. You have to make sure to be moderate when feeding rice to your pup. As long as the weight is fine, adding rice to your dog’s meal is fine. [17]
Blueberries
Blueberries are one of the most popular berries in the United States, and they are very easy to find. And also delicious! Who hasn’t gone for a walk in the forest and come back with a basket full of them? I have and is one of my favorite things to do with Dora, my pup.
Yes, blueberries are safe for dogs. And on top of that, they are a very healthy treat for them.
- They have a lot of vitamins, like A, C, K… are found on a small blueberry. Vitamins boost the immune system, reduce inflammation. They improve the skin and the coat.
- They are a great source of minerals, like calcium, phosphorus, potassium and magnesium. These minerals support bone structure and the ability to absorb vitamins. Also improves the density of the bones and articulations
- Blueberries are rich in antioxidants. They fight free-radicals responsible for molecular cell damage. This translates on a better cell recovery and anti-ageing process.
As with many fruits and vegetables, moderation is key. Treats should only be 10% of the daily food intake of your dog. For most of the dogs, ten blueberries will be a good amount.
Some dogs can show intolerances or allergies. Please watch your dog after giving him the blueberries and if you see any sign of digestive discomfort, consult with your vet. [18]
Watermelon
The short answer to if dogs can eat watermelon is yes. However, you have to take certain precautions before giving this fresh fruit to your pup.
One of them is to try to take off the seeds first. Feeding a seedless watermelon is a good idea. The seeds might harm your dog’s digestive system if it eats too many.
Also, it would be best if you didn’t give the rind to your dog. It is a rigid element to digest and might cause blockage in the digestive system.
The watermelon makes an excellent treat for those hot days in summer.
- Watermelon is packed with vitamins A, B6 and C, and potassium, which boosts the immune system. Also works as an antioxidant. [19]
What to do next?
These are the foods you can share with your dog, and I am sure he will love them as much as we do! Don’t forget to ask your vet before giving any food to your dog particularly.
Also, remember that these foods shouldn’t be a substitute for your dog’s daily food. However, some of these ingredients can complement it and work as treats.
Treats shouldn’t be more than 10% of your dog’s daily food intake. If you want to get some more ideas about treats, why don’t you check our guide on Frozen dog treats?
In addition, if you are a fussy eater, same as your dog, why don’t you check these delicious ideas for you and your family? The foods explained there are tasty but don’t forget that some human food ingredients you should avoid giving to your dog.
